Epernay Bistro has long been a landmark in St. Thomas' Frenchtown. Last month it expanded into space upstairs greatly increasing the establishments seating.
When asked what it was like to open a new food and beverage establishment in the pits of the off season, Tom Polisi was quick to explain: "Being I am the landlord…" And there is the essence of survival in the restaurant business in the Virgin Islands.
Polisi felt "there is a definite vacuum in the 30- to 40-year-old group for a place to meet and dance." He has retained the dance floor upstairs and is contemplating a separate kitchen in an area currently used as an office just outside the entry. Currently he is open Friday and Saturday evenings with a clientele that appears after 8 p.m. The dance floor is spacious and the music provided by select CDs.
Another popular use of the facility is private parties. Epernay Upstairs can handle up to 75 patrons, and has already done several group cocktail parties and a post wedding reception.
The atmosphere is definitely intimate, with small table groupings, a medium bar and spacious dance floor. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Polisi at the Epernay Bistro.