The Bent Page

Aruba, The Other Side of the Bridge, Ep. 4

Daniel — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:05:20 +0000

Episode 4 of The Other Side of the Bridge (Aruba) is now available. This time, we head to JoAnn Snack for a nice lunch then meet the crew from Aruba Bob Snorkeling. You’ll head into the water at Mangel Alto and check out the fish, too. Here it is:

As you saw there in the video, plenty of marine life to see. Always wear your life jacket and be careful. (Don’t eat too much either!)

George’s Place, Cape May

Daniel — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:30:22 +0000

Stopped in to George’s Place for a nice lunch in Cape May, NJ recently. This place has been on several TV shows, but I just like local joints that serve up someone’s specialties. Greek food is on the menu, so we started with pita and hummus that you see here.

Pita and hummus at George’s Place, Cape May.

That pita was super fresh and light, as was the hummus. Then we enjoyed gyros, like the chicken one you see in the next photo:

Checken gyro at George’s Place, Cape May, NJ.

Dig that sauce! Very good, with some subtlety that I wasn’t expecting. Nice. The tomatoes, onions, and lettuce all crunchy fresh which added a nice contrast. It’s served with those veggie sticks for those keeping a bit healthy. Get a side of fries or something to boost your cholesterol. A good meal with good service. Worth a stop if you’re in Cape May.

Aruba, OSB, Episode 4

Daniel — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 13:21:23 +0000

We’re a little out of order, but please enjoy Aruba, The Other Side of the Bridge, Episode 4. Today, we’ll have breakfast at Gallo Rojo in San Nicolaas, head over to the Lourdes Grotto, then out to the windmills that help provide electricity for the island.

Remember, you can follow The Bent Page here and/or subscribe to my YouTube channel, lenswork4, for the latest from Aruba and elsewhere. Bon dia.

Aruba, OSB, Episode 2

Daniel — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:38:14 +0000

Time for another episode of Aruba, The Other Side of the Bridge. In Episode 2, you’ll head to San Nicolaas for a look at The New Pueblito Paisa restaurant and the “lomito” platter. Then we’ll swing over to Charlie’s Bar for a few fascinating details. Here’s the video:

Those are two great joints to enjoy some good food, company, and drinks. Check them out next time you’re on the island. More videos on the way!

Aruba, OSB, Episode 1

Daniel — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:21:06 +0000

Today, I uploaded the first of several new videos made in Aruba. These are part of a series I call “The Other Side of the Bridge,” which is more a sensibility than a location. There’s plenty of things to see, do, and enjoy that are not located within Aruba’s highly developed tourist zone. Hence, these videos will show you local restaurants, activities, and sights that are worth checking out. Here’s Episode 1:

You can subscribe here to The Bent Page or my YouTube channel, lenswork4, in order to get regular updates like this from Aruba and around the world. Please remember, the local joints change hours and days of operation, which may affect your schedule. Be flexible for maximum enjoyment. Directions to many of places you see on the other side of the bridge can be found under the category “Aruba Driving Directions.” Bon dia.

Lunch at General Store, Aruba

Daniel — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 19:17:10 +0000

General Store is one of Aruba’s main hardware supply houses. They have a great selection of electrical goods as well, everything from wire and circuit breakers to clamps, junction boxes, and switches. They also have a cafe where you can get lunch, and if you’re lucky, watch the airplanes taking off from Queen Beatrix Airport across the road. Today, I stopped for some supplies and decided to try the lunch. I went through the buffet line for a chicken teriyaki with two vegetable sides that you see in the photo below:

Chicken Teriyaki at General Store, Aruba.

The food isn’t awesome, but it’s pretty good. Besides, you’re there anyway to get the hardware, paint, or whatever else you needed. Might as well have something to eat before getting back to work. Bon dia.

Amadeus Restaurant, Aruba

Daniel — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:31:11 +0000

Enjoyed a darn good meal at Amadeus recently. This restaurant is located slightly inland from the main tourist area. It’s an easy drive and well worth the visit. So, let’s get to the food. There was a garden salad as you see here (sorry about the lack of light, fixed in later photos):

Garden Salad at Amadeus, Aruba

Nice and fresh that salad. There was also an escargot, which is served in a mushroom sauce as you see here:

Escargot at Amadeus, Aruba.

Plenty of the little buggers in there, too. Also had an order of coconut shrimp which were fried nice and crispy. Take a look:

Coconut Shrimp at Amadeus, Aruba.

I liked the bit of greens on the side, a nice touch. Before we get to the entrees, let me say the service at Amadeus is also very good. Okay, more food. Here comes the sea bass:

Sea Bass at Amadeus, Aruba.

Notice the veggies are bright and tasty. Then there was an order of ribs.

Rack of Ribs at Amadeus, Aruba.

And then there was a beef tornados, which I can personally say was done just right and very flavorful.

Beef Tornedos at Amadeus, Aruba.

Finally, a roast duck, which was reported by a friend to be spot on for flavor and texture. Here’s a look:

Roast Duck at Amadeus, Aruba.

There was dessert, but it was ice-cream and a few other small treats. Very full after this meal. Amadeus gets it right and the prices are very fair. Again, take the time to make the short drive. You’ll enjoy it.

A cat named TITAN

Daniel — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 19:04:12 +0000

Meet TITAN. He’s about the biggest cat I’ve ever seen in Aruba, which is why I gave him this name. (Don’t know what his owner calls him.)

Titan the Cat, relaxes at sunset.

For years I used to see him there by the house where he lives. Then, I didn’t see him for about six months and thought he’d finally passed on. However, just yesterday, I spotted him back in his old place. He’s got to be at least 25-30 pounds. He’s also got a little bit of an attitude now and then. Either way, an amazing example of the cat world here in Aruba.

Bound for Sea

Daniel — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:34:36 +0000

Here’s a photo I took from Aruba’s Surfside Marina, looking at the Caribbean with a departing cruise ship and Pincho’s Restaurant.

Cruise ship departs Aruba with Pincho’s Restaurant, foreground.

It was a beautiful night and I managed to snap this photo in the middle of a wedding that was taking place there. The bride and groom couldn’t have asked for a more perfect evening. Bon dia.

Charlie’s Bar, Aruba (food)

Daniel — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 01:06:35 +0000

I’ve mentioned Charlie’s Bar several times here at The Bent Page. Also made a few videos. However, until today, I did not mention the food. So here we go! A look at the shrimp in the shell and the pasapalo, two favorites you’ll see in the clip below. Check it out:

Can’t go wrong with a meal like that. Delicious, different, and darn good. So when you head out to Charlie’s Bar in San Nicolaas for a few drinks, put a good foundation in first by trying out the food. Bon dia from Aruba, and don’t forget to get a bottle of that “honeymoon sauce.”