Smokey Joe’s, Aruba

Many people on the Aruba Message Boards talk about Smokey Joe’s, a restaurant along a promenade that faces the high-rise hotels. I had never been there, until the other night that is. I heard so much about the ribs that I had to go try them. First, here’s a look at the place.

My wife and I went early as I like to avoid crowds as much as possible. We were seated immediately and our waiter did a good job. We both ordered the “original” ribs with the regular sides. Here’s a look at the plate that came to our table.

Sorry about the lousy photo. I think the blue table affected the camera’s systems. Anway, those ribs were rather meaty. The original style is more smoke than barbecue. Flavor was fair on my scale of ribs. (Of course the all time best ribs I’ve ever had were at the Feed Store Barbecue near Dallas, Texas, USA. Nothing has ever come close but that’s a VERY high standard.) Back to Aruba and Smokey Joe’s.

Well, we mowed down these racks to great effect. I was tremendously full, almost so much that the obligatory post-dinner Coca-Cola was nearly canceled. NEVER! I just waited an extra hour before downing the beloved elixir. As for the ribs, like I said, they were fair, but nothing amazing, nothing to change the current ranking of artery-plugging rib joints on my tally.

The atmosphere here, as you can tell from the photos, is casual and comfortable. I like the roll of paper towels on the table to stay clean and the giant coffee can for bones is also quite handy. This place is not a must stop by any stretch but if you need to fill a hunger hole, it will do the job.

Published in: on August 11, 2008 at 12:19 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Details from the Cemetery

My writing is heavy on details. I put my words together with a fine brush, filling in all the nooks and crannies. (My editor constantly reminds me not to tell EVERYTHING.) This is a strange phenomenon for me because when I was heavy into photography, my images were large, sweeping vistas taken with wide angle lenses. This may go back to film school, where they taught me always to have an establishing shot to place the viewer in the location. Then, go in close for the minutia that is relevant to the story. Well, here in Aruba, I came across this old cemetery, which as the sign says, was for Jewish Portuguese people. Have a look.

The place is quite old by any standard, especially for the Caribbean whose history is often swept away by hurricanes and changes in government. By my count, there were only seven graves inside the walls. The largest one in the rear features a Divi tree growing up through it.

However, the detail that struck me most was among the arch-covered graves in the center row. It’s the small one on the right. Someone’s child didn’t survive and ended up here next to his elders. Wow, that’s all the detail I need to make this place interesting and the stuff of a story. Of course, graveyards are a no-brainer, and not just for mysteries. You’ll find all kinds of things that represent both the living and the dead, the beliefs or lack there-of held by those interred as well as the visitors still alive.

It strikes me when I see people leaving things behind for those who’ve passed away. I suppose it’s a soothing notion, a comfort to remember and contemplate. It must be part of the human condition because the activity goes back into pre-history. Certainly the Egyptians reached an all-time high with their temples to the dead that were staffed by priests and kept flourishing for years after a Pharaoh or other significant person died. Then again, details can be striking and a single person with a single flower is more powerful than a priestly retinue in a smoky temple. At least, in my way of telling stories it is.

Published in: on August 10, 2008 at 10:56 am  Leave a Comment  
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Old Man and the Sea (restaurant update)

The previous post took at look at The Old Man and The Sea Restaurant in Savaneta, Aruba. I took some more photos, including of the menu as requested. There was a wedding in progress, so I couldn’t get everything that I wanted out of respect for the happy couple. Anyway, here we go.

And the menu (click to enlarge)…

A view over the water…

And again…

And the last one for now…

 The menu is a little short. However the chef informed me they would be adding specials and other dishes as they come up to full speed. As time permits, I’ll keep you informed of the progress.

Published in: on August 9, 2008 at 11:59 am  Leave a Comment  
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Old Man and the Sea (Restaurant)

My wife and I stumbled on a brand new restaurant here in Aruba. It’s called The Old Man and the Sea, and is located here in Savaneta, directly on the water, (a few dozen yards from The Flying Fishbone). I met the chef and took some photos in the morning when we were going for a walk. The restaurant is billed as “romantic dining” and the place definitely fits that bill. We visited again last night, even though they are not officially open. As things turned out, my friend, the Right Reverend Robert Gibson, happens to know the owner and thus we were granted a preview. First let’s look at the setting, photographed during the day so things are more visible.

In the evening those heavy wooden doors are wide open and the pathway in is lit with tiny lights.

You follow this path (which would be great for weddings) into the heart of the restaurant. There is a small bar (not shown) off to the left. There is some seating available under cover, but the majority of the tables are right on the beach.

When I took these photos, they weren’t set up for dining, but you get the idea. There is also that small stage out in the water where the musical entertainment will be set up. Then there is a spit of land sticking into the Caribbean, where they built a palapa hut for private dining and/or wedding events and such.

Very nice, if you ask me. So how about the food? Last night we took a taste. My wife ordered one of the “small plates,” beef tips with fried oysters. This was too exotic for me but she said it was “amazing.” She wishes they would offer it as an entre. I had tostones de pollo, a wide slice of fried plantain with shredded chicken in a mild red sauce on top. Very, very good, and something different for me. The Reverend Gibson enjoyed a penne pasta with shrimp, and his wife, the lovely Gloria, dined on the lamb. All dishes were good and prices were lower than the neighboring famous restaurant.

The owner informed us that the restaurant will open formally in about 10 days. By that time they’ll have the last few kinks worked out. I’ll give the place another test and report here. Again, the setting is fabulous, the staff friendly, and the dishes creative. If you’re in Aruba anytime soon, give it a try and let me know what you think.

Published in: on August 8, 2008 at 10:54 am  Leave a Comment  
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