Cultural Mashup in Aruba

In Aruba, you’ll find a crossroads of various cultures including Caribbean, European, South American, North American, and Chinese to name a few. A perfect illustration of this is the “Refresqueria Banzai” which is a little rum shop in the middle of Oranjestaad that you see in this photo:

Refresqueria Bonzai in Oranjestaad, Aruba, DWI.

Refresqueria Bonzai in Oranjestaad, Aruba, DWI.

Here you can get cold drinks, snacks, and more. Not sure exactly how the “banzai” fits in, but I’ll check it out soon. Going to make a little video of the Chinese operated rum shops and restaurants very soon. Therefore, you’ll want to check back frequently here at BentPage to view the latest. Bon dia.

Sunday BBQ, Aruba, (iPhone video)

Needing a good reason to test the video capabilities of my iPhone 4s, I ventured to my usual Sunday BBQ joint in Paradera, Aruba. The correct name for this joint is “Lady Face.” It is operated by a bunch of Chinese people who work hard nearly every day of the year.  On Sundays, they fire up the charcoal grills and roast a bunch of chicken and ribs that are a staple for many families on the weekend. For the current price (December 2013) of 15 florins (about $8USD) you get 1/4 chicken, 1/4 rack of ribs, rice, cole slaw, and a chunk of corn on the cob. Not a bad price for all that food. So, here’s the video that shows you the whole process:

Wow, what a feed! Not for the timid stomachs out there, but very filling, which means nothing to eat until tomorrow. Bon dia!

Rincón Criollo, Aruba

Rincón Criollo is a Cuban restaurant located on the main road in the middle of Savaneta, Aruba. You can’t miss the place because here’s a view:

Rincón Criollo restaurant, Savaneta, Aruba.

Rincón Criollo restaurant, Savaneta, Aruba.

A very nice and eager fellow operates the business. Here you’ll find hearty food at very reasonable prices. If you like Cuban style coffee, which a friend of mine does, you can have that as well. Here’s a look inside:

Interior, Rincón Criollo restaurant, Savaneta, Aruba.

Interior, Rincón Criollo restaurant, Savaneta, Aruba.

So, starting light, here’s a look at a plain salad:

Mixed salad at Rincón Criollo restaurant, Aruba.

Mixed salad at Rincón Criollo restaurant, Aruba.

I was in the mood for something more filling and with with the carne a la planca, which you see in the next photo:

Carne a la plancha at Rincón Criollo, Savaneta, Aruba.

Carne a la plancha at Rincón Criollo, Savaneta, Aruba.

While we were there, we bumped into other friends, one of whom was enjoying a fried chicken dish you see next:

Fried chicken at Rincón Criollo, Savaneta, Aruba.

Fried chicken at Rincón Criollo, Savaneta, Aruba.

For those of you interested in the current menu with prices, here’s a final photo:

Menu at Rincón Criollo, Savaneta, Aruba.

Menu at Rincón Criollo, Savaneta, Aruba.

While not shown in this post, I did eat here before and had the Cuban Sandwich. Very good and exactly what you’d expect. Therefore, if you’re on the road in Aruba (maybe headed back and forth to Baby Beach or just riding around) stop by this place for some friendly atmosphere and decent food that will keep you on budget. Bon dia.

San Pellegrino, Limonata

For many years, I’ve enjoyed San Pellgrino sparkling water. Every once in a while, I indulge in a “limonita” as they call it. There’s tons of lemon flavor in it as you can see indicated on the can in the photo:

San Pellegrino, Limonata.

San Pellegrino, Limonata.

It also serves well as a mixer for some favorite drinks, putting that extra punch into the beverages. Best served very cold, in my humble opinion. Enjoy all the flavors you can find!