Aruba, OSB, Episode 1

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

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.

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.

Published in: on March 28, 2013 at 7:17 pm  Comments (1)  
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Charlie’s Bar, Aruba (food)

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.”

Hung Paradise, Aruba

You’ll find solid, regular Chinese food at Hung Paradise located in the Seaport Marketplace, Oranjestaad, Aruba. All the standard dishes are on the menu and served by very friendly people. It’s not awesome, but fairly priced and reliable, which makes it a four out of five star joint. Let’s start with the wonton soup:

Wonton Soup at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

Wonton Soup at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

I like the extra cabbage and whatnot in the soup. Then there is the “Chinese Tomato Soup,” which was strange to hear but tasty to eat. Check it out in the following photo:

Chinese Tomato Soup at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

Chinese Tomato Soup at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

The tomato soup was an unusual item, one I would recommend. Give it a try. Another locally adapted item is the giant egg roll, which is nearly as big as the plate and stuffed with all kinds of things. Here’s one cut open:

Giant Egg Roll at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

Giant Egg Roll at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

Yeah, that thing is huge. Then there were some regular features like the kung po pork seen next:

Kung Po Pork at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

Kung Po Pork at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

The kung po needed more spice, more heat. Finally, there was a chicken with snow peas, another reliable dish you see here:

Chicken with Snow Peas at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

Chicken with Snow Peas at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

This was a good meal at a price that most visitors will find very affordable. Service is accommodating and cheerful. So, for something different, casual, and predictable, try Hung Paradise. Bon dia.