Brasas y Leñas is an open air joint located on the Paradera Traffic Circle in Aruba, DWI. You can’t miss that sign.
Parking is a little tight, so be mindful of where you leave your vehicle. This place is worth a stop for lunch or dinner. It’s a meat on the grill type of place with cole slaw, potato salad, french fries, rice and other sides available. You can watch the man cooking your food before your very eyes. Check it out.
That guy stands over that hot grill all day long. He does a great job, too, constantly brushing on the seasonings and sauces. Sometimes there are stacks of takeout orders that he has to prepare and hungry people are standing by. But he doesn’t surrender to the pressure. He keeps his hands moving, rotating ribs, tossing on more chicken, or slicing up the steak. Let’s take a closer look at some ribs.
Those racks just hit the iron. In no time they were roasted to perfection, ready for your gnawing pleasure. Here’s a look at the menu so you can think about your selection prior to arrival.
Those prices are in Aruban Florins. If you divide by 1.75 you’ll have the cost in US dollars. The place is a great value when you consider the volume of food. A mixed grill is plenty for two people, maybe three, all for the equivalent of about $17-18. Not bad, my friends. Flavor is good, too. The ribs are more the “dry” style and all the steak is sliced thin. Sauces are provided on the side for you to customize your meal.
Enjoy.
Upon arrival, you go inside and pay, at this time Afl. 14.50 (about $8 US). You’ll get a ticket like this:
Then you’re back outside in line where some nice ladies will ladle in the food like this:
The Sunday BBQ meal includes a small mountain of fried rice, potato salad, several pieces of roast chicken and about half a rack of ribs. Upon arrival at my shack, I launched into that food and forgot to take another photo. If you’ve been out and about all morning and missed breakfast, then the Hot Take-Away Sunday BBQ is a great way to fill up. You can’t beat the price for the volume. Be sure to have the cholesterol limiting pharmaceutical of choice on hand, however. This food is not light.
I like this kind of place. You’re on the water without being in the sand. You’re close to friends new and old. And you have the opportunity for a game of dominoes, or pool, or just a chat. You might see the catch of the day coming in, or feed a pelican, or watch the local tom cat stalking around. There is no programed feel to the place, just a regular joint where you can put your feet up, kick back, and relax. Sounds just right, doesn’t it?
I ride past this church during my morning bicycle trek. My extended stays in Aruba give me opportunities to see many places like this not only from the outside, but also the inside during services and festivals. When you’re out there traveling, don’t forget to check into some of the sites that are not only off the beaten path, but part of the local culture.
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