The Sultan in Aruba

My friend Bob introduced me to this local gem of a restaurant on the island of Aruba. The place is called the Sultan and they serve Arab specialties, like shoarma sandwiches and platters. My favorite is the chicken shoarma platter which comes like this:

The platter also comes with Arab bread that is not shown in the photo. All the key ingredients for an excellent meal are on the platter: juicy, flavorful chicken, fluffy rice, taboule, and hummus. You can make a wrap with the Arab bread or just pick away with your fork. There’s enough garlic to last at least two days.

The mixed shoarma platter expands the meat and salad selection. Here’s a photo to peruse.

Above you’ll see the beef, chicken and lamb that comes with this choice. I almost forget to mention the key sauce you see on the right side. This stuff is knock-out good. I go through two of those cruets per platter. It adds more garlic, more goodness to the experience.

Finally, here’s a photo of the outside.

One of things I like about Aruba is the various cultures that can be found on the island. You have a place like the Sultan, as well as French, German, and Italian Restaurants, all operated by natives of those countries. What a pleasure to have the convenience of authentic cuisine on a Caribbean Isle!

Published in: on July 12, 2008 at 1:14 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Pool Table with a View!

In the town of Savaneta on the island of Aruba, you’ll find a place called Zeerovers. In Dutch, Zeerovers means pirates. However, this place is more of a fisherman’s hangout than a pirate’s nest. Best of all, you can shoot a game of pool on this table, with that view. (Click to enlarge.)

Up for a game? The locals play rounds here: winner continues on the table while the loser waits for his next chance. Just to give a brief orientation, here’s a look at the exterior from the road that fronts the place.

The little wooden building out front is a lottery shack. If you’re feeling lucky, you can buy a chance at winning the Aruba lottery. It only takes two florins and a dream, just like anywhere else. I’d skip that and go straight inside where you’re guaranteed a cold drink, friendly company, and fresh fish if the catch has been landed. I’ve been coming to this place off and on for about six years now. It is a location frequented by one of my characters in An Island Away. I wanted to use as much original material in the book as possible, including places like this that are not so much off the beaten path as they are overlooked. As you drive by here, you might never realize what happens on the other side of those buildings. Here’s a look at where the fishermen land their catch.

That man is good with a knife. He can filet a fish faster than you can line up your cue stick on the pool table. There’s also a cat that lurks around here. I couldn’t find him when I took these photos, probably because there was no fish to be had. He must be the biggest cat on the island, certainly weighing more than 20 pounds. Feasting on all the cast offs keeps him pleasantly full, but he’s always up for more. Local residents as well as buyers from restaurant and hotel kitchens come here for the catch of the day. Some sport fisherman will bring the results of their own efforts, too. Wahoo, mahi, and grouper are just a few of the varieties that you’ll find. Here’s one last look, this time a reverse angle on the pool table showing the walk-up bar and jukebox.

If no one is playing pool then someone is usually dancing. Hey, with that view, what difference does it make? You’re bound to have a great time.

Published in: on July 11, 2008 at 9:13 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Cassave Chips

I have to admit to being a potato chip junkie. One day I was looking for some really delicious homemade potato chips when I came across Cassave Chips. This was on the island of Aruba, where I happen to be right now. Anway, I bought a bag of these things, which come from Surinam. Here’s a look at the bag:

Notice the bag has been opened. No, I couldn’t wait to take the photo without crunching into one of these bad boys. These chips are harder than potato chips, as well as slightly thicker. They have a mild sweetness to the aftertaste that comes through the initial salt very well. I should mention the flavor is more subtle than plantain chips. These things are perfect with sandwiches, crumbled into a salad, anywhere that needs a little extra texture.

Of course be sure to do what my cardiologist advised: Pre-pay your open heart surgery. This way the price is fixed and you’re good to go. Eating stuff like this can not be good for the cholesterol.

Published in: on July 9, 2008 at 3:33 pm  Comments (1)  
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