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.

Colombian Food in Aruba (Dec 2013)

There are several good Colombian restaurants in Aruba, including Casa Vieja, which is located inland from the Airport. I reviewed this place several times and also made a video showing you how to get there. Check in the Aruba Driving Directions section and you’ll find it. I like to stop at Casa Vieja about once a month when I’m on the island, maybe a little more often if friends are visiting. Of course, the legendary platter is the Bandeja Paisa. Yesterday, I enjoyed this meal to the maximum as it arrived perfectly cooked, exactly the way we LOVE it. Here’s the photo:

Bandeja Paisa platter at Casa Vieja, Aruba, December 2013.

Bandeja Paisa platter at Casa Vieja, Aruba, December 2013.

That photo shows the platter in full glory. (Yes, I ate it all, except for the avocado, which was scarfed by someone who likes it more than me.) For those faint of heart diners or others looking for something less… uh… dense, try the pescado filet that you see in the next photo:

Pescado filete at Casa Vieja, Aruba, December 2013.

Pescado filete at Casa Vieja, Aruba, December 2013.

The fish platter above is “con todo” meaning with fries, rice, and a small salad. Get it that way and you’ll be good to go for quite a while. Prices at Casa Vieja are very reasonable, including the beverages. Put this place on your local stops when visiting Aruba. See you there.