Sunday BBQ, Aruba (Dec 2013)

Sunday BBQ is a regular feature on the island of Aruba. Many places are open for BBQ ONLY on Sundays. One of my favorites is the Great Rich, which has changed its name to Lucky Lady or something. Anyway, it’s on the main road through Paradera. The food is cooked over open coals in by a couple of guys outside. You go inside the bar, pay (currently 15 florins) then come out with your ticket, which is given to the servers. They’ll load up a styrofoam container with about 1/4 chicken, ribs, coleslaw, fried rice, corn on the cob and you’re on the way. Here’s a look:

Sunday BBQ in Aruba.

Sunday BBQ in Aruba.

That is a wicked lot of food. Ice-cold Coca-Cola helps fill the gaps. Enjoy and be prepared to nap.

Making a Music Video in Aruba

An interesting opportunity came up, one to make a music video for Stone Temple Pilots who now have Chester Bennington (of Linkin Park) doing the front-man work. Their song, “Black Heart” was in need of a video. So, I put together a small crew of talented people and voila! Here’s the link for a look at the video:

“Johnny Black Heart” music video

We filmed the entire thing in San Nicolaas, Aruba, Dutch Caribbean. At times conditions were very challenging, but all’s well that end’s well. Has a nice, gritty look to it, that I thought fit the song. Hope you like it.

Screaming Eagle, Aruba, (Dec 2013)

I’ve posted about Screaming Eagle restaurant before, but it’s been quite a while. Last night, I enjoyed a very good meal there, complete with excellent service and ambiance. This is an upscale place, located along Aruba’s Eagle Beach, close to the “low-rise” area. Seating is both indoor and outside. Take your pick and enjoy. Let’s get to the food. This little plate was served as a “gift of the chef.”

"Gift of the Chef" plate served at Screaming Eagle, Aruba.

“Gift of the Chef” plate served at Screaming Eagle, Aruba.

All bits of goodness on there, including cheese shaved into the shapes of flowers, a touch of orange, piece of walnut, a delicious “mayonnaise” and tiny circle of brioche. Flavors blended perfectly with subtlety that hinted of good things to come. Next came a pair of appetizers including a “truffle spaghetti” that you see below. (It included serano ham and a poached egg.)

Truffle spaghetti with serano ham and a poached egg.

Truffle spaghetti with serano ham and a poached egg.

Again, flavor here was off the chart, the combination working together in ways one might not expect. Then there was a Caribbean salad that included all the greens and goodness I need to have several times a day. Check it out:

Caribbean Salad at Screaming Eagle, Aruba.

Caribbean Salad at Screaming Eagle, Aruba.

The chef dresses the salad in the kitchen, adding the right amount without overpowering the ingredients. Thus, you get to taste it all, which is the point, right? Moving on to entrees, let’s first look at the simple chicken and vegetables:

Chicken and vegetables at Screaming Eagle, Aruba.

Chicken and vegetables at Screaming Eagle, Aruba.

Standard fare here, prepared the way I like it with lots of crispy contrasts. Now for the exotic. The next dish was a special for the week. Here’s grilled kangaroo with apricot chutney:

Grilled Kangaroo with apricot chutney at Screaming Eagle, Aruba.

Grilled Kangaroo with apricot chutney at Screaming Eagle, Aruba.

That’s a zany dish with unique flavor that those with a adventuresome taste buds will have to sample for themselves to get the full effect. Finally, we selected a traditional Dutch Christmas desert of almond flavored cake with ice cream that you see in the final photo:

Dessert at Screaming Eagle, Aruba, December 2013.

Dessert at Screaming Eagle, Aruba, December 2013.

One very, very good meal here in a pleasant setting with attentive service. I found it worth every penny and will be back again to try some other dishes.

Ché Bar, Aruba

Ché Bar is a little joint wedged into the outside corner of the Paseo Hernecia Mall. Just follow the paved sidewalk around the mall toward the Marriott complex and you’ll come to it. Here’s a view to help:

Ché Bar at the Paseo Herencia Mall, Aruba, November 2013

Ché Bar at the Paseo Herencia Mall, Aruba, November 2013

As you can see, there’s room at the bar to have a seat, or you can take one of the tables not shown here. The menu is mostly grilled meats in the Argentinian style. Here’s a look at the platter for 2, which is plenty of food for 2 people, maybe 3.

Ché Bar platter for two.

Ché Bar platter for two.

You have a selection of short rib, steak, chicken, and sausage there as well as one small salad and the french fries, which are particularly flavorful. The little dish of chimichurri sauce does wonders to bring up the flavors. You can also buy that separately at the bar to take home:

Ché Bar chimichurri sauce for take away.

Ché Bar chimichurri sauce for take away.

And finally, here’s a look at the menu, showing you the options as prices as of this writing, November 2013:

Ché Bar, Aruba, menu as of November 2013.

Ché Bar, Aruba, menu as of November 2013.

There you have it. If you’re looking for some grilled meat and a relaxing outdoor dining experience, this may be the place for you. They also sell a special Argentinian beer that adds to the experience. Try it all!