Wok Away, Aruba

Wok Away is a little concept restaurant here in Aruba that I’ve taken a liking to. It’s located on the main road that passes through Santa Cruz. Can’t miss it. Here’s a look at the exterior.

wokawayfrontThere are tables inside and outside. Most of the trade is take out, however. The way things work here is you select a base for your dish, such as rice, noodles, or vegetable mix. Then, you pick and choose items to add: chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, as well as broccoli, bamboo shoots and so on. Finally you choose a sauce: black bean, oyster, sweet and sour, curry and coconut, or terayaki. The guy then makes your meal before your very eyes. Here’s a view of the menu.

wokawaymenuOne order easily feeds two people, especially if you add lots of good things into the mix. This is a great place for that evening take-out when you’re not in the mood for all the trouble of a sit down meal. Enjoy and bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on February 5, 2009 at 12:55 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Aruba, Watching the Super Bowl, video

Many popular restaurants and bars set up large screen televisions so visitors could enjoy the Super Bowl. I put together this video to show some of the venues. Take a look.

In general, the crowds were relatively subdued. Of course, if you’re sitting on the beach with the stars overhead, the ships’ lights twinkling at the horizon, and the sand between your toes, you might feel particularly mellow no matter what was happening in the game. Anyway, it was a tall courtesy for these places to accommodate the mostly American audience that watches the Super Bowl. I did spot some Dutch people getting into the game as well.

Congratulations to the Steelers and bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on February 2, 2009 at 11:54 am  Leave a Comment  
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El Gallo Rojo, Aruba

El Gallo Rojo is a great corner joint in San Nicolaas, Aruba. I go here after an all-nighter in town or if I want a quick breakfast sandwich or an ice-cold Coca-Cola. Service is always with a smile, the food simple and cheap. Here’s a short video.

This reminds me of the small-town corner stores and diners I went to as a young boy. It’s fun to sit here, watch the people come and go, pick up some Spanish or Papiamento lessons, and read the local newspapers. I’ve done a fair amount of writing here, too.

Just another spot that makes San Nicolaas an authentic place. Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on February 1, 2009 at 12:37 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Tamarijn Resort, Aruba

The Tamarijn Resort in Aruba is located along the “low-rise” hotel portion of the island. The rooms are literally on the beach. The staff is friendly and helpful. And there is a shuttle service that will connect you to other Divi owned properties. Take a look at the video.

I held a book signing here for An Island Away. The staff was incredibly gracious, supported the effort with announcements, and steered people to my table with a warm smile. This type of hospitality is what put Aruba on the map as a favorite destination in the Caribbean.

Enjoy your stay and don’t forget the sunscreen. Bon dia from Aruba.