Hollywood Smokehouse Diner, Aruba

The Hollywood Smokehouse Diner is located in my favorite Aruba town, San Nicolaas, and the food is worth the drive. It’s easy to find, only 2 blocks from the Main Gate of the refinery. There’s plenty of parking in front. Thus, roll into town, go all the way to the end, and on the corner of Helfrichstraat you’ll find this place ready to serve up some Carolina-style pulled pork and Texas brisket that will impress hard-core barbeque lovers. Here’s a view of the outside. Love that Coca-Cola sign, too.

I opted to try two platters today, one pulled pork, the other beef brisket. Platters are served with cole slaw and a choice of sides. As you can see below, I opted for the potato salad and baked beans, both appropriate to the barbeque vibe. Feast your eyes upon this feast.

All that food for 18 and 22 florins respectively. The brisket is the melt-in-your mouth kind. The pulled pork is tender to the fork. You can also order up simple sides like french fries and so forth, if you’re in the mood for a quick snack on the way to or from Baby Beach. My recommendation, go for the whole meal. Mix and match a couple to share around the table, that way you’ll get the full experience of all the flavors. I might also mention that homemade barbeque sauces are tucked in with each meal. They are also top notch flavors, from mild to hot, hot. (Take the big bottle stuff from the grocery store and throw it away.)

To top the experience off you have Mike and Tina, owners of this joint. Great people, friendly, multi-lingual (English, Spanish, Papiamento), and ready to serve the best. My only problem is I’ll blow the buckle off my belt from chowing down here more often that I should. What a way to go.

Bon dia.

Published in: on April 2, 2011 at 5:22 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chili Hut, Aruba

So, today was lunch at the Chili Hut in the Bubali area of Aruba. The place is known as a Surinamese food spot, which was something new for me. I sat at the counter, ordering some egg roll-like things to start and than a noodle with mixed grill combo. Note in the photo below the inserts below the counter top to stash your glasses, keys, and such. Very convenient.

 Here’s a look at the meal.

I stuck with the mild flavors but you can spice it up as much as you want as explained the fellow behind the counter. Take a look at the menu board. There’s a wide selection there, all made to order.

This place is a little off the beaten path but not far at all from the high-rise hotel area. So, if you’re looking for someting different and reasonably priced, the Chili Hut might fit the bill.

Bon dia.

Published in: on March 16, 2011 at 9:12 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Pueblito Paisa, Aruba, update

The New Pueblito Paisa is a little restaurant located in San Nicolaas, Aruba. I posted about this place before, but it’s time for an update. They painted the outside for a more conventional look.

Can’t miss that orange as you pass through town. Inside, you’ll find friendly faces and food cooked with a Colombian flair. I used to sit at the counter and do quite a bit of writing here, not to mention learn Spanish as well. However, let’s stick to the food. If you’re massively hungry, try the mixed grill platter. Below is a photo of the “small” size of that dish.

That’s a hearty platter! You get fried plantains around the edges along with an arepa cut up further in. Then there’s ribs, sausage, steak, the kind of stuff that really fills you up. Let’s say you’d just like a couple of pieces of chicken, battered and fried. Well, then order the pollo apanada as seen below.

Or, if you like epanadas, they sometimes have them as a special of the day. Here they are.

Finally, here’s a glimpse of the main menu. Those prices are Aruban florins, 1.75 florins for each 1 US Dollar.

Lots of good deals to be had. There’s a wide variety of beverages from beer, to Coca-Cola, to homemade fruit smoothies at prices that are much lower than near the big hotels. Spanish skills are helpful when ordering here, but you can find your way by pointing and smiling, too. Enjoy!

Published in: on March 10, 2011 at 8:35 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

DAYSTAR Cafe, Aruba

The Daystar Cafe opened about 4 months ago. It’s located in Savaneta, Aruba, just behind the General Store that you see on the east side of the main highway leading to San Nicolaas. You’ll recognize the sign.

Just drive in along the short, dirt road behind the big General Store building and you’ll find plenty of parking at the Daystar.

Inside you’ll find friendly faces, fresh food, and free WIFI. Take a look.

And here’s another view of the comfortable seating where you can kick back and put you’re feet up after a day of cruising the countryside.

So how about the food. Well, below you’ll see an image of some breakfast plates that just came from the kitchen.

Hungry yet? I am. There are salads and sandwiches, fresh fruit and juices, everything you need to refresh and recharge. Maybe you’re on your way to Baby Beach or on the way back from a snorkle trek. Either way, this place has sit down and take out food and drinks. Give it a try.

Bon dia.

Published in: on March 4, 2011 at 3:02 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »