Windows on Aruba

Windows on Aruba is a restaurant located at the Divi Links complex in the low-rise area. It’s on the third floor with a view looking over the golf-course, and if you’re at the right table, to sea. For some reason, I never made the time to have a nice supper here. Well, at last, I took a table and was thoroughly impressed. In the first place, the staff greets you warmly. I always appreciate this, especially when they take me to a table in a spot from which the outdoor surroundings can be surveyed or the interior of the room. Either one is fine. I happily accepted a table with both. We promptly ordered as the menu is clearly explained and the wait staff hovers nearby. (Please note there is a good wine list as well.)

Starting with my usual salad, I was presented with this combination of fresh greens, vegetables, and homemade dressing.

Crunchy, fresh, satisfying as you can see in the photo. My wife enjoyed the ravioli drizzled with a truffle sauce that she reports as “awesome.” See here.

Excellent presentation, which adds to the experience. On that note, take a look at the lamb dish she ordered for the main course.

And the filet mignon that came for me, which lurks beneath that finely woven potato thing, the name of which I do not know.

The daubs of mashed potatoes on the left reminded me of crop circles. The kitchen staff deserves kudos for (k)creativity. Of course there was dessert.

Above you see a Bailey’s chocolate mousse with mint ice-cream. She says the mint ice-cream tasted like the real deal, too. I kept it simple with chocolate ice-cream and an ice-cold Coca-Cola. They slipped me a few brownies as you can see below. Perfect touch.

There you have it, a fine meal in a great setting with talented service. Everything you’d want in a meal. The portions are slightly smaller than one might expect. However, the benefit of this was the ease with which dessert was consumed and the comfortable walk to the car afterwards. If you’re in Aruba, I would recommend a reservation at this place.

Published in: on January 4, 2011 at 4:31 pm  Comments (1)  
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JoAnn Bar/Rest, update

JoAnn Bar and Restuarant, as it is now known, is located in Mahuma, Aruba. I’ve been enjoying meals here for years. Here’s the sign out front so you won’t miss the place.

It used to be called “JoAnn Snack” but has recently been upgraded with that new sign, fresh paint, and an outdoor patio. Here’s the way in.

My favorite thing to order is the pork chop with salsa criollo. The platter came and I promptly launched into it then remembered to take a photo for this blog.

There had been a small salad on the plate. I mowed it down prior to snapping the photo. Sorry about that. Anyway, the criollo is tangy sweet and great with the chop. The chicken is also very good and served with the sauce on the side as you can see in the next image.

Service is good, but a little slow. However, if you’re in Aruba, chances are you’re relaxing and not in any big hurry. Prices are very reasonable, especially compared to places near the hotels.  Plus there are plenty of friendly faces here, people to chat with and swap stories.

Bon dia.

Published in: on December 10, 2010 at 9:47 am  Leave a Comment  
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Willypan, Aruba

Willypan Bakery and Reposteria is located on Rodgerstraat in San Nicolaas, Aruba. It’s basically around the corner from Charlie’s Bar. In my quest for continued caloric conquest, I stopped in here after a sojourn at the aforementioned house of hospitality.

Looking for a treat, I was not disappointed. The nice fellow working behind the counter served me up three pastries: one with cheese, one with carmel and one with a strawberry filling. This chap told me he was from Medellin, Colombia. We had a few minutes’ conversation to polish my Spanish, talk shop about baking, and off I went.

Prices are cheap, basically between 2 and 7 florins, 1.50 to 4 US dollars. Can’t go wrong for that price. And the aroma of fresh baked bread, rolls, and pastry is a great way to stimulate the appetite for the mighty Bandeja Paisa or other feast of your choice.

Bon dia.

Published in: on November 30, 2010 at 12:52 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Canton Overseas, Aruba

Canton Overseas is a little bar/restaurant I stumbled into last week while running errands on the east side of Oranjestaad. I like small, local joints for snacks or an ice-cold Coca-Cola. Passing by this place, I saw a pleasant looking Chinese woman working an outdoor grill with real charcoal under the metal. I thought to myself, hey, this is worth a try. In I go to find a buffet line with roast chicken, ribs, fried rice, and a bunch of other items. Naturally, I ordered up a couple of plates. Check it out.

Simple fare to be sure. That’s roast chicken and a some pieces of spicy chicken, too. The nice thing was, you could buy each piece and mix and match. Can’t beat that for variety and value. Two platters as shown, with tap water followed by a Coca-Cola cost all of 21 florins, about 12-13 US dollars. Great price. I’ve been back a few times with good results. The young man working behind the bar has also taught me some Chinese words which will come in handy sooner or later.

Bon dia.