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.

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  
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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.

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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