Amadeus Restaurant, Aruba

Enjoyed a darn good meal at Amadeus recently. This restaurant is located slightly inland from the main tourist area. It’s an easy drive and well worth the visit. So, let’s get to the food. There was a garden salad as you see here (sorry about the lack of light, fixed in later photos):

Garden Salad at Amadeus, Aruba

Garden Salad at Amadeus, Aruba

Nice and fresh that salad. There was also an escargot, which is served in a mushroom sauce as you see here:

Escargot at Amadeus, Aruba.

Escargot at Amadeus, Aruba.

Plenty of the little buggers in there, too. Also had an order of coconut shrimp which were fried nice and crispy. Take a look:

Coconut Shrimp at Amadeus, Aruba.

Coconut Shrimp at Amadeus, Aruba.

I liked the bit of greens on the side, a nice touch. Before we get to the entrees, let me say the service at Amadeus is also very good. Okay, more food. Here comes the sea bass:

Sea Bass at Amadeus, Aruba.

Sea Bass at Amadeus, Aruba.

Notice the veggies are bright and tasty. Then there was an order of ribs.

Rack of Ribs at Amadeus, Aruba.

Rack of Ribs at Amadeus, Aruba.

And then there was a beef tornados, which I can personally say was done just right and very flavorful.

Beef Tornedos at Amadeus, Aruba.

Beef Tornedos at Amadeus, Aruba.

Finally, a roast duck, which was reported by a friend to be spot on for flavor and texture. Here’s a look:

Roast Duck at Amadeus, Aruba.

Roast Duck at Amadeus, Aruba.

There was dessert, but it was ice-cream and a few other small treats. Very full after this meal. Amadeus gets it right and the prices are very fair. Again, take the time to make the short drive. You’ll enjoy it.

Amuse Bistro, Aruba (video visit)

Doin’ Time With Dan visits Amuse Bistro (again). We enjoyed a great meal last night and had the good fortune to capture most of it on video. Take a look:

As you can see, Amuse gets it all right. Those wonderful dishes were served by a great staff of professionals who know their way around both the food and the wine. Don’t hesitate to ask them about a specific plate or what type of wine would go well with your order. Amuse Bistro is now one of my regular stops when I’m in Aruba.

White Dog Cafe, Wayne, PA, USA

After hearing many good things about the White Dog Cafe, it was time to have lunch there to check it out for myself. First thing, plan on either using valet parking or doing a little walking. I don’t mind the walk, so I parked several blocks away and strolled in. While this place is located in an upscale strip mall, it has a distinctly decorated interior that you’ll find curious to the eye. Lots of framed images of dogs. So, let’s get to the food. Think upscale Main Line eatery. Started out with the mushroom soup as you see here:

Mushroom soup at White Dog Cafe.

Mushroom soup at White Dog Cafe.

No doubt about it, the soup is the real deal, poured from the cruet at your table. Tasty, a little sweet, and subtle mushroom flavor. Next came the main courses, including a homemade pasta you see in the next photo.

Home made ravioli at White Dog Cafe, Wayne.

Home made ravioli at White Dog Cafe, Wayne.

Inside that ravioli was butternut squash with smoked bacon, cranberries, and lots of other goodies. Note the glass of sangria alongside. The table next to me ordered burgers, leading to a case of burger envy on my part. Hence, I ordered the double cheddar version for myself. Here it is:

The double cheddar burger at White Dog Cafe, Wayne.

The double cheddar burger at White Dog Cafe, Wayne.

You see the two kinds of cheddar perfectly melted over that beast. The usual fixings, tomato, grilled onion, and pickle as well. The fries are in the cup and needed some work. A little soggy. This lunch cost some money, but it truly is home made. Excellent service. Fine people watching. Bring plenty of cash. Enjoy every meal! (PS: Parking is a nightmare. Use the valet or find a spot several blocks away and walk in.)

Published in: on January 19, 2013 at 12:37 am  Comments (1)  
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Big Beef (Del Frisco, Philadelphia)

Well, Happy New Year to all! Celebrated with some friends, having a nice meal at Del Frisco in Philadelphia. This is a place if you like your beef cooked perfectly and big portions. For example, my pal ordered the 24oz bone in New York Strip. See it here:

24oz. New York Strip at Del Frisco, Philadelphia.

24oz. New York Strip at Del Frisco, Philadelphia.

That’s a slab of beef that will keep you full for some time. Note the lobster mac and cheese on the side of the plate. Another great side dish for you to enjoy there. Service here sets the standard for others to aspire to. From the valet parking to the coat check to the wait staff, they’re all pros and handle the tables with ease. Whatever you do, go hungry.