Hollywood Smokehouse, Aruba, (2014)

Way back when, I posted about the Hollywood Smokehouse when it was located in San Nicolaas, Aruba. Well, it’s moved. Now it is located in the pedestrian mall adjacent to the Alhambra Casino, which is much closer to all of you on that side of the bridge.

Hollywood Smokehouse, Aruba.

Hollywood Smokehouse, Aruba.

All of your favorites dishes are on the menu, and here’s a look at the menu in case you are unfamiliar:

Hollywood Smokehouse, Aruba, menu.

Hollywood Smokehouse, Aruba, menu.

And here’s the other side:

Menu at Hollywood Smokehouse, Aruba.

Menu at Hollywood Smokehouse, Aruba.

Those are fair prices for this side of the bridge. There’s also a well-stocked bar with all your favorite beverages, so plan to stick around. Here’s a look at the brisket platter, which is my choice:

Brisket platter at Hollywood Smokehouse, Aruba.

Brisket platter at Hollywood Smokehouse, Aruba.

There’s plenty of other tasty selections so stop back frequently and try them all. Bon dia!

Published in: on August 5, 2014 at 1:32 pm  Comments (1)  
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Tempranillo, Madrid

Another favorite stop for tapas on Calle Cava Baja (in Madrid) is Tempranillo. This place is more “old school” than “new school.” In other words if you order a glass of wine, they’ll bring you a small snack. They also have a menu full of delicious items. But first, let’s see all that wine on the wall:

Wall of wine at Tempranillo, Cava Baja, Madrid, Spain.

Wall of wine at Tempranillo, Cava Baja, Madrid, Spain.

You’re sure to find something you like there. They usually have several bottles of red and white open, selections that are tasty and easy. Here’s a look at the chipirones with artichokes:

Chipirones with artichokes at Tempranillo, Madrid, Spain.

Chipirones with artichokes at Tempranillo, Madrid, Spain.

I also enjoyed a salad of various items that was loaded with olive oil. The photo is not the best, but here it is:

Salad at Tempranillo, Madrid, Spain.

Salad at Tempranillo, Madrid, Spain.

Having been to Tempranillo many times, I’m amazed by the consistency. Always good, always interesting. The people watching here can be fantastic. So, go early, linger, and enjoy.

Published in: on August 2, 2014 at 12:20 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Chocolateria San Gines, Madrid (2014)

Chocolateria San Gines, another iconic spot in old Madrid. I’ve been here so many times and with good reason. The churros and chocolate are my favorite.

Chocolateria San Gines, Madrid, Spain.

Chocolateria San Gines, Madrid, Spain.

This place is a great stop at the end of the night after a long tapas crawl. You just need a chocolate fix before going home. Be warned, it can be very busy. But service is relatively fast.

Churros and chocolate at Chocolateria San Gines, Madrid, Spain.

Churros and chocolate at Chocolateria San Gines, Madrid, Spain.

Those bites of goodness are delicious. And the chocolate is a miracle in itself. The consistency is thicker than coffee yet it still pours well. Perfect to dip that churro or sip slowly. Never too sweet. Always good. Enjoy the snack!

Published in: on July 31, 2014 at 1:03 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Txakolina, Madrid (2104)

That wonderful street with tapas bars shoulder to shoulder! Of course, I’m talking about Calle Cava Baja. There you’ll find Txakolina, a place worth the effort, and there is some effort because it gets crowded.

Txakolina, Madrid.

Txakolina, Madrid.

This is a pintxoteca, meaning the items are a bit larger than tapas. Here’s a look at the delicious offerings on the counter:

Pinxtos at Txakolina, Madrid.

Pintxos at Txakolina, Madrid.

They serve these bits of goodness with small glasses of wine and beer. Here’s a close up of two:

Pintxos at Txakolina, Madrid.

Pintxos at Txakolina, Madrid.

As mentioned, this place gets crowded and noisy, but so do most of the taparias. That’s part of the fun. And the food is fantastic. So make sure this one is on the list for your tapas crawl in Madrid. Enjoy every meal. Go slow.

Published in: on July 30, 2014 at 11:32 am  Leave a Comment  
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