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.

Published in: on March 4, 2011 at 3:02 pm  Leave a Comment  
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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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