Aruba Snack, Part 1

There are literally hundreds of tiny snack shops scattered about the island of Aruba. For a guy who loves road food (actually all kinds of food except for seafood), this is good and bad. It’s good because whenever or wherever you have an urge to boost the cholesterol level you’re free to pull in and load up. It’s bad because the cholesterol level pegs in the red zone and the belt continues to get shorter. (Wish I had one of those extensions like they have on airplanes.)

 The Sabor “snack shack” is only a few minutes drive from my house. It happens to be on the main road which has me passing it most every time I head out. It also happens to be located immediately adjacent to a nice guy who does some fine aluminum gates and fences if you happen to need that kind of thing at your own place. Anyway, I wheel in here from time to time for the local cuisine which they call “criollo” but I’m not sure that it is anything like “creole.” They sell “pastechi” which are sort of like giant empanadas, little sandwiches made to order, and cold drinks. The lady working here has a smile for all of us, including this unshaven, sloppy-looking writer who speaks some modicum of Spanish and Papiamento.

You didn’t think I was going to skip a chance to enjoy an ICE-COLD Coca-Cola did you? Of course not! Feeling refreshed, I’m ready to head back to the pens and paper and crank out another couple or three thousand words on the current novel, Under A Blue Flag.

You may have noticed the title of this post involved the term, “Part 1.” Slow by slow, I’ll put up some more of my favorite joints like this. I have to warn you. They’re not for the culinarily timid. The food is hearty even if it is not good for your heart. Don’t forget: Prepay the cardiologist and SAVE BIG TIME!

And I just remembered the rum shops. I have to get those posts up, too.

Published in: on August 4, 2008 at 11:44 am  Leave a Comment  
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My Friend Rossy (Rosie)

Rossy likes to pronounce her name like “Rosie” as it would sound in English. She’s originally from the Dominican Republic, but lives in Aruba and works at a Dunkin Donuts shop. Here she is.

I’m looking a bit bedraggled after writing from the wee hours into the dawn. (Been working on the sequel to An Island Away at a furious pace.) I stopped by Rossy’s shop for a box of donuts to take to my friends who live in San Nicolaas. We hang out in the morning, usually between 6:30 and 8:00 when the breeze is fresh and the sun isn’t blazing.

Anyway, Rossy always has a smile for us. She’s also taught me a good bit of Spanish. Her good cheer is contagious and even if things aren’t going right, Rossy can put you in the right mood simply by telling you not to worry about whatever is bothering you.

So, let me say “thanks” to Rossy. You make the early mornings sweet.

Published in: on August 2, 2008 at 11:43 am  Comments (1)  
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Vesuvio Bakery, NYC

The Vesuvio Bakery in New York City has got to be one of the best in the city. It’s in SoHo and got on my list of go-to places for high quality carbs after my other place, Zito’s on Bleeker Street closed. (Zito used to make a prusciuto bread that would knock your taste buds out!) Here’s a look at Vesuvio’s front window on Prince Street.

You may have seen a post card of this shot, taken in winter time. If not, let’s go in for a closer examination of the breads on offer.

Holy-carbo-overload-moly! Yeah, that and imagine how good this place smells. Warm bread, fresh from the oven, sesame seed overtones. Delicious! Enough to make your stomach do flips. I always like this photo that is propped in the front window, too.

Proud owner and his children from days gone buy. Talk about the American dream, and still going strong. Places like this and the previously posted Murray’s Cheese Shop are just one of the million things that make New York City the great city that it is.

Published in: on July 26, 2008 at 3:30 pm  Comments (1)  
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Screaming Eagle Restaurant, Aruba

For an upscale dining experience during your stay in Aruba, you might want to try the Screaming Eagle Restaurant, which is located between the low and high-rise hotel areas. Both indoor and outdoor dining are available in this spacious location. Here’s a look at the building.

The bar is well stocked, well staffed, and well equipped to satisfy your thirst if you simply want a good drink in a funky atmosphere. And the atmosphere here is very “lounge.” That type of music plays softly, there are burning candles everywhere, and lots of gauzy fabrics hanging as seen below.

If your prefer to dine in bed, that is also available as can be seen here.

That’s not my style, but I can appreciate how some newlyweds might find it romantic or someone who wants to deepen their lifestyle groove might find it attractive. Table and chairs are my preferred dining support equipment. Whatever your choice, let’s have a look at the food. I went with the tried and true here because in Aruba I’m usually eating more downscale than this. I also think the standard dishes are a good test of a restaurant because if they don’t invest any quality in them, then I know they’re all style – no substance.

Well, things turned out fine. My wife and one friend started with the escargot, which came piping hot with delicious, creative toasts on the side. I had a shrimp cocktail, which was good and included a delicious salad beneath the shrimps. We moved on to the main course and we’re equally pleased.

My wife had the duck which she proclaimed fantastic (photo below).

One friend had the veal, also very good (photo below).

The other friend had the lamb, again, good, (yet another photo below).

And I had a sirloin as you can see here.

I like my steaks cooked medium well and here the Screaming Eagle missed the mark a little. The steak was much more medium. I never send them back, because they’ll only be dried out. For this small error I can not fault them as if the diner doesn’t really like his meat cooked there’s no going back. Still, it was fine.

Service here is about the highest quality on the island. The waiter did a thorough job without being intrusive, the captain surveyed the room and our table a few times, keeping her sharp eye on everything, and the bar staff supported the operation with fine beverages on the fly.

Prices are steep compared to what I’m used to paying on the other side of the island. But quality pays, it doesn’t cost. I would recommend this place for that special dinner out with friends and family, that time you want to treat yourself to a great meal in a unique atmosphere.

Published in: on July 23, 2008 at 10:34 am  Comments (1)  
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