The Sultan in Aruba

My friend Bob introduced me to this local gem of a restaurant on the island of Aruba. The place is called the Sultan and they serve Arab specialties, like shoarma sandwiches and platters. My favorite is the chicken shoarma platter which comes like this:

The platter also comes with Arab bread that is not shown in the photo. All the key ingredients for an excellent meal are on the platter: juicy, flavorful chicken, fluffy rice, taboule, and hummus. You can make a wrap with the Arab bread or just pick away with your fork. There’s enough garlic to last at least two days.

The mixed shoarma platter expands the meat and salad selection. Here’s a photo to peruse.

Above you’ll see the beef, chicken and lamb that comes with this choice. I almost forget to mention the key sauce you see on the right side. This stuff is knock-out good. I go through two of those cruets per platter. It adds more garlic, more goodness to the experience.

Finally, here’s a photo of the outside.

One of things I like about Aruba is the various cultures that can be found on the island. You have a place like the Sultan, as well as French, German, and Italian Restaurants, all operated by natives of those countries. What a pleasure to have the convenience of authentic cuisine on a Caribbean Isle!

Published in: on July 12, 2008 at 1:14 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Cunucu Houses, Part 1

My house in Aruba is located in the town of Savaneta, which I mentioned in some other posts. The house itself is rather nondescript. (I might also mention that it is a work in progress with regards to remodeling it.) However, as this is one of the oldest towns on the island there are a number of interesting homes around.

This example is one that sits directly at the edge of the sea. Large boulders were incorporated into the wall structure giving texture to the exterior.

Gives it a bit of a different look from the smooth walls seen in most buildings. Then there is this one, which looks to have been expanded at some point.

Sometimes you’ll find the kitchen built at one end, with a masonry oven jutting out. Given the strong sunshine found at Aruba’s latitude, any extra heat quickly builds inside so it is best to keep the oven as far from the living area as possible. This next one was built in 1922 and is well cared for.

Over the years I’ve seen more coats of paint go on this house than any other. The owners keep the flowers blooming, too, which adds another welcoming element. The owner of the house below chose a different color for his roof tiles and that makes it stand out.

That blue/green just says, “cool,” doesn’t it? Notice the flowers all lined up in pots. Finally, take a look at a house that is going through a complete rehabilitation. This thing was taken down to the bare walls. Even the roof was removed. At this point, they have a long way to go.

Nonetheless, that roof is now in good shape, the windows have been properly framed out, and the front wall is looking solid. In another six months or so this place will be another gem and I’ll post an update. I hope to go inside for interior photos.

As this blog continues, I’ll be adding more photos of traditional and new homes that can be found in Aruba. Stay tuned.

Published in: on July 12, 2008 at 10:07 am  Leave a Comment  
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Pool Table with a View!

In the town of Savaneta on the island of Aruba, you’ll find a place called Zeerovers. In Dutch, Zeerovers means pirates. However, this place is more of a fisherman’s hangout than a pirate’s nest. Best of all, you can shoot a game of pool on this table, with that view. (Click to enlarge.)

Up for a game? The locals play rounds here: winner continues on the table while the loser waits for his next chance. Just to give a brief orientation, here’s a look at the exterior from the road that fronts the place.

The little wooden building out front is a lottery shack. If you’re feeling lucky, you can buy a chance at winning the Aruba lottery. It only takes two florins and a dream, just like anywhere else. I’d skip that and go straight inside where you’re guaranteed a cold drink, friendly company, and fresh fish if the catch has been landed. I’ve been coming to this place off and on for about six years now. It is a location frequented by one of my characters in An Island Away. I wanted to use as much original material in the book as possible, including places like this that are not so much off the beaten path as they are overlooked. As you drive by here, you might never realize what happens on the other side of those buildings. Here’s a look at where the fishermen land their catch.

That man is good with a knife. He can filet a fish faster than you can line up your cue stick on the pool table. There’s also a cat that lurks around here. I couldn’t find him when I took these photos, probably because there was no fish to be had. He must be the biggest cat on the island, certainly weighing more than 20 pounds. Feasting on all the cast offs keeps him pleasantly full, but he’s always up for more. Local residents as well as buyers from restaurant and hotel kitchens come here for the catch of the day. Some sport fisherman will bring the results of their own efforts, too. Wahoo, mahi, and grouper are just a few of the varieties that you’ll find. Here’s one last look, this time a reverse angle on the pool table showing the walk-up bar and jukebox.

If no one is playing pool then someone is usually dancing. Hey, with that view, what difference does it make? You’re bound to have a great time.

Published in: on July 11, 2008 at 9:13 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Murray’s Cheese Shop, NYC

If you have a hankering for cheese, any kind of cheese, there is one place in New York City where you’re most likely to find something to scratch the itch: Murray’s on Bleeker Street. Located between 6th and 7th Avenues, where Cornelia Street ends at Bleeker, you’ll find this NYC institution, which is shown below.

The shop used to be located across the street on a corner, so this is technically the “new” location. No matter. The people inside know their cheese. When you pass through the door, your nose is attacked by any number of stomach growling scents. Mice the world over dream of making a pilgrimage to this spot. Take a look at just one of the cases inside and you’ll see why.

There are things in there that I can not even begin to pronounce. My stomach doesn’t really care so long as a sample is to be had. Due to the volume of business Murray’s does, the cheese is always fresh. They are constantly receiving new varieties from all over the world, not to mention more locally produced artisan-types. Just take a look at the wheels shown in this photo:

Wow! If sight of that doesn’t make you think about eating, ask someone to check your pulse. So, even if you’re just passing through NYC, stop in for a slice of this or that to enjoy. Yes, there is a bakery a few doors down. Get some bread, some cheese, maybe some wine… you’re good to go.

What’s your favorite culinary emporium? Mention it here and photos, too, please.

Published in: on July 11, 2008 at 3:20 pm  Comments (1)  
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