Amada Restaurant, Philadelphia

For a fantastic version of tapas, try Amada, a restaurant in Philadelphia. I’ve had many great meals here, both lunch and supper. The service is always outstanding. The wine list very good as well.

Reservations are a must on most evenings, especially at the weekend. The place can be quite crowded, just like those tapas places in Spain. The menu ranges from the thinly sliced ham and manchego cheese to creatively seasoned meats on skewers, to specials like an empanada that my wife wishes was permanently on the menu. Don’t forget the wine! The sangria is tasty, the Albariño’s refreshing, and there are many to choose from. This is a “don’t miss” type of place if you’re in Philadelphia.

Published in: on September 26, 2008 at 7:37 pm  Leave a Comment  
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The New Pueblito Paisa, Aruba

If you’re looking for stick to your ribs kind of food, there’s a place in San Nicolaas, Aruba called The New Pueblito Paisa. This restaurant is operated by a nice Colombian woman who I’ve gotten to know over the years. The food, as you would expect, is Colombian, including the famous Bandeja Paisa platter, oxtail soup, and homemade fruit drinks. It’s on a corner of Helfrichstraat.

With an exterior painted like that, it’s hard to miss. I sat at the counter for many hours, writing, learning Spanish from the waitresses, and watching the people come and go. Pueblito is very popular with the refinery workers who phone in their orders. The best time for lunch is about 11:15, right before the big rush, or after 1:00 when it is over. Either way, the food will fill you up. For example, the other day I ordered the lomito platter, which is a steak pounded flat, grilled and sauced. It comes with fries, rice and a small salad. I took the photo after the salad was gone.

That was tasty! Filled me up for the rest of the day. The Chuleta Colombiana is a pork chop pounded flat, battered and fried. The batter has enough garlic to last three days. Excellent. Again, this isn’t the place if you’re worried about cholesterol or salt. But, if you’re working hard these meals will give you the energy to keep going. Of course, my desert is the beloved, and ice-cold, Coca Cola.

Notice that plate in the background is about wiped clean. More important, that can of Coca-Cola is frosty cold, exactly as it should be. Never accept less.

Published in: on August 16, 2008 at 10:24 am  Leave a Comment  
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Old Man and the Sea (restaurant update)

The previous post took at look at The Old Man and The Sea Restaurant in Savaneta, Aruba. I took some more photos, including of the menu as requested. There was a wedding in progress, so I couldn’t get everything that I wanted out of respect for the happy couple. Anyway, here we go.

And the menu (click to enlarge)…

A view over the water…

And again…

And the last one for now…

 The menu is a little short. However the chef informed me they would be adding specials and other dishes as they come up to full speed. As time permits, I’ll keep you informed of the progress.

Radisson Hotel, Aruba

The Radisson Hotel in Aruba is a menagerie of buildings in a complex that has a “not so big” feel. There are separate towers housing the rooms as well as a main building with the reception desk, shops, and a restaurant. Then there are some separate bars that flank the pool and stretch out toward Palm Beach. Let’s start at the entrance.

It’s nice to pull up under that portico where there is always a doorman ready to help you with your bags or in an out of a taxi. The main lobby area is open air in the sense that the breeze passes through from one side to the other. There are gathering spaces like these for informal meetings, relaxation, and just hanging out.

Jewelry lovers will note the Diamonds International Store there in the background. Opposite this photo on the left side (not shown) is the casino. But let’s pass through the other side of the lobby to the outdoor spaces which feature plenty of flowing water and more gathering places like this.

Can you see yourself having a beverage here? I can. Anyway, there’s more, like this bar which typically features live music every night.

And then there are the swimming pools with the shallow entry points like this one.

And then there is Gilligan’s Restaurant which fronts the beach. Good place for a lunch between sun and fun.

They have some fantastic photos from days gone by on display here. Take the time to check them out. Finally, you’re under a palapa hut on beautiful Palm Beach. Doesn’t get much better than that.

Unless you need some spa treatments, in which case the Larimar Spa is on site and ready to take care of your needs.

I would say that the Radisson is a balance between the high-rise and low-rise hotels in Aruba. It has all the features of a much bigger establishment but still has a low-key feel. Just wanted to show this option to those of you who ask me about places to stay in Aruba.

Keep checking for more updates as I will be covering all types of accommodations on the island.

Published in: on July 27, 2008 at 12:28 pm  Leave a Comment  
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