Hung Paradise, Aruba

You’ll find solid, regular Chinese food at Hung Paradise located in the Seaport Marketplace, Oranjestaad, Aruba. All the standard dishes are on the menu and served by very friendly people. It’s not awesome, but fairly priced and reliable, which makes it a four out of five star joint. Let’s start with the wonton soup:

Wonton Soup at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

Wonton Soup at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

I like the extra cabbage and whatnot in the soup. Then there is the “Chinese Tomato Soup,” which was strange to hear but tasty to eat. Check it out in the following photo:

Chinese Tomato Soup at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

Chinese Tomato Soup at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

The tomato soup was an unusual item, one I would recommend. Give it a try. Another locally adapted item is the giant egg roll, which is nearly as big as the plate and stuffed with all kinds of things. Here’s one cut open:

Giant Egg Roll at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

Giant Egg Roll at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

Yeah, that thing is huge. Then there were some regular features like the kung po pork seen next:

Kung Po Pork at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

Kung Po Pork at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

The kung po needed more spice, more heat. Finally, there was a chicken with snow peas, another reliable dish you see here:

Chicken with Snow Peas at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

Chicken with Snow Peas at Hung Paradise, Aruba.

This was a good meal at a price that most visitors will find very affordable. Service is accommodating and cheerful. So, for something different, casual, and predictable, try Hung Paradise. Bon dia.

Amuse Bistro, Aruba (video visit)

Doin’ Time With Dan visits Amuse Bistro (again). We enjoyed a great meal last night and had the good fortune to capture most of it on video. Take a look:

As you can see, Amuse gets it all right. Those wonderful dishes were served by a great staff of professionals who know their way around both the food and the wine. Don’t hesitate to ask them about a specific plate or what type of wine would go well with your order. Amuse Bistro is now one of my regular stops when I’m in Aruba.

Riverstone Cafe, Exton, PA (USA)

Sunday Brunch is one of those old institutions I used to enjoy very much. Started way back in college, but that’s another story. Anyway, stopped in to the Riverstone Cafe in Exton, PA for a brunch this week. I found it fresh, tasty, and with plenty of options. The great service made the meal a joy. Here’s a look at some of the offerings, including oysters on the half shell:

Brunch selections at Riverstone Cafe.

Brunch selections at Riverstone Cafe.

Of course you also see that salmon there with all the trimmings. As mentioned, here’s a look at the desserts:

Dessert selection at Riverstone Cafe Sunday Brunch.

Dessert selection at Riverstone Cafe Sunday Brunch.

Well, now that I ate too much, I get to spend plenty of extra hours in the gym. Enjoy every meal!

Big Beef (Del Frisco, Philadelphia)

Well, Happy New Year to all! Celebrated with some friends, having a nice meal at Del Frisco in Philadelphia. This is a place if you like your beef cooked perfectly and big portions. For example, my pal ordered the 24oz bone in New York Strip. See it here:

24oz. New York Strip at Del Frisco, Philadelphia.

24oz. New York Strip at Del Frisco, Philadelphia.

That’s a slab of beef that will keep you full for some time. Note the lobster mac and cheese on the side of the plate. Another great side dish for you to enjoy there. Service here sets the standard for others to aspire to. From the valet parking to the coat check to the wait staff, they’re all pros and handle the tables with ease. Whatever you do, go hungry.