Fusion, Aruba

No, they’re not making nuclear power in Aruba (yet). However, there is a new restaurant called Fusion. It’s located in the recently remodeled/expanded mall area along side the Alhambra Casino. It has a lounge-type feel, complete with piano player, mood lighting, and a sort of tapas menu. Here’s a look at the scene:

The bar at Fusion, Aruba.

Plenty of clever lighting there on the racks of top-shelf booze. Note the piano set into the bar. You can sit right there if you like. In the interest of good cheer, we began the evening with a glass of bubbly as you can see here.

A glass of bubbly at Fusion, Aruba.

That was a great way to kick things off. In the interest of snacking, we went with a cured meats plate backed by an assortment of cheese. Here are the orders side by side.

Cured meats and cheese plates at Fusion, Aruba.

Tasty and appropriate portions for two, perhaps three, because they are a bit heavy. Since this was strictly a snack mission, we didn’t enjoy any other plates, which is a good reason to return soon. Here’s a look at the menu board to see the many items on offer.

Fusion, Aruba, menu board.

Fusion is a great addition to the low-rise area of Aruba. People at Casa del Mar, Costa Linda, Bucuti, and Manchebo can simply stroll down for a bite, enjoy the music, and have a fine time. Bon dia.

Published in: on July 14, 2012 at 9:17 am  Comments (1)  
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Mirpas, Aruba

Mirpas is a restaurant located on the main boulevard leading into Oranjestaad. The theme is mostly tapas and small plates, which is right up my alley because I like to taste many different things in one sitting. So, here goes my visit.

The building is a former home with funky decor and a spiral staircase leading to upstairs seating. You can also sit outside under cover, or inside on the first level. We took a table upstairs in order to have a view over the marina, which is worth the short climb. After perusing the menu, we decided on a list of tapas and a couple glasses of wine. The first plates to arrive were duck wrapped prunes and blackened shrimp skewers. Here’s the photo:

It was a great start, the right combination of tangy and hot. Next came plates of cured meats and cheeses, which gave me a flashback to Spain. Here’s the meats first.

And then the cheese, and what it plate it was, the right selection of mild, pungent, and exotic.

The best thing here were the Tournedos Rossini and the flavor really hit the spot. This dish is also available as an entree, and I’d like to get back soon to try it that way. See the photo below for the tapas portion.

I almost forgot the chicken soup. Homemade, with a bit of cilantro that I normally wouldn’t like, but it was so fresh and nearly salt-free that you could really taste the vegetables, which made it a delightful switch from the other items. So here’s the bowl of soup.

Sorry, no room for dessert. The selection of wines are not to be missed. There is a great variety of by-the-glass choices at reasonable prices all the way to some fairly expensive ones, giving the diner an opportunity to splurge or stay on budget. Either way, they’re all good. Service at Mirpas did a fine job keeping our table supplied with our tapas and drinks. I plan to return in a week or so just to sample some of the many wines available and perhaps a few small dishes, then do an all out dinner. Enjoy your visit.

Published in: on March 28, 2012 at 12:04 am  Leave a Comment  
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La Tapa del Mundo, Madrid

For all the tapas shops in Madrid, I found this one odd. They advertise tasty bits from all over the world.

You’ll find the usual Spanish fare here, but also stuff from Mexico, India, and so on. Wicked combination of cooking if ever I’ve seen one. And there’s more! Drinks from around the world as evidenced by the next sign.

Wow, you could spend a couple of days traveling the world without leaving your seat. Just keep trying something different with each serving. That’s the joy of travel, experiencing the things you don’t normally do in your native location.

Published in: on October 10, 2010 at 12:11 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Iberico Sampler

If you have a hankering for cured meats Ibérico style, Madrid (and Spain in general) offers you plenty of options for complete satisfaction. I stopped into the Museo del Jamón in Madrid one  afternoon because, well, it’s hard to stay away from quality cured meats in a place where they take it to the highest levels. Not only the meats, but also the cheese and wine call out to you. Why resist? And here it is…

On the lower-center portion of the plate you’ll notice the jamón Ibérico thinly sliced with the fat around the edge. Around the upper part of the plate is the chorizo. In the center and to the left is another salami-style concoction, the name of which slips my mind just now. Then there is the manchego cheese wedged in. Of course, a hunk of bread comes in handy, as does the glass of sangria in the lower left corner of the frame. Delicious one and all.

A word about the Museo del Jamón in Madrid. It can be a crowded, boisterous place. That said, it also offers some top-notch delicacies which can be had quickly and fairly reasonably. Don’t be put off by the three-deep crowds at the counter. Work your way in, order, and enjoy!

Published in: on May 22, 2010 at 1:49 pm  Comments (3)  
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