JoAnn Bar/Rest, update

JoAnn Bar and Restuarant, as it is now known, is located in Mahuma, Aruba. I’ve been enjoying meals here for years. Here’s the sign out front so you won’t miss the place.

It used to be called “JoAnn Snack” but has recently been upgraded with that new sign, fresh paint, and an outdoor patio. Here’s the way in.

My favorite thing to order is the pork chop with salsa criollo. The platter came and I promptly launched into it then remembered to take a photo for this blog.

There had been a small salad on the plate. I mowed it down prior to snapping the photo. Sorry about that. Anyway, the criollo is tangy sweet and great with the chop. The chicken is also very good and served with the sauce on the side as you can see in the next image.

Service is good, but a little slow. However, if you’re in Aruba, chances are you’re relaxing and not in any big hurry. Prices are very reasonable, especially compared to places near the hotels.  Plus there are plenty of friendly faces here, people to chat with and swap stories.

Bon dia.

Published in: on December 10, 2010 at 9:47 am  Leave a Comment  
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Says it all!

This billboard went up last summer along L.G. Smith Boulevard in Oranjestaad, Aruba.

I think that headline says it all. Except for maybe, “Enjoy Coca-Cola ICE-COLD.”

Bon dia.

Published in: on December 7, 2010 at 1:16 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Willypan, Aruba

Willypan Bakery and Reposteria is located on Rodgerstraat in San Nicolaas, Aruba. It’s basically around the corner from Charlie’s Bar. In my quest for continued caloric conquest, I stopped in here after a sojourn at the aforementioned house of hospitality.

Looking for a treat, I was not disappointed. The nice fellow working behind the counter served me up three pastries: one with cheese, one with carmel and one with a strawberry filling. This chap told me he was from Medellin, Colombia. We had a few minutes’ conversation to polish my Spanish, talk shop about baking, and off I went.

Prices are cheap, basically between 2 and 7 florins, 1.50 to 4 US dollars. Can’t go wrong for that price. And the aroma of fresh baked bread, rolls, and pastry is a great way to stimulate the appetite for the mighty Bandeja Paisa or other feast of your choice.

Bon dia.

Published in: on November 30, 2010 at 12:52 pm  Leave a Comment  
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View Over The Wall

Many homes (if not all) in Aruba have walls around them. The old adage of good fences makes for good neighbors is the way to think about it. Either way, I was looking out the front window while writing and decided it was time to take a photo. Not very exciting but a decent view nonetheless:

That’s the view between all the rain that’s been falling this season. Amazing, but good for the green things that grow here. In fact the island is much greener than I’ve ever seen it during my 15 years visiting. Here’s another shot, this one taken before sunset.

Not too shabby, eh? The ocean is right there between the mangroves. You can see it easily when things are a bit drier. Who knows, maybe Aruba will become a green island like Jamaica. You never know. In the mean time, I’ll be thankful for the sights, enjoy the time here, and keep writing.

Bon dia.

Published in: on November 24, 2010 at 9:34 pm  Leave a Comment  
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