The Aruban Foodie Chronicle - Issue #1

Bon Dia, Foodie!

Welcome to the very first issue of The Aruban Foodie Chronicle! Your bi-weekly dose of authentic island flavors, hidden culinary gems, and the vibrant stories behind Aruba's incredible food scene. We're thrilled to have you join us on this delicious journey.

This week, we're casting our nets wide to bring you a deep dive into one of Aruba's most beloved and authentic spots, a must-visit for any seafood lover. Plus, we'll whisk you into an Aruban kitchen for a taste of tradition, peek into a local trend, and serve up some upcoming foodie events.

Taste of the Week: Zeerovers - Where the Catch is King

For an experience that truly embodies Aruba's fishing heritage, look no further than Zeerovers in Savaneta. This isn't your typical sit-down restaurant with white tablecloths and hushed tones. Zeerovers is a bustling, no-frills, open-air seafood shack right on the pier, where the daily catch goes straight from the ocean to your plate.

The Experience:

When you arrive, you'll join a line at the counter to order. There's no menu – simply ask "kiko tin?" (what is there?). You'll be presented with the day's fresh catch, typically red snapper, wahoo, or mahi-mahi, along with jumbo shrimp. You choose your fish by weight and your shrimp by quantity. Once weighed, your order is whisked away to the kitchen, where everything is fried to perfection.

What to Order:

The beauty is in its simplicity. Stick to the fried fish and shrimp. Don't miss the side orders: funchi hasa (fried cornmeal polenta), pan bati (Aruban cornbread), and the banana hasa (crispy, sweet plantains). And, of course, a cold Balashi (Aruban beer) or a soft drink to wash it all down. They also offer a fantastic homemade onion-vinegar sauce and a spicy "pica" (hot sauce) for dipping.

The Ambiance:

Eating at Zeerovers is an event in itself. Find a picnic table on the pier, often packed with locals and in-the-know tourists. The atmosphere is lively, casual, and authentic. You'll hear the sounds of the ocean, the clinking of bottles, and lively chatter. It's the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch or an early dinner as the sun begins to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues.

Our Local Tip: Zeerovers can get very busy, especially on weekends and evenings. For a more relaxed experience, try to go for a late lunch (around 2-3 PM) on a weekday. Bring cash (USD or Florin) – while they accept cards, cash can sometimes speed up the process.

Location: Savaneta 270, Savaneta, Aruba. Look for the colorful fishing boats!

Aruban Kitchen: A Taste of Pastechi at Home!

No true Aruban foodie can go without mentioning the beloved Pastechi! These half-moon shaped, deep-fried pastries are Aruba's quintessential snack, perfect for breakfast, a quick bite, or anytime cravings hit. While nothing beats a fresh-from-the-fryer pastechi from a local bakery, here's a simplified version you can try at home to get a taste of the island.

Simple Cheese Pastechi Recipe (Yields approx. 6-8)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

• 3-4 tablespoons ice water (or less, as needed)

• 1/2 cup shredded Dutch cheese (Edam or Gouda are best, or a mild cheddar)

• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter with your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix. Form into a ball, flatten slightly, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare Filling: The cheese is usually just shredded. For a more savory kick, you can mix in a pinch of black pepper or finely minced onion.

3. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 4-inch round cutter (or a bowl rim), cut out circles. Re-roll scraps as needed.

4. Fill and Fold: Place a tablespoon of shredded cheese on one half of each dough circle. Moisten the edges with a little water. Fold the other half over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork for a decorative seal and to ensure no filling escapes.

5. Fry: Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower 2-3 pastechis into the hot oil (don't overcrowd). Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed.

Drain & Serve: Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade taste of Aruba!

Behind the Bites: The Rise of Artisan Distilleries

Aruba's culinary scene isn't just about food; its beverage landscape is evolving too! We're seeing a fascinating trend towards local artisan distilleries popping up on the island. Pioneers like Pepe Margo Distillery are crafting unique Aruban spirits, moving beyond traditional imports to offer locally-inspired rums and other libations. This development provides a fantastic opportunity for bars and restaurants to create truly unique cocktails that showcase the island's flavors from the ground up. Keep an eye out for these local spirits on your next cocktail menu!

Foodie Event Calendar: What's Cooking Next?

Get ready to mark your calendars! July in Aruba is heating up with a fantastic array of culinary happenings and events where you can savor the island's vibrant flavors. Here’s what’s on our radar:

• Fourth of July Celebrations (July 4, 2025)

  • Where: Various locations across the island, often with concentrations in hotel areas and popular beaches.

  • What: America's Independence Day is widely celebrated in Aruba! Expect special menus at restaurants, BBQ events, and festive gatherings. Keep an eye on your favorite restaurants' social media for specific announcements closer to the date.

• Bon Bini Festival (Every Tuesday Evening, Ongoing)

  • Where: Fort Zoutman, Oranjestad

  • What: This year-round folkloric celebration is a must-experience. Immerse yourself in Aruban culture with live music, traditional dances, and, most importantly, a variety of local food and craft vendors offering authentic Aruban snacks and dishes. It's a perfect casual evening out.

• San Nicolas Food Truck Festival 2025 (July 26, 2025)

  • Where: Main Street, San Nicolas

  • What: Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of street food! This festival brings together many of Aruba's top food trucks, serving up everything from savory tacos and juicy burgers to delectable desserts. Enjoy live music, a festive atmosphere, and a dedicated children's corner. Admission is FREE!

  • Time: 6 PM - 11 PM

Your Chronicle Local Tip: For the most up-to-date details on any event, especially specific restaurant participation or timings, we always recommend checking the event organizer's official website or the venue's social media pages.

Know of an upcoming foodie event that should be on our radar? Reply to this email and let us know! We love to share the best of Aruba's culinary scene with our community.

Exclusive Specials & Limited-Time Bites: Don't Miss Out!

For the discerning foodie, the real treasures are often the fleeting, non-recurring specials that pop up for a limited time. These are the unique menus, special events, or holiday offerings that make a dining experience truly memorable.

For the first two weeks of July, here's what to keep an eye out for, with a special focus on the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations!

Spotlight: Fourth of July Culinary Celebrations (July 4th)

Many restaurants across Aruba will be rolling out special, one-day-only menus or themed events to celebrate American Independence Day. This is your prime opportunity to experience unique dishes and festive atmospheres that won't be available any other time!

• What to Look For: Expect special BBQ menus, unique cocktail creations, themed desserts, and possibly live entertainment. Upscale restaurants might offer special fixed-price menus for the evening.

• Our Tip: Keep a close watch on the social media pages (Instagram and Facebook) of your favorite restaurants, especially those in the high-rise and low-rise hotel areas, as they will announce their specific July 4th offerings in the days leading up to the holiday. Popular spots are likely to require reservations!

Beyond the Holiday: Limited-Time Menus to Discover

While specific, brand-new non-recurring specials for early July are typically announced very close to the date, here are the types of limited-time offers you should actively seek out:

• Chef's Tasting Menus: Many fine dining establishments offer seasonal tasting menus that change frequently. These are not recurring weekly deals but special culinary journeys curated by the chef for a limited period. Inquire directly with restaurants like Senses, Carte Blanche, or Ever Restaurant for their current tasting menu availability.

• Seasonal Ingredient Features: As local produce or fresh catches come into season, some restaurants will highlight these with special dishes that are only available for a few weeks. Ask about "catch of the day" specials or unique preparations featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables.

• Pop-Up Events or Guest Chef Nights: Occasionally, restaurants host one-off pop-up dinners or invite guest chefs for a special evening. These are truly unique and non-recurring. Follow local restaurant social media and event pages closely for these announcements.

Your Chronicle Action Plan:

1. Check Social Media Daily: Follow your favorite Aruban restaurants on Instagram and Facebook. This is where most limited-time specials and holiday menus are announced first.

2. Call Ahead: For any special occasion or unique menu you're interested in, always call the restaurant directly to confirm availability, pricing, and make reservations.

Happy hunting for these exclusive Aruban culinary experiences!

That's all for this issue of The Aruban Foodie Chronicle!

We hope you enjoyed this taste of Aruba.

Want to share your favorite Aruban food find or a family recipe? Simply reply to this email – we'd love to hear from you!

Know someone who loves Aruba and its food? Forward this chronicle to them!

Want to share a special or deal you've discovered? Reply to this email or tag us on social media!