The Aruban Foodie Chronicle - Issue #10

Bon Dia, Foodie!

Welcome back to The Aruban Foodie Chronicle! We hope you’re recovered from the incredible tastes of the Autentico Festival and are ready to settle into the spectacular sights and flavors of the holiday season.

In this issue, we spotlight Atardi, the ultimate destination for romantic, toes-in-the-sand dining. We prepare a classic, hearty Aruban comfort dish, Stoba di Cabrito (Goat Stew), and dive into the fascinating Dutch-Indonesian fusion that flavors so much of our island’s menu.

Chronicle Spotlight: Atardi - Romance on the Sand

If a sunset dinner with your feet in the sand is on your Aruba bucket list, look no further than Atardi (meaning "late afternoon" in Papiamento). Located on the pristine shores of Palm Beach, Atardi transforms the simple act of dining into a truly magical, high-end Caribbean experience.

The Atardi Experience: Housed at the Aruba Marriott Resort, Atardi sets up its dining room directly on the beach every evening. As the sun dips below the horizon, soft string lights illuminate the individual tables, and the sound of gentle waves provides the perfect soundtrack. It’s an atmosphere designed purely for romance and celebration.

The Cuisine: The menu is focused on fresh, beautifully prepared seafood and classic preparations:

• Signature Seafood: Dishes emphasize simplicity and quality, ensuring the natural flavor of the fresh catches shines through. Look for perfectly grilled Wahoo or Red Snapper.

• Presentation & Service: The service is refined, yet relaxed, offering a high-end experience without the stuffiness.

Why It Matters to The Aruban Foodie Chronicle: Atardi is a masterclass in atmospheric dining. It proves that a great meal in Aruba is about the full sensory experience—the view, the sound, the service, and the food working together to create an unforgettable moment.

Your Chronicle Local Tip: Book your reservation for approximately 30 minutes before the official sunset time to enjoy the entire color spectacle from golden hour through twilight. You won't regret the timing!

Location: Located on Palm Beach (at the Aruba Marriott Resort).

Aruban Kitchen: Master the Comfort of Stoba di Cabrito (Goat Stew)

Stoba di Cabrito (Goat Stew) is one of the island’s most beloved comfort foods. Rich, savory, and slow-cooked to perfection, this dish reflects Aruba's Dutch Caribbean heritage. While traditionally made with goat, the recipe is easily adapted for beef or lamb.

Simple Stoba di Cabrito (Goat Stew) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (approx. 1 kg) goat meat, cut into cubes

• 1 large onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

• 2 bay leaves

• Salt, black pepper, and a dash of Madame Janette hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Sear the Meat: Pat the goat cubes dry and season heavily with salt and pepper. Sear the meat in a Dutch oven or large pot until browned on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the onion and bell pepper to the pot and sauté until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, and nutmeg.

3. Combine: Return the meat to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add the bay leaves and a dash of hot sauce (if using).

4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot tightly. Reduce the heat to low and let it slow-cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and falling apart.

5. Serve: Remove the bay leaves. Serve the rich stew hot over white rice, funchi (cornmeal side), or alongside crispy fried plantains.

Behind the Bites: The Flavor of Fusion - Aruba's Dutch & Indonesian Legacy

Aruban cuisine is a celebrated global melting pot, and one of the most unexpected influences comes from Indonesia, filtered through our ties to the Netherlands. This culinary legacy is present in everything from casual lunch spots to high-end resort dining.

The Historical Connection: During the Dutch colonial era, Dutch administrators and merchants frequently traveled between the Netherlands, Indonesia (the Dutch East Indies), and the Caribbean. This connection brought Indonesian flavors, cooking techniques, and dishes directly into the Aruban kitchen.

Must-Try Fusion Dishes:

• Bami and Nasi Goreng: Indonesian fried noodles and rice dishes are staples in many local snack shacks and take-out spots.

• Satay: Marinated meat skewers served with rich peanut sauce (a hallmark of Indonesian cuisine) are a common offering on many island menus.

• Pancakes (Pannekoeken): The Dutch influence is clear in the massive, platter-sized Dutch Pancakes, served in both sweet and savory versions, often filled with Gouda cheese or bacon.

Why It Matters to The Aruban Foodie Chronicle: This fusion is a key part of Aruba's culinary identity. It demonstrates the island's unique history and offers fantastic, diverse options for foodies who appreciate complex, global flavors.

Foodie Event Calendar: What's Cooking & Where? (Starting November 3rd)

With the Autentico festival successfully concluded, the island pivots toward major sports events and the upcoming holiday dining season.

• Aruba Open Beach Tennis Championships (November 10 - November 17, 2025)

  • Where: Bushiri Beach/Beach Tennis Aruba Courts.

  • What: This is a major week-long international sporting event that draws large crowds and creates a vibrant, party-like atmosphere. Look for pop-up food and beverage vendors near the courts and local bars in the nearby area offering themed cocktails and specials throughout the tournament week.

• Thanksgiving Dining Preview (Thursday, November 27, 2025)

  • What: While the official event is three weeks away, reservations are essential! Many high-end restaurants, especially those in the major resorts (e.g., Atardi, Ruth's Chris, L.G. Smith's Steak & Chop House), offer unique, fixed-price Thanksgiving menus for both visitors and locals.

  • Action: If you plan to dine out for Thanksgiving, begin securing your table this week.

• Bon Bini Festival (Every Tuesday Evening, Ongoing)

  • Where: Fort Zoutman, Oranjestad

  • What: Your weekly dose of authentic Aruban culture, music, dancing, and local food vendors continues every Tuesday evening.

Your Chronicle Action Plan:

1. Reserve Now: If you have special dining plans for Thanksgiving, book your tables immediately this week.

2. Plan the Trip: Head to Bushiri Beach during the Beach Tennis tournament for high energy, great drinks, and easy bar food.

Happy hunting for these exclusive Aruban culinary experiences in the coming months!

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

We hope you're feeling inspired to explore more of Aruba's incredible culinary landscape.

Discovered a hidden gem or a new favorite dish? Let us know by replying to this email! We love hearing from our foodie community.

Enjoying the Chronicle? Please share it with a friend who loves food and dreams of Aruba!