The Aruban Foodie Chronicle - Issue #4

Bon Dia, Foodie!

Welcome to the latest edition of The Aruban Foodie Chronicle! After indulging in the elegant ambiance of Papiamento Restaurant and the sophisticated cuts of Daniel's Steak & Chop House, we're shifting gears to embrace Aruba's casual, authentic, and undeniably joyful side.

In this issue, we're taking a deep dive into The West Deck, a beloved local spot with a perfect island vibe. Plus, we'll uncover the secrets behind Aruba's most famous cocktail, show you how to prepare a classic Aruban dish, and get you up to speed on the island's latest foodie events and specials.

Chronicle Spotlight:

When you're craving an authentic island experience without the fuss, look no further than The West Deck. Situated right on the water at Governor's Bay in Oranjestad, this vibrant and open-air restaurant is a celebration of Caribbean life, offering a fantastic menu of local flavors, delicious cocktails, and a laid-back atmosphere that's pure Aruba.

The Experience:

This isn't a place for a quiet, formal dinner. The energy here is lively and social, making it perfect for an afternoon meal, a casual evening with friends, or a pre-dinner cocktail. Guests can sit on the spacious deck, enjoy the gentle sea breeze, and watch as planes take off and land in the distance. The staff is famously friendly and welcoming, contributing to the restaurant's reputation as a genuinely happy place to be.

The Cuisine:

The menu at The West Deck is designed for sharing and sampling, featuring a mouthwatering selection of small plates and larger entrées. Must-try local favorites include the Fried Funchi with Dutch Cheese, the Spicy Aruban Fish Cakes, and the Catch of the Day prepared with authentic Caribbean flair. Don't leave without trying their signature cocktails, like the famous Aruba Ariba and their incredible frozen drinks.

Why It Matters to The Aruban Foodie Chronicle:

The West Deck perfectly encapsulates a side of Aruba's food scene that's just as important as fine dining: casual, flavorful, and full of character. It's a place where locals and visitors come together to enjoy good food and great company, proving that some of the best culinary moments are found with your toes in the sand.

Our Local Tip: The West Deck is an ideal spot for a late lunch or early evening happy hour. Try to snag a table right by the water's edge for the best views!

Location: L.G. Smith Blvd 15, Oranjestad, Aruba (right on the water at Governor's Bay).

Aruban Kitchen: Make Your Own Exquisite Keshi Yena

No list of Aruban staples is complete without Keshi Yena. This celebrated national dish, which translates to "stuffed cheese," is a testament to the island's rich fusion of cultures. While it may sound intimidating, it's a rewarding dish to make at home that will transport you straight to the island.

Simple Keshi Yen Recipe (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

• 1 large round of Gouda or Edam cheese (approx. 1 kg / 2.2 lbs)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 500g (1 lb) cooked shredded chicken or beef

• 1/2 cup raisins

• 1/4 cup green olives, chopped

• 2 tablespoons capers

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cheese: Carefully hollow out the cheese ball, leaving a 1/2-inch thick shell. Grate the scooped-out cheese and set aside.

2. Make the Filling: In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft. Add the shredded chicken or beef, raisins, olives, capers, ketchup, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring well.

3. Prepare for Baking: Stir the grated cheese into the filling mixture and let it melt. Let the mixture cool slightly, then stir in the beaten egg to bind the ingredients.

4. Stuff the Cheese: Carefully spoon the filling into the hollowed-out cheese shell. Place the lid back on top.

5. Bake: Wrap the stuffed cheese in aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-45 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and gooey.

Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Cut into wedges and serve with rice and a side of pan bati.

Behind the Bites: The Aruba Ariba - A History of the Island's Signature Cocktail

For decades, the Aruba Ariba has been more than just a drink—it's a liquid emblem of the island's joy and hospitality. Created in 1963 by bartender Juan "Jocky" Tromp at the Aruba Caribbean Hotel (now the Hilton), this iconic cocktail was crafted to capture the very essence of a tropical vacation.

The original recipe combined vodka, rum, and coecoei, a local Aruban liqueur made from agave. This unique blend was then mixed with fruit juices and a dash of grenadine to create a perfectly balanced, sweet, and potent drink. Its name, "Ariba," means "up" or "cheers" in Papiamento, perfectly reflecting the celebratory mood of the island.

Today, variations of the Aruba Ariba can be found on nearly every menu in Aruba, from beach bars to fine dining establishments. While each version may have its own special twist, the spirit of the original remains the same—a taste of pure happiness in a glass.

Simple Aruba Ariba Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Vodka

• 1/2 oz White Rum

• 1/4 oz Coecoei (or Cherry Liqueur as a substitute)

• 1/2 oz Crème de Banana

• 2 oz Orange Juice

• 2 oz Pineapple Juice

• A splash of Grenadine

• Orange slice and Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.

2. Pour in all the liquid ingredients.

3. Stir gently to combine.

4. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

Proost! (Cheers!)

Foodie Event Calendar: What's Cooking & Where?

As we move through August, Aruba's culinary scene continues to offer exciting opportunities to indulge! Here’s what’s on our radar for the week of August 11th and beyond:

• Bon Bini Festival (Every Tuesday Evening, Ongoing)

  • Where: Fort Zoutman, Oranjestad

  • What: This vibrant, year-round folkloric celebration is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Aruban culture. Enjoy live music, traditional dances, and, of course, a variety of local food and craft vendors offering authentic Aruban snacks and dishes. It's a perfect casual evening out for a true taste of the island.

• How to Discover Limited-Time Restaurant Offerings

For specific restaurant specials, chef's tasting menus, or other limited-time deals, here are the most effective ways to find them:

• Chef's Tasting Menus: Many of Aruba's fine dining establishments frequently update their tasting menus to reflect seasonal ingredients or innovative culinary themes. These are inherently limited-time experiences. Inquire directly with restaurants like Senses, Carte Blanche, or Ever Restaurant for their current tasting menu availability and reservations.

• Seasonal Ingredient Features: As local produce or fresh catches come into peak season, many chefs will create special dishes that highlight these ingredients. These "specials of the day" or "seasonal features" are non-recurring and depend entirely on availability. Don't hesitate to ask your server about any unique offerings not on the regular menu.

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

• Social Media & Direct Contact:

  • Follow Your Favorites: The most effective way to catch last-minute, non-recurring specials is by actively following your favorite Aruban restaurants and bars on Instagram and Facebook. Many promotions are announced just days or even hours before they begin.

  • Call Ahead: If you have a specific restaurant in mind, a quick phone call can often reveal any unadvertised specials or limited-time dishes they might be offering.

Your Chronicle Action Plan:

1. Be Proactive: For restaurant-specific specials, make it a habit to check the social media channels of your preferred dining spots and call ahead for reservations or inquiries.

Happy hunting for these exclusive Aruban culinary experiences in mid-August!

That's all 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!