The Aruban Foodie Chronicle - Issue #9

Bon Dia, Foodie!

Welcome back to The Aruban Foodie Chronicle! We hope you enjoyed the spectacular kick-off of the Autentico Restaurant Week! Now that the island is fully immersed in its biggest culinary festival, we have your guide to the grand finale and a perfect spot for sunset romance.

In this issue, we spotlight Passions on the Beach, the ultimate romantic dining experience. We cool things down with the unique Aruban dessert, Bolo di Glas (Glass Cake), and dive into the fascinating story of Balashi, Aruba's local beer.

Chronicle Spotlight: Passions on the Beach - Dining in the Sand

There are few dining experiences in the Caribbean as iconic and romantic as eating with your toes in the sand while the sun sets over the water. Passions on the Beach offers exactly that, specializing in making every dinner a truly unforgettable, high-end experience.

The Passions Experience: Located directly on Eagle Beach (consistently ranked one of the best in the world), Passions is defined by its simple elegance. Tables are set up directly on the white sand, draped in white linen and lit by the soft glow of torches. A gentle breeze, the sound of the ocean, and usually live acoustic music create an ambiance of pure romance.

The Cuisine: The menu is focused on upscale Caribbean and seafood fusion:

• Fresh Seafood: Dishes center around the day's fresh catches, beautifully prepared and plated. Look for the Caribbean Grouper or Jumbo Shrimp specialties.

• Steak & Poultry: They offer excellent options for meat lovers, ensuring a menu that satisfies every guest at the romantic table.

• Presentation is Key: Every plate is designed to be as visually stunning as the sunset itself, making the meal a feast for all the senses.

Why It Matters to The Aruban Foodie Chronicle: Passions isn't just a meal; it's a quintessential Aruba memory. It represents the pinnacle of high-end, atmospheric dining, perfect for celebrations, proposals, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of the island while enjoying world-class service.

Your Chronicle Local Tip: While perfect for couples, consider this spot for a special family gathering—the sunset views are free for everyone! Reservations are absolutely mandatory and should be made weeks in advance, especially during high season.

Location: Located on Eagle Beach.

Aruban Kitchen: Cool Down with Bolo di Glas (Aruban Glass Cake)

After a hearty Aruban meal, it's time for a refreshing dessert. Bolo di Glas (Glass Cake) is a festive, colorful, gelatin-based dessert that is light, sweet, and unique to the Dutch Caribbean. Its name comes from its translucent, glass-like appearance.

Simple Bolo di Glas (Glass Cake) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 package (3 oz) flavored gelatin (Strawberry or Cherry)

• 1 package (3 oz) flavored gelatin (Lime or Orange)

• 2 cups hot water (1 cup per flavor)

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk)

• 1 packet unflavored gelatin (dissolved in 1/2 cup cold water)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Clear Layers: Mix the first flavored gelatin (e.g., Strawberry) with 1 cup of hot water until dissolved. Pour into a square pan and chill until firm. Repeat with the second flavor (e.g., Lime) in a separate container, chilling until firm.

2. Cut & Cube: Once both layers are firm, cut them into small, colorful cubes. Gently mix the colored cubes together in a large, clean bowl.

3. Create the White Mixture: In a separate bowl, dissolve the unflavored gelatin powder in 1/2 cup of cold water, then add the sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream (or evaporated milk). Stir well.

4. Combine & Set: Pour the white mixture carefully over the colorful gelatin cubes in the large bowl, ensuring the white liquid fills the gaps.

5. Final Chill: Chill the entire mixture for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the cake is completely set.

6. Serve: Slice and serve this beautiful, festive dessert.

Behind the Bites: The Local Ethos of "Catch of the Day"

The ubiquitous "Catch of the Day" isn't just a menu item in Aruba—it’s a commitment to supporting local fishermen and celebrating the ocean’s immediate bounty. Unlike many tourist destinations where seafood might travel great distances, the Aruban philosophy is rooted in direct, daily sourcing.

The daily ritual involves small, independent fishermen heading out before dawn and returning in the early afternoon. Restaurants like Driftwood and many smaller, authentic local spots buy their stock directly from these fishermen at the pier or the small fishing harbors in Savaneta.

This direct relationship dictates the menu: if the Wahoo bite was good, that’s what’s on your plate. This approach guarantees unparalleled freshness and, importantly, helps maintain the local culinary economy. Choosing the Catch of the Day is choosing the local Aruban way of life.

Behind the Bites: The Story Behind Balashi - Aruba's Local Brew

When you order a crisp beer in Aruba, chances are you’re asking for a Balashi. More than just a beverage, Balashi is a testament to Aruban entrepreneurial spirit and innovation, making it a key part of our food and social culture.

Founded in 1999, Balashi is Aruba’s only local brewery. The biggest factor in their success? The water. They use filtered, purified desalinated seawater—a resource Aruba mastered long ago—to ensure an ultra-clean, consistent taste.

The Balashi Family:

• Balashi: The classic, gold-medal-winning pale lager.

• Balashi Chill: The lighter, often lemon-flavored lager that’s perfect for the beach (and often features prominently at happy hours!).

• Magic Mango: An Aruban Pale Ale with the mild sweetness of fresh island mangos.

Why it Matters to The Aruban Foodie Chronicle: Balashi is the perfect culinary companion to everything from the simplest beach snack to the heartiest seafood platter. Choosing a Balashi is choosing a piece of local identity, supporting Aruban industry, and getting the freshest possible taste of the island's unique resources.

Foodie Event Calendar: What's Cooking & Where? (Starting October 20th)

This is the most critical week of the year for Aruban foodies! Since Issue #9 is published on Monday, October 20th, the two main events of the Autentico Culinary Festival will have just wrapped up or are still open for review.

• Autentico Culinary Festival: The Grand Pavilion Wrap-Up

  • Date: October 18th & 19th (Just finished!)

  • What: We hope you attended! This grand outdoor festival on Wilhelminastraat featured over 40 restaurants and bars. Keep an eye on the official Autentico social media and website for the winning chefs and dishes, often announced this week.

• Autentico Culinary Festival: Restaurant Week Review

  • Date: October 11th - October 17th (Just finished!)

  • What: Now is the time for Post-Event Reviews! Look for local articles and social media posts reviewing the fixed-price menus. This helps guide your dining choices for the rest of the month and next year!

• Bon Bini Festival (Every Tuesday Evening, Ongoing)

  • Where: Fort Zoutman, Oranjestad

  • What: Need a culinary fix after the festival high? This vibrant, year-round folkloric celebration continues, offering live music, traditional dances, and local food and craft vendors. It's your weekly dose of authentic Aruban flavor.

• Halloween Holiday Specials (Look Ahead)

  • Date: Starting late October (October 31st)

  • What: Many high-end restaurants and hotel bars will soon be announcing limited-time, themed dinner menus and cocktail specials for the Halloween weekend.

  • Action: Check the websites and social media pages of spots like Papillon, Azar, and The Ritz-Carlton for announcements starting this week!

Your Chronicle Action Plan:

1. Read the Reviews: Check local papers and social media for Autentico festival reviews to see what chefs/restaurants generated the biggest buzz.

2. Plan the Romantic Meal: If you’re visiting or celebrating something special, book your table at Passions on the Beach today—it fills up quickly!

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!