Archive for the ‘Food’ Category

L’Amuse Restaurant

May 10, 2013

My friends and I planned a last minute dinner excursion to L’Amuse, one of Bonaire’s hottest hippest newest dining spots. It’s tucked away behind Central Hotel on Kaya L.D. Gerharts Blvd. We arrived for an early 6:30 dinner reservation. The outside setting is charming, breezy and delightful. We were greeted by both Dutch chefs. They were helpful and informative throughout our leisurely evening.  The chef inquired what we like and don’t like and started our culinary adventure. 

Each course is paired with a wine. I sampled a lovely Valdobbiadene Prosecco served with my first course, smoked salmon, stuffed mussel and crab salad.  Presentation is flawless here. Service is swift but well paced.  The food blew my mind. All of flavors exploded in my mouth  particularly the blue cheese on the mussel.  The lovely Crème fraîche enhanced the salmon salty flavours. The second course was a savory shrimp ratatouille. It was served with a lovely Regaleali rose from Sicily. The flavors of the picante vegetables and mild shrimp popped.   The bread course was an earthy chewy homemade flat bread with a heavenly seasoned oil. My final course was a lovely white fish and risotto with truffle oil drizzled on top. This delectable course was ambrosial.The final course was served with a Santa Christina white. The wine courses completely complimented the food selections.  I stopped at the third course but my friends continued with several more. My bill with wine was 36.00 USD! I blinked in surprise!  

I was not prepared for such a culinary experience. I anxiously await my next visit. 

Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations offers free concierge services to their discerning clients. To book your escape to Bonaire, contact ann@bonairecaribbean.com 

New bookings referencing this review will earn a dining credit at L’Amuse Restaurant. All bookings must be made by May 31, 2013 for travel until May 13, 2014. Conditions apply, ask for details. 

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Spice in Bonaire – Where I Ate Last Week

March 24, 2013

Huub, formerly of City Cafe and then Rains Fishes has really wowed the Bonaire dining scene with Spice. If you seek sunset dining, look no more. Located at Eden Beach, this oceanfront dining spot is trendy, fresh and fun offering a simple yet creative menu. Wine is priced at 5.50 a glass and up. I had a superior Savignon Blanc. The local fresh fish of the day was quite flavourful (tuna seared) and well priced at 21.00. My friend LOVED her Aranccini and her house made raviolis. We had island made Gio’s Gelato to add a sweet treat to our meal. Natalie was a vivacious outgoing server. LOVELY spot.

 

All clients of Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations are offered complimentary Concierge Services.  Email ann@bonairecaribbean to book your island holiday!

Klein Bonaire as seen from Spice Restaurant

Klein Bonaire as seen from Spice Restaurant

Lionfish and Cactus Blue Food Truck

December 1, 2012
Chef Hagen Wegerer

Chef Hagen Wegerer

My friend Hagen formerly owned one of Bonaire’s most beloved Caribbean inspired restaurants. When not cooking, his passion is kite surfing. During a moment in life, Hagen decided to switch directions, simplify his life yet maintain his love for cooking. He scoured the internet and located a food truck in Texas. He and a friend flew to the US, bought the truck and had it shipped to Bonaire. The colorfully painted truck is a fixture now at Kite Beach in Bonaire. Atlantis is where kiting happens and now, Hagen camps out here daily turning out some sumptuous cuisine including my new favorite lunch treat, Lionfish burgers. Lionfish, non indigenous to Caribbean waters is decimating the sea life in Bonaire and around the Caribbean. Local divers take to the waters legally catching the fish. There are over 300 lionfish hunters on Bonaire including Hagen. I was a bit skeptical to try this really beautiful but spiny fish. Thanksgiving morning I decided to make a day of it and head to Atlantis.
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Upon arrival, Hagen’s colorful truck was beachside. It was a light wind day so the beach was quiet. Hagen showed me his spiffy truck with all the bells and whistles needed to turn out simple beach cuisine. I asked for the popular Lionfish Burger. The filet itself is very light and tender. He marinates it in a secret seasoning blend and places it on the hot grills. He serves it up on a toasted bun with a lovely creamy sauce. My first bite was pure ambrosia. I could have eaten two but I was in a bikini. Nuff said!

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Once sated from my Thanksgiving lunch, I took to the beach and strolled the long expanse enjoying the glistening water and warm Caribbean sun. I looked back and saw a small crowd socializing around the truck. It is truly a fun, chill spot. Hagen is open 7 days a week when there is a light to high wind. He is closed during completely dead low wind season.

To learn more about vacationing in Bonaire, or to learn about the kite scene, contact the local expert at ann@bonairecaribbean.com. Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations books kite vacations to Bonaire.

Kontiki Summer Sale

June 5, 2012

To promote last minute summer bookings we would like to offer a Stay 7 pay for 6 discount valid for bookings for arrival in the period June 1st- September 30th.

Kontiki one of Bonaire’s best spots for windsurfers. The property is uniquely situated on pristine Lac Bay. It is a 3 minute car ride to our sailing launch. On site enjoy wifi, a lovely al fresco dining spot and refurbished comfortable accommodations.

This offer is valid for new bookings only. Email ann@bonairewindsurfing.com today for details.

Dining Updates

May 25, 2012

I just had a whirlwind week of dining bliss. I had some friends on island so I was sort of a tourist indulging on at some favorite locations as well as revisiting a few spots I have missed over the years. 

 

My neighbor treated me to Mother’s Day lunch at Kontiki. This is one of my favorite Bonaire lunch spots with stellar views of Lac Bay. We enjoyed the fresh fish being served that day. The hit was the fresh Mahi Mahi in a mango sauce. Of course the freshly made Pina Colada hit the spot. 

 

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I had a lovely dessert later at Gio’s Gelato on Kaya Grandi. Honestly, this is as good as it gets. The selection is staggering including pistachio and tiramisu. If you are craving something sweet and delicious, look no more. 

 

My friend invited me to girl’s night at La Barca. I had frequented this oceanview restaurant a few years back and returned last week for an amazing dinner. This al fresco spot offers homemade pasta and fresh fish. I spoke to the chef and asked him to create a pasta seafood dish. He wowed me with an amazing puntanesca style concoction. It was sublime. I cannot wait to return. 

 

As mentioned in a previous post, Patrice from Bistro de Paris has moved his location to the marina side venue at Harbour Village. My friend and I dined at Zazu, the lovely bar on side. Patrice has created an amazing menu for those wishing to enjoy a lighter fare. I sampled the Vietnamese Spring Rolls and the Brie and Spinach Crepe. Both were amazing and delectable. As we dined, the local fisherman came in with two lovely fresh Mahi Mahi. This is a not to miss spot. I highly recommend the Ti Punch. 

 

 

 

I am pleased to offer free on island Concierge to all of my discerning guests. Allow the opportunity to reserve your table today and soon, embarking on Bonaire’s dining bliss.

Gio’s Gelatto – Abrosia in Bonaire

May 14, 2012

I try to avoid Gio’s because A. it’s decadent and B. I love my clothes and they fit perfectly…however, I usually make it to Gio’s a few times a month. Last night it seemed befitting to indulge for Mother’s Day. I tend to order a double of pistachio and vanilla. I had a sample of pineapple and lemon as well. Divine…

They are open 8 AM- 10 PM weekdays and Saturday and at 10 AM on Sunday. They also serve lovely pastries and sweets. Be warned it’s very chilly inside so pack a light jacket.

 

  

To book your Bonaire escape, contact Ann Phelan, the Bonaire expert at ann@bonairecaribbean.com

Top Supermarket

March 21, 2012

Cultimara closed but a new shopping spot has opened up in the same location. Top Supermarket is really super. The aisles are really neat and organized. I like the way everything is set up. Pricing is clear and marked well. Speaking to the prices, I find them fair. I like this shop as they have all the American brands I use for cleaning such as Soft Scrub, Windex, and Scrubbing Bubbles. They also have Fuller brushes and brooms. Today I bought a lovely papaya that was sweet as sugar.

They are open 7 days a week and have plenty of parking as well. Don’t forget the day old bread in the back for the birds and donkeys !! It’s a buck a bag!

Bistro De Paris News

March 20, 2012

Patrice has moved Bistro de Paris to the former site of Paradise Moon next to Harbour Village. The setting is seaside magical. He has added Zazu, a lovely al fresco bar serving a fabulous menu 3:30-10:00 6 nights a week. Lunch is served Monday – Friday and dinner 6 PM Monday – Friday. Bistro is closed Sundays.

Crepes to die for

Patrice has added an enclosed dining area with AC for those who prefer that type of dining ambiance. My friend and I dined outside and honestly, it was a perfect meal. The trades kept us cool and the views of the harbour were stellar. The service is leisurely paced and help is never far. I chose the fresh seared tuna and Livia had the Cobb Salad. I love the bread with a lovely sundried tomato tapenade. Everything was tasty. For dessert we had homemade crepes. The bill before tip (no beverages) was 37.00. I wish Patrice the best success in his new venture. So far, the new setting shines. To reserve your table contact your personal concierge, Ann Phelan at ann@bonairecaribbean.com or Patrice direct at 717 7070.

AC Dining Room

Please enjoy reviewing Zazu’s menu. This is a great late night dining option.

Zazu menu

Fresh Fish on Bonaire

February 16, 2012

When my guests are planning their trip one of the top requests for information is where to buy local fish to prepare in their villa or condo. There is nothing like fresh Caribbean fish.  Most menus on island feature Wahoo and Dradu. Dradu if I am not mistaken is Mahi Mahi. I prefer it to Wahoo which can be firmer in texture.

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Some of my favorite places to buy fish are as follows:

Doei Diaz
J.A Abraham Boulevard
next to Richard’s Restaurant

Doei is the Dad to windsurf guru Elvis Martinus. Head over around 3 PM and ask for fresh fish. It’s usually sold in bags with steaks vs filets. The building is pink.

Luis Wijman (also known as Junie)
Kaya Gutu, Antriol


Turn left on the paved road, Kaya Karpitan, just south of Progresso Supermarket in Antriol. Turn right on the second road on your right, Kaya Purunchi. Then take the second left, Kaya Gutu, it’s the second house on the left hand side of the road.

Nilo and Luvia Josephia
Kaminda Lac (the winding road to Sorobon)


The second to last house on the right on the road to Lac Bay/Sorobon. If you come to the ballfield you went too far so go back. The house is brown and there is a sign “aki ta bende piska”. The blackboard and open gate indicate when they have fish.

Fish Marinade Recipe

fresh lime juice

fresh thyme

Garlic minced

EVOO

Bon appetiteFresh Fish For Lunch

Restaurant of the Month – Bistro De Paris

February 7, 2012

Patrice Rannou has been serving fine French cuisine for 7 years now. Some of my special clients and friends were treated to a multi course private tasting menu. Enjoy some photos courtesy of Timmmy Bonaire, my guest photographer. Patrice is a true gentlemen providing one of Bonaire’s finest dining experiences. My clients love Bistro de Paris. Of course I am a fan mostly for his desserts. The tarte tartin is ambrosial.

Bistro de Paris is moving soon so watch for news and updates. For updates call 011 599 717 7070 or let the your Concierge at Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations book your dining experience.
www.bistrodeparis.com

Dessert


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