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.
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!
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.
Travel Bliss 