Posts Tagged ‘Dining in Bonaire’

Middle Eastern Delight- Mezze

January 11, 2017

My fondest food memories include Saturday trips to my grandmother’s kitchen in Watertown, MA. She was born in Turkey and was a lovely Armenian woman.  Her food was sublime. My favorite dishes included her Boereg, her Dolma and her Choereg. Mom has carried the tradition, spinning out amazing Middle Eastern treats which I enjoy each time I visit.  I cook the basics but anytime I have a chance for Middle Eastern food,  I  indulge. When I heard Bonaire was soon to have a Turkish restaurant, my taste buds started dancing.

15697744_10153977935781020_1318483185769711936_n

I dined twice recently at Mezze, once on a week night and again, Christmas Day. The setting is on the oceanfront on a sleepy end of Kralendijk. Dining is under a covered patio. Inside, there is a lovely bar complete with hookahs. Music is low and subtle allowing for a comfortable conversation. The vibe is very chill. The menu is comprehensive featuring traditional appetizers including stuffed grape leaves, hummus and my favorite Baba Ganoush.  Entrees include delicious lamb dishes and vegetarian options. I loved my stuffed eggplant. The smokey flavor was amazing.  The best part of the meal was the Baklava. It was absolutely perfect. My grandmother would have enjoyed it. It had the right amount of sweet and was crispy.

We loved our waiter, an old friend, Eushon. Firas runs the front of the house with professionalism. He makes everyone feel very welcomed. Mezze is the new kid in town and shows promise.

Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacation’s owner, Ann Phelan offers complimentary Social Concierge Services for her discerning clients.   Email Ann at ann@bonairecaribbean.com

 

10 Must Do Dining Delights in Bonaire

November 15, 2016

IMG_4781I am a self-professed foodie. I pour over food blogs and websites daily. I am an Elite Member of Yelp and I met my boyfriend of three years on Foursquare over a dining review. When traveling, I seek to immerse myself in the site and sounds of the country and love to savour the cuisines. Since traveling and living on Bonaire, I have discovered some sublime culinary treasures. Today, I will reveal my top 10 dining favorites. I assure you, they represent the best tastes on island. Let me know if you approve.

1. Pasta 007 at Capriccios- homemade pasta, light tomato sauce and delicate pieces of fresh local fish, tasty shrimp and fresh spices. Each forkful tantalizes your taste buds. I also want to add one more dish, the Carbonara. My daughter’s chef boyfriend professes it is delicious. This restaurant has the best wine list on island. Ask Lola to make a recommendation. Oh, Pasta 007 is not on the menu, you have to ask.

2. Tarte Tatin  at Bistro de Paris – light pastry and fresh apples with whipped cream, ahhh. This dessert brings much delight to my palate. Scoop up the sugary sauce and drizzle over the lovely apple treat.  The marina view location is perfect.

3. Tres Leche at Mi Banana- oh so decadent and oh so lucious. Sweet, milky cake with cream and sugary bliss. This dessert is house made so don’t miss it. Mi Banana features Columbian fare in a friendly, laid back atmosphere.

4. French Fries and BBQ at Bobbejan’s- What’s so special here? Crispy, salty fries and  the fragrance of BBQ sauce that wafts through Kralendijk. Weekends only, this spots packs ’em in due it’s reputation for the best BBQ on island. My daughter loves the ribs!

5. Bami and Sate at Mati’s – this Surinamese hole -in- the wall next to Flamingo TV, serves up the best Bami, a flavourful noodle dish with  grilled  chicken sate with peanut sauce. Lunch only! Try the Roti, a Surinamese version of a burrito.

6. Fresh Salads seaside at Hang Out Bar – It’s hard work, sunning at Jibe City. When I crave some food, I leave my ocean view beach chair, cross the sand in my itty bitty bikini and plop myself in one of the seaside tables and enjoy a colorful, delicious fresh salad. My favorite is the Greek, chock full of tangy Feta.  The sangria is the best on island

7. Pizza at Blue Garden Brazilian Grille and Pizza Gourmet- made in an iron pan, served hot, the blend of unusual flavours thanks to unique spices makes this pie awesome. While waiting, enjoy a house made Caipirinha. Divine!

8. Ceviche at Rum Runners- ask for the Lover’s Table and dive into their light and fresh seafood ceviche loaded with lime, Scotch Bonnet Peppers and cilantro. Oh so good. They have really good pizza as well and always, fresh local fish.

9. Fish Tacos at Wil’s Restaurant- Fresh fish is the order of the day, prepared with love. Enjoy the serene garden setting and be prepared for  a memorable dining experience. Chef Wil samples cuisines from around the world and brings an exciting menu to his tables. Enjoy!

10. Fresh sashimi at Kite City Food Truck. First off, the guys are super sweet and super handsome, second, you eat smack dab in the sand, seaside and three, the fish is fresh and wonderful. Located at Te Amo Beach across from the airport, go here! When you are done, hop in the sea for a nice snorkel sesh.

When booking your vacation I offer free individualized Concierge Service, so call today.  I love sharing my passion for the island and welcome the opportunity to plan your escape.

flamingorescueNYE 022

Lunch at Capriccio’s

December 31, 2011

Lola and Andrea have moved their restaurant down the street on the waterfront in Bonaire. My favorite meal is lunch. Kate, Marguerite and I went on a Wed. and had a glorious meal. Marguerite chose the Antipasto, Kate chose the pasta Carbonara (Lola calls it breakfast pasta with egg and parma ham) and I had the fish soup. Lola served freshly baked bread and small salads. Once the meals arrived we settled in with a bottle Torresela Pinot Grigio. My soup was delicious with a savory salty broth and bits of fresh local tuna and wahoo as well as imported shrimp and mussels.

After our entrees, Kate tempted us with the notion of sharing a Tiramisu. It’s not something I typically order but thank goodness I heeded her advice. The massive portion of creamy coffee delight was pure ambrosia. We fought over the last spoon.

Capriccio’s serves lunch 5 days a week and presently dinner 7 days a week. They also feature a lovely boutique complete with fine wines, pastas, sauces and delicious treats.

To book your table use the online Bonaire Concierge Specialist, Ann Phelan. Email ann@bonairecaribbean.com

Last Night Was Unbelievable

July 26, 2011

Last night my friends invited me to dine with them at Unbelievable. Owned by Bonairean, Robby Matthew, this Caribbean inspired restaurant was truly UNBELIEVABLE.

Robby and Mary, his life partner greeted me enthusiastically. Robby has created a Caribbean oasis with amazing light fixtures, Caribbean inspired art and comfortable seating. His kind jovial personality enhances the dining experience. I was whisked upstairs to the lovely patio. The cooling breezes and views of the sea beyond under a starlit sky was amazing.

My friends arrived shortly after and we were catered to by Cliff, one of Bonaire’s best waiters. He also happens to be a park ranger so don’t be surprised if you see him at Washington Park. He recommended the fresh Wahoo or the Bahamian Conch. My friend ordered the mixed seafood grill and a calamari appetizer. His wife ordered the conch and I asked Cliff to surprise me.

The conch app was amazing. I loved the cornmeal breading. Our entrees came and were artfully prepared and piping hot. My surprise entree was the Shrimp Provencal! Everyone loved their food. The photos speak clearly to the presentation.

Shrimp Provencal

Mixed Seafood Grill

Conch

We were stuffed but I was dying to try Robby’s house made Key Lime Pie so I ordered it to go. It was the most amazing breakfast I ever had!!

Unbelievable is on Abraham Blvd. past Divi. Call Robby at 717 3000 or allow Caribbean Wind & Sun’s Concierge book your next vacation and dinner at Unbelievable.

Foodie Bliss at Wil’s Tropical Grill

May 5, 2011

One of my favorite restaurants is Wil’s Tropical Grill. My friends Sue and Wil are the most incredible people and the setting is restful and charming. Of course Wil prepares healthy and tasty food including always fresh fish and lovely desserts.

Caesar Salad

My sweet teen seems to always order the proscuitto wrapped romaine Caesar salad and for me, the calamari salad. We love the desserts and of course the chilled house wines.

Calamari Salad

To book your table contact me at ann@bonairecaribbean.com. I offer free concierge to all clients and Bonaire Bliss readers.

Wil’s Tropical Grill Christmas Holiday Menu

November 29, 2010

Dec. 24, 25 and 26

$56.00 3 course dinner
Appetizers
Szechuan Peppercorn Cured Fresh Salmon
with Soybeans, Seaweed Salad & Soybean Wasabi Puree
*****
Goat Cheese Beignets with Roasted Red Beet &
Mustarda Di Fruitti Compote
*****
Crispy Blue Corn Shell Stuffed with a Crab & Baby Shrimp Salad with
Mango Serrano Pepper Crema
*******
Beef 4 Ways platter
-Beef TarTar with Homemade Potato Chips
-Negamaki with teriyaki sauce
-Bresola with a Marinated Artichoke Salad
-Oxtail Soup

Main
Red Chilli Honey Glazed “Catch” with Grilled Polenta Cake,
Black Bean Salsa & Jalapeño Cilantro Crème
*****
Grilled Jumbo Shrimp with a Panzanella with an Italian Herb Salsa
*****
Grilled Filet Mignon with a BBQ Red Onion Demi Glace ,
Mac & Cheese and Zucchini Cake
*****
Pumpkin Gnocchi with Brown Butter, Sage and Parmesan Cheese

Dessert
Carrot Cake with a Cream Cheese Mousse
*****
Tropical Mango Rum Tiramisu
*****
Peanut Butter Crème Brule with Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

SORRY NO CHILDRENS MENU

ALL ITEMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO AVAILABLITY
CALL FOR RESERVATIONS 717-6616

Appetite Dining Experience

May 1, 2010

Goat Cheese Salad

One word..WOW

The setting is magical. It is away from the town traffic and is very airey and breezy. The surroundings are very pleasing.The wait staff were attentive. The menu has plastic fake grass a little odd but fun. We had house wine, 7 guilder and quite good. My dining companion ordered the local goat cheese salad. The presentation was flawless. I had the Dorado medium rare with a mango zabayon and rice with asparagus. He had the tenderloin in green peppercorn sauce with homemade thick cut fries. It was outstanding but curiously served luke warm. Hot would have been nice. Oh oh..the homemade bread with EVOO, Bonairean salt and Tzatziki was amazing.

I ordered the lime mousse that came with a fat fresh strawberry and a dollop of ice cream. The mousse had a bitter juice on top I did not fancy so I poured it out and devoured the mousse. WOW….

I think the bill was 147,00 ANG before a generous gratuity was paid.

Caribbean Wind & Sun offer free Concierge Services for all esteemed clients. Contact the Bonaire experts at 800-219-0118 (US) or 011 599 786 3134.