A Gourmet Trip to Aruba

We were invited by the Aruba Tourist Board to visit the charming Caribbean island recently, to introduce us to the dynamic culinary scene that drives Aruba, whose tourism is the main source of income and employment. Property of the Netherlands, Aruba wishes to stand out from other Caribbean sun destinations, among other things by the diversity of its restaurants. Here are three that are definitely worth the detour.

The Kitchen Table

Located in Oranjestad, in the capital, this restaurant offers an experience you will not soon forget. The 18 spots in the place surround an open kitchen where it is possible during the meal to watch the cooks carefully prepare your dishes. It allows us to see the work of these real craftsmen who prepare with passion and meticulousness the seven services that make up the meal.

Each dish concocted is introduced by the chef to the customers. He is inspired by his country and incorporates notions of history and society, which he shares with foreigners. It is thus very pleasant to enrich, while eating, our knowledge of the places. During our visit, as the dishes change every month, we were able to enjoy marinated octopus, lemon tuna, shrimp soup, braised pork, beef tartar and apple pudding. Dishes as diverse as successful. The presentations were particularly beautiful and worked. In short, a stop for lovers of culinary discoveries and adventurers of taste. www.thekitchentablebywhite.com

Casa Nonna

Located in The Ritz-Carlton, where we have lived, this excellent Italian restaurant will appeal to aficionados of this world-famous cuisine. Little sister of the famous restaurant of the same name in New York, Casa Nonna offers all the Italian classics, in a romantic and pleasant atmosphere. The pasta, made on site, is really delicious, as are the starters and wines that are finely served by the waiters. A prominent place is given to fish and seafood, particularly fresh, caught a few meters away. www.casanonna.com/aruba

Papiamento

The most classic restaurant of the lot, which is inspired by the recipes of the country. Papiamento is also the name of the language spoken by the inhabitants of the island. A kind of mixture of Spanish, Portuguese and Native American dialect of the first inhabitants of Aruba. The restaurant is located in a typical Aruban house more than a century old. The terrace, beautiful, surrounds a blue pool, which adds to the exoticism of the place. The proposed dishes update the local specialties. I tasted shrimp and grilled vegetables on a black stone, accompanied by a spicy papaya sauce. A real delight! In addition, the house has a pleasant choice of imported beer and wine.