Restaurants and Dining

Bonaire Restaurant and Dining News

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Enjoy a Taste of Bonaire on Friday, August 27, 2010

To officially close the end of Celebrate Our Planet week, the island will be hosting a food festival, Taste of Bonaire, on Friday, August 27, 2010.

The event will take place in Wilhelmina Park in Kralendijk from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM.  This is a popular cultural event focusing on food, music, handicrafts, and a lot of fun.  All are invited to attend the evening’s event, when everyone can enjoy small plates of signature dishes from some of Bonaire’s eateries.  For visitors, it’s a time to rub elbows with the locals, as people mix and mingle enjoying their food and looking at the various items available for sale.  (Source:  TCB-Bonaire)

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Patagonia Restaurant Opens for Lunch

Patagonia Restaurant has just announced that effective immediately, they are adding in a new lunch menu which is available Monday through Friday.  Also, they are launching lunch (or dinner) in a new air-conditioned room, so either cool comfort or al fresco dining is now available.

Patagonia, located at the Harbour Village Marina (under the lighthouse) has been a favorite for several years for their Argentinean steaks, chops, grilled meats, pasta or fish dishes.  Starting today, they will open for lunch during weekdays, when they will be serving an assortment of burgers, steaks, sandwiches, and salads.  Prices are moderate.

Their other news is that Patagonia Restaurant is opening a room where lunch or dinner dining can be enjoyed in air-conditioned comfort, so now patrons have the choice of choosing this option, which is certainly welcome during Bonaire’s hottest summer days in August and September. or dining al fresco next to the sea!  For reservations for lunch or dinner, call 717-7725. (Source:  Patagonia Restaurant)

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Bonaire Bids Farewell to the Wounded Warriors

Yesterday, Bonaire bid a fond farewell to the 2010 participants of the 5th Be A Diver-Wounded Warrior Scuba Certification trip.  The men and their families have had a very busy week, but all have certainly enjoyed the island and all it has to offer.

When we last checked in with the Warriors, they had just completed their dive certifications.  They have spent much of their rest of their days diving, both by shore and by boat.  On Tuesday afternoon, they enjoyed lunch in Kralendijk, compliments of the Bonaire Talk Community, as well as a private shopping spree with gift certificates provided by Jewel of Bonaire.  Tuesday night they dined at Patagonia Argentinean Restaurant, compliments of the Palacios Family.

Wednesday evening was certainly special as the men and their families were guests of honor at a reception held at the home of Lt. Governor Glenn Thode and sponsored by Caradonna Caribbean Tours.  Everyone enjoyed their motorcycle escort provided by the Bikers Bonaire.  During the evening, the men were named Bonaire Ambassadors by the Tourism Corporation Bonaire.  After, a dance group from Rincon performed traditional dances for the group.  View images from Wednesday evening by clicking here.

Thursday brought more diving and then in the evening, everyone gathered at the Deco Stop Bar at Captain Don’s Habitat to watch the Week in Review with dinner following courtesy of Dive Training Magazine (images available by clicking here)

It was a little rainy (well, very rainy) on Friday morning during their Bonaire Tours island tour, but everyone ended at a complimentary lunch at KFC.  In the afternoon, more touring, this time provided by Bonaire Quad Tours, with finally a Texas-styled BBQ sponsored by Jack Chalk and his family and Adams Unlimited.

Saturday morning, it was an early morning transfer to the airport for their check-in, but, even then, these heros were given paid departure tax tickets, once again sponsored by the Bonaire Talk Community.  For five years now, the island has always come together for these annual events to show these men and their families who have given so much exactly what it means to be grateful for their sacrifices.  This week could not have been possible without the sponsors and those donating funds and/or services.  We’d like to thank everyone:  9Line LLC, Adams Unlimited Public Relations & Marketing, AERIS, Bikers Bonaire, Bonaire KFC, BonaireTalk.com, Bonaire Quad Tours, Bonaire Guided Motorcycle Tours, Bonaire Tours & Vacations, Budget Rent A Car, Captain Don’s Habitat, Caradonna Dive Adventures, Inc., Care Coalition, Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine, Chat & Browse Bonaire, DEMA/Be a Diver, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Magazine, Dive Training Magazine, Henderson, H.S.A. International Training Center of New Jersey, Islands Magazine, Jack Chalk & Family, Jewel Of Bonaire, Net, N.V., OCEANIC, PADI, Paradise Moon Bar & Restaurant, Patagonia Restaurant, Princeton Tec, Rum Runners, Sport Diver Magazine, Tourism Corporation Bonaire, and Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project, as well as the anonymous donors.

We look forward to seeing you again in 2011!  Te aworo (until next time)! (Source:  Bonaire Insider reporter)

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

La Barca Restaurant and Bar Launches New Expanded Menu

This past January, the Bonaire Insider reported the opening of a new Italian restaurant on Bonaire, La Barca Restaurant and Bar.  On a recent visit, I was surprised and pleased to see that the restaurant had launched a new, expanded menu offering even more enticing options.

Choices for antipasti range from salads to carpaccio to soups.  For the first course (primi, traditionally pasta), one can choose from the risotto del giorno (risotto of the day), lasagna, gnocchi, linguine, or a variety of penne.  For the main course, one now can choose from a variety of fish or seafood dishes, beef, steak, or vegetarian options.  New to this expanded menu are pizzas, offering the traditional Margherita, Parma, Cotto e Mozzarella, Napoli, Diavola, Four Cheese, or Vegetarian.  Home-made desserts offer the traditional tiramisu or panna cotta, but also chocolate souffle, pastry with custard and fresh fruit, or the dessert of the week.

On my recent visit, I once again decided upon the gnocchi, which on my prior visit had melted in my mouth.  This time it was a spinach and potato gnocchi in a Mediterranean sauce with the fresh fish of the day, barracuda (pictured above).  The “first-course” pasta dishes are large enough for a complete meal, and I never quite manage to get to the second course!

After dinner, the traditional limoncello appeared for my dining companion and I, straight from the Amalfi coast of Italy.  This is an after-dinner digestivo, an Italian lemon liqueur consumed to aid digestion.  While enjoying our limoncelli, we began chatting with a family at a nearby table, who’s son, Noah, offered a piece of his pizza for us to try.  It was excellent, and some day soon, I will have to pick up a pizza to take home.

The proprietor and wait staff are very attentive.  If desired, the proprietor will give an explanation of how each dish is lovingly prepared and what goes into it.  His enthusiasm for the dishes he offers is catchy--one wants to sample them all!  On this occasion, just prior to leaving, I was asked to sample and critique a new apple pie that the chef was testing................how could I refuse such an offer?  The pie was perfect--not too sweet, not too tart, just right!  It had a light, flaky pastry and was beautifully presented.  With such attention to detail, La Barca will soon become a favored restaurant on Bonaire.

In fact, the evening I was there, the entire restaurant did fill up, so advance reservations are definitely recommended.  La Barca is on the oceanfront promenade and enjoys a cooling breeze.  For reservations or additional information, contact La Barca by calling 717-4514 or cellular 795-1932.  The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider reporter)

Monday, August 09, 2010

The Wounded Warriors Are Certified Divers Now

As was reported earlier, the Bonaire Insider will be chronicling some of the activities this week on Bonaire while the island hosts the Wounded Warriors--severely wounded U.S. military men and their families--as they complete the dive certifications and enjoy Bonaire.

The group arrived in the early hours on Saturday morning, and they were then transported to their host hotel, Captain Don’s Habitat.  After a hearty breakfast at Rum Runners, the group received their Marine Park orientation, received their dive tags (sponsored by an anonymous donor), and immediately began their first open water training dives.  It was a full day, especially after traveling overnight, but the group kept their energy up to enjoy a pizza dinner sponsored by Caribbean Travel & Life/Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Islands, and Sport Diver magazines.

Sunday morning broke bright and early and the group was back in the water to complete their training dives.  After a lunch, sponsored by the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project, the group, now certified divers, jumped on a boat to head off for the first boat dive of the week, to Forest at Klein Bonaire.  View images of the men and their families as they prepared for diving by visiting the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here.

Back at the resort, everyone showered and changed for the evening’s dinner at Paradise Moon Bar & Restaurant, sponsored by AERIS and Oceanic.  It was one very long table that nearly filled the restaurant, but everyone enjoyed their dinners, including the restaurant’s famous Walking Sticks appetizer, a variety of entrees, and a plethora of desserts, including Grandma’s Sizzling Apple Pie, Gooey Peanut Butter Pie, fried cheesecake, home-made ice-cream or sorbet, chocolate cake, and tiramisu.  Throughout the evening, one warrior or another would pop up to give plaques of appreciation to many of the sponsors present--Dan, from AERIS and Oceanic, Michael and Diana from Chat ‘n’ Browse, and Pam and Carl from Paradise Moon.  Dan, who sponsored the evening’s dinner, also raffled off several dive computers, and it seems like luck was with the ladies last night, as two of warriors’ families won.  View images of the evening’s events by clicking here.

I had the opportunity to chat with two of the couples at dinner, and they have surprising stories to tell.  One couple grew up together, but, as happens many times, went their different ways as they grew older.  Their lives became intertwined again when the the warrior was in the hospital, scheduled for twelve surgeries over two years, and one of his nurses just happened to be his childhood acquaintance!  One thing led to another, and the two were married earlier this year.

A second couple has a similar story; both were acquainted when the lady sent a message to the warrior............who never answered.  Not realizing the warrior was in a coma, she was understandably upset with not receiving a reply.  However, three-and-a-half weeks later, suddenly he responded, and the couple began seeing each other.  They, too, are newlyweds, having married last December.

Today, the group is doing additional boat dives around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire.  This evening, they will meet Bonaire’s legendary Captain Don Stewart at Habitat’s “Meet the Captain” cocktail party, before enjoying a BBQ dinner, compliments of the BonaireTalk.com community.  The Insider will be checking in with the group again later this week.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider reporter)

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Posada Para Mira Opens For Dining and Private Parties, Serving Local Food

Bonaire now has a new spot to relax and enjoy some local food and entertainment on the weekends. Posada Para Mira recently opened its doors for business--it’s located on the road from Rincon to Dos Pos at the highest point on this hilly stretch of road just above Rincon, with an excellent view of the town and the surrounding hills.

Posada Para Mira specializes in Kushina Krioyo, local traditional dishes.  Patrons can also choose from various snacks and drinks. Available for private parties during the week, the restaurant opens to the public on weekends.  Each Friday features a happy hour starting at 4:00 PM.  Live music from local bands, as well as DJs from Bonaire and other areas, can be found regularly on the weekends entertaining the posada’s visitors.

Posada Para Mira is open to the public each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 4:00 PM until midnight. (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Monday, March 29, 2010

Cactus Blue Bar and Restaurant Plans Fund Raising Dinner for Haitian Orphans

This Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, Cactus Blue Bar and Restaurant will host a fund-raising dinner to aid some of the orphans in Haiti, currently being house at a missionary in the Dominican Republic.

To raise funds for these children, Cactus Blue’s Chef Hagen will serve a three-course Caribbean-style dinner for only FL 40.00 per person this Wednesday, March 31st, 2010.  Chef Hagen will leave to visit the children in the Dominican Republic himself on Thursday and deliver the funds raised at this dinner.

For additional information, visit Cactus Blue’s Facebook page by clicking here. (Source:  Cactus Blue Bar & Restaurant)

Thursday, January 14, 2010

New Restaurant Review:  La Barca Offers Traditional Italian Dining on Bonaire

It seems like 2010 has brought a wide variety of new restaurants on Bonaire to sample this coming year, from Chinese restaurants, to Italian restaurants, and everything in between.  La Barca Bar Restaurant recently opened its doors, and this reporter had the opportunity to give them a try.

La Barca is located on the oceanfront promenade in the premises of the former Angel Floating Restaurant.  The boat serves as a nice backdrop to the canopied garden, where dinner is served.  The menu, although not large, is varied and should offer something for everyone.  As with traditional Italian dining, La Barca offers starters (antipasti), different first courses (the pasta course), and various second courses (the main course).

My dining companion and I both elected to limit the caloric intake and so we each sampled the same pasta course, which proved to be plentiful and more than enough for a dinner.  We chose the tagliolini, a fresh egg pasta that was served with large shrimp, calamari, and shellfish, in this instance, mussels.  The pasta was perfectly al dente and the seafood married well with the pasta’s sauce.  Although I did not have wine, my companion approved of the wine list that was proffered and chose a nice red to go with the dinner.

The ambiance is understated Italian elegance, and those wishing to enjoy a drink at the bar sit on tall bar stools at the side of the boat’s starboard gunwale.  There’s an excellent breeze which keeps mosquitoes well away, so no bug spray was needed, and the tables are spaced well away from each other, so there’s no noisy intrusion from nearby tables.

To give other examples of menu items, starters can include a tuna carpaccio in citrus fruit marinade, duck salad with crudites and crunchy croutons, mozzarella leaves with tomato confit and Parma ham, among others.  Some of the pasta courses offered include Parmesan risotto with ossobuco morsels or a maccheroncini amatriciana style with fresh tomatoes, pancetta cubes, and pecorino cheese.

Some of the main courses that I’ve yet to sample on return trips include butter-fried Dorado escalope in poppy seed crust, grilled beef fillet with roasted potatoes, and for the vegetarians, a vegetable millefoglie cake with fondue, Parmesan biscuit, and orange citronette.

For such a small island, Bonaire offers a spectacular array of dining options, and La Barca is certainly a welcome addition!  The restaurant is located on Kaya Jan N.E. Craane, and reservations may be made by calling 717-4514.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Monday, January 11, 2010

Patagonia Restaurant Celebrates Third Anniversary with the Opening of Their New Martini Lounge

The Palacios Family, well known for their two restaurants, Patagonia Argentinean Restaurant and Buenos Aires Cafe, have added a new martini lounge to celebrate their third anniversary at Patagonia.

The new lounge is directly next to the restaurant, a cozy and intimate space with comfortable rattan chairs or with stools at the marina’s edge, overlooking the balustrade, just feet from the water’s edge.  Open Tuesday through Sunday, from 6:00 PM through midnight (2:00 AM on weekends), it’s a fabulous way to either start or finish the evening.  Sip your martini (they’re reputed to have the largest selection of martinis on the island!), or any other beverage, and watch the sun sink into the Caribbean behind the sailboats’ masts, or close out the evening with quiet background music that includes jazz, latin jazz, Brazilian soul, favorites such as Frank Sinatra, and other lounge music.

It’s a “sure thing” to add to one’s lists of new places on Bonaire to try on the next trip!  (Source:  Patagonia Argentinean Restaurant)

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

The Spa at Habitat Opens, Launches New Web Site

The Spa at Habitat has opened its doors just in time for the holiday season and it has launched a brand new web site offering a 10% discount on appointments made in advance.

The Spa at Habitat offers a full line of individual or couples massages by the sea, along with a large menu of nail care services or body treatments.  Run by Omaira Nicolaas and Alda Dirksz, both of whom are well known in the spa world of Bonaire, this new addition will prove to be popular with guests staying in the northern hotels or even those in private villas in Sabadeco.

The Spa is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM through to 6:00 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  Services for times other than these are by appointment only.  The Spa is also proud to be a smoke-free environment, and one can sip a complimentary coffee, tea, or water while being pampered.  Organic body lotions and treatments are available for sale, and they make wonderful holiday gifts.

They’ve just launched a new web site, available by clicking here.  For those who wish to make an appointment in advance of their arrival on Bonaire, the Spa offers a 10% discount for online reservations.  (Source:  The Spa at Habitat)