Restaurants and Dining

Bonaire Restaurant and Dining News

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Several New Dining Options Open on Bonaire

For those who think they’ve been everywhere to dine on Bonaire, there’s always something new. There are a number of additional restaurants and dining options on Bonaire to put on the list of places to try.

Long time favorites Donna & Giorgio have opened a quaint little restaurant serving breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 3:00 PM, lunch on Saturday and dinner by reservation only on Friday. The breakfast menu includes tostis and several egg items, with the lunch menu including pastas, soups, salads and sandwiches to eat in or take away. The intimate restaurant is tastefully decorated with a bar area for coffee, drinks and single diners, and a few small tables for outdoor seating. The restaurant is just north of downtown at Kaya Grandi 52 and the phone number is 717-3799.

Porto Deli is a wine bar with tapas offering breakfast, lunch and early dinner. The deli serves homemade salads, sandwiches, burgers and fresh bread and is conveniently located on the oceanfront promenade. Diners can choose to eat outside on the patio, or inside, in the air-conditioning. The restaurant is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, except Sunday and the phone number is 717-3997.

4 Seasons has opened at the former site of Bambu, on Kaya C.E.B. Hellmund 17, serving French and International food for dinner. The restaurant will change the complete menu every three months to reflect a new season and has both indoor and outdoor covered dining. They are open every night except Tuesday, and reservations can be made by calling 717-4166.

C’est La Vie has opened across from the Catholic church in Kralendijk on Kaya Libertador Simon Bolivar. It is a typical Dutch pub serving a daily barhop menu for dinner. It is closed on Sunday and Monday and the phone number is 788-1066.

Catering Service Skottelbraai makes a special type of South African BBQ, known as skottelbraai and will deliver it anywhere on the island as part of a complete package including the BBQ, salads, plates and flatware, so diners can avoid shopping, dishes and hassle. The delivery is free and the next day they will pick up the plates and flatware. To arrange a BBQ, call 796-6868.

For those with a sweet tooth, Yankee Donut has opened on Kaya Simon Bolivar #26c, in front of the Catholic Church in town. They are serving delicious American-style donuts, bismarcks, fritters, muffins and cakes and hope to add bagels and small sandwiches in the future. They are also offering 16 different types of tea, coffee and juices to accompany your treat, and have special pricing for bigger purchases of donuts for parties and gatherings. The are open daily from 9:00 AM until 7:00 PM and closed on Sundays. The phone number is 717-5661. (Source: Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Options for Holiday Dining on Bonaire

The holidays are fast approaching and, for those who are looking for holiday dining, Bonaire’s restaurants are offering a variety of options. The Bonaire Insider has put together a listing of just some of the possibilities from which to choose. It is also important to note that Christmas Day, Boxing Day (December 26), and January 1st are all legal holiday on Bonaire, and some restaurants may not be open, so be sure to check availability. Reservations are always highly recommended during the holiday season.

Hotel Restaurant Roomer is open for a special Christmas Breakfast Buffet for early arrivals and early divers on December 24, 25 and 26 from 7:00 to 10:00 AM. The price per person is only $16.50. For reservations, phone 717-7488 or email info@roomerbonaire.com.

Casablanca Restaurant will have a Christmas menu on December 25th and 26th. There will be three options from which to choose with prices ranging from $30 to $40 dollars per person. In addition, groups of ten adults will receive a 15% discount, whicle children between the ages six and twelve will pay 50%, while children under age six will dine for free. For reservations call 717-4433 or email casablanca@telbonet.an.

Cactus Blue will feature a festive menu Monday through Friday of Christmas week, including popular favorites such as lobster and pumpkin bisque and a special appearance of lionfish fritters with mango sauce. A special dessert will be served. The kitchen opens at 5:30 PM and reservations can be made by calling 717-5464 or sending an email to info@cactusbluebonaire.com.

Posada Para Mira is offering a special Christmas day menu, which includes a buffet, welcome drink, and dessert for the cost of $35 per person. Posada Para Mira is also offering a Premium Bar where attendees may choose from various beers, wines and rums for $20 per person. Please call 701-7060 for reservations.

Sunset Bar & Grill has several specials holiday dinners planned. December 24th is Lobster Night, with December 25th featuring a traditional Christmas dinner, followed by Boxing Day Specials on December 26th. New Year’s Eve will be feature a three course menu followed by Happy New Year Creations on New Year’s Day. Their regular menu is served every day except New Year’s Eve. For reservations phone 788-2698.

(Source: Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Insider Review--Capriccio’s Restaurant Has Opened in Their New Location

One of Bonaire’s favorite Italian restaurants, Capriccio’s, has reopened in their new location just in time for the holidays and the upcoming busy tourism season. 

Located in an elegant, new building on the waterfront, reminiscent of chic South Beach eateries, the new location houses a small boutique, as well as a bar and indoor and outdoor eating areas.  The interior dining room has high ceilings, and is decorated with artwork by Bonaire’s own artist, Linda Richter.  Even with a dining room full of patrons, the ambiance was quiet and peaceful.

Under the keen eye of Andrea--the youngest chef in Italy to receive a Michelin star at the age of 22--the gleaming kitchen (and oh, what I wouldn’t give to have a kitchen like this at home!) still produces pieces of edible art.  Each plate is perfectly presented, visually pleasing, and, of course, tasty to even the most refined of palates.  It was comforting to see that the menu was unchanged; after all, Capriccio’s has enjoyed a successful reputation over many years based upon its unique menu, so I was particularly happy to see my own favorite, pumpkin raviolini, still available.  Our group ordered a variety of starters, with either pastas or beef tenderloins for entrees, and then dessert, coffee, and even some grappa.

It was also comforting to see the genuine smiles of the same wait staff that has served us over many years.  All in all, it was a wonderful dining experience and one that we each will look forward to again soon.  Capriccio’s is open for lunch and dinner, but advance reservations are highly recommended.  Reservations can be made by calling 717-7230, and the new location is at Kaya Hellmund #5 in Kralendijk.  We wish Lola and Andrea all the best with their new restaurant.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Sunday, September 04, 2011

Sunset Bar and Grill Offers Special Holiday Menus for Labor Day and Bonaire Day

Sunset Bar & Grill, located at the Den Laman Condominiums, has announced some very special menus for the upcoming American Labor Day holiday and also for Bonaire Day.

Those Americans who are spending Labor Day, Monday, September 5, 2011, on Bonaire can enjoy some delicious special menu items at Kirk Gosden’s Sunset Bar & Grill.  Click here to view tomorrow’s special menu (in PDF format).

And everyone on Bonaire will be celebrating Bonaire Day on Tuesday, September 6, 2011.  Sunset will offer a very Bonairean menu, with local favorites such as Sopi Kabritu, Piska Cora Hasa ku Funchi Sauce Criollo, beef, chicken, or iguana stew, and a popular dessert, Quesillo.  View Tuesday’s special menu by clicking here (in PDF format).

For those not on Bonaire this week and therefore cannot enjoy Sunset’s special offerings, but who are planning a trip soon, Kirk has recently informed the Bonaire Insider that Sunset will be continuing to offer their popular summertime lunch package for the near term.  This package includes six lunches over six consecutive days for only $60.00 per person.  There are three menu items from which to choose each day.  To see a sample menu of Sunset’s lunch specials, click here (in PDF format).  (Source:  Sunset Bar & Grill)

Monday, August 22, 2011

New Restaurant Review:  KishiKishi at Bonaire’s Butterfly Farm

There’s a new eatery that recently opened, called KishiKishi, located on the way to Lac Cai at Bonaire’s Butterfly Farm, offering a quiet, restful ambiance for the perfect lunch.

I had the opportunity to spend a weekend lunch at the new restaurant and sample its menu.  Although the menu is not large, it truly focuses upon locally produced foods, as well as traditional Antillean or Caribbean dishes.

The day I tried out the restaurant, Sharon greeted me at the entrance, gave me her slow Jamaican (and quite beautiful!) smile, and then seated me while I waited for my lunch companion.  I ordered a carafe of water with lime and fresh mint--do be aware the KishiKishi is not connected to the island’s water supply, and therefore they must purchase water and there is a charge to the guest.  With a little prompting, Sharon explained that she, in addition to being our server, was also responsible for the preparation of menu items in the kitchen, so she was amply suited to explaining the menu.

The “Small Bites” section includes items such as spring rolls stuffed with yam, goat cheese, and thyme, served with a honey-sour cream dip, or two can share a butterflybread served with three dips, which are spicy, fresh, and creamy. 

Main courses consist of sweet pumpkin soup with coconut milk, served with brown bread, or catch of the day, cooked in banana leaf and served with crunchy baked yucca and papaya salad, or a vegetable terrine with grilled peppers and zucchini, served with a really green salad and bread.  Those lunching can also order a slow-cooked beef stoba (stew) made with yam and coconut, served with crispy funchi and veggies, or the Bonaire plate, with offers small, but typical Bonaire bites with a surprising twist.  And of course, there’s a dessert menu, too!

Both my lunch companion and I opted for the identical menu--we started with the spring rolls and then moved on to the pumpkin soup.  The spring rolls were delightfully light and perfectly deep fried.  They were served with a sla salad in a sweet vinaigrette.  The pumpkin soup arrived with brown bread, and it was also quickly consumed.  Both of us were very full afterward and couldn’t possibly consider dessert as well, but we were welcome to sit and chat as long as we wished.

KishiKishi, located just off Kaminda Lac, is an absolutely quiet and peaceful setting in which to enjoy lunch with a breezy, outdoor flair and away from the traffic and noise of Kralendijk.  If one is visiting the adjoining Butterfly Farm, it will do well to plan the visit so that lunch can be enjoyed either before or directly after the visit to see the butterflies.

KishiKishi is expanding their dining options by adding in occasional events.  They are currently offering a Caribbean Soulfood (Jamaican Style) BBQ every Sunday from 1:00 to 7:00 PM.  To get more information regarding their current events, phone 796-8989.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter, photos courtesy of Elly Albers and Susan Davis)

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Enjoy a Taste of Bonaire on Friday, August 12, 2011

The island will be hosting a food festival, Taste of Bonaire, this coming Friday, August 12, 2011, highlighting samples of many of the island’s restaurants, eateries, and snacks.

The event will take place in Wilhelmina Park in Kralendijk from 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM.  This is a popular cultural event focusing on food, music, dancing, handicrafts, and a lot of fun.  All are invited to attend the evening’s event, when everyone can enjoy small plates of signature Bonaire dishes.  For visitors, it’s a time to rub elbows with the locals, as people mix and mingle enjoying their food, the music, dancing, and looking at the various items available for sale.  (Source:  TCB-Bonaire)

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Dining “At Sea” a New Culinary Experience for Bonaire Visitors

It was only three short years ago that Kim van Dijk and Rick van den Broek opened their first restaurant on Bonaire, which quickly became a favorite of locals and visitors alike.  But now, they bring their culinary expertise to a new, larger, open-air restaurant, called At Sea.

Located at the southern end of the oceanfront promenade (Kaya C.E.B. Hellmund #25), At Sea offers oceanfront dining in the garden of a historical Bonaire home.  A great bar is available for those who wish to stop by for a drink, or dinner for those who are inclined.

As with their first restaurant, reservations are highly recommended, as many times all tables are sold out days in advance.  This was also true the evening that a bunch of friends and I decided to try out the new restaurant. 

This new eatery is larger than their first restaurant, which is welcome news for those clamoring for their cuisine.  Dinner can be ordered á la carte, or there is a “surprise” menu for a full dinner from start to finish.  My friends and I opted for the á la carte menu for our first visit.  Kim and Rick do change their menu about every three months, which ensures that there are always new items to try. 

Our dinners began with a complimentary serving of a cream of asparagus soup.  There were a variety of other appetizers which all seemed to be represented at our table once that course was presented.  I ordered the crab cookies placed over a Waldorf salad--delicious!  For main courses, several ordered the Dover Sole, served with fresh peas, zucchini strips, and potatoes.  I was particularly impressed when The American Dream--a large steak, perfectly done, which will keep any carnivorous person delighted--was presented to the person next to me.  I was trying to steal bites, but I was fended off at every turn. 

Dinner wouldn’t be complete without dessert, and large platters of ice cream sundaes and other desserts came as a final course.  All in all, everyone enjoyed their meals, the great food, and wonderful camaraderie.  To make a reservation, telephone 701-0134. (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Yacht Club Apartments Announces the Opening of a New Restaurant

Saturday June 18, 2011 will see the launching of a new bar and restaurant at Yacht Club Apartments, as was recently announced by the property.

The new bar and restaurant will be open each Tuesday through Saturday for dinner with Thursday evenings featuring authentic Indonesian fare, and with Friday evenings offering a chef’s special. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast from 8:00 to 10:00 AM. As the restaurant is open to the public and not just those staying on the property, everyone is welcome. (Source: Yacht Club Apartments)

Monday, May 09, 2011

Go Green Announces Afternoon High Tea

Go Green Natural and Organic Shop has announced it will hold High Tea in its new store located at Kaya Lib. Simon Bolivar #9 every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4:30 to 6:00 PM, providing an opportunity for those attending to shop, socialize and enjoy delicious foods.

The High Tea will include a choice of fine teas, mimosas, a selection of tea sandwiches, petit desserts, chocolates and muffins. Weekend teas may also be held on request. The cost per person is $12.50 and reservations are required.

Those who would like to attend should visit Go Green or call 717-2222 to make a reservation. (Source: Go Green Natural & Organic Shop)

Thursday, May 05, 2011

Divi Flamingo Beach Resort Announces Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch and Special Rates on Rooms

This Sunday May 8, 2011 is Mother’s Day and Divi Flamingo Beach Resort will offer a special Mother’s Day jazz brunch featuring music by the Cabaco Trio and special prices on a weekend stay.

The special brunch buffet starts with a mimosa, tossed salad and dressings, potato salad and fresh fruit. Made-to-order omelets will be available and diners may choose from onion, tomato, green pepper, mushroom, ham and cheese. Scrambled or fried eggs are also offered along with butter pancakes and french toast. Assorted breads, pastries and jellies are also available. For those who want a taste of local food, keshi yena, goat stew and salt fish will be served accompanied by rice with vegetables, tutu and fried plantains. Finish a lovely meal with assorted cakes. Coffee, tea and assorted juices are included, all for $24.50 The buffet will be held from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM and reservations are recommended by calling 717-8285, extension 444.

For those who would like to celebrate Mother’s Day with a weekend stay, Divi Flamingo is offering a two night weekend special which includes an ocean deluxe room or studio room, a bottle of champagne in the room upon arrival and two tickets for the Mother’s Day jazz brunch. The special price for the weekend stay is $235 (tourist tax not included) and is based on availability and non-refundable. (Source: Dive Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino Bonaire)