Restaurants and Dining

Bonaire Restaurant and Dining News

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)

Monday, April 18, 2011

Sunset Bar and Grill Announces Special Easter Menu

Easter will be celebrated this coming Sunday April 24, 2011. Sunset Bar and Grill will be open and has announced a special menu for the day, in addition to their regular menu, which will also be available that day.

The special menu offers a variety of different selections, with many choices on offer. Traditional English fish and chips will be served with tartar and malt vinegar. Fresh Spanish Sardines are available sauteed in olive oil and lemon with a tasty green salad. Classic baked ham will be served glazed with Bourbon, orange and brown sugar, accompanied by pecan rice and wok veggies. Deviled eggs filled with Dutch shrimp and black caviar are also available. Diners may also choose the braised New Zealand lamb shank with whipped potatoes and fine green beans. Finish a delightful meal with Easter bunny carrot cupcakes topped with a lemon vanilla bean fresh cream.

Sunset Bar and Grill will be open from 11:30 AM until 10:00 PM on Good Friday, Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. To make a reservation call 788-2698. (Source: Sunset Bar and Grill)

Thursday, March 17, 2011

There’s New Tantalizing Snack Options in Kralendijk

Kralendijk is now sporting three new ice cream shops, some of which offer coffee and other tasty sweet treats, and a pastechi shop for those who crave something with a local flair. 

Each ice cream shop has something special to offer. Lilly’s Ice Cream & Coffee has 36 different flavors of ice cream, so there is something for everyone from which to choose. They also serve coffee, coffee drinks, tea, milkshakes, and smoothies, along with a variety of delicious chocolate biscotti treats to enjoy with your coffee. Lilly’s is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 9:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM until 9:00 PM, and has a large indoor seating area including tables and a bar, and a smaller outdoor seating area. It is located right in the middle of town on Kaya L.D. Gerharts.

Gio’s is now open in Kaya Grandi serving homemade Italian-style ice cream and coffee. For those with a sweet tooth, they have pastries, chocolates, and bon-bons. Gio’s has an intimate atmosphere with several tables inside and a few outdoor tables and is open daily from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM and on Sundays from 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM.

It’s Magical is yet another new ice cream shop serving delicious Nestle ice cream, shakes, and Nestle ice cream products. They also sell hot-dogs, chips and popcorn, so there is something for everybody. It’s Magical has a separate video arcade with two pool tables, so it is an excellent place for families and kids. The shop is open daily from 2:00 PM until 10:00 PM and is located near the center of town on Kaya General Carlos M. Piar.

The Pastechi House, located between Kaya Grandi and the oceanfront promenade, has made a local Bonaire favorite snack healthy.  For those who have not been indoctrinated into the pleasures of Bonaire’s favorite pastry, a pastechi is a pastry that is folded over, filled with a variety of stuffings, and then deep fried to a crispy golden brown.  The Pastechi House flash fries the pastechi in the proper temperature of oil, and pastechis of all sorts are available and are cooked to order.  Choose from the normal cheese or chicken pastechis, or be adventurous and try the Angus Beef, Tuna, Cod, Pizza, Chop Soy, or Samosa varieties.  The pastechis are available in the classic size or a junior size.  The Pastechi House also serves empanaditas, croquettes, and cheese balls or bitterballs.  And, since ice cream is always a popular subject, we should add that the Pastechi House sells pints of Ben & Jerry’s ice creams, including the ever popular Phish Food, Karamel Sutra, Cherry Garcia, Chocolate Macadamia, Chunky Monkey, Peanut Brittle, Imagine Whirled Peace, and a whole slew of other flavors.  The Pastechi House is open Monday through Friday and on Saturday mornings.

Be sure to check these new options on your next visit to Bonaire! (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Bonaire Bids a Fond “Ayo” to The Lion’s Den Restaurant

After ten years of memorable meals, The Lion’s Den Restaurant will close; their final day of operation will be on March 31, 2011.

Kirk Gosden, owner/manager of The Lion’s Den, as well as the Sunset Bar & Grill, wishes to thank the many dining patrons who have visited over the years, making The Lion’s Den one of Bonaire’s most popular eateries.

Kirk has informed the Bonaire Insider that he will be continuing the Sunset Bar & Grill, located seaside on the premises of the Den Laman Condominiums, which is now open daily for lunch or dinner.  Many of the favorites from The Lion’s Den can now be found at Sunset Bar & Grill, as well as the familiar friendly service.  Kirk looks forward to greeting old friends and making new ones at the Sunset Bar & Grill. (Source:  The Lions Den Restaurant)

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Valentine’s Day Specials and Events Announced

Valentine’s Day is this Monday, February 14, 2011. To celebrate the occasion, several Bonaire businesses are offering some fun specials to choose from.

For those who enjoy music, Club Roomer is presenting a Valentine’s Day concert with contemporary folk musician Jim Gilmour, entitled “Not your Daddy’s folk music.” The concert will be held at Hotel Roomer, located at 97 E.E.G. Boulevard in Belnem. Entrance is free for members and $10 for non-members. Jim has worked for many years in the music industry and has two solo releases with his band: “Flatworld” in 2010 and “Quarterline” in 2003. To listen to his most recent CD release “Flatworld” click here. Club Roomer is a charitable organization which plans events to bring Bonaire neighbors and friends together. Proceeds from the events are given back to the Bonaire community for special events and needs.

Sunset Bar & Grill has a special Valentine’s Day menu including delectable choices for everyone’s taste including a special cocktail of strawberries, Absolute vodka and chocolate brittles, fresh oysters, shrimp and crab puff pastry with a brandy bisque sauce, Peking duck breast with an orange glaze, grilled beef tenderloin with Foie Gras shavings, roasted lobster, banana leaf steamed wahoo with cilantro, chili pepper and lime, and finished off with a special Valentine’s chocolate cupcake filled with raspberries and fresh cream in a white and dark chocolate sauce. Call 788-2698 to make a reservation.

For those who would like to be on the water, Compass Bonaire is offering a Valentine sunset cruise with champagne and tapas from 4:30 until 7:00 PM. The price is $50 per person and for more information or to make a reservation, call 786-7757. (Source: Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Monday, January 31, 2011

Blue Mekong Thai Restaurant Offers New and Exciting Dining Options on Bonaire

The new Blue Mekong Thai Restaurant opened its doors a few months ago, and a visit to the restaurant for dinner proved that they have a new, fun, and exciting way to enjoy dining out on Bonaire. 

Unlike most restaurants, Blue Mekong has no menu.  Instead, patrons have the choice of ordering five, seven, or nine courses, which change every three weeks.  All courses are served in cups, and go from bland to spicy as the menu progresses.  This option works well for those with different appetites at the restaurants, as those who wish a complete dinner can order the 7-course or 9-course dinner, while those who want something lighter can go with the five-course menu.  Or, to be entirely flexible, anyone can start with the five-course menu, and upgrade to the seven-course or nine-course menu as the dinner progresses.  In fact, that is what this reporter did, enjoying the full nine-course dinner and yet not having that feeling of having over-eaten!

Blue Mekong Thai Restaurant is located on a second floor balcony overlooking Kaya Grandi in Kralendijk.  It offers a peaceful and restful oasis away from the street noise of town.  The restaurant is small and intimate, and the hosts do all they can to ensure everyone has a wonderful time. The pre-set courses include chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp, as well as variety of vegetables, rice, noodles, or soup.  With the courses changing every three weeks, there is an incentive to return time and time again to see what new, innovative Thai dishes will be served.

It is recommended that advance reservations be made, by calling 717-5556.  Blue Mekong is open Tuesday through Friday for dinner.  The restaurant is located at Kaya Grandi #5. (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)