Restaurants and Dining

Bonaire Restaurant and Dining News

Friday, March 02, 2007

New Bonaire Restaurant Review, Yachtclub Restaurant and Mambo Jambo

The Yachtclub Apartments recently premiered a small, intimate patio restaurant next to their pool.  It’s been open just a few weeks, and dinner reservations have been difficult to come by, since many locals on the island have been flocking to this new eatery.

A friend and I managed to make a dinner reservation, and looked forward to sampling the Yachtclub Restaurant’s Rijsttafel (see image).  Rijsttafel is an Indonesian feast consisting of many samples of different foods and always includes pork, chicken, fish, shrimp, and other delights.  We were not disappointed.  After eating our fill of the various offerings, we had plenty of left-overs to take home. 

The menu, with entrees averaging about NAFl 28.00 (USD $15.73) per person, offers something for everyone.  In addition to the traditional Indonesian Rijsttafel, one can order beef tenderloin, fish with pasta, fried shrimp in a beer batter, or chicken.  Some folks at the table next to us ordered the beer-battered shrimps, and I have to say they looked scrumptious and will be my next entree!  Daily specials are available--the evening we dined, the special was Grilled Salmon in a basil sauce.  As for my review on desserts, well, that will just have to wait until Mambo Jambo opens, as neither my dining companion or I had enough room left to indulge in dessert.

Because the new restaurant has become so popular, and many folks who wish to dine are turned away in disappointment, the owner/operators, Jolanda and Wilfried Schoof, have just announced that beginning March 16, 2007, they will move their dinner service to Mambo Jambo, their new restaurant in Kralendijk on Kaya L. D. Gerharts (next to Maduro & Curiels Bank).  Here they will be able to accommodate additional diners, and they also plan to augment their menu with new items.  Seating will be in the dining room, in the small garden adjoining, or one can eat at the bar, which is air-conditioned.  Mambo Jambo will be open from 11:00 AM through 2:00 AM, serving lunch (11:00 AM to 4:00 PM), dinner (4:00 PM through 10:00 PM), or a late night menu (10:00 PM through 12:00 PM).  After midnight, snacks are available.

Lunch will consist of Indonesian dishes, pancakes for those who sleep in late, and various sandwiches.  Dinner will include all the items currently offered at Yachtclub Restaurant, plus an expansion of the Indonesian theme, all-you-can-eat ribs, and other new menu picks.  All prices include sales tax, but no gratuities, which are always appreciated.  Your chefs, Roland and Sander, were both trained in Holland, and they have served in fine restaurants in Australia, Belgium, and Holland.  Mambo Jambo will be closed on Wednesdays.

Once Mambo Jambo is open on March 16th, Yachtclub Restaurant will only serve breakfast (daily) from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.  Anyone can come (no reservations needed for breakfast) and enjoy the various breads, fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, cold cuts (a Dutch tradition for breakfast!), eggs any style or pancakes, and unlimited coffee, tea, or juice for only $10.00 per person.

For more information or reservations for either restaurant, call 701-8228. (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

New Peruvian Restaurant Opens in Bonaire

Open from 8:00 AM through 10:00 PM for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the new restaurant on Kaya Grandi, Plazita Limena, offers Peruvian and international cuisine.

The owners of this new restaurant have worked hard to offer a menu which highlights Peruvian favorites, as well as international dishes, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.  Located at the beginning of Kaya Grandi, the restaurant offers take out or you may dine in on a street side table or on the outdoor patio at the rear of the restaurant.  Closed Thursdays.  (Bonaire Insider reporter)

Monday, January 29, 2007

Sand Dollar Resort Condominiums Opens New Restaurant, Sunrise Bonaire

Sand Dollar has just announced the opening of their newly renovated restaurant and pool bar, Sunrise Bonaire.  The dining area is located just next to the swimming and pool, and offers traditional bar menu for lunch and dinner. The restaurant hopes to offer pool-side fitness classes soon.

Diners will be able to enjoy sandwiches, burgers, salads, and sates for either meal, and half-price Happy Hour drinks are available each night from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.

Plans are in the works for both traditional aerobics classes, as well as water aerobics classes and yoga, to be conducted in the area surrounding the pool beginning February 5, 2007.  Class schedule is Mondays and Fridays:  8:00 AM to 8:50 AM:  Body Balance; 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM:  Aqua Fitness.  Wednesdays:  8:00 AM to 8:50 AM, Body Shape; 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM:  Aqua Fitness.

Body Balance is a combination of yoga, pilates, and tai chi.  This is a great workout where you will train your strength, flexibility, and balance to the beat of great music.

Body Shape is 60-minute low-impact workout class where all muscles will be trained. 

Aqua Fitness is a very intensive way to exercise without difficult techniques. 

Cost per class:  $8.00 per person ($5.00 for those staying at Sand Dollar).  FL 8.00 per person for local residents (please bring your sedula as proof of residency).

(Source:  Sunrise Bonaire)

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Papaya Moon Cantina Launches New Web Site

Papaya Moon Cantina, which opened its doors for business this past November, 2006, has just launched a new web site.  This new restaurant offers Bonaire its first taste of true Tex-Mex cuisine with such menu items as lobster quesadillas, gazpacho shooters, or fish tacos with avocado dressing.

The site offers their full menu (available in PDF format), provides images of the various dining areas the Cantina offers, and lists contact information to make a reservation.  An on-line reservation form is also available.

For additional information, click here.  (Source:  Papaya Moon Cantina Web Site)

Friday, January 26, 2007

Patagonia Argentinean Restaurant Opens for Lunch Service

Patagonia Argentinean Restaurant, which opened its doors this past December, has just announced they are now open for lunch service Tuesday through Friday.

Offering a variety of lunches in either their air-conditioned dining room or the al fresco seaside area, diners can choose from hot sandwiches served with french fries, salads, or pasta and grilled menu items.  Prices are reasonable spanning from FL 15.00 (USD $ 8.57) for a sausage (choripan) sandwich to FL 25.00 (USD $ 14.04) for fish, chicken, or filet mignon served with french fries and creamed spinach.  5% sales tax is additional.

Patagonia Argentinean Restaurant is the new eatery of the Palacios Family, well known for popular Bonaire restaurants.  (Source:  Patagonia Argentinean Restaurant)

Monday, January 15, 2007

Cactus Blue Bar and Restaurant Celebrates its First Anniversary with Special Prizes

Cactus Blue Bar & Restaurant is celebrating its first year in business with all Wednesday evenings in February filled with special prizes and giveaways.

Each Wednesday in February, the dining guests of Cactus Blue will have an opportunity to answer trivia questions with Moogie, while listening to his smooth singing.  Those who win will receive a gift from an assortment of mugs, caps, t-shirts, and a voucher for a free dinner for two worth US$50.

For additional information, click here.  (Source:  Cactus Blue Bar & Restaurant)

Friday, December 22, 2006

New Restaurant Review, Patagonia Steak House Gets a Thumps Up

Having now had the opportunity on two occasions to sample the new delights available at Patagonia Steak House, I now feel that I can comfortably give a thumps up review of the restaurant.  Arriving last Friday night for the restaurant’s first night in business, I was joined by many other eager residents of Bonaire, looking for the scoop on this new restaurant.  Although some had to wait for tables since the restaurant was packed, it was certainly worth the wait.

My dining companion and I elected to dine al fresco, at a waterside table overlooking the marina.  We watched the sun go down and enjoyed our drinks (the pina coladas are fine!) while we awaited our dinners.  Since menus had not been ready for the opening, our waitress simply gave us a choice of all the available steaks and other meals, and we could choose or mix and match.  My companion elected for the T-bone (see image), while I decided to combine a surf ‘n’ turf with filet mignon and grilled jumbo shrimp.  Our steaks came with a red wine peppercorn sauce which complemented the meats perfectly.

While oohing and aahing over dessert (individual apple pie and chocolate cake), Santa Claus even made a guest appearance and chatted with the folks at each table.  All in all, a great night, and kudos go the staff for making it happen.

I also returned on Wednesday for dinner with a friend.  This time, we decided to dine in the newly glass-enclosed, air-conditioned dining room, which offered a quiet get-away from the other diners while still offering a spectacular view through the glass windows.  Service was even better than the first night, with the staff wanting to be sure that our dining experience was nothing other than exemplary.  I again had the surf ‘n’ turn, as did my companion, but this time we opted for the mushoom sauce.  We closed out the evening with freshly-made brownies with vanilla ice cream and fresh whipped cream.  Delicious.

As for the menu, there is a heavy emphasis on steaks, with every imaginable kind being available.  The T-bone that was served my friend had to be two inches thick!  For those who are lighter carnivores, seafood, chicken and pasta dishes are also available and looked pretty scrumptious in their own right.  I guess I might have to plan a few more visits to return and try them out! (Source:  Bonaire Insider reporter)

Monday, December 18, 2006

Casablanca Argentinian Grill Offers Christmas Menu

Casablanca Argentinian Grill is offering a special holiday menu on December 24th, 25th, and 26th, 2006 for dinners from 6:00 PM until 10:00 PM.  (The restaurant will be closed for lunch on these days.)

The menu includes local favorites, as well as traditional holiday dishes.  To view the menu, click here (in PDF format).  For additional information about the restaurant, or to make a reservation, click here.

Please note that on January 1, 2007, Casablanca will be closed.  (Source:  Casablanca Argentinian Grill)

Thursday, December 07, 2006

A New Argentinian Steakhouse, Patagonia Restaurant, Set to Open December 15th, 2006

A new Argentinian Steakhouse, Patagonia Restaurant, is set up open on December 15, 2006 at the lighthouse location of Harbour Village Marina.  The restaurant will be a family-owned and operated endeavor, managed by Pablo and Ines Palacios and their family.

The planned menu is enticing with a high level of quality, service, and presentation.  Although primarily a steakhouse, the new Patagonia Restaurant will also feature seafood, chicken, paella, and other tempting dinners, all moderately priced.

The restaurant will begin with dinners seven days a week, but a lunch menu is planned for the near future.  Seating is available al fresco next to the water and overlooking the marina, or enjoy dining in air-conditioned comfort.

A full bar and lounge area will be available with Happy Hour drinks from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with dinner starting at 6:00 PM.  The ambiance will transport you straight to Argentina, as the decorations are authentic items from the family’s home country.

Reservations are highly recommended.  For additional information or reservations, call 717-7725 or email.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider reporter)

Saturday, December 02, 2006

Plaza Resort Bonaire Announces Holiday Festivities for Christmas and New Year’s Eve

Plaza Resort Bonaire has just announced their holiday schedule for special events over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Eve.  Executive chef, Chris Nesbitt, has chosen a selection of mouth-watering dishes for these special menus. 

The holiday menus will begin on Christmas Eve with a choice of a special buffet menu at the Banana Tree Restaurant or a five-course dinner at the Tipsy Seagull (view these menus, in pdf).

Begin Christmas Day with an extended breakfast buffet in Caribbean Point Restaurant where special holiday delectables will be added to the normal menu.  A traditional Christmas Dinner buffet will be available at the Banana Tree Restaurant, or opt for a six-course dinner at the Tipsy Seagull (view these menus, in pdf).

Boxing Day, December 26th, you can enjoy a special beach BBQ at the Coconut Crash Beach Bar from 6:00 PM until 10:00 PM.  And then on New Year’s Eve, what has become a tradition at Plaza, a special BBQ and buffet will begin at 7:00 PM and continue on until late.  At midnight, toast the new year with a glass of champagne as you enjoy the fireworks, after which you can dance under the stars to the magic sound of Rumba, one of Curacao’s most popular bands (view these menus, in pdf).

For additional information, email Plaza Resort Bonaire (Source:  Plaza Resort Bonaire)