Friday, November 09, 2007

New Restaurant Review, The Reef Restaurant at Den Laman

Last Sunday, the new Reef Restaurant at Den Laman Condominiums officially opened their doors.  Serving lunch and dinner daily, this new eatery offers casual dining in a fun setting.

Open from 11:00 AM straight through until 10:00 PM, The Reef Restaurant offers “lunch for dinner, or dinner for lunch!” In other words, any menu item is available at any time.  And what a menu they offer!  With salads, soups, appetizers, sandwiches or wraps, entrees, pasta, kids menu, and dessert and special coffees, milk shakes, smoothies, or cocktails, there is surely something for everyone on this menu.  In fact, so many things sounded great that my luncheon companion and I had a difficult time deciding what to order.

But we finally made our choices and were quickly served our starters--French onion soup and the chicken kebobs (or sate as it’s locally known) served with peanut sauce.  I’m rather finicky about my peanut sauces, and I have to say this one was excellent!  I decided to hold onto the extra to use as a dipping sauce for my French fries.

Our main course came shortly afterward, shrimp quesadilla with all the fixin’s and the cajun fish sandwich, both served with fries, while we shared a mango frosty.  My shrimp quesadilla was so stuffed with large, succulent shrimp, that the quesadilla could hardly contain them!  My dining companion said her fish sandwich was also tasty.  The French fries were light and crisp, and our server brought us extra peanut sauce when she learned we enjoyed it so much.

We were way too full to try desserts, but they did look enticing, with such offerings as Chunky “1000 Steps” Chocolate Mousse or “Red Beryl” Mascarpone Cake.

The restaurant has been redecorated with potted tropical plants and driftwood accents, making it a fun atmosphere for lunch or dinner oceanside dining.  It’s a great place to watch the dive boats and shore divers come and go.  Service is excellent with friendly wait staff and a fast kitchen (perfect for those wishing for a quick lunch in between dives), and manager Sandy Knepp ensures that everyone is happy.  And, with non-stop hours, it’s now easy to grab a delicious bite anytime you are ready to eat. (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Note Update November 11, 2007: We’ve just been informed that each Friday night starting at 6:30 PM Harrold Craane will be providing live music entertainment at the Reef Restaurant.  Also, the first Sunday of each month, beginning at 4:30 PM, the Flamingo Rockers will provide live music for dancing.