Saturday, November 25, 2006

Papaya Moon Cantina Opens on Bonaire

Bonaire has seen many efforts to offer Mexican cuisine in one form or another over the years, but in most cases those efforts were incomplete, focusing on what one might consider “Mexican fast food” - nachos, chips and salsa, and maybe tacos. However, as of two nights ago, with the Papaya Moon Cantina, Bonaire finally does have a restaurant with real Mexican food, or more specifically, the form of Mexican food better known as TexMex, as it originates from Texas.

Operated by the Perpich family from Texas, and located off Kaya Grandi at the former location of Croccantino’s, Papaya Moon Cantina offers a very diverse menu. In our evaluation dinner last night, our party of four chose six appetizers, three main courses and four desserts. We also had a couple of top shelf margaritas to start the meal (our other two diners were below the legal drinking age, so they settled for sodas).

We found the food presentation to be good, the food itself delightful and tasty, and the ambiance in the back courtyard (one of several vastly different locales to dine in at the restaurant) pleasant.

Our appetizers were Seafood Fondue - a lobster dip with queso blanco that had something of Newburg flavor, accompanied by tortilla chips; Queso Blanco - molten Mexican white cheese with various additions served with tortilla chips; Gazpacho Shooter - four shot glasses of Gazpacho topped with an avocado cream; Tequila Ceviche Martini - a large martini glass filled with a great seafood ceviche; and a cheese Quesadilla (the main course for the non-foodie nine year old boy in our group). We also received chips and salsa, and when we asked for a spicy salsa, got exactly what we asked for - it had a smoky, clove sort of flavor and a burn that snuck up on you after a few seconds.

For our main courses we had the somewhat traditional Crazy Beef Fajita Nachos - a huge plate of tortilla chips smothered in refried beans, cheese, beef, onions, and peppers; a Tortilla Crusted Chile Relleno - a large roasted Poblano pepper stuffed with chicken and Monterey Jack cheese (this was a table favorite); and the Border Pork with Orange Macadamia Salsa - incredibly tender and moist pork loin with a flavorful but not overpowering orange flavored sauce (runner-up in being a table favorite). The latter two dishes were also served with refried beans and a tasty and interesting rice accompaniment.

And as a finale, we enjoyed a Creme Brulee - traditional flavor and appearance, but set apart by being served on a plate of Jalapeno jelly and candied peppers; a Lemon Raspberry Tiramisu - Wow! (the table favorite); the Bunnelo Stack with Cinnamon Creme - fried flour tortillas covered in cinnamon and sugar with cream, akin to sopapilla, but better (this was the runner-up table favorite dessert); and vanilla ice cream (our non-foodie nine year old’s favorite).

Along with a double espresso, our dinner tab came to approximately US$150 including a generous tip, and we waddled out of the restaurant with our left-overs, well sated, and spent the remainder of the evening recounting the many delights of our meal to each other. Papaya Moon Cantina is open for dinner Wednesday through Monday.(Source: Bonaire Insider Reporter - First Hand Review)

Added December 30, 2006:  For additional information or for reservations, you may email the restaurant at info@papayamooncantina.com