Autentico Proves It: Nothing Unites Like Food.

Enrique Balestrini
Oct 23, 2024
1 min read

On the days after the Autentico, Aruba Culinary Festival, all I heard were comments of surprise and satisfaction. For a moment some people were skeptical about it but after a weekend of indulgences and triumphs, I am certain that this event will continue to grow and take place for many years to come.

What was more beautiful was to see people getting reacquainted with the streets of Oranjestad, those streets that we haven't explored in a while. It all served as a gorgeous frame for the festival. The response to the festival on the days close to the festival was huge, the 2 nights sold out quickly. Tickets were the most coveted thing that weekend. For the non-believers, I bet you did not see that coming!

My Autentico recap in pictures:

The Lima Bistro - Azar - Ever - Poke Ono - Bodegas Papiamento street was definitely the busiest, no shade to the others. I did not even had the chance to taste Chef Teddy's offerings.

ree — Gianni's Ristorante sold the formaggio pasta and it was a hit! also, Papillon Restaurant killed it with the beef stew and escargot. I loved them both.

ree — The Steak Sandwich from Cookout Aruba was one top 5 best things I had.

ree — Cocktails at Bodegas Papiamento, the chicest setup.

ree — Brett Ramiro at the Bodegas Papiamento stand.

ree — The Oysters at Ever Restaurant. Who knew he could get away with a sweet oyster?

ree — The burger at Amuse. Everybody raved.

ree — The Don Julio Bar was fantastic. Should be there every year.

ree — Honestly impressed to see all the work that it took for the restaurants to set these booths up. Look all the stuff just at Gianni's

ree — I loved that it was an all-ages event. From the littlest ones to the seniors, everybody was out there.

ree — Cocktails at the Aruba Tourism Terrace.

ree — The Rooster. A cocktail by Liquid Chef at the Aruba Tourism Terrace.

I really enjoyed sitting down by the street and people watch. It was a vibe.

ree — Chef Miguel at the Ever Restaurant stand.

ree — The Journey and Amuse had great comments.

ree — Could not try the Short Rib by The Renaissance but I wish I had :(

ree — This patio with the Tanqueray/Kettle One bar and Don Julio Bar was a hotspot!

ree — The Lineup of Legends participating for the Iron Chef Aruba.

ree — Moisés Ramirez showing off his prizes. The New Iron Chef Aruba.

ree — Who did not love their Autentico Cup? Instant souvenir.

Last but not least...

‘Raiz di Nos Sabor’ presentation pa A.T.A.’s Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival.

"For this interactive space, we proposed a multidisciplinary presentation reflecting on our culinary heritage in a small alley along Wilhelminastraat, Oranjestad. This colorful space hosted three local artists and their contributions to the questions about the roots of our flavors. Trudy Lampe presented a ceramic, hand-made interpretation of some of the pillar foods that nourished our Caquetio predecessor. Velvet Zoé Ramos presented recipes inspired by local history and space. Frank Kelly gave interactive talks about our local edible herbs and plants."

A beautiful space researched, conceptualized, and coordinated by Ana María Hernández