2ndSon is the new street food pizzeria in Palm Beach, Aruba. What is their deal?
Photos by Carlos Delgado (@carlosdelgadx)
2ndSon set operations this past August to bring -according to their instagram bio- a hip, young, high quality and fresh new stile of street food, combining new taste with daredevil attitude. Located at The Village, Palm Beach Aruba, 2ndSon has the advantage to be in the heart of the party alluring those side-walking customers. Initially they stayed open til late-late, and when hunger struck those leaving the bars, 2ndSon was there with Pizza slices and tubes of noodles. The times we are living in are constantly changing and they have been challenged with different rules. By now they have different opening hours, til midnight as of today (September 2nd).
Why a second chance?
I was curious to visit 2ndSon since they opened but I haven't been out to party lately... I put suggestions box on my instagram @itsthefoodelife and several people suggested me to go. Finally, long time pal Josh Ras @top.rankin messaged me raving about their food and the pork belly pizza, enough to put it on top of my list.
Often happens that new businesses are still managing operation flaws during their first weeks and I happened to go there on a night that was not so bright. Left underwhelmed and with 30 bucks less in my pocket. I could't believe that a highly recommended place by legit people was so-so, specially knowing their origin and that Rigo is the mind behind it. For those unfamiliar (as I initially was), Rigo comes from the Urataka empire, enough for me to think there's gotta be more to it than a bad night. Long story short I was there a week after with my two buddies @carlart_ and @carlosdelgadx to give it a second chance and taste as much stuff as we could.
The Concept.
The food offering basically is pizza and pastas. Talking to Armin and Alysha, on charge of the marketing, he explained to me that this is not only about a slice of pizza before going to bed at 2 am. This is about unexpected toppings and combinations of high quality stuff both on their pies and pastas, also they change their menu every couple days to include their latest mixes, like spicy bbq popcorn chicken pie.
Concept is sidewalk vibe. Get your slice or pasta and eat on the couple standing tables available or take it elsewhere. Soft drinks and water bottles are available. This is the menu on display that night.
The Food
Let's get down to the food business. Pizza slices are big, I would say around 7 inches and prices start at $4 the slice. Specialty ones go from $5. These were massively loaded with a cheese mix of mozzarella, gouda and cheddar plus the toppings. I was told Elio, in charge of the kitchen changes the cheese mix constantly to twist things up a little. I would say these are Aruban-style pizzas if that is a thing.
This was the BBQ popcorn chicken. It was Fantastic to be honest. The dough taste is super recognizable from Urataka, made fresh every day. If you like Urataka, you're gonna like this one.
The Bastard: Ribeye (quality jumped out) and honey mustard. Rarely available but hey ask for it! maybe you're in luck to find it that day.
Mac and cheese and noodles are also on the menu. Tried the Loaded mac and cheese ($13). Pork Belly, Chicken and Steak strips on top of creamy macaroni topped with Sriracha mayo and chopped parsley. It was very tasty and the loaded word is not a joke. Cholesterol tests the next days are not recommended.
The classic cheese and pepperoni pizzas are also available. If you're a bunch you can also order the whole pie to go.
Also (!!!) they have their own hot sauce: Diabel den Shelo. Smokey, thick and hot it was VERY good. Tourists friends, don't bring a magnet to your friend next time you visit, get the hot sauce. $5
Don't skip the Popcorn chicken by itself. It was fantastic. $7
Credit where is due. Local entrepreneurs need support. They dared to open a place in this economic climate, knowing things are shaky and did it taking into consideration aesthetics, branding and creativity when it comes to the food offerings. Sure, they are starting the journey and improvement is being made to reach their full potential. It will be hard to say no to a slice of pizza next time I leave the bar at 3 am.
BTW they are taking orders for Lobster Mac and Cheese on their instagram or facebook page. Give them a follow and help them grow.
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