In Aruba, options are scarce when it comes to places to have business meetings and at the same time enjoy top-tier cocktails and bites. The Lobby at Aruba Marriott Resort is the place to go.
Aruba Marriott's lobby is famous in and of itself! Gelato & Co., prestigious jewelry stores, boutiques, Starbucks, and "The Lobby": a circular cocktail/sushi bar that has been making waves for some time by being the venue where Aruba Marriott Resort has hosted culinary experiences like The Ceviche Pop-up, Secrecy, and their latest Sushi Pop-up, all massive hits. Every day, The Lobby puts out their shiniest glasses to serve guests and the general public that is after a well-crafted cocktail or a bite.
Having a business meeting there is the best idea and I would like to explain to you why: They open at 4 PM, so still happens during working hours, the ambiance is serene, air-conditioned, their table surfaces are large, perfect if you need to take notes or have your laptop out, and there are no crowds. Now add great food and cocktails, what's not to love?
After locating the best-looking table that afternoon, I asked Beto (our great waiter), what was his favorite cocktail from the menu and he suggested the Hibiscus Margarita. This is how it looks like:
What's in it: Patrón Citrónge, Patrón Silver, Cointreau, fresh lime, and Hibiscus syrup on a large glass garnished with a Hibiscus flower. 10/10 for taste and balance. With some even delicious cocktails, you feel you could not drink more than two. I could easily have 5 of these, it never cloys.
Let's dive into the food.
Salmon sashimi looking like out of a magazine opened our appetite. Nothing like a chilled fresh Salmon slice slightly dipped in soy sauce.
The Sushi there is beyond. Many many people put it on top of the list of places to have a Roll in Aruba and I am here to support that statement. The freshest fish, the perfect temperature, and the most creative combinations of ingredients and toppings are there to give you the most delicious and good-looking sushi.
Dragon Roll Z (best sushi roll name): Breaded shrimp, cucumber, cream cheese, avocado, spicy crab, and green onions with eel sauce.
This caterpillar-looking roll is jam-packed with flavors and textures: creamy, crunchy...100 % would order again.
Dushi Aruba Roll: Eel, avocado, cucumber, tuna, mango sauce, and a touch of Pica di Papaya. A must-have! the mango sweetness and the heat provided by the famous Aruban hot sauce is a no-brainer if you want to try something different.
Now part of almost every menu a Poke Bowl is also a great choice. The Lobby combined a tuna tartare with fresh veggies, rice, and a touch of Sriracha. What a beauty:
A fantastic vegetarian option on the menu is the Portobello flatbread. The visual is striking and the taste of the caramelized onions, goat cheese, mushrooms and pecans combined was just incredible.
Coming to The Lobby and not having one of their Martinis is a missed opportunity. By suggestion of Beto, I ordered the Green Apple Martini. Ice cold and strong to kill a horse. I suggest having this one as your first drink if you want to loosen up a little.
The bottom line is: If you are looking for a place to have that business meeting where you want to be comfortable in every way possible and have at hand everything you need if you crave a drink or something great to eat, on top of that, made by the best hands and with the best ingredients, The Lobby at the Aruba Marriott Resort is the place to go.
If you decide to stay longer, the vibe picks up after dark when the live DJ plays some tunes or a live singer enchants the clients. I heard it's also a great place to get a nightcap.
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