A wax-sealed envelope contained one of the most interesting and delicious menus ever crafted by the Aruba Marriott.
On Friday, April 29, The Lobby at Aruba Marriott Resort put on a special look and feel to host the Secrecy event, an event that hasn't happened in a long time and that is one of the most special ones to all foodies in Aruba. The decor, tastefully put together by Perfect Team Event Planners transported us all to a Japanese Cherry blossom forest.
The experience was truly special. From the moment you sit down the first thing you encounter is a black envelope sealed with wax that contains the menu. Prior to the event, the menu remained a secret until that moment, when you get to unveil the food and cocktails offerings.
The menu was curated meticulously by the culinary team at the Aruba Marriott Resort to take you on a journey of Japanese fusions with the most daring combinations.
From the already highly rated sushi specialties from The Lobby to new dishes. It was not an extensive menu but it was substantial. Even mocktails, important these days when not everybody is interested in drinking.
The FoodE Experience.
To quench the thirst I ordered the Tokyo Mule. Fantastically enhanced with the addition of Melon Liquor. A twist to the classic Moscow Mule that I will continue to order at The Lobby. To me, the best cocktail of the night.
It was time to order the first round of dishes. We started with the Octopus and the Fish Chicharrones.
From the get-go, I could tell none of the dishes were going to be like anything I'd seen before. The presentation was spectacular! Every little bite placed with such detail really made me feel that I was being served a piece of artwork. The fish chicharrones were great! The tartar sauce was extra tangy which very much brought brightness to the dish. The Octopus, I mean, what's not to love about grilled octopus. The purple cream was made from potatoes.
If there are Oysters I am going to have them! I was intrigued reading the Ají Amarillo combination and the drop of sweet potato. The presentation, then again, stunning served on a bed of coarse salt. The taste was interesting and bright, like a little crudo. My true passion for Oysters would still prefer to have them in a classic way, just a squeeze of lemon.
Bao buns were also a hot item that night and Marriott-branded, I mean, come on!
The Dragon Roll Z, was the best seller of the night I heard. Maybe because it is a permanent item on The Lobby's menu and also because it's EPIC! Breaded shrimp, cucumber, avocado, cream cheese, and spicy crab cream on top with some green onions, dash of eel sauce. Reads and tastes like the quintessential sushi roll.
To have a break from feasting (to be honest we literally went all out on this one), we ordered new cocktails from the menu.
This was the Hibiscus Dragon.
Vodka, Cointreau, Hypnotic, lime juice. Hibiscus syrup and flower. A bomb.
This was the Pomegranate Blossom.
Prosecco, Pomegranate and Elderflower liqueurs. Looks delicate but packed a punch I gotta say.
Now into the two most impressive dishes of the evening.
The Tuna & Foie.
These two bites were something just beyond this world. Few ingredients that combined together achieved a range of flavors that could have knocked me off my seat. Tuna rolled, a piece of foie gras on top, crispy potato flakes, and ponzu. Really crafted to hit the palate with power.
Tiradito.
Ok come on now, this was a masterpiece just by the looks. Red Snapper, smoked avocado, leche de tigre, capers, sweet potato, cancha corn powder, and roe. Grabbed a spoon and filled it with a bit of everything. Tears of joy.
I mean, what else can I say at this point that I haven't conveyed yet about this evening? The Aruba Marriott once again proves excellence, first of all, and second, outdoing themselves with creativity in everything they do. From the look and feel to the food, which is what you at the end remember, The Secret is out and it is delicious.
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