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Easter Sunday is a vibrant celebration—what better way to enjoy it than with a festive brunch and having a glass of Bellini with the Easter Bunny at Gianni's Ristorante Italiano? Of all Sundays, Easter is one of the most special of the year. Families and friends gather with one purpose: to enjoy themselves and indulge in some delicious food. Sunday Brunch is always a great idea, and Gianni's understood the assignment: a festive selection of dishes, colorful decor, and the Easter Bunny, great vibes all around. The Food. Our experience began with two breakfast items and a nice cup of coffee, the Vegetable omelet and the fruit Waffle: Straight to the point, an omelet with leeks, mushrooms, and bacon bits, for those who can't imagine a breakfast without an egg dish. The Fruit Waffle, topped with berries, microgreens, and caramel sauce, sang at our table. I am glad to see they kept a sweet item on the menu; some brunches often remove them, and for us, the sweet-tooth crowd, it is a must. Although Turkey is more commonly associated with Christmas or Thanksgiving, Gianni's had a live carving station, and I heard it sold like hot bread. The Egg Salad Bruschetta was one of my favorites. Nicely prepared, creamy, and with a touch of pickles. A simple yet elegant red beet salad with oranges and feta cheese was the fresh touch of the menu. Would not be a brunch at Gianni's without some pasta. The Rigatoni with caramelized onions and tenderloin was fantastic, a touch of sweet, cooked al dente, perfect chew. The Gnocci al fileto, with shrimp and tomato sauce, felt like munching on pillows. The Salmon in carrots and leek sauce had a buttery texture, melting into a delicate carrot and leek sauce, a dish both elegant and comforting. Sweets. On the left, the Key Lime Tartlet was airy, fresh, could have had 10 of them. The Eclair was interesting! The coffee glaze moved it into a Mocha territory, with no notes. Tunes were in charge of Dj V, Vanessa Leer. Always a standout. Dj V. The Easter Bunny stole the show. Cheering with bellinis, sitting at the tables, going for a spin at the 360 photobooth. Going out for a meal during a jam-packed holiday can be tricky, and Gianni's Ristorante executed and delivered without a hitch. Congratulations to the team! The room was full of all kinds of people, and everyone was having their fun. Kids with the easter eggs and face paint, adults with bottomless Bellinis (a sparkling wine bottle was popping every 10 seconds 🍾), and the Easter Bunny making its rounds, having a moment with everybody. They have brunch every Sunday, no need to wait for a special holiday to go! I'll be there next year, count me in!

Wanna treat your dog to a fancy birthday celebration? Elements at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is the place to do it! As soon as I found out that Elements Restaurant launched a Dog Menu I knew I had to take my dog Ramón there, and what better occasion than his 2nd birthday? Finding a place where to have dinner with your dog as your plus one is not easy, since we may have less than a handful of pet-friendly restaurants in Aruba, but things are changing with new options appearing, slowly but surely... The Culinary Team at Elements, the signature restaurant of the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, thought of everything when creating their Dog Menu. A 3-course meal and woah, what a meal! Ramón was the happiest and fanciest dog that day. Whether it is beef or chicken your dog's favorite, they have made several options, making sure all ingredients and preparations are dog friendly, without any additives or seasonings that could hurt them, it is never a good idea to feed your pets with food made for humans, they don't respond well to high sodium and many ingredients could be toxic or give them allergies. The Dog Menu Experience. The five-star treatment starts once you get to your table. A fresh water bowl is placed close so you don't have to worry about bringing a water bottle or asking for a cup. Dogs usually get thirstier when they are in a new place or around unusual environments, so more than ideal. Here is a screenshot of the menu, which can be found on Element's Website I chose the Puppy Feast , based on Ramón love for chicken. It comes with basmati rice, grilled chicken, some avocado, some olives, carrots, tomatoes, and some cheese, just a dash... the portion is huge. We got too excited and forgot to take a good picture, but you'll get the idea. $8 You can't make a dog eat something they don't like, but look here he was enjoying it to the max. A while later and two martinis in (hey! The parents and friends get to have some fun too!) the dessert arrived, a special piece of cake for dogs. I thought he was too full to eat it but that assumption was a mistake, the whole thing was gone in seconds. The cake was complimentary. Few crumbs left. The restaurant looks better than ever. They just reopened the indoor area after a full renovation and it is looking fantastic, the booths look like a great spot, especially for brunch, which I will be reviewing soon. The deck area is probably where you'll want to sit, with sunset views, breeze, and background music at low volume... this is a place for unwinding and relaxing. The drinks were top too, the Beach Club Clover with Gin, raspberry purée, raspberry liqueur, citrus juice, and egg white was thoroughly enjoyed. Drinks are around $12 The Beach Club Clover, gin based. There you have it, short and sweet. Ramón's 2nd birthday could have not been better! The Elements' team really made us feel welcomed and at ease. Every step of the experience was great, especially thanks to Shakim who gave us flawless service. Please take note that Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort and Elements Restaurant is an Adults-Only, cashless, and no-groups (6 people max) establishment if you want to plan your dog's bday dinner. Special Thanks to Crescenzia Biemans and the F&B Team, Nicolás Nelmaceff, and Chef Federico Martín for making it all happen. We couldn't be more grateful. Follow Elements' Page here: https://www.facebook.com/ElementsAruba Their website with all the menus https://www.elementsaruba.com/menu

Two titan bars collided to make 3 cocktails. Bon vivants showed up and the night became an iconic collaboration. Ever since Mamba Negra entered the 50 Best Discovery Bars the rise to the top has been unstoppable. On my recent trip to Medellín I had the fortune to visit them and not only did they leave me the best impression ever, but everything was beyond my expectations. It is the sexiest place. I could not wait to write about it in my Medellín Guide read here. To our fortune, Apotek Speakeasy had been silently working on a collaboration, where two of the brightest were planning on coming to Aruba to make magic for one night only. Here there were Juan David Zapata and Luis Wladimir Marchán, doing their thing: The vibes were immaculate. Beats were a serve by Adrián Croes Adrián Croes behind the decks The Drinks. Prado It's a danger when Tequila drinks are this smooth. The coconut water and coconut fat-washed Don Julio Blanco brought a certain Caribbean feel. On top what you see is a pickled watermelon sphere. Maybe that gave it dirtiness due to the brine that leaked from it into the drink? So was it a Martini? Coffee Bee Knees I would assume there was a little of Espresso Romano inspiration behind this one. Sharp and crisp to the taste due to the Gin (fat washed with coconut oil) with a little of a bitter note at the end, very apero . I would say it is the perfect aperitif cocktail to enjoy on a terrace overlooking the Amalfi Coast. Versailles When in the Caribbean, Rum. Even though I am not the most avid rum drinker, I can certainly appreciate the skill that takes to balance a rum cocktail. Sweet, herby, delicate, woody, sippable. The dehydrated passion fruit crisp and Sichuan pepper on top was a crown to the glass. If you are into grown-up hangouts, sippin' on what few can enjoy... you must follow Apotek Speakeasy and go hang out any night, right in the heart of Oranjestad as they say. They are always up to something cool. Special Thanks to Jason and Grey at Apotek for the special treatment, as always. Thank you, Derin Küçük for the invite and Marksonn Maduro for the Hospitality. Original artwork and photography by Enrique Balestrini.

The art of Al Fresco dining, elevated by the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba and Aruba Trading Company with a wine-pairing 5-course dinner. Few places in Aruba still offer you that feeling of peaceful retreat like Fresco does. Nestled in the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba garden, It feels like you've gone away from the crowds and traffic jams of the popular streets in Aruba. For a quiet and intimate occasion, it is the perfect place. Aruba Trading Company in partnership with the F&B, and Marketing Team at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba, put together this unique occasion where food and wine enthusiasts gathered for sips and bites of their finest offerings. A 5-course menu accompanied by Tuscan wines took us to an Italian patio on a hot summer night for a few hours. Glasses of prosecco on everybody's hands and the first bite of the night hit the tables: A twist to the classic "Prosciutto e Melone" which is the perfect Italian appetizer if you ask me. This one was interesting with some other fruit additions. Surprised the eye and the palate. The Antipasti was effective. a deconstructed salad with poached pear, sliced on a bed of bitter greens, a dollop of goat cheese, and toasted nuts. It all worked to open up your appetite. Accompanied by a fresh Bottega Vinaia, Piniot Grigio. I appreciated the chilled plates for salads considering the hot weather and the outdoor setting, things could lose temperature quickly, and there is nothing worse than a warm salad. Primo. A well-rounded dish that included different textures, colors, and flavors, of course. The ravioli had that perfect al dente bite and the roasted pistachios added that nuttiness that went so well with the cheese and pumpkin filling. Secundo. A tender short rib never disappoints. Their interpretation: served with braised red cabbage, spiced sweet potato purée, apples, bacon, and chili was spectacular, and very of the season. I would have left the green peas out since I feel they added an old-school vibe. Dolce. It is true that after a couple of hours of indulging, there is no space for dessert (or desire to even have it). In a creative move, that certainly was very appreciated by all, the team presented us the dessert ready to go. Boxed chocolate and strawberry eclairs, roasted peanuts, meringues, and chocolate sauce. Have it in bed when you get home or the next day with your afternoon coffee. Brilliant. Not only that It is nice to see The Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba back in the dining event game! Who can forget their pop-up events a few years back? I am looking forward to the next one! and you should too! Great menus crafted by Chefs Derrick Falconi and Gerard Carolina, with beyond pairings by ATC's Melissa Geerman. Kudos to the F&B team for a remarkable service. You should follow Fresco on Facebook as of NOW to be made aware of the next dining event, here: Fresco Aruba Special thanks to Zugheila Giel and Diasil D'aguiar for being the perfect hosts.

Celebrate Thanksgiving this year at Gianni's Brunch and give things a twist! Gone are the days when you would have to spend days shopping, prepping, and cooking (and then cleaning up!) to have a Thanksgiving Dinner celebration, it does not even have to be a dinner, it can be a brunch, why not? Who would say no to an all-you-can-eat affair savoring the Italian hits that Gianni's does so well and bottomless Bellinis? I honestly can't name a single person. The team at Gianni's invited me last Sunday to have a peek at the offerings for this upcoming brunch and needless to say I was impressed. There is a thing for every taste. Breakfast Whenever I have breakfast out, I like having a sweet item, no matter what else comes next. Here, your best bet is the French toast , which never fails. Savories. Polenta Fries with Arrabbiata Sauce : Crispy polenta sticks served over spicy tomato sauce and parm. Great shareable. Shrimp Cocktail Crostini : A fresh bite of shrimp tossed in cocktail sauce. Melanzane & Beef Parmigiana : to be honest one of the best dishes here overall, it never fails to satisfy. I suggest you have it from the regular menu anytime. Cream of Onion Soup : It was a good cream topped with cheese and croutons. I do prefer the traditional brothy version. Pastas and Mains. Spaghetti al Formaggio : For those who come to Gianni's to have their famous cheese wheel pasta, this is your chance to kill that craving. Don't skip it. Goat Cheese Gnocchi : I really enjoyed this one. Goat cheese, caramelized pear, and walnuts made this dish sing. I so welcomed the Thanksgiving flavors added. Fall pasta? is that a thing? Tortellini Quattro Formaggi: Even tho I did not taste the flavors of all the cheeses listed in the menu description, I thought this was a hit. Could've eaten 20 of them, and YOU could! remember this is an all-you-can-eat. Risotto Amatriciana : With these big portions things get tricky. I suggest you share it. Creamy and tomatoe-y with some onion notes and basil. My only note is that I wish it was served more nestled on a bowl-like dish, being spread out like that makes it go cold quickly. Pan-Seared Scallop : Easy top 3 of the whole brunch. First of all the taste of the sear does the scallop so much, just by itself is great. The red pepper sauce adds to that smokiness and that dollop of tobiko on top adds to the texture. When. Igo out to eat mostly I go for things I could not cook myself and this is the perfect example of that rule. Branzino Duo Creme : Gianni's went all out for this edition with lots of premium proteins. Branzino with this elegant white wine and cilantro sauce was also a hit on our table. The polenta bed was a nice idea. Tenderloin : Sweet potatoes and peppercorn sauce round it all for the Thanksgiving vibe. Desserts. Mini Cheesecakes and Mini Hazelnut Dome. I don't need to tell you how good these are. Save some space for them. The best thing of all is that on top of all these things I just showed you, there will be a live Turkey Carving Station. They are committed to giving you the fullest of experiences within the Gianni's experience. Here is the Menu: It's only Afl. 95 per person (add 20 more for bottomless Bellinis). There will be live entertainment, prizes... Don't tell me I did not give you ALL the deets. Gobble Gobble! Happy Thanksgiving! Special Thanks to Gianni's Group for the invitation.

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: 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 Massive kudos to everybody involved. It was just epic! See you all next year at the second edition of the Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival!

They did it again! One of the most fun events of the year delivered great drinks and one hell of a time! As if the picture above does not say it all, Gianni's Group Bartender Competition was once again a great time! The turn-up was above expected and the piazza around the fountain soon after sunset was full of cocktail enthusiasts eager to savor each of the 7 creations corresponding to each restaurant of the group. Vibes were correct and how could they not? the best cocktail crafters were ready at their stations to impress the crowd with cocktails of all kinds. With the ticket, a punch card was included that allowed us to taste each of the 7 drinks and cast our vote for the "People's Choice award". Let's recap! Catalina Giraldo for Gianni's Ristorante. Drink: Mysty Rose. Inspired by women's empowerment, this Gin-based cocktail and Lychee notes was floral, fresh, and delicate. Very welcomed by the people. Jefferson Berrio for Azia. Drink: El Frio de Sabaku. Without a doubt one of the most intricate preparations and presentations of the night. Flor de Caña rum was the base, and then a bunch of homemade infusions and preparations that included sesame and coconut infusion, red fruit tuille, and matcha air foam. It was wildly popular! I think he even ran out of it. Huge contender! William de La Cruz for Dushi Bagels & Burgers. Drink: A Trip to Paris. Inspired by a recent trip. to Paris with his soulmate, William developed a drink that was both tasty and intricate with floral notes. It was like a reinterpretation of the classic Cosmopolitan Martini. It quickly took the top spot for me since I am a big Cosmo fan! Edison Zhong for Amore Mio. Drink: Heaven's Friend. This gin-based one was for tropical cocktail fans. Hitting all the boxes with grapefruit, passion fruit, pineapple, lemon, and guava, the wild card. I felt it had a lot of body, that surprised the palate after you sipped the foam on top. Ixomar Schuilenburg for The Beach Bar. Drink: Pink Paradise. Guava seemed to be a trend! If I am not mistaken, this was the only tequila-based cocktail of the bunch and Ixomar did not disappoint to make it strong! the ginger kick was a nice touch. Let's say it could have killed a horse and I mean that was a total compliment. Kimverly Avalos for Azurro Ristorante. Drink: Best of Both Worlds. Another complex preparation with Rye whiskey, vermouth, Lilet, Chambord, and bitters... all graciously perfumed with lemon zest. Edwin Catton for Daniel's Steak & Chop. Drink: Mary & Krak. Edwin was a real showman, gathering a crowd around him every time he made a new batch. He stated that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. and that is why he focused on making something with nuts and chocolate, of course, the Kraken Rum was the powerhouse here. The Afterparty. Well once all batches were empty and all votes from the crowd were cast, the afterparty started right next to the piazza, at Azia. The real show was about to start when each one of the bartenders had to make their drinks for the panel of judges and infuse their character into the presentations, after all, a part of being the best bartender is to be charismatic and vibrant. Here are some more shots from the afterparty: The Winners: 1st Place: William de La Cruz for Dushi Bagels & Burgers with "A Trip to Paris" 2nd Place: Jefferson Berrio for Azia with "El Frio de Sabaku" 3rd Place: Edwin Catton for Daniel's with "Mary & Krak" Congratulations to all participants! I am sure the judges had a hard task choosing the winners and kudos to Gianni's Group for what has been one of the most fun events of the year so far. I look forward to next year! trust and believe I will be there. If you want to stay updated on upcoming events and promotions, follow Gianni's Group social channels: Gianni's Group Facebook Gianni's Group Instagram

Valentine's Day is around the corner and to help you decide where to go for that special dinner here are 10 options for all tastes and wallets. Infini. For that special foodie, Infini is the ultimate treat. The experience of watching all the dishes come to life is a great spectacle. I can guarantee that anything that Chef Urvin Croes does is mindblowing and the five-star service ensures an unforgettable evening for those who enjoy fine dining. One thing: dining at Infini is an immersive experience that lasts around 3 hours and your attention will be focused on every element from cooking methods, plating, and wine pairings, so I recommend this one to those who are really into food. The Menu at Infini changes every certain months, you can reach out to discover more at reservations@infiniaruba.com Lima Bistro. Everybody's favorite. The atmosphere at Lima Bistro is relaxed but that does not mean that the food is not thought out. Everything at Lima is full of flavor and creativity. My favorite picks: The Market Ceviche with crispy calamari rings on top, Lomo Saltado for the main never disappoints, and for dessert, the french toast which is the new favorite of the Lima regulars. One advice: Lima is a very popular place, so reservations are a must. Menu available here: Lima Bistro Atardi. There is nothing more romantic than a dinner on the beach and for those who are looking for the ultimate island experience, Atardi can be your go-to. In my opinion, the best option for that kind of vibe around the high-rise area. Dine under the stars or go earlier for sunset, there is no bad time. My favorites are the octopus and sea bass. Reservations are a must too. Discover more about the menu here: Atardi Aruba Amore Mio. The name says it all. Amore Mio is the perfect option for those who want a romantic vibe without breaking the bank. A pizza date sounds like a great idea to me! also, they have salads, some Italian specialties, and nice cocktails and spritzers. My faves are the Calzone pizza and Caprese salad, and for drinks, they make a great Cosmopolitan martini and a Limoncello Spritz. Menu here: Amore Mio Olivia. If you want to stay around Oranjestad to celebrate your special person, Olivia is a great option too. The relaxed vibe and grown-up feel are perfect for those who want to stay away from the crowds and noises of the hotel area. The indoor-outdoor setting and low light are great for the occasion and the food offering is different, featuring Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences. On my last visit, I enjoyed the red beet and labneh appetizer, the tortellini calabasa, and the Pulpo alla griglia y Gamberetti y Baramundi. There's a full review on my blog about it, read it here. Menu here: Olivia Aruba Azia. The famous Asian fusion restaurant offers a sexy vibe that can set the perfect tone for Valentine's night. My favorite dishes are the dumplings, the Korean BBQ ribs, and the geisha roll. An idea: you could also go for a cocktail date by the bar, the mixologists do a great job there. Martinis are a must-try. Azia's Menu here Les Cappuchinas. Valentine's can be hectic and overwhelming for dinner. For those who are looking for a daytime date, Les Cappuchinas is a great spot for that special coffee, lunch, dessert, and even cocktails! They have Japanese specialties and classics like fluffy pancakes and eggs benedict, everything beautifully served. The pastries are something else too! I encourage you to check their Instagram highlights and I won't blame you if your mouth starts watering. Here's the menu! Casa Nonna. Wanna go Italian for Valentine's Day and still keep it romantic? Casa Nonna at The Ritz-Carlton Aruba is my recommendation. Their terrace tables overlooking the beach, gardens, and bonfire are such a vibe. My favorite pastas: Pansotti di zucca (Squash ravioli with brown butter and sage) and Pici alla Toscana (Twisted pasta strands with Tuscan beef-pork ragú). Casa Nona Menu here. Mercát. The new restaurant at the Aruba Marriott Resort has been making waves with its Mediterranean dishes! I have been countless times already and it always hits the right spot. Sitting on their terrace around sunset sipping on cocktails sounds like perfection to me on V-day. My favorite dishes are the Mortadella and Pistachio Pinsa (flatbread) the Short Rib Pasta with lemon zest, and for dessert, the Crema Catalana. Reservations and menu here: OpenTable Mercát Ever. If you want to do a chef's table experience but at the same time you want to keep it casual and moody? Ever is your best bet. Ever offers all the detailed experiences of fine dining while keeping it casual. Dishes and cocktails are true works of art, presented elegantly but remaining creative! It could be such a gift to your Valentine. Ever's menu is always changing and contains 8 courses. More info here reservations@ever-restaurantaruba.com And here you guys have it. 10 places for all styles, tastes, and wallets. One thing: make sure you make your reservations ahead! There's nothing worse than an unprepared Valentine's Day, your other half deserves it. As a final note, this post is not sponsored by any of the mentioned establishments. Follow this blog's Instagram @itsthefoodelife for more FoodE updates. Find me on Facebook too: The FoodE Life

A tale of a classy and relaxed brunch experience for grown-ups and vegans at Elements, the restaurant of Bucuti & Tara Resort Aruba. Last Sunday I got to try the new brunch menu at Elements, the signature restaurant at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, adding a new option to the brunch carousel on the island. It was my first time there and I can say it was a very different experience in comparison to the rest. The ambiance inside the Tara Lounge where the brunch takes place is classic and upscale, very country club vibes, Tables are dressed with white tablecloths and settings of white porcelain, and folded napkins on top. There is no loud music and the crowd is grown up, since this is an "adults only" resort, it all feels very chill. Also to note, they don't do big groups, reservations are limited to groups of 6, all to keep the ambiance relaxed for those looking for an escape from the loud chatter and clanking that can happen at places where bigger crowds are gathered. The Food. The Menu is set, which makes all decision-making easy. There are two options, regular and vegan, which is a unique offering in Aruba. I know the public looking for vegan options is big and often the options are very limited at these events, making it not even worth it for them to partake. The price is set to $60 per person and is sold per pair, so $120, including one bottle of Veuve Ambal Grande Cuvée Crémant de Bourgogne Brut (3,9 points on Vivino). Here is the menu for Mother's Day, Sunday, May 12, 2024. And here is the Vegan menu: To start, you get served a Champagne foam in a small glass, to open your appetite, something I have never seen before in a brunch. It is a combination of sweet and the classic Champagne taste. Followed by a savory macaron with salmon créme on top. No notes! A bite-size shrimp cocktail, perfectly poached and chilled shrimp with cocktail sauce. A classic. A bread basket arrived but the contents differed from all the other bread baskets I have seen. Arepitas, yucca, patacón, fried funchi, and mini pancakes, accompanied by butter and orange preserve (my favorite). They explained that the menu has Latin American influences, which is the reason behind this particular selection. As part of the vegan menu, I have to recommend the breakfast special: Eggplant Mechada Arepas. Three small arepas served with stewed eggplant on top. They were so good! I also tasted the Hearts of Palm Salad. I would go for anything that has hearts of Palm. This one is extra special with artichokes and avocado chunks, a dream salad if you ask me. For the main, I went for the Red Snapper. Classic Caribbean style with arroz moro, sweet plantain, and pineapple coleslaw. After a long chat and some mimosas, the desserts appeared. Classic cheesecake, carrot cake, chocolate mousse, and cashew cake. Everything was fantastic. As you can see, even though the menu is set, there are plenty of options to taste on future visits. Next time I want to enjoy a relaxed and elevated experience or I have a Vegan buddy visiting the island, I know where to take them for brunch. For more info visit the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort's Facebook Page or Instagram page: Bucutitara Elements Restaurant website: www.elementsaruba.com Until the next one!

The new outlet at the Aruba Marriott Resort is now offering a Friday Aperitivo that checks all the right boxes. Tasty, chic, and affordable. If you have been following this blog on Instagram @itsthefoodelife, you have probably seen on the stories the several times I've been to Mercát, the new restaurant at the Aruba Marriott Resort. The Mediterranean-inspired menu has so many nice things that you cannot find anywhere else in Aruba. My favorites are the Mortadella & Pistachio Pinsa, the Fig and Beets Salad, the Beef Carpaccio, and the Short Rib Pasta. But today's post is not about that. It is about their Friday Aperitivo, a fantastic initiative where you can go and sip spritzers from their terrace, have some tasty shareable bites, and see the sunset. I've often wondered where to go to farewell the work week, a Friday after 5 PM, away from the traffic, loud party buses, and stress. Well, now I have my spot: Mercát. The deal is this: for $25 you get two drinks and one shareable bite. Here is the menu: The drinks are big! enough of those drinks in short glasses full of ice that always make me feel ripped off. My favorite option will always be the spritzers, perfect to beat the heat of the afternoon. Here they are in all their splendor: The Bites. It is a hard pick. I would say my favorite is the Focaccia Mortadella. Pillowy focaccia bread with stracciatella cheese, mortadella and pistachio. Also, they have the bruschetta. 3 slices of bread with stracciatella and arugula, tomato and basil, and mushrooms. There is no Mediterranean concept without hummus and here they offer their Mezze, a combination of different dips and breads, very popular in the Med. Hummus, Muhammara, Baba Ghanoush, Falafel, Cherry Tomatoes, Baby Carrots, Watermelon Radish, Marinated Olives, Pita Bread. Pictured here: Hummus If there is a deal I am going to report it here. $25 bucks these days won't get you much in Aruba. So let's welcome the weekend at Mercát, sip some spritzers, have some bites, and listen to some tunes at the nicest terrace. Also a great place to meet a client, have a date, or catch up with your buddies. That's all, that's the post. Make sure you follow Aruba Marriott Resort on Facebook if you want to stay up to date with the deals that might be coming in the future and you don't want to miss out on. Follow this blog's Instagram @itsthefoodelife for more FoodE updates. Find me on Facebook too: The FoodE Life Content by Enrique Balestrini in collaboration with The Aruba Marriott Resort.

For my final fine dining review of the year here is another triumph for Infini. The Four Hands Dinner with Chef Daisuke Itagaki and Urvin Croes gave the word unforgettable a new meaning. One of the greatest things about the culinary world is its capacity to never stop surprising you. There's always something new to try, a new iteration, a new fusion, a new experience, and that is the reason I love what I do. Infini, did justice to its name, proving the possibilities are infinite. The Four Hands Dinner with Chef Daisuke Itagaki will remain a subject of conversation among culinary enthusiasts for a long time for the excellence that was displayed by both teams, Infini and Shimogamo. When both chefs linked up in Arizona, it became inevitable that one day they would collaborate in something of epic proportions, being Aruba (and Infini) of course, the perfect frame to execute this collab. So the day arrived. Chef Daisuke presents an Oyster, but not any oyster that you would get on a seafood tower. This is a special one. The way the chef preserved the salinity and freshness of the oyster was truly beautiful, with a touch of caviar on top because why not? Immediately I knew it was going to be unbeatable. Elevating the experience, champagne was abundantly poured to all diners. Appetizers made an appearance. Kéru by Chef Urvin and Tarabagani Chawanmushi by Chef Daisuke. A kale macaron, with tuna tataki and passion fruit. I feel there's a wave of savory macarons coming. The Chawanmushi, an egg custard was made with king crab, savory but keeping the sweetness that crab has. The black little fish on top was a cracker made with fishbone powder! Now onto serious business. The Hotate (Scallops) Aguachile. Probably the most perfectly cooked scallops I've ever had. The mushroom combination was unexpected and even the mushroom-shaped crackers on top made my tablemates gasp. Tsukune, another unknown word to me consisted of a chicken sausage on a skewer, grilled right then and there, with Chef Urvin fanning the coals. Hints of mysterious spices and that charred taste we all love from grilled foods hit the palate with force. Truffle shavings on top 'cause why the F not? Bread won't be served to start service at Infini. Bread will be a course on its own. T2 Pan Sourdough Boutique made a special Japanese-inspired blend for this occasion. Plated on the table right in front of you. the next course was a song of textures. A delicate piece of steamed turbot, a ball of sushi rice, all singing on the tastiest Nitsuke sauce made with ginger, soy sauce, and Mirin. A rice cracker and Furikake on top. Right before the Beef course, a giant piece of equipment was brought into the room. Turned out to be an ice shaver and what was told blew everybody's minds. Ice, flown in from Japan, was going to be shaved and dressed with yuzu lemon as a palate cleanser. How that was even possible, well that's the magic these two chefs worked to accomplish the unthinkable. It only lasted a few seconds in your mouth, all the effort for a couple of seconds of unforgettable taste. Imagine they saying: Yes, we are going to source ice from Japan and get this insane piece of equipment just to give our diners a few seconds of bliss. Madness. When I thought they had exhausted all the wow factors, the chef started to cut into these charred doughs like opening an Egyptian sarcophagus. The tenderloin was cooked inside at the perfect doneness. Then plated impeccably, the tenderloin and local mushrooms from Farmacurefungi hit the tables. When at some point you think, another tenderloin? Haven't we had enough tenderloins on the menus? well, this one was worth the push. I am not a fan of wasabi so I did not dare to touch the powder next to it. Finally, we got our desserts. A Yuzu lemon cloud cheesecake, miso ice cream, a meringue stick, and a black sesame sweet bread, probably I am missing more details but it was glorious. The pastry chefs at Infini and Chef Urvin are making desserts on another level. When I thought everything was said and done, they presented us with a goodie bag to take home with two pastry specialties from Infini and Shimogamo, and the full menu printed on fine paper. Stunning. The wine and sake pairings, curated by Mika Otomo, Chef Daisuke's wife, were super interesting but what won me over was her personality, simply dazzling! I have to say that from all the times I have had the fortune to sit at Infini's table, this has been their best service yet. I have raved time and time again about them, and to witness how they reach even a higher level is so spectacular. Every detail of the service, every glass, and the way they orchestrate the cooking and plating without overwhelming the diners is a well-choreographed waltz I would gladly watch time and time again. Please enjoy this gallery with more pics from that night. Make sure to follow Infini on their social channels: Facebook: Infini Aruba Instagram: Infini Aruba Follow this blog's Instagram @itsthefoodelife for more FoodE updates. Find me on Facebook too: The FoodE Life

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse joined forces with Caymus Vineyards for this unique evening where wine enthusiasts sipped, ate, and rejoiced. If you are not familiar, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, located at the Aruba Marriott Resort, has been partnering with some iconic vineyards to create dining events that they call Taste Maker Dinners. Vineyards like Belle Glos, The Prisoner, and Stag's Leap, to name a few have already been a success and when Caymus Vineyards was announced to be the new one, I jumped at the chance to attend. I am not a wine connoisseur at all, let's start with that! I just enjoy wine as much as anyone else. Being familiar with Caymus comes from events where I have been introduced to their bottles and varieties, a delightful assortment. So what better formula than this partnership at Ruth's Chris, one of my favorite restaurants on the island, and this vineyard? The menu. As you can see the menu offers a wide range of dishes from the land to the sea: cured pork, shellfish, poultry, and of course, beef! it was going to be interesting how the wines would complement or contrast each dish. That for me is the most interesting part of wine-pairing dinners, the opportunity to discover and learn new things about wines and the complexity behind them. The amuse: A prosciutto and melon skewer with a little bit of whipped herb cheese was a nice welcoming bite. An ode to the classic Italian appetizer Prosciutto e Melone. The pairing was a nice crisp Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc that we all enjoyed several glasses of. A small bowl of a thick crab bisque followed. With a dollop of tarragon cream on top, was the sweetest thing. A fantastic little bowl that could have been a full pot and we would have devoured it anyway. White blends are unusual to me. This Conundrum 2021 immediately raised eyebrows for its character. Scents of jasmine, honeysuckle, apricot, and tangerine. Flavors of pear, apricot, and a hint of citrus. Coming to one of these dinners at Ruth's Chris the menu could have dishes that are not usually on their rotation, like this Pomegranate Glazed Chicken Breast. I am personally not too inclined to eat chicken whenever I am out. The verdict: not that it was a miss for me, I just think this dish could have sung better perhaps at a brunch menu. The pairing: Red Schooner Voyage 11 Malbec. Talk about a great-looking label! A visit to a steakhouse without a filet would have been incomplete. No notes, 10/10. The accompaniments, charred broccolini, and a white bean cassoulet that was my absolute favorite! I would have never thought of beans and steak and here we were. The Sommelier, Ruben van der Ven, and others raved about this wine at the beginning of the night causing great expectation and it delivered. The Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is a bottle you should have in your stash. Cocoa, cassis, and ripe berries. A tiny chocolate crème brûlèe was our farewell and we did not need much else. The menu said "Coffee & tea" but we opted for Espresso Martinis. It was Friday and we decided to live a little. The wines were great, the night was young and these Taste Maker Dinners at Ruth's Chris are perfect to have a bit of everything. I will definitely stay pending when the next one is announced and you should too! $150 per person and being able to enjoy all I just described is just a steal! Make sure you follow Aruba Marriott Resort on Facebook if you want to stay up to date with the events that might be coming in the future and you don't want to miss out on. Follow this blog's Instagram @itsthefoodelife for more FoodE updates. Find me on Facebook too: The FoodE Life