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Cabarete Guide is an annual publication produced by The Mariposa DR Foundation, a US 501(c)(3) not for profit organization working to empower and educate girls in Cabarete. Advertising in this guide is not only great exposure for your business, more importantly it helps to fund important programs for girls in the local community. The advertising sales from Cabarete Guide are Mariposa’s biggest local annual fundraising project.
On the Cover
Good for business, good for local kids and good for tourists. A great investment!
Mariposa girl Naomi has been in the surfing program 5 years. Photo by Jianca Lazarus
DON’ T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO BE REPRESENTED IN CABARETE’S ONLY TOURISM GUIDE.
*Limited advertising space.
OUR TEAM
Patricia Thorndike Suriel
Pamela Cuadros
Editor-in-Chief & Director of Advertising Sales
Amy S. Martin
Graphic Designer & Sales Assistant
Jessica Mitchell
Photographer
Editor
THANKS GO TO OUR CONTRIBUTING TALENTS
Julia Alvarez Author
Amanda Bucci
Leah Dawson
Writer
Changing Tides Foundation Co-Founder
Jianca Lazarus Photographer
Sebastiano Massimino Photographer
Mark Tuschman Photographer
Special thanks to Mariposa volunteers: Amelia DePaola, Johana Mata, Abby Melick, Emma Wingreen. EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: promo@mariposadrfoundation.org
GENERAL ENQUIRIES: (809) 571 0610
@Mariposa DR Foundation
All photos by Amy S. Martin unless otherwise specified.
Deadline for submissions and payment for 2020 issue: June 15th, 2019.
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CONTENTS
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SAMESEAS SIX WATER WOMEN & SURFER MAGAZINE VISIT THE MARIPOSA DR FOUNDATION 18 KEEPING THE MARIPOSAS ALIVE BY JULIA ALVAREZ
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22 THE LAST STRAW REUSE, REFUSE SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
26 FABULOUS FINDS IN CABARETE HANDMADE UNIQUE LOCAL PRODUCTS
30 IT TAKES A VILLAGE BY THE MARIPOSA DR FOUNDATION
46 DINING OUT CABARETE’S BEST RESTAURANTS
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52 RECIPE “LA JEFA” (THE BOSS) SMOOTHIE
58 COMMUNITY MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE BENJAMIN COLE BROWN
64 CABARETE EVENTS FIND OUT ABOUT OUR ANNUAL EVENTS
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Our local surf girls are the superstars of our 8th edition of Cabarete Responsible Tourism and Investment Guide and they have much to be proud of. In a town where water sports rule, it may be hard to believe that most Dominican girls will never learn to swim. But times are changing! At the Mariposa Center for Girls, more and more girls are learning to swim, and once they have mastered this important life skill, brave young girls venture over to Encuentro Beach. Since our surfing program began in 2012, more than 50 girls have learned to surf largely due to the patience and passion of their surf instructor Pamela Cuadros, who also happens to be the graphic designer of this magazine. Cabarete is home to people from all over the world. Our visitors are adventure seekers who come here to windsurf, surf and kite. They are also compassionate people who have demonstrated they want to give back to our town. In fact, we have as many registered not-for-profits and schools in the area as there are registered windsurfing, surfing and kiting centers. We are still the adventure capital of the Caribbean, and every sport that you can do or play in the summer can be found here. We have everything from yoga, spinning, tennis, CrossFit, mountain biking, horseback riding; we even have a circus school! This makes for one great place to live, whether you are raising a family or a retiree. But that is just the beginning. Cabarete maintains a small town feel with big city dining options, home to more then 60 restaurants with cuisine from all over the word. Have a look at our top picks and reviews on page 46. As you visit our town, embrace different possibilities and opportunities. Meet locals and ask for suggestions on what to do. Ask them to tell you their stories. I promise you will be delighted at some of the answers. And thanks for helping to keep our town, beaches, and ocean clean by avoiding single-use plastic while you’re here.
Welcome to Cabarete!
Patricia Thorndike Suriel Executive Director, Mariposa DR Foundation.
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PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO
PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO
CABARETE
ADVENTURE CAPITAL OF THE CARIBBEAN
Many people come to the Dominican Republic to relax on the beach and work on their tan. Those who come to Cabarete will find this and much, much more. Cabarete is the ideal place for action-sports and adventure. As the kiteboarding and windsurfing mecca of the Caribbean, Cabarete offers a wide array of activities for thrill-seekers. Ranked among the top ten sites in the world for water sports, this little strip of paradise is drawing more and more enthusiasts from around the globe. Many of the expatriates who have taken up residence in this small town came here seeking an adventure and never left. Whether on land or sea – from kiting, surfing, and windsurfing to hiking, canyoning, and mountain biking, Cabarete has it all. We are proud to present some of the finest activities and adventures you can find in and around Cabarete in this guide. 12 | CABARETE GUIDE 2019
PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO
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PHOTO MARK TUSCHMAN
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48,670 SQ KM OF LAND AND WATER
POPULATION 10.77 MILLION
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Cabarete is the kitesurf, windsurf and surfing capital of the Caribbean
At a height of 3,087 meters (10,178 feet), Pico Duarte is the tallest mountain in the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic is ranked the 10th most vulnerable country in the world to climate change
World’s largest exporter of organic banana and cacao
OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC LIVES IN AN URBAN AREA
80% of the world’s Humpback Whale population returns to the Dominican Republic to mate and give birth every year during mid-January to lateMarch.
Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic, is the oldest city in the Americas and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Home to the only raftable river in the Caribbean - Rio Yaque del Norte
According to The World Bank, the Dominican Republic’s economic growth has been one of the strongest in all of Latin America and the Caribbean.
There are 36 airports in the Dominican Republic.
Director Francis Ford Coppola filmed scenes of The Godfather Part II in the Dominican Republic’s capital city of Santo Domingo. World famous fashion designer, Oscar de la Renta is Dominican.
HOME TO 300 BIRD SPECIES. NATIONAL BIRD: CIGUA PALMERA OR PALMCHAT
MORE THAN 5,600 PLANT SPECIES. NATIONAL TREE: WEST INDIAN MAHOGANY
The Dominican Republic is part of the Caribbean Challenge Initiative, a group of 10 other Caribbean countries committed to protect 20% of the marine and shore environment by 2020. As of 2017, the Dominican Republic was one of only four countries that had already met or exceeded this goal.
The Amber Museum in Puerto Plata houses the famous amber stone with a prehistoric mosquito preserved inside that was featured in the movie Jurassic Park.
NATIONAL FLOWER: BAYAHIBE ROSE
ALMOST 40% OF BASEBALL PLAYERS IN US LEAGUES COME FROM THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, INCLUDING PEDRO MARTINEZ, ALEX RODRIGUEZ, AND SAMMY SOSA. CABARETE GUIDE 2019 | 15
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HOW TO KEEP THE MARIPOSAS
ALIVE
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T
he last Mirabal Mariposa has died: Bélgica Adela Mirabal, known affectionately to all as Dedé, joined her three sisters on February 1, 2014. For over fifty-three years she survived them, living to see them become international symbols of resistance and human rights. When asked by inquiring schoolchildren, “Why didn’t they kill you, too?” Dedé would answer that she had been spared so that she could raise the orphan children--a family that ultimately included all of us, bereft Dominicans, recovering our souls after a thirty-one year dictatorship. But Dedé also believed she had been spared so that she could tell the story of what had happened to her sisters. It was her calling and responsibility to keep the spirit of what was best in them alive in herself and in all of us. And did she ever! Over and over, a dozen times daily, Dedé told the stories of those dark years. No matter who showed up at her door, including this author, with a little journal and a lot of questions, Dedé welcomed them into her home in Ojo de Agua, where she sat in her rocking chair in the galería, sipping a lemonade, answering questions, summoning now one or another sister to life with a detail or anecdote. Afternoons, she headed to the Museo she had set up in her mother’s former home, where her sisters had lived the last months of their lives. Each room was as the girls had left it when they set out that fateful day, November 25, 1960, to visit their jailed husbands, driven by their loyal friend and fellow victim, Rufino de la Cruz. Visitors came in the thousands: from within the country and from abroad. Most Dominican schoolchildren visited the Museo at some point in their education to look with wonder and surprise at a home where everything seemed so “normal”: a baby’s cradle in a corner with a mosquito net folded back over the hood; an unfinished sewing project draped over an old-fashioned Singer; a pair of white heels waiting to be polished and worn to mass. Certain grim touches brought back the shocking truth of their tragic end: Maria Teresa’s braid which Dedé had cut off at the morgue laid under a plastic cover; the dress Patria had been wearing, turquoise and royal blue stripes with a blood stain on its lap, hung from a hook on the door of an armoire; a photo of Manolo, Minerva’s husband, in dark glasses, mourning his slain wife sat on her dresser beside a hairbrush that, when I picked it up during my first visit in the early 1980s, held some strands of dark brown hair. Just outside, pruning and supervising the lush garden, planted with flowers that attracted butterflies, Dedé would spend many of her afternoons. If a visitor to the Museo wanted to meet her, Dedé would put her work aside to talk, especially to schoolchildren. She laughed at their amusing questions, and none amused and stirred her more than the one that made her stop and take stock. “Why didn’t they kill you, too?” It was as if each day of her life, she set out to answer that question.
For over half a century, Dedé served her country and the world with a heroism different from that of her sisters, but heroism, nevertheless: a heroism just as difficult to maintain, requiring hope and courage, amazing resilience and discipline: the heroism of daily acts of clarity and kindness, of courage and compassion. Day after day, Dedé made us believe in the better angels of our nature; she inspired us. With gradual steps, with her lively and enJulia Alvarez with Dedé Mirabal in 2011. tertaining personality, so we Photo copyright © by Bill Eichner hardly noticed the hard work and persistence it took, she led us out of that dark dictatorship era and forward, year after year, into the still tentative dawn of a new democracy. She modeled for us how to be engaged citizens, as Quisqueyanas and Quisqueyanos valientes. She did this by example, rather than by hectoring, by her actions rather than propagandizing abstractions. Her basic message, so simple all those schoolchildren could understand it, was love. A warm greeting. A patient answer to a question asked hundreds of times already. We must forgive each other, but not forget. That’s what the stories were for. We must know what we are capable of, so we can be strive to love each other better.
WHY DIDN’T THEY KILL YOU, TOO?
Now, the years have done what Trujillo’s henchmen did not accomplish. Dedé Mirabal has died. We no longer have that beloved person to embody those precious qualities which drew us to her side. What will become of the Butterflies? All that Dedé represented--her bright lively spirit, her sense of service, her deep compassion and integrity, her generosity and kindness--dies with her, unless we keep those values alive in the way we live our lives. Every day we can ask ourselves a version of the question the schoolchildren would ask her: Why am I alive today in this world? How can I serve? What can I contribute to see that justice is served? To ensure that every girl and boy in the world gets the opportunity to live a decent life? Each day that we provide our answer to these questions, the Mariposas are alive. Dedé Mirabal has died, but she left a pair of wings inside the hearts of everyone whose lives she touched.
Copyright © 2014 by Julia Alvarez Reprinted by permission of Susan Bergholz Literary Services, New York, NY and Lamy, NM. All rights reserved. FURTHER PRINT OR ELECTRONIC PUBLICATION, DUPLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION OF THIS COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
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THE L ST STRAW PHOTO JIANCA LAZARUS
In six decades, humans have managed to mass produce 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic - most of it in single-use products that end up as trash. Despite our best efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle, it will still take at least 400 years for the plastic we’ve created to break down. It’s no longer enough to reduce, reuse, and recycle. As we maintain those golden rules in environmentally conscious decision-making, we need to add a fourth “R” to the list: refuse (the use of single-use and disposable plastics)!
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Here are three easy things you can do to “refuse” disposable plastics and “reduce” your reliance on single-use plastics while supporting environmental causes right here in Cabarete:
IF USING STRAWS IS A MUST, INVEST IN A STAINLESS STEEL OR GLASS STRAW.
BRING A REUSABLE SHOPPING BAG WITH YOU TO THE GROCERY STORE.
Besides reducing your consumption of single-use plastic, stainless steel and glass straws do not leach harmful BPA chemicals into your drinks! Many restaurants in town, including Cabarete Coffee and Fresh Fresh Café, have gone plastic straw-free to promote good health, support global climate action and protect critical parts of our local ecosystem. Stainless steel and glass straws are convenient, environmentally conscious, and better for your health. Why not give them a try?
The average lifespan of a plastic bag is twelve to fifteen minutes. Reusable bags are strong and can be used for many years - plus, they can carry more weight than a typical plastic bag and can be packed faster! Try bringing your Upcycled shopping bag with you next time you take a trip to the supermarket.
ORDER YOUR DRINKS, “NO STRAW, PLEASE.” This year, the power of social media helped raise awareness of what plastic straws in our oceans can do to sea turtles. Did you know that five different species of sea turtles can be found in the coasts of the Dominican Republic? Leatherback, Green, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley and Loggerhead! March to November is turtle-nesting season in the Dominican Republic and we can all do our part to protect the Hawksbill, Green and Leatherback turtles that annually nest on the beautiful beaches of our beloved island!
To be the change, it’s as simple as that. And if someone asks about your new habits, let them know why you’ve made the decision to go disposable plastic-free. It may not feel like you can save the planet and eliminate plastic from our oceans all on your own... but we can all make a difference. One small gesture can have a huge impact if it helps someone else learn about the last straw! CABARETE GUIDE 2019 | 23
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FINDS IN CABARETE Cabarete is bustling with businesses. From boutiques to galleries to clothing and jewelry stores to street and beach vendors, it’s all part of the vibrant culture and charm here in Cabarete. For tourists in the area, shopping can be an enjoyable activity with some great finds!
WHAT CAN I BUY THAT IS UNIQUE TO CABARETE & THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC? BEACH & STREET VENDORS They might be seen as a nuisance but it’s important to remember that buying goods from local vendors is the best way to stimulate the local economy and help people put food on the table for their families. It can be overwhelming the number of people who approach you for hair braiding, fruit, massages, jewelry, musical serenades, hats and all other types of goods and services – the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Cabarete! All of the vendors will try to overcharge you but haggling a fair price is all part of the fun. Not interested? A smile and a polite “no, gracias” will send them on their way.
ORGANIC COFFEE The Dominican Republic has some of the best coffee in the world. Cabarete Coffee Company sources their beans straight from local farmers. Always fresh roasted, pick up a few pounds to enjoy at home.
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CIGARS
Did you know that the DR has a longer history of producing high quality cigars than Cuba? The DR’s fertile soil and lush climate (ideal for growing tobacco), make us the hotspot for cigar production in the world!
MARIPOSA UPCYCLED GOODS Ever wonder what happens to all those ripped sails from the kitesurfers, windsurfers and sailors? More often than not, they go into the landfill. Not here! Mariposa employs local women to upcycle the sails, transforming them into one of a kind backpacks, purses, totes, wallets and cosmetic cases. No two are alike!
CAMBIO GOODS Cambio Goods sells beautifully designed, high end leather products, including bags, wallets and laptop cases, all while supporting local craftsmen and their families. COFFEE MUGS AND REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES With a Klean Kanteen Climate Lock™ reusable water bottle or coffee mug, drinks stay cold up to 100 hours and hot up to 30 hours. Stop by Cabarete Coffee on your way to the beach and see what the hype is all about! ORGANIC PEANUT BUTTER With peanuts harvested and roasted on a Dominican conuco (farm) right outside of Cabarete, the all-natural peanut butter sold at Cabarete Coffee is a great (and healthy) way to support local farmers and satisfy your peanut butter cravings! “SOY DE CABARETE” BOOK Written by the girls of the Mariposa DR Foundation, “Soy de Cabarete” celebrates the rich mix of Haitian, Dominican and international cultures found in Cabarete. If you are looking for an authentic way to bring Cabarete home with you, this is the book for you!
KITER 4 COMMUNITIES Invest in the future of the Dominican Republic while buying the perfect souvenir with Kiters 4 Communities (K4C) upcycled products. The brainchild of Laurel Eastman, this social business uses profits to support initiatives in the local Cabarete community.
ORGANIC DOMINICAN CHOCOLATE The Dominican Republic is the largest producer of organic sustainable cacao in the world, producing over 70,000 tons of high-grade, organic, fine-flavor cacao for export each year. Pick up a bar of Dominican chocolate and taste for yourself why so many of the world’s finest chocolatiers love working with cacao beans grown on our island! CABARETE GUIDE 2019 | 27
Sales Vacation Rentals Long Term Rentals Property Management
L´Agence Real Estate Plaza Ocean Dream #2 - Cabarete, DR Tel: 809 571 0999 - Email: info@agencerd.com
www.agencerd.com
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a p S
Restaurants
Pool
NATURAL LIVING MEETS RUSTIC LUXURY
Hote l
Bea
ch
g o Y
+1 809 571-1507 www.naturacabana.com info@naturacabana.com
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IT T A K E S A V I L LAG E The mariposa (butterfly) is a universal symbol representing transition, freedom and peace. In the Dominican Republic, it was the code name given to our nation’s heroines, the Mirabal sisters, who fought social justice and gave their lives for freedom during the time of Trujillo’s dictatorship. The Mirabal sisters or “Las Mariposas,” have become not just national heroines, but international symbols. In 1999, the United Nations declared November 25th, the day the Mirabal sisters were murdered, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. In 2009 a small group of committed people who were inspired by the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) got together and formed the Mariposa DR Foundation. Almost every goal pointed to a girl. With little resources and a big agenda we began our work in the heart of the community at the Puerto Cabarete public school. Knowing that they desperately needed a wall to block out noise from the road and protect the safety 30 | CABARETE GUIDE 2019
PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO
of the children inside, we quickly organized a dozen local businesses to assist us in building a 16‘ tall retaining wall. Not only did the wall protect the children inside but kept water from pouring in during heavy rains. Over the next few years we painted and beautified the school as part of this project, and in 2011 it won the award for one of the top 50 best public schools in the nation.
WE HAVE ALWAYS PLANNED STRATEGICALLY AND GIVEN BACK TO OUR TOWN GENEROUSLY! Before developing our own Center, we used local public spaces for our activities, one being the local baseball field (lovingly termed “el play” here in the Dominican Republic) which we saw was in dire straits. Two old dugouts filled with stagnant water and garbage made them a first-rate breeding ground for mosquitoes. In 2015, with the help of The Ethel Walker School of Simsbury, Connecticut and our local Mayor Raquel Sierra, we reconstructed the dugouts and cleaned up the Cabarete baseball field. During the 2016 floods, it was estimated that this project saved over 1,000 people, mostly children, from contracting dengue fever, a virus transmitted by mosquitoes that causes high fever, nausea and vomiting, muscle and joint pain, and can be critical, especially in children lacking even the most basic resources.
Shelter is among our most basic requirements for health and safety, and so many in our community lack homes that protect them. We at Mariposa have committed to short and long-term housing projects, that at any given time have kept over 50 people, mostly children, above water. We have built bed frames, provided mattresses, even paid for temporary housing when it meant keeping a Mariposa girl out of water during hurricane season and in our programming.
PHOTOS (LEFT AND RIGHT) MARK TUSCHMAN
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PHOTO JIANCA LAZARUS
Mariposa girls are vital stakeholders in their community and are very much involved in beautification efforts around Cabarete. As part of our environmental education, we have dubbed the girls “River Keepers,” young, motivated environmentalists in action, cleaning up our waterways on their stand-up paddling adventures. We have beautified our downtown as well, with multiple mural projects, one of the most notable being a city-wide project entitled “It Takes a Village.” Venture over to the Callejón de la Loma and see this impressive stretch of art! PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO
HOW WE SUPPORT OUR LOCAL ECONOMY The Mariposa Center for Girls welcomes student groups, volunteers, and visitors to support our mission and work directly with the Mariposa girls. Close to 1,000 visitors have already committed to working with us in Cabarete throughout 2019. And of course this Guide that you are now reading, which we first published in 2012, has helped to promote the amazing businesses that share our vision. We have created one of the largest safe spaces for girls on the island of Hispaniola. It is our hope that as we grow as a Foundation, our contribution to the entire town of Cabarete will grow with us. As our mural illustrates, it takes a village. Thank you Cabarete for your growing commitment to supporting the world’s most powerful force for change: girls!
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SAMESEAS When one shares the same feeling with another through a common bond of loving the ocean PHOTOS JIANCA LAZARUS
WORDS LEAH DAWSON
In March of 2018 six water women and adventurers from the Changing Tides Foundation along with Surfer Magazine came to leave their mark in Cabarete. Their plan was to spend a couple of days working on a video with the up and rising surfers at the Mariposa Center for Girls, and then to ride the waves in their championship style for the remainder of the week. Coincidentally, a recent nor’easter caused the biggest ocean swell Cabarete had seen in a very long time, a huge draw to these six surf enthusiasts. What transpired was quite different. The Changing Tides team of Sarah Brady, Leane Darling, Leah Dawson, Jianca Lazarus, Becky Mendoza and Anna Santoro decided to spend almost every moment of their trip with the Mariposa girls. This is the story of their visit. CABARETE GUIDE 2019 | 37
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M
y friends and I at Changing Tides Foundation created our organization as a way to help learn, create, and share answers to making a positive difference. As we grow and learn the ways travelers can be beneficial to the places they travel, our dream is to help enable access to positive change, while limiting our toxic footprints. For the first time in my life, I learned an easily-definable answer to the ‘how to change the world’ question. Mariposa. Meeting the team at The Mariposa DR Foundation in the Dominican Republic and witnessing their program, transformed my understanding of female empowerment and how beneficial female-focused programs can be for entire communities. We spent a week with teenagers from various family backgrounds. We sat in a circle and discussed our unique relationships with the ocean. All different, yet bonded by the same awe of the ocean, a place we can retreat to, a space of comfort, creation, and cleansing. CABARETE GUIDE 2019 | 39
At the very core of the work at the Mariposa Center for Girls, joy emanates throughout every practice, teaching, and program, creating a safe space for girls to grow into young women, with skills and tools and a solid belief in themselves to use them. Mariposa makes decisions on a daily basis to recycle and repurpose and work toward eliminating their usage of items that harm the earth. Literally picking up trash on the ground makes one less likely to want to buy the next plastic soda bottle, and to tell their mom not to either. 40 | CABARETE GUIDE 2019
BEING A WOMAN IN THE OCEAN IS NOT COMMON (YET), ESPECIALLY IN DEVELOPING NATIONS, WHERE IT IS UNLIKELY THAT WOMEN KNOW HOW TO SWIM. BUT IS IT ONLY IN SOCIAL NORMS OF WHAT IS TOLD TO BE “THE WAY” THAT THIS ABILITY LACKS? UNDOUBTEDLY. We are in a time of great need for change. We are going to need all the wisdom, passion and courage from our younger generations to right the wrongs of pollution our older generations have inflicted upon this earth. It is the joy we experience in life that fuels our fire to move forward courageously and thoughtfully. CABARETE GUIDE 2019 | 41
WITNESSING THIS MADE THESE NEW SURFERS RECOGNIZE A NEW POTENTIAL. Surfing has a way of connecting people from cultures far and wide. The language of the sea is undoubtedly magnetic, bonding surfers together. Our second day in Cabarete happened to coincide with the best swell the DR has seen in decades.
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The Changing Tides Foundation and Mariposa surfer girls took a field trip to a surf spot in Puerto Plata, where the Mariposas watched their visitors become the first women to ever paddle out and catch waves at their big wave spot. Witnessing this made these new surfers recognize a new potential.
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I’ve read that joy is love in motion. It’s in these times of joy, the overwhelming feelings of happiness, that are a garden bed for change and growth. There’s an essential ingredient in joy… the allowance of the self to feel deserving to be happy. In these moments, our worries are not at present thought, we submerse in the moment. Joy cannot be bought, nor taught, though it can be encouraged by the people and the great earth around us. Joy feels most palpable to me when shared. It is validated in hearing the laughter of another, letting go to be fully enjoying the moment, with no fear of judgement from the surrounding space.
Playing music, running with the earth, studying with your classmates about new ways forward, fun exercise, can all ignite these magic feelings of joy within us. Like the sea, Mariposa is a home for joy.
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DINING OUT All of Cabarete’s restaurants are family friendly, and many of them offer you the unique experience of dining right on the beach, with your toes in the sand.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BEACH CLUB
In a town with residents from more than 40 countries, international cuisine is a huge part of Cabarete culture. When the sun goes down, Cabarete beach turns into a romantic night scene, with candles on the tables and people drinking and eating leisurely meals of French, Spanish, German, Italian, American and Dominican cuisine.
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THE BEACH CLUB AT SEA HORSE RANCH The Beach Club will dazzle you with its spectacular sea views and its equally impressive menu. With a gourmet global cuisine bringing a synthesis of spices from the Middle East and the Mediterranean, Beach Club has mastered the art of bringing diversity and spice to some classic dishes. Some of the favorite menu items include the Vietnamese Lettuce Boats, the Asian Fish Bowl, the Middle Eastern Mezze platter to share, and the shrimp Montao, to name a few. BLISS The aptly named Bliss Restaurant is an oasis of calm and deliciousness amongst the hustle and bustle of the Callejon neighborhood. Order from a selection of quality, specialized cocktails as you enjoy a tranquil, candlelit meal (ranging from freshly caught seafood to classic Italian staples) poolside. Just make sure to leave room for dessert-- their chocolate lava cake takes ‘bliss’ to a whole new level. BLUE MOON Take a break from the beach and get to know the beautiful countryside of the Dominican Republic when you visit Blue Moon Indian restaurant and retreat in Los Brazos. A truly unique experience that will ignite all of your senses as Eneyda (their wonderful hostess) takes you on a journey of flavors that fuse the spices and recipes of East India with a perfect touch of Caribbean flare. Sit back and enjoy the ride on a colorful cushion as you eat with your hands from a banana leaf plate. You are sure to be enchanted by the endless views and the delicious cuisine that makes Blue Moon so special! CABARETE COFFEE Eat and drink with consciousness! Cabarete Coffee is the pioneer in serving delicious, organic, shade grown local coffee! This coffee shop not only offers amazing coffee, but it also has a menu full of a variety of delicious breakfast and lunch options. You don’t need to be a surfer to appreciate their delicious Surfer Delight panini with smoked turkey, cheddar, red peppers, and spicy mango chutney. Cabarete Coffee has also helped to lead the way in the local environmental movement by serving all to-go food in biodegradable containers while all proceeds from Cabarete Coffee sales go directly to support programs at The Mariposa DR Foundation. FRESH FRESH CAFÉ Looking for something healthy that everyone in your family will like? Boasting one of the heftiest (and creative) menus in town, Fresh Fresh offers a delicious variety of options including amazing smoothies, hearty wraps and scrumptious salads; all in a fun, boho atmosphere. With two locations (in the heart of Cabarete and Sosua), Fresh Fresh just can’t be beat for eating healthy on a budget.
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GORDITOS Need something quick, unfailingly delicious, that will fill you up on a small budget? Gorditos is the answer. This casual, tropical, Chipotle-esque Cabarete staple is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. With all fresh, local ingredients, you can construct a personalized fresh-Mex meal or choose from a variety of paired menu items. Wash it all down with a margarita and head off to the beach for some more fun! LA CASITA DE PAPI You cannot leave Cabarete without going to the quintessential Cabarete gem--La Casita de Papi. Don’t let the simple décor fool you as this restaurant pulls an impressive punch in the way of flavor! Be sure to come in with an empty stomach, because you will be leaving full to the brim with freshly caught prawns in a delicious, creamy, perfectly spiced sauce-- the absolute best dish on the menu. Paired with your choice of potatoes, spaghetti or bread, this classic Cabarete dish in a classic Cabarete spot is not to be missed. NATURA CABANA As you meander through the Natura Cabana grounds, you can’t help but be enchanted by the tropical architecture and peacefulness that this beautiful place offers. Natura Cabana hosts two delectable restaurants with beachside access and breathtaking views. Karaya restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch and offers delicious breakfast classics as well as sandwiches and hearty salads. Once the sun sets, Natura restaurant is open and offers an interesting, eclectic global cuisine often using organic ingredients from their own on-site garden. You definitely will not be disappointed with your meal or your experience at this special spot.
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OTRA COSA Perched on a beautiful piece of land that juts out to sea in east Cabarete, Otra Cosa is truly (as the name suggests), ‘something else’. This romantic, idyllic restaurant has perfectly combined a quaint Caribbean vibe with a French inspired gourmet menu that can’t be beat. You will be tantalized by their eclectic menu including dishes like their Roasted Duck Breast served with Warm Curcuma Caramelized Apples or their Prawns & Lobster Tails in Tandoori Massala Spices & Chutney. Don’t leave without enjoying one of their equally incredible desserts. Otra Cosa is one of Cabarete’s fine dining experiences that shouldn’t be missed! SERENADE AT HOTEL VILLA TAINA Serenade is known for its Wednesday Mongolian Grill night. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat, design-your-own stir fry buffet. Step on up with a plate and pile it high with as many fresh vegetables, noodles, rice and meats as you can muster. The on-site chefs will sauté everything for you right then and there, and give you a choice of several delicious sauces (but choosing all of them is certainly an option too). If you are not around for a Wednesday night, Serenade also offers a full menu of delicious options for lunch and dinner and a full breakfast buffet that can’t be beat! YAMAZATO Who knew that Asia was so close to Cabarete? Yamazato Asian fusion cuisine will take you on a trip through the flavors and spices of Japan, China and Thailand right here in the DR. Their mouthwatering food is a favorite amongst the most finicky sushi connoisseurs. Enjoy their daily lunch special or put their sushi chefs to the test with a roll or two. It is safe to say that Yamazato is the best Asian restaurant not only in Cabarete, but on the island! HEAD OVER TO OUR BUSINESS DIRECTORY (PAGE 68) AND DISCOVER MORE OF CABARETE’S BEST RESTAURANTS!
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A SMOOTHIE FOR THE BOSS Introducing “La Jefa” (The Boss) - a delicious and nutrient-dense smoothie that packs protein, fiber, potassium, vitamin B-6, vitamin C, vitamin A, magnesium, and iron all into one drink! “La Jefa” combines well-known international superfoods like chia seeds, moringa and parsley with locally grown produce like banana, papaya and kale grown right here in the Dominican Republic. It even has a hint of cacao for a touch of all-natural sweetness!
NUTRITION FACTS
PREP TIME 10 mins
Healthy Fat: 8g Carbs: 64g Protein: 11.5g Fiber: 16.5g Potassium: 44% Vitamin B-6: 46% Vitamin C: 100% Magnesium: 51% Calcium: 57% Vitamin A: 100% Iron: 37%
1 serving Powered by Cabarete Coffee INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • •
1 c. banana, sliced and frozen 1 c. papaya 2 c. fresh kale ¼ c. parsley ½ c. fresh coconut water ½ c. almond milk 1 T chia seeds 1 T organic cacao ¼ c. fresh moringa leaves 3 T oats 1 c. ice cubes
INSTRUCTIONS Mix all ingredients in a blender, until the fruits dissolve and enjoy the freshness and antioxidant benefits of this smoothie.
PARSLEY
Parsley is packed with beneficial nutrients like vitamins K, C, and A, essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidants that have been used as a natural detox remedy for centuries.
CACAO / DARK CHOCOLATE
This Amazonian Superfood is one of the highest plant-based sources of iron and magnesium in the natural world, and at 160mg of calcium /100g, cacao has more calcium than cow’s milk. Here’s to guilt free chocolate cravings!
MORINGA
Moringa is a true superfood if there ever was one - and is a great supplement for people looking to up their nutrition intake! According to Michael Gregor M.D. of NutritionFacts.org, parts of Moringa have more iron than spinach, more vitamin C than oranges, and more potassium than bananas!
COCONUT WATER
Coconut water has been called a “hearthealthy” drink because of its potassium content. Did you know that potassium helps lower blood pressure in people with hypertension by counteracting the effects of sodium that cause blood pressure to rise?
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BENJAMIN COLE BROWN COMMUNITY MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF KATIE BROWN
B
enjamin Cole Brown was born just outside Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. A contractor in his early 20’s, flipping condos and homes, he was recruited by Hamilton-based charity Live Different to lead construction on humanitarian building projects in the Dominican Republic. Benjamin traded his condo renovations for cinder blocks and metal roofing. Over the next few years he worked on humanitarian projects around the globe, but most extensively in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. As Project Manager of Operations, Benjamin spent overnights with the people he was helping, to experience and understand their hardships first hand. When the earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, Benjamin happened to be in Canada. Recognizing himself as a global citizen with a responsibility to help the people he had come to love, he flew immediately to Haiti and worked tirelessly for weeks digging people out amidst unimaginable devastation. He was amazed by the courage and hope of these people. He said that we could learn so much from their resilience and perseverance in the face of such tragedy. Benjamin documented this work as a gifted photographer. His photos have been featured on the Ellen DeGeneres show, in the Huffington Post, New York Times, and numerous websites and publications. They can be viewed on his personal Instagram.
Having moved permanently to Hispaniola, Benjamin made a list every day of what he would accomplish, always challenging himself to be his very best in helping those less fortunate. He worked very closely with Haitian Live Different teammate Frantzo Begin. Together they dreamed up and worked through what seemed an impossible vision to build a school on the side of a mountain overlooking the ocean in Cap Haitian, where today over 300 children are being educated. He and Frantzo then pushed hard once again to fulfill their dream of building a Rescue Centre for young girls. Today, that dream is also becoming a reality. They had indeed become brothers. Benjamin oversaw the construction of over 250 homes, three schools, and three medical clinics, deeply impacting the 3000 volunteers he worked alongside, imparting one of his favourite quotes from Nelson Mandela:
“Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. You can be that generation”.
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While working in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, Benjamin met many talented craftspeople with incredible character and work ethic. He looked to find a way for them to generate an income to support their families using their talents. In 2010 he met a man named Jose who had a sewing machine and small shop in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Benjamin connected Jose with other local craftspeople. They began designing products, first with recycled rubber from tires and then leather, items that Benjamin personally wanted for travel such as a laptop cases, camera cases and wallets. “We designed with a lot of hands-on teaching about new styles. The group is really talented; I just brought popular and relevant styles with a broader appeal to the table.” What Benjamin founded in 2010 was officially launched in 2016 in a two-page article in WestJet Magazine, his leather company called Cambio Goods, ‘cambio’ meaning change. Cambio Goods is a social enterprise based in the Dominican Republic geared toward improving the quality of life for Dominican and Haitian families. These families live in some of the poorest places on the island, and are amazingly talented, very creative, ethical and hard working. When you shop Cambio Goods you can expect quality, style and functionality knowing that you are helping to reduce poverty by improving the livelihoods of some of the most vulnerable. Cambio Goods products are designs with purpose. On October 17, 2016 Benjamin joined close friends Chuck and Candy Ritzen, owners of Monkey Jungle, aboard Chuck’s personal plane to take medical supplies from Puerto Plata to Port au Prince, Haiti for victims of Hurricane Matthew. Returning from Haiti, the plane hit a severe electrical storm. At approximately 7 PM and 5km from the Puerto Plata Airport, contact was lost. The Dominican Military, local businesses with private planes and boats, and hundreds of volunteers from the communities where Benjamin was so well loved searched for weeks. The plane and its passengers were never recovered. After the profound loss to Benjamin’s parents and brothers, they decided the best way to honour their son’s life was to continue growing Cambio Goods, to publish his photography and to continue telling his story. His mother says, “It is still his business, his picture remains on the cover of all of our business cards, we are just taking care of it for him and making him proud by sharing his exquisite designs with what he referred to as our global community!” 62 | CABARETE GUIDE 2019
Follow them on social media @cambiogoods and shop online at www.cambiogoods.com
Needless to say Benjamin was one of a kind! Quiet, kind, reserved, a leader, trailblazer, visionary, passionate and purpose driven, motivational speaker, never took no for an answer, listened like you were the only one that mattered. He had a great sense of humour and adventure! We leave you with this quote:
“Stand against the grain and get a purpose and cause in your heart and say, ‘What can my life do?’”
- Benjamin Cole Brown
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PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO
CABARETE E V E N T S
Holidays, festivals and events are always celebrated in the Dominican Republic. Any excuse to throw a party! Cabarete has some unique annual events of its own. If you’re planning a vacation or happen to be in town during these times, check out some of our favorite local events for a friendly and fun experience and some great after parties.
FEBRUARY
CABARETE CARNAVAL Carnaval is celebrated all over the country and the perfect opportunity to experience the true Dominican spirit. Bursting full of color and tradition, Carnaval is celebrated for an entire month with events and parades all over the Dominican Republic. MASTERS OF THE OCEAN The world’s only water sport quadrathlon! Four water sports, one master – international masters come together to compete for the title in kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand up paddle boarding. A signature Cabarete event for almost 15 years!
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JULY
MARIPOSA SURF CONTEST Before the Mariposa Center for Girls started a surf program, it was rare to see a local Dominican or Haitian girl out on a surfboard. The local nonprofit organization educates and empowers girls through many different programs with sports being an integral part of the offerings. Local girls come out to show off their skills, support each other and have a major presence in the surf culture here in their community. SUSI MAI INVITATIONAL Held over two days in front of Cabarete’s Millennium Hotel, the international kitesurfing competition attracts an interesting mix of entrepreneurs, sports enthusiasts and media to watch the world’s elite kiters catch air as they ride the waves and fly over the bay.
PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO
PHOTO COURTESY OF DR JAZZ FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER
NOVEMBER
OCTOBER
SUNDAY NIGHT ARTISAN MARKET Stop by the artisan market on Sunday evenings
PABLITO GUZMAN’S CABARETE CLASSIC It is the largest gathering of windsurfers on the North Coast. The event is held over two days where competitors take part in race categories and in “freestyle” of all ages and abilities. More than 80 competitors from all over the world have joined this event in Cabarete, from countries such as Australia, USA, France, UK, Switzerland, and Venezuela.
PAUHANA SURF CONTEST A youth-focused surf competition with many different categories including peewees, mini junior and junior, this fun local competition brings out the spirit of Cabarete. Local participants get the chance to win cash prizes, holiday weekends, special gifts and more!
D.R. JAZZ FESTIVAL The Dominican Republic Jazz Festival is the longest running jazz event in the country with stops in several cities. This multi-day free event brings critically acclaimed international and local jazz artists to perform every year for incredible concerts right on the beach!
from 4-10pm at LAX on the beach for some local handcrafted goods.
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FLYING TRAPEZE
AERIALS
FLYING TRAPEZE AERIAL SILKS & SPANISH WEB STATIC TRAPEZE & LYRA ELASTIC TRAMPOLINE KIDS GYMNASTIC ACCADEMY CIRCUS SHOWS BIRTHDAYS & PRIVATE EVENTS
CABARETE CIRCUS main street, close to the traffic light - Cabarete, Dominican Republic +1 (829) 787 4276 (english and spanish) +1 (849) 330 1967 (french, spanish and italian)
Follow us
@cabarete circus
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY ACCOMMODATIONS
Blue Moon 809 757 0614 Cabarete Villas 809 571 0370 Hotel Villa Taina 809 571 0722 Kite Beach Inn 809 490 5517 L’Agence 809 571 0999 Millennium Resort & Spa 809 571 0407 Natura Cabana 809 571 1507 Ultravioleta 829 931 5555
EDUCATION
3 Mariposas Montessori International School of Sosua ISLA Mariposa Center for Girls
829 913 8439 809 571 3271 809 571 4633 809 571 0610
EMBASSIES & CONSULATES Austria 809 412 4014 Canada 809 262 3100 / 809 586 5761 France 809 695 4300 Germany 809 542 8949 Haiti 809 686 7115 Norway 809 563 2555 Spain 809 450 2222 Switzerland 809 533 3781 United Kingdom 809 472 7111 United States 809 567 7775
LEGAL & INSURANCE 809 571 9785
Chez Arsenio 809 302 6955 Dick’s Bakery 809 571 0612 Fresh Fresh Cafe 809 571 2180 Front Loop 809 571 0848 Gordito’s Fresh Mex 829 844 3434 The Honey Company 809 571 0139 Otra Cosa Restaurant 809 571 0607 La Casita de Papi 809 986 3750 Lax 829 745 8808 Le Bistro 809 868 0595 Mojito Bar 809 864 0712 Pizza & Spaghetti House 809 571 0108 Pomodoro Pizza 809 571 0085 Serenade 809 571 0578 Tuvá 809 571 0526 Vagamundo Coffee & Waffles 809 739 3081 Victor’s at Velero 809 571 9727 Vitamin D Café 829 204 4360 Voy Voy Bar Restaurant 809 571 0805 Wilson’s La Boca Restaurant 809 667 1960 Yalla 809 571 0357 Yamazato 809 571 0814
SHIPPING & COURIER 809 571 1811
CPS EPS
SPA
Andari SPA N Day SPA
809 571 3451
809 851 9399 809 905 6510
ACTION, SPORTS & ADVENTURES 809 963 7873 321 Take Off Surf School
PRIVATE MEDICAL CLINICS CEMEDIN 809 571 9520
Cabarete Circus School Dominican Fisherman Iguana Mama Kayak River Adventures Kite Club LEK Kiteboarding School Monkey Jungle Pauhana Surf School The Search Surf School Vela Windsurf Cabarete
RESTAURANTS
Taxi Cabarete 809 571 0767 / 809 571 0824 Caribe Tour Bus 809 571 3808 Metro Bus 809 571 1324 Jojim Tours (Private Transport) 849 251 1589
Gratereaux Delva & Asocs. Guzman Ariza Seguros Universal
809 571 2880 809 571 0668
Centro Medico Cabarete Servi Med Cabarete Centro Medico Bournigal Clinic Abreu (Santo Domingo)
809 571 4696 809 571 0964 809 586 2342 809 688 4411
Aqua 809 571 0407 Bayrischer Hof 809 601 2042 Beach Club 809 571 4995 Bliss 829 701 7215 Blue Moon 809 757 0614 Cabarete Coffee Company 809 571 0919 Café Claro 809 889 1406 Casa Mami 809 618 6987
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TRANSPORTATION
EMERGENCY 9-1-1
MILLENNIUM RESORT CABARETE
ANDARI SPA
TAKE TIME TO CARE FOR YOURSELF
LUXURY FACIALS Protect & rejuvenate
SUBLIME MASSAGE A vacation must
NAIL CARE SERVICES Exquisite grooming
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