Dining at Barefoot Satisfies All Senses by Susan Campbell
Sommelier Luc Beerepoot and chef Gerco Aan het Rot wanted Barefoot to satisfy all five senses of diners.
The owners first chose their restaurant location for its visual appeal, in the belief no better feast for the eyes exists than a beautiful beach where you can watch spectacular sunsets over the waves. “We were so happy to find this ideal location and to carve out a little slice of Aruba’s island paradise for our inside/outside dining room,” says Luc. “We also wanted to bring a little of the beach inside.” With the sounds of the Caribbean Sea in the background, sinking your bare toes into soft white sand is a primal island experience. And with sight, hearing, and touch senses covered, the restaurant also excels at satisfying the sense of smell. “Aroma is such an important part of the entire dining experience,” says Gerco. “Here we have the fresh, salty scent of the sea combined with enticing aromas wafting out of our kitchen and up from your plate.” “We also offer your sense of smell the opportunity to savor the distinctive bouquets of many fine wines from all around the world to 34
make perfect pairings,” he says. “Allow Luc to guide you with his world-class expertise as a sommelier.” “The right music is also crucial to creating the ideal dining ambience,” says Luc. “We’re very selective about what plays in the background. The key is to find the right balance of relaxing and romantic music without it being too schmaltzy.” And last, but certainly not least, this duo is out to impress your most important sense when it comes to dining: taste. “We love to play with new flavors and combinations of fresh Aruba fish and seafood with international fusion twists and creative surprises,” says Gerco. “From gourmet comfort food and avant garde appetizers to seriously decadent desserts, we don’t want to merely please your palate, we’re out to titillate your taste buds.” Sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste – Barefoot Aruba has multi-sensory dining down to a fine art. Seek it out on Surfside Beach. K Portrait by Paul van Driel. Other photos courtesy of Barefoot