Romance on the Menu- Aruba Nights-2022

GOURMET

Romance on the Menu

by Susan Campbell

Passions on the Beach

Steal away with your significant other to canoodle tête-à-tête at these very special spots.

Barefoot in the sand, secreted away inside a sophisticated enclave, or glammed up to the max in a trendy gourmet hot spot, we guarantee you’ll always find romance on the menu at these first-rate dining establishments.

Alluring alfresco or air-conditioned hideaways Couples can now steal away to a new secret tropical oasis garden called Bohemian Cocktail Lounge & Restaurant for a trendy evening out on Palm Beach. They have a very creative menu of French and “world cuisine”, and unique musical events provide a hip, artistic vibe. (Maybe you’ll be serenaded by a solo violinist!) Another alluring spot to seek out is Hilton Aruba’s Sunset Grille named for its nightly sunset show over the sea.

They seduce couples with epicurean delights and a choice of indoor or outdoor seating. But if a nautical theme is to your liking, legendary Driftwood is the place for fresh fish and seafood lovers. However, couples passionate about red meat should head to Ritz-Carlton Aruba’s BLT Steakhouse, for an indoor New York style lounge atmosphere promoting top-quality cuts. They are

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air-conditioned should you need to cool down a bit from your steamy attraction to one another!

Off the beaten path, family-run Papiamento invites diners to enjoy their special brand of hospitality either poolside by a tropical garden, or inside a mini-museum of antiques in their heritage house. They are famous for their distinctly Aruban specialities, and their wine vault is world-class.

Exquisitely unique venues Unique dining venues where passions can be fueled can also be found. Infini Chef’s Table at Blue Residences is one of them. Foodie couples will adore watching master chef Urvin Croes and his team prepare a surprise 12-course menu of incredible fare so creatively plated it’s like edible art. The 18-seat open kitchen venue is intimate and inviting, and each course can be paired with artisanal cocktails or fine wines by the glass. The

GOURMET

new Brutto Beach House has become another fabulous find for foodies. Their unique setting just off the Palm Beach strip is an intriguing combination of cosmopolitan cool with mood music DJs, a modern sushi bar, and a creative fusion choice of shareable highlighting Asian, Latin, and global cuisines. If you’re seeking a more casual date night out, Lucca Trattoria, their sister spot next door, is the place to be for rustic Neapolitan-style pizza and pasta.

On Palm Beach, you’ll have to wait until sunset to find Atardi’s enchanting oasis in the sand as it magically pops up out of the blue. It’s an ideal romantic setting so close to the surf that you can dip your bare toes in the sea. They specialize in fresh seafood, but also offer a few amazing meat mains. Or, if you really want to dine alone as a

couple, you can reserve one of their two gorgeous private gazebos on the beach for a special lover’s “Aruban Sunset” or “Love is in the Air” menu for two.

Seaside enchantment in the sand The only thing more romantic than long walks together on a beautiful beach is dining surfside by tiki torchlight with your bare toes touching in the soft white sand. The soothing sound of gentle waves and the brilliance of the stars in a tropical night sky set the stage for a night to remember forever. Aruba has many beachfront dining options, each with their own individual appeal.

And if you reserve early enough in many of these retreats, you’ll also be treated to a spectacular sunset over the sea.

Passions on the Beach Passions on the Beach at Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort is one of the most legendary romantic venues for toes-in-the-sand dining on the island. Set upon glorious Eagle Beach, you will enjoy postcard-perfect surfside sunset scenes daily. After dark, couples bask in the glow of the tiki torches while culinary desires are always well satisfied. They are known for exceptional international cuisine, exotic cocktails, an excellent selection of wines, and sinfully decadent desserts.

Very popular is their three-course set-price menu, and they also offer a vegan surf & turf for plantbased fare lovers. After dinner, head to Passions Beach Bar to continue your magical night. And if you’d like to revisit the idyllic scene during the day, they also serve breakfast and lunch. (+297) 527 1118 www.opentable.com/r/passions-on-the-beacheagle-beach

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GOURMET

Atardi Private Gazebo Downtown Oranjestad, Surfside Beach is the sweet spot for romantic barefoot dining at aptly named Barefoot Aruba. Their motto “Elegant dining in flip flops,” is apropos as the fare is gourmet and their wine selection top-notch, but it’s also a fun and friendly escape that’s beautifully lit up at night.

The international language of love Why not feed each other amazing tidbits from around the globe? Discover amore at Casa Nonna, the Ritz-Carlton Aruba’s signature enclave that specializes in authentic Italian cuisine. Choose an outdoor table for amazing sunsets that morph into an enchanting night lit with outdoor firepits and soft live music under the tropical stars. And if “French is the language of love,” your taste buds will surely fall in love with the French-Caribbean fusion creations at Papillon Restaurant in the Village Mall. Try their new Chef’s Garden concept for a succulent six-course classic French and Asian fusion menu paired with fine wines for a very special international treat. For Cuban cuisine, killer mojitos, and live Latin music, Cuba’s Cookin’ is the place to be in the Renaissance Marketplace.

And lively Casa Tua, also there, has fabulous

international offerings. How about sharing their paella-for-two, then dancing to live music in the outdoor mall later? Divine!

Or head to Quinta Del Carmen’s beautifully restored 100-year-old mansion for an ideal location to celebrate your mutual adoration for each other with fine cuisine and Dutch comfort food. Dine inside the mansion, in the big outdoor courtyard, or seek out a secluded spot to canoodle in their new tapas and cocktail garden. But, if you’re seeking to get starry-eyed upon the sea, glam up to the max to embark on a dreamy new upscale cruise with Caribbean Sunset Ventures, Aruba’s only luxury yacht dinner offering.

Happy romancing on One Happy Island!

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