Southside Market Barbecue pop up at the Ritz Carlton
Last week we were invited to a Texas-style smoked barbecue with guest pitmaster Bryan Bracewell, a third-generation restaurateur from Elgin, Texas. He set up shop under a tent on the Ritz Carlton beach and got busy with the barbie for the American Independence-day weekend.
“We started selling barbeque from the back of a wagon in 1882,” he says. “Since then, we’ve changed pretty much nothing about the way we serve up authentic Central Texas barbeque. That’s not to say the last 135 years have been without milestones.”
The chef and his family members were invited to Aruba as guests of the resort, as the initiative of U.S. Meat Export Federation, under the guidance of Liz Wunderlich, a familiar name on the island.
Liz stays in touch with island chefs to make sure they are up to date with new special meat cuts available on the market and all cooking techniques. She annually organized a chefs’ trip to Texas to experience everything from cattle raising to low and slow BBQ.
Che Bracewell’s beach menu? Tender beef brisket, and falling off the bone beef short ribs, super flavorful picanha – a popular south American cut, mac & cheese, incredible BBQ pinto beans and mini pecan pie with ice cream for dessert.
With the smoker right there on the beach, the exhibition kitchen was an attention-getter and chef’s special homemade sausages, flavored with jalapeno and cheese, went very well with the smooth Jalapeno margaritas. I am not a Margarita girl. But I liked those very much.
I hope the beach bar bartenders remember the recipe, I will be back.
2nd Annual Long Table Event takes over Oranjestad
I missed last year’s but I did not miss the recent long table with 1,000 dinner guests, at sunset, on the L.G. Smith Boulevard, closed for traffic in honor of the fundraiser from early in the afternoon for set up, and during the three hour all white event.
The elegant, impeccably set table run from in front of the Renaissance resort, over the bridge, alongside the parliament building to the Renaissance Marketplace entrance.
The boulevard was allowed to open around 10pm, as the elves of both Renaissance resorts completed the post-party breakup.
The event exceeded all expectations, and it was completely sold out one month ahead of time. It managed to collect $25.000 for charity, Casa Cuna Progreso Foundation, a home for kids under the age of 6, who come from challenging social situation.
Just before the end of the evening general manager Paul Gielen presented the check to the grateful and surprised director of the home in the presence of Aruba’s minister of social affairs.
“Our community contributed to the good cause by buying a ticket for $25 each, and all attendees enjoyed a three-course dinner, accompanied by two glasses of wine. The Renaissance Aruba culinary team did a fantastic job out of field-kitchens set up along the boulevard,” explained Gielen.
He also expressed his delight for being able to do this for the community. “This event fits perfectly within the philosophy of the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, which is now part of the Wind Creek Hospitality Group; to give back to the community and contribute to the positive development of our people. I would like to thank all colleagues who have worked hard to make another edition of the Long Table a success. I would also like to thank everyone who bought a ticket so that we could raise funds for Casa Cuna this year. We hope to be able to count on you again next year!”
The resort published the list of local companies assisting in the event and they deserve recognition: The excellent music provided by singer Lilly Love and her band supported by DJ Joa and radio personality Erin Croes, Magic 96.5FM, as MC for the night.
Among sponsors Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino thanked its staffers who set up, served and cleaned up, on a voluntary basis. Tropical Bottling Company, Caribbean Overseas, High Performance, Andmar, ARTN Photography, Aqua Panna & S. Pellegrino, Aruba Laundry, ASD Aruba Supplies & Distribution, Bite! Communications, E2 Events & Celebrations, EcoTech, Express Events & Party Rentals, Elite Productions, Elsa’s Flowershop, Island Girl, New York Laundry, Scaff Pro, The Greatest Inter Employment Agency, Thunder & Lighting, Wolff Independents and Zen Designs. For pictures of the successful culinary event please visit www.facebook.com/RenaissanceAruba .
