HOTELIER ANDY OSBORNE REPORTS. Every once in a while a reader tells me something I did not know. Love it. Last week, Andy told me about a restaurant I have never heard of, called Cos Bon So, serving typically criollo dishes, in Jaburibari 26a, Tel. 582 1553, according to a flyer he found, then he added: “I am not sure if I would make a journalist, but I could try, as long as it is fun which for me is non-negotiable!” So here is Andy’s authentic experience description. Cos Bon is cozy and genial, only 10 table and seating for about 24 at a time. An additional indoor section will be opened in early December 2015. As for the food, the pan bati was the best I have ever had in Aruba – nice and fluffy; The soups were to die for – soppi carni and soppi banana – or plantain, the best; I had a Pisca Cora henter – the whole red snapper and it was delicious. Michele, that’s Andy’s wife, had the Carne Stoba….. both again to die for. The place was spotless – including the bathrooms – and the background music was at a level which allowed conversation at the table…. great for us old folks who do not take iPod or smart phones / tablets to the dinner table for texting and other messaging purposes rather than meaningful conversation. Table service was expertly supplied by Rocky whom I remember from back in the days when we called him Rochi, and he worked at the Divi Divi and/or Alhambra Casino, as F&B manager. Excellent lighting and parking and good local customs; The price / value was outstanding and we did not need to apply for a mortgage to pay the bill which for the two of us including 2 beverages each was less that Afls 80. All in all – a most pleasurable experience which we have vowed to add to our monthly list of visitation. https://www.facebook.com/TheNewTentaBocaSnack. Hope this helps and you should visit at some point. Wow, Andy that was a satisfying read, you are an observant individual and as such qualify for a writing career.
THE SPA AT THE RITZ CARLTON. We went to the spa at the Ritz Carlton on a recent Sunday and had a great time treated to manicures, pedicures and reflexology at local prices. My therapist Annuska offered plenty of good advice on how to improve the pathetic condition of my nails. “Don’t let them cut your cuticles anymore,” she said, “just oil them and push back gently.” Then on the even more dire condition of my feet she said I gotta cream my soles every night, and go to bed with socks on. “A banana peel is good too,” she added, “but eat the banana first, then stick the peel into your socks and go to sleep, you’d be amazed at the results in the morning.” The tuti guy at the reception, Stefano Nicita served us some bubbly while we were pampered in the oversized pedicure massage chairs, whirring and humming while working on my back. Next time, I should bring my bathing suit, to take a dip in the Jacuzzi, after the sauna, before treatment begins.
JOIN THE VIXEN. Visit the Vintage X Mas Bazaar, at Carpe Diem, Oranjestad, on Saturday, 28th, with Lara Kuiperi & Lavina Khemlani, who offer a pop up store for vintage and second hand clothing from 6pm to 11pm. I got a beautiful retro bracelet and bag last time, and I intend to visit them again.
WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE CHEF? Check arubarestaurants.com out, for Thanksgiving recipes which are also delicious post-thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving campaign for local chefs’ recipes is offered by CaribMedia and it features some amazing dishes: Caribbean turkey breast in banana leaves by Ronald Bossong from Taste of Belgium; Sausage, Apple and Cranberry Stuffing by Aldwin Donata from Las Ramblas; Ballotine of turkey with spinach by Kurt Hoffmann from Elements Restaurant; Country Style Ham Ravioli & Braised Turkey by chef Augusto Riofrio from L.G Smith’s Steak & Chop House; Glazed whole Turkey By chef Harmen Gieske from Holiday Inn; Sausage and Sage stuffing by Hector Espinoza from Hilton. Vote for your favorite, you have until December 1st. So far chef Harmen Gieske is smoking the competition….
