I went twice already to Lima Bistro. The restaurant is located on what will hopefully become a culinary boardwalk, at Harbour House, Oranjestad.
The first time was opening night, June 3rd. It was heartwarming to see how many fans Chef Teddy has in Aruba. We ordered like crazy from the starter and appetizer portion of the menu and never got to main courses. We were stuffed, mid-meal.
My amazing ceviche alone, could have fed four, and I finished it all.
We went back last week, three people, pacing ourselves, a cocktail first, then appetizers, main courses, desserts, and some wine. All three foodies reported a perfect experience, and our waiter, Matias, a curly young man with a big presence, was the best, armed with great knowledge of the menu and tons of enthusiasm.
No wonder, he is Teddy’s son, working at the restaurants before going back to school.
How did Lima Bistro come about, I asked?
Chef Teddy Bouroncle reports coming here from Peru in 2014, when former, fantastic general manager Tom Calame decided to seriously upgrade his F&B operation at the Marriott. Teddy and his culinary colleagues revolutionized food concepts there, increased food revenues and barraged locals and visitors with exciting gastronomic events.
Then fate brought Teddy together with developer Alberto Perret Gentil. He was about to consult Gentil on the creation of a seafood concept, when the pandemic nixed all plans, personal and professional.
Not wanting to waste a good crisis, Teddy retired from the corporate world, and together with Albert agreed to do something on a smaller scale that would allow Teddy to express his soul.
Lima Bistro.
Lima, hinting at Teddy’s roots. Bistro, indicating it is not a traditional Peruvian restaurant. And the North Star in the logo? The star, Teddy explains, serves as a beacon, it remains anchored in the Northern skies, making it an easy to find, a popular landmark. That’s how I think about Lima bistro, Teddy shares, easy to relate, deserving repeated visits.
The restaurants with 52 seats, 20 outside overlooking the Oranjestad harbor, features an exhibition kitchen along its southern wall with three chefs working in plain view of diners, and the bartender, mixing specialty cocktails, including famed Pisco Sours.
Teddy’s kitchen brigade includes sous chef Ludovico Henriquez, a well-respected culinary force and Shakeem le Grand, an 18 years old self-taught protégée, Teddy predicts will go far.
We’re fair priced, we only serve the freshest fish, Pan Pa Bo Ruman breads, Petite Greens & Local Pride produce, and we change the menu every Friday, giving locals a reason to return frequently, Teddy explains — and they do. We aim at becoming your favorite neighborhood restaurant, he adds.
My perfect experience included: Tiradito, aji Amarillo, quinoa, sweet potato and corn, followed by Broccoli, pumpkin, cashew parmesan and honey, a most amazing vegetarian choice.
My dinner companions loved the Scallop, shayou butter, chips and chives, and the Tuna Tartar, avocado cream, and rocot, as their appetizers. Both quack-quacked their appreciation having enjoyed the Duck Breast, purple corn jus, cashew cream and green peas.
We shared a crème caramel, with homemade vanilla ice cream, and vanilla powder, and someone whose name I will not divulged, refused to share his Pan perdu, seasonal berries, cottage, cacao nibs and greens, and had it all to himself.
I already have my favorites selected for the next time.
About the design: Interior designer Veronica van der Dys, helped create the friendly space, with Teddy pitching in with kitchen design in collaboration with ASD, the local kitchen equipment supplier. Veronica worked with a local carpenter and a few local artists on wall and logo design.
Spanish tile, raw wood, natural materials, and recycled wine vault doors, created a cool, inviting day and night destination. Teddy and his wife contributed some family treasures, as pieces of décor, lending a personal touch to the already homey feel – Peruvian Toritos de Pucara or Little Bull ceramic figurines for good luck, an elephant bought while travelling in the far east.
Veronica who grew in her family’s business, an architectural firm, specializing in renovation of large spaces, enjoyed putting the project together, and looks forward to helping more eateries open at the Harbour House Culinary Boardwalk.
