Divi Resort just added a fun new eatery to its collection of diverse restaurants, Bar Tapas, you guessed a cozy space for friends to gather, nibble and sip, sip and nibble, tapas, at reasonable prices, any day of the week from 5pm to 6pm for happy hour, until the kitchen closes at 10pm.
The new Bar Tapas checked into the space across Windows on Aruba. This used to be a timeshare sales office, but when the tireless salespeople moved to new digs, the space remained empty. A brainstorming session followed, what would it be, a spa, a hospitality suite, then finally the team decided to design a friendly environment where small, flavorful dishes, originating in Spain, will be shared among diners, in a style of dining that encourages sampling.
Divi Resort’s president Marco Galaverna, unleashed his inner interior designer and came up with furnishings and the general look, in a cool color scheme. F&B director Dominique Bauduin put together super stylish uniforms, among a million other things needed to set up a place from scratch. General Manager Ferry Zievinger, an executive chef in his early career days, loved everything they were doing, took part in the tasting & training, and resisted the urge to helicopter the project. Francis Fun and Mario the restaurant manager, helped polish the social, interactive dining experience. They are the ones in charge of daily operations.
Windows on Aruba, a fine dining establishment, has a super popular Sunday Brunch, Ferry explains, and a strong following for its Friday Night Brunch. Its Mesa Latina menu is a crowd pleaser. But apparently, our dining preferences changed over the years, we now share plates, we only have a main course, or just two appetizers, and fine dining restaurants around the globe, feel the pressure to reinvent themselves.
The new Bar Tapas that promotes relaxed communal experiences, allowing diners to taste different flavors, at a single sitting, will hold the fort at the club house, while Windows on Aruba morphs into its new self, keeping the brunches, and introducing Italian cuisine, ready to please Divi’s guests vacationing in over 500 rooms, at the low-rise area, Druif Beach.
Italian, you question?! Yes, naturally. Most Americans adore pasta dishes, and they must travel to Palm Beach to find them. Now with Windows on Aruba speaking fluent Italian, they will just have to roll out of bed and make a reservation.
Bar Tapas, will soon be part of the all-inclusive Mega Divi program, but locals can still walk in and enjoy the food and gracious service.
We had Huevos Diablo and Croquetas de Polo, at the bar, over two great cocktails, a Margarita and an Aperol Spritz both nicely garnished and served in proper, elegant, glassware.
At the table we nibbled on Ensalada with crispy serrano ham, Catalan Coles de Bruselas, Albondigas, and Pinchos Polo. We must compliment executive chef Darwin Torres who wrote the menu, on the wide selection and excellent taste, enjoyed with wine – Malbec & Tempranillo, served at the right temperature.
Golfers already love the new concept, strolling in after play to unwind and chill out with their friends.
Besides opening Bar Tapas, and refreshing Windows on Aruba, Seabreeze Restaurant, at Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort is now under renovation and will be done in time for the high season.
We had no room for the Crema Catalana, but I am going back for the Braza Di Gitano, a gypsy’s arm, a chocolate roulade, like our beloved Buche de Noel, during Christmas, must try it.
