I have done alot of searching around now and need to know where is a restuarant called Marina Pirata? Somebody mentioned they loved it but I can't find it anywhere. Also, I think although Madame Janette has gotten rave reviews isn't it a bit pricey? Tell if you think it is totally worth it. Frenchman's Steakhouse at Manchebo Beach and El Gaucho's sound good to me.......the problem is I am staying at the Divi AI and don't want to spend the whole time eating out, except maybe once or twice in the 5 days I'm there so I want to pick right. Any comments appreciated-LARI

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I hear 50 can be nifty!!

You can walk to the French Steakhouse at the Manchebo in 5 minutes from Divi. Try the Ambassador Special. El Gaucho's is good but can get loud in there and not much parking if you drive. Madame Jeannetes is very pleasant but can get loud later in evening sometimes. I've never been to Marina Pirata, so can't comment. I just went to Flying Fishbone for 2nd time. Still my favorite. Great atmosphere at water's edge and delicious food. They were very attentive and friendly, and by no means pushy to get you out. A lit pricey, but overall worth it to me. You got to try the potato soup with shrimp in it and the ribeye steak if you go. Aslo had the grouper there.

I like El Gaucho better than the French Steakhouse, but I know that others feel just the opposite. I'd definitely go to El Gaucho. http://www.elgaucho-aruba.com/

Madame Janette can be a moderately priced dinner, or an expensive dinner, it all depends on what you order. You can get an idea of their menu and prices on their web site: http://madamejanette.arubahost.com/

Marina Pirata does not have a web site. The restaurant is located on the water in Spanish Lagoon. I love it there, but unless you have a car it will be an expensive cab ride. If you don't have a car, save it for your next trip. If you do have a car, I can post directions for you.

Thanks for the info Carol. No car this trip, so I guess I'll keep it in mind for my next trip....(who am I kidding...it took me 17yrs to get back to Aruba!)

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I hear 50 can be nifty!!

Two recommendations Lari:

1. At El Gaucho, make your reservation for 7:30 pm or earlier. After that they start to run behind schedule when people linger over their dinner. Also, if there are only two of you, ask for a table for two in their front room that only has tables for two. It's much quieter in that room.

2. At Madam Janette, make your reservation for 7:30 pm or 8:00 pm, and ask for a table outside in the garden "under the stars". I like it better after dark, and I also think it's nicer sitting in the garden area than on their porch/deck.

Have a great time!

Bingo!: Special Restaurant Award for Bingo!

XpEdition Paradise TV Magazine is currently preparing its 2nd edition TV Shows. The focus is on interesting local sites, people, adventurous challenges. sports and culture. During the first edition of the Tv Magazine various outstanding hotels and restaurants received a Special Award in recognition for Quality, Service, Excellence and were voted among the most favorite establisments in the Caribbean. They were featured in the TV Show and this summer in a special magazine as well.

Among last years establishments who received this prestigious and very special award were Papiamento, Driftwood, Le Dome, Cafe the Plaza, Moomba's, the Buccaneer, Amsterdam Manor and The Boardwalk.

The producers of the XpEdition Paradise TV Magazine were so impressed by the quality of Bingo Cafe and Restaurant. Robert Aalbregt, producer: "If you imagine these people just started on this location last October they have done an amazing job." Mike van der Werk and Frans de Rooij old time restaurateurs with quite some experience also on Aruba: "We love our job, it is our passion and we hope it shows!"

It certainly does show. When driving through Noord it is conveniently located at the parking next to the Valero gas station. Although it is not on a beach, or in the middle of a lush garden, the atmosphere is very welcoming and relaxing. You can dine on a large tropical verandah or have a drink at the Dutch styled bar. Easy to have a conversation with about any one here.

Robert Aalbregt: "I had a filet mignon with shrimps, a daring 'marriage', but a very succesful one: a perfect piece of meat, tender and juicy and the dish as a whole had quite some spunk, sparkling almost, if you can say that from a dish!" And continues: "As a dessert I had a chocolate mousse, dangerously good: I haven't seen that done any better in the best restaurants on the island! So, yes, these guys deserve to be in our list of XpEdition Paradise Most Favorite Hotels and Restaurants and I recommend it with pleasure to anyone!.