I will be leaving for my first trip to Aruba in about 10 days. I have made reservations already at Madame Janette's, Pago Pago, Caffe Bacci, Azull, Waterfront Crabhouse, El Gaucho, and Flying Fishbone. I had wanted to go to Tango also, but don't have any free nights left. Should I replace one of my reservations with Tango? Is it significantly better than any of my other selections? How much tango dancing do you actually see - do they dance all night or is it just a two minute thing? Any other glaring restaurant omissions? Thanks!

Cafe Bacci is nice, but nothing special IMHO.

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Try Alfredo's if you care for Italian. The Paddock and Charlies are great places for lunch. Be careful most of the restaurants do not provide free refills on soft drinks. Does anyone have info (phone, web site) on Madame Janette's?

http://www.madamejanette.com/

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Same opinion from me on Waterfront Crabhouse.

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If you don't mind driving a little, the two best meals I had last week were the Aruban-style catch-of-the-day at Brisas Del Mar in Savaneta (go for sunset) and the beef tenderloin at Charlie's in San Nicholas. The tenderloin was to-die-for and fairly inexpensive (don't remember the amount right offhand... just was surprised at how low the bill was at the end of the night!) and the atmosphere is fun... you can spend hours just reading all the stuff on the walls and the tables.

Debbie G.

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Some people like to have lots of cats and dogs around, or art on the walls, or shelves full of mementos. I like drums; they calm me.

I wouldn't go to Brisas del Mar. The place is for sale and that is never a good sign.

However if you like italian food, try Avallones. It is really nice. I do not really like Italian food but we were invited there so we went and I really enjoyed it.

I'm curious... how/when did you hear that Brisas del Mar is for sale? I was just there on Wednesday and saw no sign of it being up for sale, and the food was up to the same standards as when I was there last year.

We are talking about the same place, right? Local seafood restaurant on the waterfront down in Savaneta?

Debbie G.

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Some people like to have lots of cats and dogs around, or art on the walls, or shelves full of mementos. I like drums; they calm me.

Because my friend, who is a real estate agent, told me that he got Brisas del Mar to sell not too long ago.

And they would not put up a sign. Scares the customers away.

Just found the site for your information

SavanetaBRISAS DEL MARAfl 1.630.000
click to enlarge... This beautiful Restaurant, with a lot of romance, is located on the ocean side in Savaneta, good for investment. The Price is includes the N.V.
Waterfront terrace, bar, reception, dining area, kitchen, bathroom.

If you have 1.5 million florins you can buy it.

Oh, you have no idea how tempting that is!

Probably a good thing I _don't_ just have a million bucks hanging around with nothing to do!

I hope the new owners will keep it going and maintain the quality... <crossing fingers>

Debbie G.

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Some people like to have lots of cats and dogs around, or art on the walls, or shelves full of mementos. I like drums; they calm me.

Just read on another board about how someone in Aruba right now ate at Brisas del Mar and it was awful only 4 tables full and none of their food was any good and they have been regulars for years.

Isn't it funny how everyone's taste is different? I thought a couple of years ago that the food at Brisas Del Mar was going downhill. We didn't even bother going there this past February. Each time we went to Promenade and passed the street it's on, we talked about how good it "used" to be.

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Ahh yes the promenade. How could I forget that one. It is one of my favorite places.

If you go in the off season on a friday or saturday they have appetizer night. All the dishes you order come in appetizer quantity. You get too choose from a selection of appetizers, entrees and deserts and it's all you can eat! for just 48 florins if I'm not mistaken. So you can try some different things and if you like it you just order it again. Really nice.

Sandra.... they have the all you can eat appetizers on Friday nights in February, too. One Friday is enough for me while I'm there 'cause I get soooooo sick ... I eat much too much.. I do go other nights though so I'm not tempted to overeat again. Everyone at the table has to order the appetizers. Can't blame them or everyone would be eating off everyone's plate. It is one of my very favorite places... great food and great service.

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I loved everything about Madam Janettes. Now with Le Petite Cafe - keep in mind that - you cook your own food yourself. It comes to you raw on a hot stone. I didn't like that because if I wanted to cook, I would have stayed home. But, we made the most out of it because my 7 year old son had so much fun cooking our meals for us - that the laughs we had was well worth the steep price.

I agree with Kevin. Did not care for the Waterfront Crabhouse at all.

Tango's dance show is only a few minutes long. But the food is good and they have a great early bird special (before 7pm) for $19.99. Definitely worth the money.

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Carol

I know everone has their own opinion. My wife and I have been to the Waterfront Crabhouse 3 times. She loves the Salmon Arashi and I love the Lobster fra diavola. I have also had Maine lobster there and it was cooked perfectly (I had spent the previous 8 weeks in Agusta Maine and had lobster in Agusta 3-4 times per week). The restaurant is NOT really on the waterfront. Service has been ok, maybe a little slow, but the meal has been delicious.

We will be returning to Aruba next month and will have a diner at the Waterfront Crabhouse.

Enjoy,
Bob

I agree Bob. Last year, we had the Lobster Dinner special. $30 each including a salad, whole lobster, corn, key lime pie and coffee. I think it is offered on Sat night only. The Maine lobster was great!

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