the old man and the sea

[dwippies]

vote and give us your comments

[Liz from N.J.]

Here's The Old Man and the Sea menu

Old Man and The Sea – Dinner Menu
Old Man and The Sea – Dessert Menu

[dwippies]

last night, we got the opportunity to tour this restaurant. i have to say, it is one of the most beautiful locations and set ups i have ever seen. we came on a night they were closed so we could get a guided tour without disturbing diners and left with several fliers to pass out to people because we were so totally impressed.

besides the fact that the place is beautiful and the view is probably the best on the island with both sunset and moonrise visible, the set up is wonderful. there is no way to be disturbed by any other diner. there is a platform in the water for a band or musician. even the bathrooms are unique with hand made sinks.

i went from never having met the owner osyth to feeling that she was a friend within a few minutes of meeting her. she has hand painted both menus and dinnerware. she is artistically extremely talented.

ok, i sound like a walking advertisement. i swear i am not getting paid to say any of this. if i get to eat there this week which i hope to do, i will not even be getting a discount, lol. i am just completely impressed.

stay tuned for a food review if i am lucky enough to fit it into the last few days of the vacation. the menu sure does look great and reasonable for the location and atmosphere.

[bhoffdhoff]

Where is this restaurant?

[Liz from N.J.]

2 buildings down from Flying Fishbone in Savaneta.

Fri
15
AugThe Old Man & the Sea Offers Romance in SavanetaRona Coster
The new Restaurant
Savaneta is slowly shaping up as Aruba culinary heart.

First there was Brisas del Mar, featuring seafood with a Caribbean flair. Then the Flying Fishbone arrived on the scene triumphantly serving seafood with a Continental flair, and now the Old Man and the Sea, with an American-born chef, laces its creative seafood dishes with contemporary flair, and romance, naturally.

The just opened Old Man & the Sea is simply gorgeous. Set in a former residence in Savaneta, two houses down from the Flying Fishbone restaurant, on a private, pristine beach, it is made up of just a handful of beautifully set tables, nestled between coconut trees under the moon and the stars.

The crisp white linens and the hand-decorated show-plates are part of the artistic décor with teak-wood deck furniture, colored throw pillows, potted plants, an ivory grand piano, bric-a-brac found objects and a private dining area, under a thatch palapa at the end of a wooden pier where an antique canopy bed serves as the majestic dinner table.

The owner Jonathan Vieira is one of Aruba’s most famous musical prodigies. His mom Osyth is an equally famous silk painter, and ingenious decorator and designer.

The Old Man & the Sea Restaurant is the family residence turned most charming seaside eatery with an exhibition kitchen.

“Try the shark fin soup,” said Osyth, “it is outstanding.”

The restaurant deserves a visit, soon, for the complete experience, from a pre-dinner aperitif at the small side bar to dessert, coffee and cordials.

The Old Man and the Sea flaunts a state of the art wine vault, I saw some boxes of Almaviva, with over 1,000 bottles to complement Chef Gary’s cuisine.

[bhoffdhoff]

Thank you, Liz.

[dwippies]

as i had already said, we toured this place on sunday and knew it was beautiful and romantic but beauty is not the main thing for murray and me. we both are food oriented. atmosphere is secondary to good food.

fortunately i can see the menu so i will actually give the real names of everything, lol. i had tostones con pollo to start. it was great. murray had the house salad and it was beautiful. the bacon wrapped filet mignon was his choice and i had the penne and shrimp a la vodka. we both sampled each other's food and agreed that they were excellent. although it wasn't listed, they had murray's favorite dessert which is flan and i had bananas foster. they were both wonderful.

the atmosphere really is amazing at this place. it is still a work in progress and i know of the planned changes as time goes on and i think they will do nothing but enhance the restaurant. the service could not have been more attentive to us and fellow diners.

this place is a definite 10.

[the old man]

Our website is on www.theoldmanandthesearestaurant.com
you can make reservation thru email. we have our menu also on the website,
The old man

[Elaine S]

I love your paintings!! Are those canvass bags for sale??? The one I saw is beautiful!!

[the old man]

yes they are and I have hand-painted silk scarves and pareos too. I'll be having them in the restaurant, in my studio, very soon

[Elaine S]

When I get to Aruba, I'll most definitely check them out... and the restaurant, too, of course!! Thanks.

[th7799]

Greetings,
After reading Sherry's glowing review, I have tried twice to make reservations via email and I haven't heard back from anyone. I looked and didn't see a "reservations" link on the website. Any other ideas?
Thanks,
Tere

[Liz from N.J.]

Did you email reserve@theoldmanandthesearestaurant.com If so, and you haven't heard back try again. They may be having a problem with their internest service.

[th7799]

Greetings Liz,
Yes, I did try emailing them. I sent the email to reservations@theoldmanandthesea.com instead of reserve@theoldmanandthesearestaurant.com
I'll try the email address you provided. Thanks a million, we'd really like to try the restaurant and enjoy that view!
Tere

[dwippies]

i will get in touch with them within 24-48 hours via my aruban contacts.

Originally Posted by th7799

Greetings,
After reading Sherry's glowing review, I have tried twice to make reservations via email and I haven't heard back from anyone. I looked and didn't see a "reservations" link on the website. Any other ideas?
Thanks,
Tere

[the old man]

Hi Sherry, thank you for the email. I just send them an email for a reservation. Also visit www.myspace/osyth for more pictures.
the old man

[the old man]

Also our website www.theoldmanandthesearestaurant.com

[ArubaAmy]

Just returned from our 18th trip to Aruba and spent another 17 wonderful days on the island. One of the highlights for us this year was dinner at The Old Man And The Sea last week on 9/24.

Ambiance was great with good spacing between tables (not too crowded like Flying Fishbone is now.) There are about 6 tables for two all along the water's edge and the larger tables for bigger groups are set back a bit. Counting us, there were about 6 couples there last night plus 3 large groups of about 6-8 people. A couple of the groups got a little loud as the wine flowed (hard to hear the music) but, hey, they were just having a good time.

Food was excellent - hubby had the lamb and I had the catch of the day (snapper) with a mango sauce. We also split a spicy Caesar salad.

Very pretty place, decorated well with little nooks of comfy chairs where you can sit and relax.

The only minor issue that some people may want to know about it is that you will not be able to see the sunset from your table because of the way the shore curves in. If you walk out onto the point where there is a special private table than you can get a few sunset photos. Not sure how much of a concern that is for people or not (we were more interested in the food which was excellent!)

Definitely a winner and worth the drive! I will have photos of the restaurant and a trip report up within the next week or so!

[th7799]

Greetings All,

Sherry, thanks so much for your help on my emails to The Old Man and The Sea. I have now successfully made reservations for December 4th! After seeing Amy's post, we're really excited.

Thanks again,
T

[dwippies]

t, i am thrilled for you. the place was wonderful.

Originally Posted by th7799

Greetings All,

Sherry, thanks so much for your help on my emails to The Old Man and The Sea. I have now successfully made reservations for December 4th! After seeing Amy's post, we're really excited.

Thanks again,
T

[Arubaweek6]

When I read ArubaAmy's post I sent an email asking for a reservation for our February trip. We already have Passions booked for Valentine's Day. Just making these plans makes it seems closer.
I do have a question though. Since Amy mentioned you really can't see the Sunset, is there any reason to get an early reservation?

[dwippies]

it is easy enough to just stroll away from the table and follow the water's edge with wine glass in one hand and your mate holding the other one. talk about a romantic moment. and if the time is right (why does this sound like a viagra commercial?) you can also get to see the moon rise.

Originally Posted by Arubaweek6

When I read ArubaAmy's post I sent an email asking for a reservation for our February trip. We already have Passions booked for Valentine's Day. Just making these plans makes it seems closer.
I do have a question though. Since Amy mentioned you really can't see the Sunset, is there any reason to get an early reservation?

[Arubaweek6]

That was a good laugh-thanks Sherry

[ArubaAmy]

Photos we took last week when we had dinner there. And I need to correct my previous post - I had the red snapper with PAPAYA sauce (not Mango - sorry.)

[dwippies]

great pics amy. what amazes me is that all of the art you see on that plate and menu were was done by osyth, the owner. she is so talented.

Originally Posted by ArubaAmy

Photos we took last week when we had dinner there. And I need to correct my previous post - I had the red snapper with PAPAYA sauce (not Mango - sorry.)

[ArubaAmy]

Yes, I know that all of the plates and menu covers are different and all are hand painted which is why I wanted to get a photo of ours. Very pretty.

[Elaine S]

Osyth ~ if you get to read this, please let us know how you're making out with this terrible storm! I hope the weather hasn't done much damage to the restaurant, and that you're all safe.

[Cooks Restaurant]

Hi Elaine,
On behalf of Osyth, thank you for your concern. I am sure that Osyth will respond soon.
The restaurant has received a few damages but nothing major. The weather died down until late this afternoon with the chance it will continue tonight. They will be probably reopen this week.
So, people can call in to make their reservations.

[Elaine S]

Thanks for your reply, Ommi. I'm glad to hear that the restaurant didn't take a bad hit. We always think about our "families" at our home away from home.

[Steveo]

Had dinner with a large party of eight this past wednesday evening after reading all the great reviews. First I was sorry I made early dinner reservations for 6:30 since the sun sets in a different location which you can't see this time of the year. The decor is wonderful an identical copy of FF. Very friendly staff but the service was very slow. Didn't order the right thing either because five of our entrees were over cooked. Next time back to FF which is next door!

[the old man]

Dear Steveo,
thank you for your comment on this board. I am so sorry to hear that no less than 5 of your entrees were overcooked. Our restaurant manager, Gilbert, is a very professional manager and is always on top of every issue. I sincerely wished you've told him about this. I am convinced that he would have made an issue about this with our chef. Our chef Frankie would have come to your table personally to see the problem.
On wednesday though we did not have any group of eight eating at the restaurant. We had all couples. We had though a reservation of 8 made by Steven, from Marriott hotel but the reservation was cancelled by this guest and they did not show up either.
So I tried to look up when this happened but on that past wednesday I can not find it.
I would like to personally invite you to the restaurant whenever you are in Aruba. Hope you are in Aruba so we can set up a reservation for you.

About that we are a copy of Flying Fishbone I have to say that I never copy myself. I made Flying fishbone years back, I used to be my house and restaurant. I rented the operation out to the owners. So, as you see, i was my creation. Now, that this looks the same, we are quite bigger and have a VIP section, the gazebo, I have my little gallery and a some of my work in the restaurant (still work in progress, the art part) My menus and plates are all hand-painted etc etc.
My passion is to design restaurant and create ambience. I used to do it for the large hotels in Aruba, Golden Tulip, Hyatt, Radisson and also the Airport etc etc.

Steveo, I would like to extend an invitation to my little restaurant whenever you are in Aruba. If you are right now please give me a call at 7350842, my cell phone.

About the sunset, if you are in the Big gazebo section, the sunset is spectacular!

regards and hope to meet you soon!

[the old man]

Steveo,
Sorry, excuse me I forgot, my name is Osyth Henriquez.
regards osyth

[dwippies]

steve, no offense meant but the restaurants are next door so sunset would be the same from both places.

Originally Posted by Steveo

Had dinner with a large party of eight this past wednesday evening after reading all the great reviews. First I was sorry I made early dinner reservations for 6:30 since the sun sets in a different location which you can't see this time of the year. The decor is wonderful an identical copy of FF. Very friendly staff but the service was very slow. Didn't order the right thing either because five of our entrees were over cooked. Next time back to FF which is next door!

[ArubaAmy]

Originally Posted by sherry

steve, no offense meant but the restaurants are next door so sunset would be the same from both places.

That's actually not correct. The Old Man & the Sea sits back around the bend from the FF (we've been to both several times) so you will not be able to see the sunset from your table at the Old Man & The Sea unless you are seated at the private gazebo or are standing on the walkway that goes out to the gazebo.

We, however, had an excellent dinner and service while we were there (even without the view of the sunset.)

[aquarius]

Originally Posted by ArubaAmy

That's actually not correct. The Old Man & the Sea sits back around the bend from the FF (we've been to both several times) so you will not be able to see the sunset from your table at the Old Man & The Sea unless you are seated at the private gazebo or are standing on the walkway that goes out to the gazebo.

We, however, had an excellent dinner and service while we were there (even without the view of the sunset.)

Amy,

I've been to Flying Fishbone many times and is one of my favorites, but would like to try Old Man and the Sea. How far past FF is it? Is it beach dining as well? Thanks

Marie

[ArubaAmy]

Originally Posted by aquarius

Amy,

I've been to Flying Fishbone many times and is one of my favorites, but would like to try Old Man and the Sea. How far past FF is it? Is it beach dining as well? Thanks

Marie

Hi Marie,

Yes, it's beach dining - scroll up and you can see a couple of photos I posted that we took at dinner last Sept.

It's just a stone's throw past FF. Just pull into the parking area for FF and keep driving until you see their sign.

Another one of our favorite beach dining restaurants is Passions (no long drive involved since it's located on the beach at Amsterdam Manor.)

[aquarius]

Thanks Amy for the info. Will look for this restaurant and check out Passions too!

Marie

[ArubaAmy]

Originally Posted by aquarius

Thanks Amy for the info. Will look for this restaurant and check out Passions too!

Marie

Have a great time!

[mambo]

What about directions coming from the airport. I'm renting a car coming in
to Aruba and would like to find it while I'm down at that end of the island.

[dwippies]

here's directions i copied from a post by liz of nj.

take the main road past the airport. You will eventually see a sign saying you have entered Savaneta. Take a right at the Subway sandwich shop. (If you pass the Valero gas station, you have gone past the turn) Drive past Brisas Del Mar restaurant and then enter a dirt road on the right. The Old Man and The Sea is at the end of this dirt drive.

Originally Posted by mambo

What about directions coming from the airport. I'm renting a car coming in
to Aruba and would like to find it while I'm down at that end of the island.

[aquarius]

Also a note, where you make the turn at the Subway landmark, there used to be a billboard with a mermaid on it for Brisas del mar restaurant but it's not there anymore. Also the restaurant has closed down which you will see as you pass it. Old Man and the Sea is right next door to Flying Fish Bone. I went to Old Man and the Sea last week and it was fabulous. Flying Fish Bone is one of my favorites and this one comes in right with it. Enjoy!

Marie

[LynnS]

I thought Brisas del Mar reopened.

[dwippies]

lynn, they did, under new ownership. then they closed again. the economy is not helping new businesses around the world.

Originally Posted by LynnS

I thought Brisas del Mar reopened.

[Liz from N.J.]

Originally Posted by LynnS

I thought Brisas del Mar reopened.

As Sherry said, Brisad del Mar did reopen. There was a big storm (was it last Oct.?] that did alot of damage to the restaurant. The owners lived in Holland and decided that they wouldn't repair the place as they weren't in Aruba to overlook the business.

[Steveo]

Hello OSYTH, This is Steveo or Steven from the Marriott who had dinner at your restaurant this past May. We did have dinner that Wednesday evening at 6:30pm and sat at a table nearby the lounge with the lighting made from bottles. The five dinners we had as mentioned were Macondamian Encrusted Tilapia that were very, very overcooked! Thanks for your concern by writing back and sorry we didn't let you know but we were being polite. Your place and creativity are wonderful and I'm sure I will return another trip. Regards Steven

[Mrs_S]

We dined at Old Man and the Sea Thursday 3/11 for my birthday. A month before our trip to Aruba my husband made the special reservation to reserve the private hut for the additional $100 from 5-8 so we could catch the sunset. During the reservation process he gave his credit card to the woman on the phone. He later called again and changed our reservation from 2 to 4 people. Upon our arrival the restaurant was just beautiful with white sheer curtains as you enter and white linen on all the tables. I was very excited for out meal in the hut over the water. We were quickly greeted, and as we were seated they didn't bring us to the hut. My husband quickly spoke up and reminded the server he had reserved the hut, the server asked him again to repeat the name the reservation was under and said that was not the name they had for the reservation for the hut that evening. My husband and the server walked back to figure out what was going on. My father-in -law, his wife, and myself noticed the table in the hut was set for more than 4 people. About 10 mins later my husband was still waiting to speak with the manager as a large party of 8+ walked in, and within 5 mins were sat in the hut before the situation was resolved. As they were being seated we spoke up and even asked when they made their reservation and they said 2 days ago. We were all very upset as we had been looking forward to this dinner for over a month! After 55 mins of the manger disappearing for 20 mins at a time and showing no sense for sympathy, nor able to explain what had happened to our reservation, we had to ASK for some type of resolution as nothing was offered. Finally after the manager "called" the ownership they offered my meal and my husbands meal for free, or we could come back the following day and they would waive the $100 charge. This was not an option for us, as it was not my birthday the following day and we only had rented a car until the next morning and a taxi ride round trip from the Marriott where we were staying at to the restaurant would have easily been $80. We decided to stay... our waiter Rocky was very apologetic (more so than the management) offered us the pick of any table in the house and said he would take very good care of us. After a very upsetting start to the meal and more than an hour after our arrival we sat at a small table right at the oceans edge. Rocky was very attentive through out our meal. I started with the shrimp cocktail. The dipping sauce was very good, but the shrimp were a bit over cooked. For dinner I ordered the dueling lobster tails. The 2 Caribbean lobster tails were served with drawn butter over mashed potatoes and a half dozen muscles. The mashed potatoes were creamy and good. Unfortunately both the lobster and muscles were also over cooked. Once I dipped the lobster in a bit of butter it was ok to eat, but I passed on the muscles completely. My husband started with the stuffed oysters which he enjoyed. For dinner he had their Seafood Exploration, which was shrimp, lobster, and fish served over linguini in red sauce. The sauce kept his seafood a bit more most then mine and was the most enjoyed meal at our table. Both my father-in-law and his wife both ordered fish dishes and felt both their meals were also overcooked. After we finished dinner, the waiters, joined by the saxophone player (who had been playing most of the evening), walked over singing "happy birthday" with a dessert plate with a medley of 4 different desserts (cheesecake, sorbet, tiramisu, flan), with a lit birthday candle. It was a nice way to end the evening, but not dining in the hut did pretty much ruin my birthday. Over all the ambiance is just stunning unfortunately for us the management didn't handle things very well, and "lost" our reservation even after two phone calls regarding our reservation. It seemed like they cared more about pampering the party of 8 over a party of 4, nor care too much about the quality of their food. As beautiful as it is I don't think we would ever go back. We are planning to follow up with ownership and will update this review if we hear back from them.