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[ This page was last updated on Friday, January 04, 2008 ] [Facts] [Business]
[Attractions] [Where to Stay] [Travel]
Registered
with The Aruba Chamber of Commerce since 1997
|
The Bottega Di Regalo, a most charming store
adjacent to the lobby entrance of the Playa Linda Beach Resort, stocks a great selection
of gifts from Italy. Local businesswoman Lennie Theysen of Kenro jewelers fame, shopped
for the exquisite gifts on display while in Italy buying exclusive gold lines and precious
gem stones for the Kenro chain in Aruba. It's no secret that Lennie has very good taste!
Since ancient times, Lennie explains, man has paid an almost mystic attention to glass,
attributing something magical and supernatural to this transparent material. To this day,
she reports, glass is synonymous with beauty. The cozy Bottega carries a great number of
clown figurines, Murano's famous hand blown collectibles. They are available in every
color combination and are very realistic and endearing. Tourists who travel to Murano, one
of the islands of Venice, often admire the same whimsical figurines which have already
enchanted many generations. They always remain in production and the ancient furnaces have
not been altered over time. 
The shelves stock a life-like menagerie of
elephants, eagles and wild cats by Gioie Argentate di Marchetti besides a stunning
selection of large silver pieces, including picture frames, ornate mirrors and
crustaceans, lobsters, crabs and shells. Top of the line Italian sterling silver gift
maker, Brunel, is represented here with a majestic series of art works, horses, owls,
ocelots besides a stylish collection of candles, and the perennial Dutch favorite, Delft
Blue. Bottega and its affordable wonders are available for purchase from 9:30 to 1 p.m.
and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
Chef Scott Scheuerman joined
Aruba's premier seafood restaurant, the Waterfront Crabhouse, at the Seaport Marketplace a
few months ago. Serving mostly fresh, live lobster and garlic crab, Chef Scott started
looking for an interesting side dish, both local yet in possession of international
appeal, to star on his loaded-with-seafood plates. He didn't have to look long as funchi
came to his mind. Funchi is a local favorite, occupying center-stage on every Fish Creole
plate. Guests at the Waterfront Crabhouse were so taken by the Chef's Caribbean
Polenta, requests for e-mail recipes started pouring in. So here it is: The basic
recipe calls for 1 quart of boiling water in which 2 table spoons of salt and 1/4 cup of
butter have been dissolved. Slowly add 1 Lb. of fine cornmeal to the water while whisking.
Reduce heat to a low simmer and beat constantly for at least 10 minutes with a wooden
spoon or rubber spatula. This is VERY IMPORTANT to reduce clumps! Pour into a casserole
dish and let stand in a warm place until set, about 15 minutes. Cut into squares and
serve. Or cut into squares, deep fry to gold, then serve. At the Waterfront Crabhouse the
Caribbean Polenta recipe is a bit more elaborate and the results are worlds
apart. Sweat one large chopped onion in 1/4 cup butter over low heat. Add two cups of
chopped endives, or bitter greens, a teaspoon of cumin, one tin of peeled tomatoes or
pimentos, then toss in 1 Qt. of Chicken Bouillon, seasoned. Turn heat up to high and bring
to a boil. Slowly add 1 Lb. of fine cornmeal while whisking, reduce the heat to a low
simmer and beat constantly for at least 10 minutes with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula.
Remember, no clumps! Scoop out hot and soft, heaped under your favorite fish, or as an
interesting side with steamed lobster. Don't forget a fat wedge of lemon...
Effective the first of the year De Palm island has
gone All-Inclusive. Having undergone major renovations and remodeling, the charming island
off the island is now officially offering EVERYTHING, from food to drinks to amazing
activities. De Palm Island visitors are now served unlimited quality food with
different menus every other day. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are included with all tours
visiting De Palm Island, with unlimited beverages available at no extra charge. A
daily entertainment program for adults and kids with fun, educational activities is in
place; Snorkel lessons and guided tours are conducted regularly; Snorkel equipment is free
for all and the use of the private beach with floating mats, lounge chairs and cabanas is
naturally an integral part of the experience...
They have been on Aruba for a while, but
are now switching into high-gear as board members of Friends of the Handicapped. We have
at the moment about 15 of us on the island, they report. All dedicated to the cause of
helping underprivileged Arubans. FOH members will be pushing tickets for the upcoming
Superbowl fund-raiser. FOH's annual charity drive during Superbowl usually sells out. And
all proceeds are handed to local charity organizations. At $150 per couple you get a
mouthwatering buffet, and a chance to win valuable prices, donated by the island's finest
restaurants and stores. The first cash prize however, is truly astounding - Art reveals it
to be a whopping US $2,500. Food for the party will be prepared by executive Chefs Scott
& Johan, of the Waterfront Crabhouse and the Turtle's Nest. The menu is being written
just as we speak under Alma's expert guidance. As the President of the Board of Directors
Art is instrumental at disbursing the funds at the end of the winter season. Casa Cuna
Kids, the foundation for the Mentally Handicapped, Ambiente Felis, Cas Sjabururi,
Imeldahof, FEPO, Favi, Funari, Samba, Kibrahacha, Cas Pa Hubentad, Down Syndrome, Women in
Difficulty, Fellowship House and Day Care Santa Cruz were among recipients last year. Art
is also the one motivating his friends and challenging them to surpass last year's
collective results. FOH is a foundation started by tourists who wished "to give
back" to the island. They are headquartered at Casa Del Mar, Aruba Beach Club where
the big Superbowl party will be held, February 3rd...
One of Aruba's first resorts, Talk
of the Town Beach Club is currently undergoing a total transformation under new
management. Veteran Aruban hotelier Ed Malone, at the helm of the resort,
reports 37 of the resort's 67 rooms are completely refurbished. Ed and his staff
of 9 work very hard at putting the property together again. Three housekeepers service the
rooms and Ed along with a temporary assistant, Caryl Kelly,
serve as Reservationists, Accountants, Front Desk Clerks and Human Resources Specialists.
As you perhaps recall, Ed Malone, Down Island Resort & Inns, has
entered into a management agreement with the local banks not long ago, taking over the
management of what was known for a while as Caribbean Town Resort. He favored the
former name Talk of the Town, and asked Manchebo's Ike Cohen, permission
to revert to it. As permission was granted, Talk of the Town is back, emerging
from bankruptcy, to continue to participate actively in this island’s life. As
a small, independent resort Malone envisions an increased demand for the type of
Caribbean hospitality it offers. A large percentage of maturing baby boomers, he says, 65
million in the United States alone, have become very sophisticated travelers with higher
discretionary incomes, he adds. As they travel more and become more discerning, they seek
a more unique vacation experience with some romance and more relaxation. The small
Caribbean resort has the perfect opportunity to take advantage of these developing trends.
Meanwhile, the street front rooms are much in demand among local Arubans as perfect
staging areas for Carnival tail gate parties. Swinda and Caryl, ready to
receive guests as the new Talk of the Town Beach Club. The resort serves
breakfast and lunch and some of the rooms have a small kitchenette also perfectly suited
for business travelers...
Who doesn’t like to hang out? Especially at a
place where the Chicken Wings are on fire and the signature burger is half pound of USDA
choice ground beef heaped with Bacon, Cheese and Pineapple rings? Gerry Mans,
La Cabana All
Riba Bao, broadcast from bar. Among popular personalities visiting
the new HANG OUT on its first night of operation radio personality Ruben Garcia,
Carnival singer Lord Cachete and band leader Hildward Croes.
The HANG OUT now features a dance floor with a resident DJ. The combination of music and
finger foods guarantees to make it a paramount pit stop. Beverage manager Igmar
Franken reports Happy Hour will be celebrated every day from 6-8 p.m. with all
drinks half price. Igmar, an award-winning bartender concocted his own cocktails for the
bar. Hot Lover, Strawberry Shortcake, and Angel Eyes will reduce you to
sentimental mush, he says, with just the first sip. Special promotions include a Polar
Beer night on Monday, an Amstel night on Wednesday and a Balashi night
on Friday, offering Aruba's suds at reduces prices. While snacks and finger foods are
prominent on the menu THE HANG OUT is also big on salads, grill items, and specialties.
Fajitas are served in various combinations including an interesting vegetarian variety and
the steaks - Rib Eye, Churrasco and Filet Mignon, are lean Argentinean cuts. Fish lovers
will be content with the Red Snapper and Mahi Mahi listed, as they are freshly caught. BBQ
aficionados will be gratified with Baby Back Ribs and Chicken, or a combo of the two. Home
made desserts round up the HANG OUT experience. Opening party? Naturally, with much
fanfare and drinks poured like water, Wednesday night. Stay tuned for a
Lunch on the occasion of the restaurant’s 15th
anniversary was delicious. Much to my chagrin after tasting Chef Rooseman’s
appetizer and soup, I had to leave for another press conference - duty calls, abandoning
an amazing Carre d’Agneau combined with a Medallion of Venison, bathed in a Truffle
Morilles sauce, behind. I guess I have become too dedicated to my profession, shame on me.
The appetizer, a Torchon de Foie Gras Francis, which is an amazingly tasting velvety
thing, accompanied by a red vine and vanilla gelee, with a bit of frisee garnish, which is
as you know a fancy lettuce leaf, on the tastiest brioche crouton bottom, was to live for.
So was the soup, a famous native of Marseille. The traditional Bouillabaisse was indeed
rich and creamy and finished with fresh cream, with hints of fennel and saffron and dried
bread, never fried or toasted, thinly spread with rouille sauce topped by a grilled prawn.
Now you know why lunch was a memorable affair, so was the company. 
cuisine has strayed long enough with
fusion and Nouvelle, thus Chez Mathilde is pulling back a bit. The menu, says Raul, is now
very similar to the one we had when we first opened... very nice, Foie Gras, Beluga
Caviar, crepes suzette, it’s a ticket to Paris without getting out of your chair.
In a recent press conference, TEC Inc. importers of
Polar Beer and *Red Bull, presented its amazing Carnival 2002 promotion. Polar, one of the
most popular beers on the island is joined by Red Bull in an attractive campaign rewarding
consumer loyalty to both brands. In preparation for Carnival 2002, TEC Inc. is asking
consumers to save all Polar bottle caps and/or all empty Polar and Red Bull cans. When the
consumer drops 24 Polar bottle caps and/or 24 empty Polar or Red Bull cans at TEC Inc.
Arendstraat 103, he gets one ticket to participate in a dream Carnival 2002 promotion.
First prize is a Carnival trailer, completely stocked with Polar Beer and Red Bull, in a
prime location along the parade route. TEC Inc. set up a perfectly equipped trailer where
the winner may entertain his friends and family members during all parades. That same
trailer will be used the following year for another winner as TEC Inc. has indicated the
campaign is a long term one and will continue each year to
reward the
people of Aruba for their support of Polar Beer and Red Bull. The campaign was announced
by Ramon Kervel on behalf of Polar and Gunnar Leonardo on behalf of Red Bull at a press
conference, encouraging consumers to start saving bottle caps and cans. Pictured here are
Ramon & Gunnar, the dynamite duo of TEC Inc... 
Junior Casteneda is the youngest Diva
in the cast of "Sh...Don't Tell Mama," at Royal Cabana Casino.
You may see him in the opening number as an alluring, gorgeous show girl welcoming
ticket holders to "his party." Decked in hot pink feathers, sashaying across the
stage on 6 inch heels, he represents the essence of glamour in show biz. Junior is quite
new to the stage. His career as a female impersonator took off with the show's opening
night. Show producer Humphrey Odor and its star Bob Ollar
- Bob also directed the review from start to finish, music, choreography, costumes and
all, report seeing potential in the young Aruban. Junior picked up stage make-up and
wardrobe design in no time. He already was a good dancer. The result of much rehearsal is
truly visible as his interpretation of "Le Jazz Hot" is as good as the
original Julie Andrews performance in Victor/Victoria. See the
show nightly at Royal Cabana Casino. 
The 50th "I Love Lucy" anniversary
celebration included a viewers poll. TV audiences were asked to vote on their favorite
Lucy episode. Not surprisingly, "Vitameatavegimen, spoon your way to
health," became the #1, most love Lucy misadventure. Here in Aruba, the famous
TV commercial scene in which Lucy attempts to sell a health product, an elixir laced with
alcohol, getting increasingly inebriated with every spoon she pours, is reenacted each
night on stage at the Tropicana Showroom. Gary Dee, the star of Sh....Don't
tell Mama has always been a Lucy fan. As soon as the episode was voted BEST he was on
his way to the fabric store to buy some red polka dotted material. His big-eyed Lucy is
hilarious as Gary deftly handles comic materials. No wonder, his Joan Rivers
impersonation is world famous, and so is his designer wardrobe. See the show
nightly at the Royal Cabana Casino. 
