Courtesy of: The Morning News
Always keeping an eye towards Aruba’s new dining options; a taste-testing team from THE MORNING NEWS was utterly charmed by a luncheon interlude at the spanking new West Deck eatery, on the shoreline in downtown Oranjestad.
The al fresco restaurant has been installed on the newly built deck overlooking Governor’s Beach, the small spit of beach front bordering the east side of the lagoon that splits the down, next to Wilhelmina Park. Looking south over the water, it appears to be on the western side of the lagoon, perhaps that accounts for the name?
They were not surprised, after being delighted with a Sunday lunch at this charming spot, to learn that it is the baby of master restaurateurs Robby and Anabella Peterson, who opened the very successful Pinchos at Surfside Marina, ten years ago. Sporting a simple setting with some colorful flair, brightly cushioned couches bordering the restaurants wooden railing offer a cozy setting for some sunset cuddling and a romantic dinner, though they may prove a tad too sunny during lunch hours.
However, they found a comfortable table in the shade and were duly impressed with a diverse menu, heavily leaning towards a diversity of fresh fish and seafood, but offering some very inventive and intriguing choices for landlubbers, as well.
Two of them immediately opted for the whole snapper, as this delicacy is becoming increasingly more difficult to find on Aruban restaurant menus. They also elected to sample the Bahamian Style Conch Fritters, which earned a unanimous vote of excellence. They were heavy on the conch, light on the batter, and this favorite mollusk, which can often be quite tough when not prepared correctly, was perfectly tender.
The whole fish came with a very tasty, mild Creole Sauce, though the eager-to-please staff was only too happy to bring us a bit of Papaya Pica with which to spice things up a bit.
With an eye towards patrons who come to imbibe some tropical cocktails or fine wines while snacking and enjoying the sunset, they have set up the menu to enjoy such things as the Bahamian fritters or coconut shrimp by the pound or dozen, so a group can share. Exotic side dishes they sampled included sweet potato french fries and Caribbean Rice, made with coconut milk, which all earned double thumbs up.
Best of all, the prices are very moderate, particularly considering the location and gourmet presentation. This was a very successful exploration of a new island eatery, which they found delightful on all counts. Highly recommended.
