Courtesy of: The Morning News
By Rosalie Klein
ORANJESTAD — Traditionalists may think that Thanksgiving without a turkey dinner is a crime, but scores of families vacationing on Aruba chose a superb steak at El Gaucho as their way to share the holiday with loved ones.
The popular Argentinean steakhouse in Oranjestad was filled to overflowing for the holiday, and those that elected to celebrate the occasion with a great cut of beef swore they “wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Rita Reith of Westchester, New York, expressed how pleased she was not to have to work on the holiday, even though they have a complete kitchen at their timeshare. “Nope, this is my vacation too,” she asserts. “We come with the kids every year at this time, and have celebrated at El Gaucho before. We know we will always get a great meal here.”
The relief that turkey was not on the menu was obvious and unanimous from the Thalhimer family of Richmond, Virginia, who all preferred a nice cut of beef for their Thanksgiving dinner. El Gaucho was also not a first stop for them, either.
The Lawery clan of Charlotte, North Carolina, visiting Aruba for the first time, opted for the unusual, even though they could have had a traditional turkey dinner at their all-inclusive resort. “We wanted a change for the holiday, just the family in a cozy setting,” explained patriarch and matriarch John and Tiffany. “A friend of ours, who has been to Aruba many times, told us we couldn’t leave the island without one meal at El Gaucho. He said they serve “the best steak we will ever have.” We have to admit, it was pretty good, and a nice change of pace over the usual Thanksgiving fare.”
El Gaucho Steakhouse in Oranjestad is one of those restaurants that frequent visitors always have starred on their list of places to return to. For many at this time of year, it is their favorite Thanksgiving tradition.
