Aruba Facts - Aruba News Desk - Newsletter Januray 1

also
Back Issues

Welcome to the Visit Aruba Newsletter!
This section will be updated regularly, so keep coming back...

News Briefs for January 1-31, 2001

Mighty Talent - King again
At around 5 a.m. on Sunday January 28^th in a very packed Joe Laveists Sport Park, Claudius Philips - a.k.a. "Mighty Talent" - was crowned both Calypso and Roadmarch King once again!

You'd better "believe," Cher is in Aruba
Oscar winning actress, singer & celebrity, Cher is now appearing nightly at the Royal Cabana Casino, Tropicana Showroom. Cher joins an award winning line-up of fabulous divas at the Jewel Box Revue starring La Cage 2001.

Beauty and the Beast
The boutique was barely open a few minutes when the first sale was made. Situated at the Arawak Gardens, it is the first in a
series of nine to open, across the Allegro resort on Palm Beach.

Mandara Spa, open at the Marriott Vacation Club
The name Mandara comes from an ancient Sanskrit legend about the gods’ quest to find the elixir of immortality and eternal youth. A tall order, yet not entirely impossible now that the spa at the Marriott Vacation Club is with us.

Amici is here
Situated across Playa Linda Beach Resort this is a very friendly café, and a welcome addition to the neighborhood. The place has been under construction for ages, just the old trees peeking out from behind the corrugated tin fence. The first tenant to open his door is Amici. We went for lunch and enjoyed tasty sandwiches, fresh just-baked breads, home made spreads.

Welcome to Maggy’s Kitchen
Maggy Abraham is an institution on the island. Hairdresser, entrepreneur, mother of five, grandmother of twenty-one, this go-getter recently celebrated 45 years of ownership of the perfume/beauty salons that carry her name on the island. Her 70th birthday, not so long ago, was acknowledged with an elegant bash at the Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino Caribbean Ballroom.

Picture Exposition “From Lhasa to Kathmandu”
“From Lhasa to Kathmandu” is a picture exposition presented by local photographer Ronald Lemminga at the Instituto di Cultura from 8-31 of January 2001.

Aruba’s 47th Carnival schedule is now online!
View the schedule of events for Aruba’s 47th Carnival celebration or listen to some of the new sounds for this years Parade! If on the island, be sure to see Tivoli’s spectacular Lighting Parade on February 17.

What's Cookin’
A real old-style Cuban neighborhood restaurant located in a restored 1877 cunucu home on Wilhelminastraat in Downtown Oranjestad. Experience 100% Authentic Old Habana - from the original artwork and warm hospitality to the Cuban chef who delights every palate with his "de la casa" style!

The New Look of the Waterfront Crabhouse
On an island raised on seafood Waterfront Crabhouse has risen to the top. Opened at the Seaport Marketplace in 1990, it steadily maintains its market share, in a most competitive food arena such as Aruba, by renovating, upgrading, re-writing the menu at least once a year and in general keeping up with the times and with the shifting tastes of demanding consumers.

Life's a Beach at Costa Linda
Much activity has been registered lately around the Turtle's Nest at Costa Linda Beach Resort. The winter birds are here and they have been swimming, sunning, drinking and eating at the newly refurbished restaurant. The giant beach hut is now transformed each night into a romantic, candle lit seaside restaurant serving Live Lobster, Alaskan King Crablegs, Garlic Snow Crabs, Soft Shell Crabs and Fresh Catch, under a blanket of stars, surrounded by lush blooming gardens.

$AVE in Aruba with the VisitAruba Plus card!
Your VisitAruba Plus card is a convenient and effective way to get the most out of your Aruba vacation with significant discounts and special offers on hotel accommodations, car rental, watersports, sailing and party cruises, spa treatments, entertainment, casinos, shopping and more!

You'd better "believe," Cher is in Aruba

Oscar winning actress, singer & celebrity, Cher is now appearing nightly at the Royal Cabana Casino, Tropicana Showroom. Cher joins an award winning line-up of fabulous divas at the Jewel Box Revue starring La Cage 2001. The stunning superstar has the big hair and the drop-dead figure which made real life Cher famous, also her signature naughty tattoos and the fish net stockings.

The entertainer presenting Cher, in a medley of her hit songs "Believe," and "I Found Someone," is Steven Andrade. Steven, a native of the U.S., grew up in Brazil, yet recently hails from Philadelphia. The first character launching his female-impersonator career was Canada's best export, Celine Dione. Steven also impersonates the songstress in two of her greatest hits, "My Heart Will Go On," out of the Hollywood blockbuster Titanic - note he is wearing the Heart of the Ocean, and "River Deep." Steven has Celine down to a science, the seductive looks, the frequent hair flipping, the raised fist, recreating the legend just before audiences' eyes.

Dolly Parton in Aruba
This week, our favorite county queen, Dolly Parton, arrived in Aruba and now counts herself among the Tropicana Showroom fabulous Divas. Tommy Rose who already brings the side-splitting humor of Mae West to the stage debuted the country singer on Wednesday. He promised a BIG surprise, and a BIG surprise it is when Dolly runs the "Little Whorehouse in Texas" as the dolled up Madame reading her girls the strict house rules.

Aruba's longest running most successful show has a glittering, talented cast. The show is emceed by Gary Dee as tart-tongued
comedienne Joan Rivers. Gary has an amazing wardrobe, and according to the real-life Joan Rivers wear dresses better than most women. Ron Raymond, brings Carol Channing, Disco Dolly, Dame Edna and Judy Garland to life, while Bob Ollar emulates Bette Middler and poses the questions "What Makes A Man a Man," in the final number. Steve Andrade brings Cher's "Believe," and "I Found Someone," to the stage, as well as Celine Dione's "My Heart Will Go On," out of the Hollywood blockbuster Titanic - note he is wearing the Heart of the Ocean, and "River Deep." Bobby Etienne delivers strutting, dancing Tina Turner and Whoopi Goldberg, John Gonzales recreated the sexy, acrobatic Madonna and Gloria Estefan.

Showtime is 9 p.m. Mon., Tue., Thurs. & Sat. and 10 p.m. Wed. & Fri. Tickets are $35 p.p., including a casino match play coupon. An excellent dinner and show package is available at the box office for just $109 + service charge for two consisting of a gourmet 3-course dinner at the Baccarat Restaurant and show tickets.

[courtesy of Rona Coster]

Back to top

Mandara Spa, open at the Marriott Vacation Club

The name Mandara comes from an ancient Sanskrit legend about the gods’ quest to find the elixir of immortality and eternal youth. A tall order, yet not entirely impossible now that the spa at the Marriott Vacation Club is with us.

The brand name I am told originated in Bali and spawned a chain of outlets, 45 worldwide on luxury cruise liners and resorts. Treatment, says Nicky Woods - she is the manager, is exotic and reflects the beauty, spirit and traditions of the Indonesian islands and naturally those of Aruba. Nicky is obviously in the business of relaxation and bliss, a tricky and elusive calling, inviting her constipated, repressed and agitated guests to let go and unwind. She comes here from Malaysia where she ran a similar establishment. She is polite, eloquent, understated and pixyish. Australian by origin, she is the High Priestess of coffee and corn scrubs, aloe and clay wraps.

I dropped in for a visit Saturday. The place is surprisingly big, almost the size of the adjacent Champions bar & restaurant. I never even noticed that the space existed, waiting vacant since construction to be of use to mankind. Behind the glass doors, the spa is really done right, large white tile floors in the foyer where a friendly reception desk is located, carpets on the inside, in the lounge where guests are invited to cool down over herbal tea, before treatment begins. It’s as quiet as a Buddhist monastery, and the music piped in consists mostly of wind chimes and soothing harmonious sounds. The host Rene Wilson, a kid with a great sense of humor explained the different massage oils to me, after I slipped into a cotton robe, comfy slippers, and grabbed my complimentary bottle of water. It was left discreetly on the shelf of my private louvered box, among rolls of freshly laundered towels, in the dark wood-overlayed locker room.

At Mandara, Rene suggested Island Spice, a rubbing potion with pepper, cloves and ginger for an energizing tingling experience, Harmony, for total peace of mind, a light house-variety, Mandara, laced with a romantic scent or Tranquility, yes, if you are in quest of any. With fourteen treatment rooms, neatly lined along a long semi-dark corridor, and 22 staff members, the place may get very busy. The butterfly-fingered therapist assigned to me, Shaneila Piedernela studied in Holland - long strokes are relaxing, short ones invigorating – then her already perfect technique was polished in-house at the new spa. When Shaneila assumed command, she took me under, to a world of no pain and no worry. At the end of 50-minutes of bliss we were invited to sweat the experience away in the sauna. Then back into the world, rejuvenated and refreshed.

The place is gorgeous, with Indonesian furniture and neat wall decorations. Little jars of spices, cloves, cinnamon and grated coconut are everywhere. I peeked into a treatment room for two: A pair of honeymooners was getting their toes soaked in gorgeous copper tubs, before a thorough scrub with natural hairbrushes. Then off onto the table to be wrapped in Balinese warming spices, rolled in a sheet of tin foil, to toast under a cozy blanket. When the crud is washed off the pair will be invited to slip into a giant bubbly Jacuzzi, with lavender oil and floating flower petals, served tea and cookies, which made me want to be a honeymooner again.

Back to Nicky and the menu of treatments. Massages at Mandara may be booked for 50 and 80 minutes. Included in the 80-minute session, a feet-soaking ritual that promises to relieve any crystal build-up in the ankles and any muscle soreness. Here therapists are taught to start off the session with guests’ heads, shoulders and backs, no more pussyfooting first, saving the head for last. At Mandara therapists zoom into the trouble areas right from the start and two guests may share the experience together, in one room. Four hand massages? Nicky reports that once her staff is totally comfortable with their guests, fourhanded symphonies will easily be orchestrated at request.

In addition to massages, sport, reflexology, facial treatments combine natural ingredients and a gentle touch. At Mandara the traditional facial applies vegetable puree to the face, mixed with deep cleansing Balinese kaolin clay and corn meal. And those antioxidant treatments are designed to please both males and females. While females’ youthful glow is restored, gents get their temples, jaws and scalps toned and treated.

What Nicky likes most, are the wraps. Guests are first scrubbed and bathed like babies. An option of finely ground pumice and coffee is said to remove all dead cells to reveal pink baby skin. Then depending on the mood, fresh aloe and cucumber, or a carrot conditioner, is applied. Coconut is used on the occasional sun burnt cases. Another great way to open your clogged Chakras, says Nicky, is a natural salt scrub. Trigger internal peace, she seriously jokes, with external cleansing.
Did I forget to mention manicure, pedicure and aromatic paraffin dips, waxing for both males and females?
Visit the spa anytime, they are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 9 a.m to 8 p.m. Maybe it is time you indulge again ...

[courtesy of Rona Coster]

Back to top

Amici is here

Situated across Playa Linda Beach Resort this is a very friendly café, and a welcome addition to the neighborhood. The place has been under construction for ages, just the old trees peeking out from behind the corrugated tin fence. When the wall came down a new cluster of shops was revealed. They are not finished yet, but a plastic banner is already touting the imminent arrival of Sbarro, the Italian eatery. The rest is a mystery, and we’re curiously awaiting the new tenants’ check-in.

The complex is South American in flavor. It is safe to assume building materials hailed from Venezuela thus the burned clay window trimmings, the cobalt blue corridor tile and the raw, rustic look of the second floor stairways. It’s all very pretty and workers are installing a decorative waterfall just as we speak.

The first tenant to open his door is Amici. We went for lunch and enjoyed tasty sandwiches, fresh just-baked breads, home made spreads. The menu is small but pleasing listing among others a Chicken Curry Sandwich, with pineapple rings, Roast Beef Sandwich, Tropical Tuna, with a secret ingredient - since I didn’t have it, the ingredient remains secret, Salmon Salad Sandwich, Italiano, with French bread, Salami and Melted Cheese, and a County Ham Sandwich. The cappuccino is nice and potent, sometimes served with a spice cookie on the side.

Amici’s strongest selling point? Twenty-two flavors of ice cream, home made, prominently featured on the Coupes Menu. Ewald Jorink, a partner in the business is THIRD GENERATION ice cream maker. His concoctions are served in gorgeous stem and flatware, clown-shaped bowls, oversize Martini glasses. Ewald reports his Italian style light and not-overbearingly-sweet Gelato contains just 8% fat while the premium varieties sold at supermarkets come in at 18%! His factory is located next to Price Right in Eagle, producing 500 gallons a day. It’s basically easy, he explains, to make ice cream. The primary formula remains the same. Then on trips to the waterfront market he buys mango, passion fruit, and papaya, adding the pure pureed fruit to the base to create one of his famous flavors. Peanut ice cream? Just throw in a handful. Bonzo ice cream? Same as above, your dog would love it. The ice cream served at Amici has never been frozen, its soft and curls up easy on a spoon, no need to wait for it to become pliable.

Jan Pieter Rijnsaart, is the other partner, it’s impossible not to like him with his dazzling blue eyes and tightly curled hair. Jan Pieter arrived on the island as a teacher and soon found his wages as a bartender at Café the Plaza exceeded those earned in educational institutions. He managed that locale for years then was hired away by the Captain’s Corner. Always in search of a friendly partnership and a super-location he drove a tour bus for a while, then stumbled upon Jorink and Amici was conceived. Jan Pieter’s little girl Rosie, a Gerber baby, she has Dad’s eye, helps him manage the place in the afternoon when her mom Simone, is working.

The café is nicely appointed with Italian tables and chairs, the gleaming showcases are beautiful and the bar a masterpiece of European design. The outdoor patio boats age-old trees – the one that were peeking over the fence, strung with small festive light. In short cozy, stylish, tasty and trendy, Amici fills in a niche: Ice Cream, Pastry and Coffee, after dinner, and anytime during the day...

[courtesy of Rona Coster]

Back to top

Welcome to Maggy’s Kitchen

Maggy Abraham is an institution on the island. Hairdresser, entrepreneur, mother of five, grandmother of twenty-one, this go-getter recently celebrated 45 years of ownership of the perfume/beauty salons that carry her name on the island. Her 70th birthday, not so long ago, was acknowledged with an elegant bash at the Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino Caribbean Ballroom.

Her latest accomplishment is a cookbook, a compilation of tasty personal recipes, to be unveiled in the local library next Tuesday. I dedicate this book to my children, it says, Richard, Teresita, Audrey, Alex & Roy. You are truly the spices and flavor of my life, and to you Jose, my husband, my friend, my everlasting love, your memory is ever present in all my recipes, all my dinners and forever in my heart.

I went to see Maggy’s at her home, in the heart of town, on a two-house street. Her garden is also worthy of a book, nicely landscaped, filled with tall mature tree, potted and hanging plants. There are birds everywhere as the neighbors leave sugar water and seed feeders out. The air is filled with chirping winged creatures. I interrupted a conference as I walked in. Maggy was exchanging information regarding a peach soufflé with Doortje, her friend and cooking partner for many years. She was also receiving congratulation for a just-born grandson and condolences over one killed in a tragic car accident, during the holidays. It’s a large family, says Maggy, on the surface accepting philosophically the pleasure and the pain associated with life on our planet. It’s not the Kennedy curse she adds, it’s just how clans evolve and operate.

Maggy’s cookbook is a collaboration with Milly Lacle, her stunning daughter in law. Milly has been Maggy’s student for 8 years and she credits Maggy for transforming her from a careful recipe follower into a creative chef. Maggy challenges the Chef-Within to switch ingredients and experiment courageously. Milly reports, thus helping the cook make the dish his own.

The book was laid out by Avanti Case Hoyt, and beautifully photographed in Miami by David Hart. Maggy reveals the creative process took a while. It also required frequent trips to the U.S. The publishing house made the kitchen available, yet Maggy had to shop and cook and present her creations camera-ready to the studio photographer. It took hours, she shares, proud of the final product.

The book’s cover is protected against splatter and it opens easily, bound with a spiral. It is sponsored by Dona Aida wines from Chile and Goya, a seasoning house of Caribbean flavor. The book includes appetizers, soups, salads, chicken, beef & veal, pork, seafood & fish, potato, rice, pasta and side dishes, vegetables, desserts and punches.

Is this Caribbean cuisine, I asked? Not really, was Maggy’s answer. It’s home cooking. So I stuck my nose between the pages and this is what I found. Using Goya, lends the food an immediate Caribbean association as it is laced with typical regional flavors. While Maggy uses ingredients found in our supermarkets her cookbook includes eclectic influences, courtesy of friends and neighbors. It’s definitely an Aruba anthology as many soul food recipes are included. In short it scours the world in search of delectable experiences.

Apricot and Prosciutto roll ups, must have been handed down by a European friend; Chicken Roll Appetizer with Chutney from an Indian business associate; Indonesian Peanut Soup, Middle Eastern Humus & fruited Tabbouleh, Jamaican Spicy Chicken Stew, those add color and flavor to Maggy’s dining experience. If you are looking for Aruban recipes you will be gratified: Pan bati, Oyster soup, Crispy coconut Shrimp, Cabrito – goat, in Red wine Sauce, Rubia’s Coconut Soup and more. The book is for sale for $23 at all of Maggy’s outlets. As I walked out a grandson, he owns the Pollo Tropical franchise in town, walked in for lunch. What’s cooking, he asked.

[courtesy of Rona Coster]

Back to top

Picture Exposition “From Lhasa to Kathmandu”

“From Lhasa to Kathmandu” is a picture exposition presented by local photographer Ronald Lemminga at the Instituto di Cultura from 8-31 of January 2001.

The exposition displays a selection of about 50 pictures which were made during a trip that Lemminga made through Tibet and Nepal during September and October of 1999.

The trip was made with a group of sixteen people, traveling from Lhasa via Gyantse, Zhigatse, Lhartse, Tingri and Dhulikel to Kathmandu. The traveling conditions were less than comfortable, where running water and other everyday comforts are considered a luxury. Regardless of all the discomfort, the trip was more than worthwhile.

One has to be in perfect health since most all of the sights are located at high elevations where the oxygen level is merely 68%.

The exposition can be seen at the Instituto di Cultura, located right next to the Roman Catholic church in Oranjestad (San Fransisco). Opening hours are Monday through Friday from 9AM to 4PM.

Back to top

Aruba’s 47th Carnival schedule is now online!

View the schedule of events for Aruba’s 47th Carnival celebration or listen to some of the new sounds for this years Parade!

If on the island, be sure to see Tivoli’s Lighting Parade on February 17. This is a spectacular Lighting Parade through the streets of Oranjestad where floats, roadpieces and participants' costumes are all brilliantly illuminated with hundreds of tiny lights.

The annual Carnival festivities culminate with the Grand Carnival Parade, which always falls the Sunday before Ash Wednesday – this year on Sunday, February 22nd. Aruba's main event starts at 11 a.m. in Oranjestad and will continue into the evening in the streets of the city...

Pictures will be posted shortly after the events take place, so please visit often!

Back to top

What's Cookin’

Cuba's Cookin' - a real old-style Cuban neighborhood restaurant located in a restored 1877 cunucu home on Wilhelminastraat in Downtown Oranjestad.

Experience 100% Authentic Old Habana - from the original artwork and warm hospitality to the Cuban chef who delights every palate with his "de la casa" style! Cuba's Cookin' also features excellent live music with a trio singing Boleros, Traditional, Son, Cha Cha Cha, and La Trova. A visit to Cuba's Cookin' is more than a great dining experience, it's a real party à la Habana'! Casual Attire.

Menu Highlights: Palomilla Steak, Ropa Vieja, Lechon (Pork) Asado, Cuban Mixed Grill, Shrimp Enchilada, Chicken & Rice, Picadillo de Res, and Cuban Sandwiches.



Back to top

The New Look of the Waterfront Crabhouse

On an island raised on seafood Waterfront Crabhouse has risen to the top. Opened at the Seaport Marketplace in 1990, it steadily maintains its market share, in a most competitive food arena such as Aruba, by renovating, upgrading, re-writing the menu at least once a year and in general keeping up with the times and with the shifting tastes of demanding consumers.

In preparation for high-season 2001, the Waterfront Crabhouse underwent a complete facelift. The new look was revealed Christmas Eve and was received with great enthusiasm by staff members and patrons. For starters a new terrace awning was installed in a striking color combination, teal green and deep lilac. New tropical ceiling fans and soft lighting enhance the outdoor dining experience. The new chairs are nicely padded and color coordinated with the awning.

Indoor, the chairs have been reupholstered in a Caribbean pattern, murals have been retouches, linen changed to a friendly seafoam green and deep purple, last but not least more underwater scenes added to the already highly decorated walls. The attractive staff loves its teal-green tuxedo shirts!

Owners Roy Leitch and Roger Coster didn't stop there.

The Winter 2001 menu offers innovative and eclectic new dishes, from Scallops & Shrimp Florentine, naturally, on a bed of spinach au gratin, to Salmon Arashi with a Tarragon and Teriyaki sauce and Garnished Pilau, a Caribbean specialty starring curried shrimp and exotic fruit. Old favorites such as Live Lobster, steamed or stuffed with crabmeat, Alaska King Crab legs, Garlic Snow Crabs, Soft Shell Crab, six different kinds of fresh catch, homemade pasta dishes and grilled meats continue to play starring roles on the menu, no changes there.

Roy & Roger are especially proud of their new wine list, grouped in seven different categories, making appropriate suggestions according to flavor, dryness and body to help patrons make palate-pleasing decisions. The wine lists offers besides French and American selections also some great bottles from Italy, Spain, Chile, Australia & Argentina.

Come experience the new look of the Waterfront Crabhouse, for breakfast, lunch or dinner, at the Seaport Marketplace. For reservations email: waterfront@visitaruba.com or
call: (297) 835858

[courtesy of Rona Coster]



Back to top

Life's a Beach at Costa Linda

Much activity has been registered lately around the Turtle's Nest at Costa Linda Beach Resort. The winter birds are here and they have been swimming, sunning, drinking and eating at the newly refurbished restaurant. The giant beach hut is now transformed each night into a romantic, candle lit seaside restaurant serving Live Lobster, Alaskan King Crablegs, Garlic Snow Crabs, Soft Shell Crabs and Fresh Catch, under a blanket of stars, surrounded by lush blooming gardens.

Chef Carlo Persia is the executive chef. He put together a menu to satisfy diverse and finicky palates, starting with some unusual appetizers: Stuffed Crab Back, bursting with fresh crab, topped with Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, herbs and spices; a classic Escargot au Gratin, perennial favorites such as Fried Squid and Eggplant Parmigiana and freshly prepared Caesar Salad and Capricciosa Salad for those who wish to start their meals the healthy way.

Chef Carlo prides himself on an unusual Fisherman's Soup made with 'Crazy Water,' crystalline seawater, brimming with Grouper, Squid, Scallops, Shrimp, Clams and Mussels, available both in a cup or a bowl. For main course seafood lovers would be pleased to discover besides terrific Lobster & Crab preparations a Seafood Linguini Fra Diavola that is exceptionally plentiful. Who could resist a Shrimp Scampi Linguini flavored with crushed hot pepper or a Fettuccine tossed with Smoked Salmon and Canadian Crab? And the Alaskan Crabmeat Ravioli is equally irresistible.

We asked owner Roger Coster, what his favorite was. Roger didn't hesitate. Close your eyes and go to heaven with the Grand Seafood Plate, he advised, served simply with sweet garlic and lemon. Nothing simple about that!

Under "Specials" Chef Carlo features Shrimp Kebab, an island style Fresh Snapper Frangipani - served with Creole Sauce and sweet plantains, Fresh Tuna and Golden Fried Scallops. Traditionalists would be happy with his Ribs & Chicken Combo and his true-blue Italian Chicken Parmigiana. Naturally, the grill is fired each night to cook steaks and chops to perfection, charred on the outside, juicy on the inside, including Rib Eye Steak, Pork Chop, N.Y. Sirloin & Filet Mignon.

Beautiful Shanella is the restaurant supervisor, Mirintha is one of the cocktail waitresses, and they see to it that guests' needs are met, efficiently and with a smile. Dinner is served at the Turtle's Nest nightly from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Costa Linda Beach Resort is Aruba premier timeshare property.

For reservations you can Email: turtlesnest@visitaruba.com or call: (297) 837234

[courtesy of Rona Coster]



Back to top


BUSINESS DIRECTORY Tell a FRIEND!	Click Here for GREAT SAVINGS on your Aruba Trip!


		Back To Facts Main