Chef-owner Patrick van der Donk with his adorable wife Yvette, operate this intimate mom & pop bistro with French roots and Caribbean flair.

Located streetside at Plays Linda Beach Resort Amuse has gained a solid fan-base since opening day, over a year ago.

The menu is a fun mix and match with most dishes available in appetizer and main-course sizes, from lovely soups, salads and appetizers to pasta and seafood, steak, pork and chicken the menu bears the unmistakably signature of its talented creator.

“It has always been my dream,” he says, “to exercise my passion for cooking at an Amuse Bistro, where patrons sample and nosh, dish after dish, as much or as little until satisfied, feasting on small, delectable specialties, perfectly plated and garnished, escorted by appropriate sides, and drizzled with nicely-matched sauces, accompanied by quality wines, to be enjoyed at leisure, one at a time, or shared.”

At Amuse, a separate section of the menu is dedicated to Patrick’s Specials, such as pan fried halibut paired with a herb risotto, saffron sauce; grilled Caribbean rock lobster with ginger Hollandaise and crispy polenta; tenderloin and goose liver paired with a pumpkin risotto drizzled with red wine sauce and surf and turf, sirloin and shrimp, with garlic-butter paired with an eggplant and potato mash.

The desserts at Amuse are worthy of an article of their own. Make sure you still have space enough for a white chocolate parfait, or the heavenly crème brule with a caramel cap. Chef Patrick’s famous red wine ice cream escorts his favorite brownie dessert which is really worth the calories. 

As the perfect dining room host, Yvette put together a nice Specialty Coffee list including an Aruban Coffee with Ponche Crema and a to-live-for Espresso Martini.

For a fun evening of tasting gourmet dishes at very reasonable prices, Amuse is a perfect choice.

Grace generously promised again to donate a percentage of sales, this time to Children’s home Casa Cuna in Aruba. Recently, Corina Linssen, Director of the home, accepted a generous check from the artist in presence of Astrid Muller. Casa Cuna surprised the artist Grace Ashruf with a beautiful thank you painting, created with colorfull prints of the little hands and feet of all the children residing in Casa Cuna. In 2009 Grace donated in the same way part of her proceeds to Kinderhuis Imeldahof. One of her art collectors added an extra amount to the donation, Just like in 2009,

Casa Cuna Progreso Foundation is a children’s home society and was founded on April the 4^th 1957. (The foundation has an important place within the Aruban Community)

Children between 0-8 years old, residing in Aruba and that are subject to the inclusion criteria of Casa Cuna Progreso are cared for and supervised. The assistance that Casa Cuna Progreso offers focuses merely on children who are in a difficult parenting situation. With difficult parenting situation is meant that there could be a crisis situation in the family, educational or emotional neglect, abuse, behavioral or emotional problems.

Contact information Artiest Grace Ashruf:

Grace Ashruf

rahusen@setarnet.aw

Cel phone: 5042614

Home: 5865877

Contact information Casa Cuna:

Corina Linssen

Directeur

Email : casacuna@setarnet.aw

Tel:  00297-5857177

Fax: 00297- 5853010

Friends of the Handicapped, FOH, is holding its annual fundraising Sweethearts’ Ball at the Radisson Aruba Resort Casino & Spa on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2012.

Many of Aruba’s not-for-profit organizations working on behalf of the mentally, physically or emotionally challenged rely on the generous annual donation of funds raised via various activities among them a Superbowl event and the Sweethearts’ Ball on Valentine’s Day.

Friends of the Handicapped is a volunteer organization of tourists wintering on the island at Casa Del Mar, Aruba Beach Club, Costa Linda and Playa Linda. They solicit direct donations and also receive some contributions from CEDE Aruba, Centro pa Desaroyo Social di Aruba—the Center for Social Development of Aruba, a Dutch initiative which rewards local fund-raising activities by matching additional funds for social projects.

To date, the extraordinary visitors have collected much more than one million florins and have donated the funds to local associations and organizations, dedicated to the welfare of Aruba’s mentally and physically handicapped.

Among recipients of annual generous checks Mi Por, an organization of mothers with handicapped infants, Foster Home Imeldahof, the Edmund Harms Hospice Foundation, the hearing-impaired Funari school & FEPO, Fundacion Respeta Mi which guards against child abuse, Ambiente Nobo, sister Philothea’s home for the handicapped, Ambiente Feliz & AVA, catering to special-need kids, Centro Kibrahacha a recreation facility for the elderly, Bibito Pin, a school for children with disabilities, Fundacion Cas Marie, dedicated to those suffering from dementia, Clown Doctors who visit the elderly and also kids in the children’s ward at the hospital, the Red Cross dedicated to disaster first response and management and Fundacion Pa Nos Muchanan whose name indicates care for children, Falpa, foundation Arubano pa lectura, Adopt an Addict, FAVI, helping the visually impaired, Thuiszorg Aruba, Sea-Epilepsie and Samba, a rehab center.

Foundation President Art Stark spearheads the efforts and together with other volunteers orchestrates events and consequent check presentations. The funds given to the NGOs usually pay for transport, renovations, educational materials, kitchen equipment, wheel chairs and conferences, promoting understanding and acceptance of handicapped members of our society.

This year, Stark reports the Sweethearts’ Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dance at the Radisson Aruba Resort Casino & Spa, offers tickets for $90.00 per person or Awg 150, and includes cocktails, dinner, live music with NBO, dancing, and door prizes, from 7.00pm, on the 14th, with a casual elegant dress code, no jackets required. Another event is a mega Bingo on the 24th of February, at the Renaissance Convention Center downtown, starting at 8:00pm.  Call 586-3273 for tickets or information.

Pictured here FOH and NGO representatives at check presentation!

General Manager Astrid Muller posed for a picture opportunity with the loyal, valued, repeat guests. She was joined by the president of the board Ed Hayes, presently on vacation here, vice president Dan Maloof and board member Dr. Craig Zendzian, also spending multi-weeks in Aruba in the winter months, and treasurer Randy Croes, the board’s local representative.

The weekly cocktail party was a fun, interactive event with cocktails, delicious snacks catered by Scabeche restaurant, a limbo contest organized by Farley Croes the activity coordinator and other activities with Daisey Gomez customer relations and yield manager. A massage therapist from Madeleine’s Skin & Body Care salon offers stress-busting chair massages while the party was in full swing.

Caribbean Palm Village is celebrating its silver anniversary in 2012, and is raffling a free annual membership to interval international among its silver honorees, also presenting them with a handsome commemorative plaque, as seen in our pictures.

The Aruba Heart Foundation is a volunteer-based health organization, which is nonprofit and non-governmental. It is exclusively concerned with the promotion of a healthy heart.

Dr. Rollyn Angela, a house doctor, educated the resort associates about the importance of heart health, especially for women since heart disease is the #1 cause of death among females. He also explained how to prevent and control heart and cardiovascular diseases.

All associates received a red dress pin which is a symbol of the fight against heart disease, as wearing the pin confirms participation in the movement.

Clive Faustin, Romar Trading’s Wine Artist paired the wine to complement Linda’s exquisite cooking, for a California Dreaming evening, a special California wine and fine dining occasion at the intimate café, located at Dominicanessestraat # 10, flanking the San Francisco Church of Oranjestad.

The evening took off with Rodney Strong Pinot Noir paired with sliced beef tataki served with bean sprout salad, soy dressing and sesame cracker, as the appetizer and went on to Chateau St. Jean Sonoma Chardonnay 2009, which escorted the garlic potato soup served with cheddar cheese crouton and chives. The Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel chased the main course of honey roasted duck breast served with zinfandel wine sauce accompanied by walnut parsley jasmine rice and artichoke. The Concha y Toro Late Harvest, matched superbly with the dessert, Cranberry Panna cotta served with cranberry compote and vanilla sauce.

Linda and Annie were on hand to make sure the food and service experience flowed nicely while Clive and his Romar Trading crew kept pouring the properly chilled and graciously served wines.

Another event is expected to unfold at Twister Café inspired by Johnnie Walker Whiskey on March 17^th and reservations can be made with the cafe at:  twistercafearuba10@yahoo.com

The evening included an Anniversary Celebration, an award-presentation to the Colleague, Supervisor and Manager of the Year, a three-course lobster and steak dinner, festive dessert and dance music with Tsunami.

Attended by the resort’s managers and department heads who mingled and welcomed their peers, the evening was a much enjoyed success, as colleagues celebrating silver anniversaries were escorted by family members, who also got to share their moment of glory and appreciation.

Just before dinner, General Manager Rob Smith asked family members to get up and be acknowledged for their support of the hard-working anniversary celebrants. He also praised the unchanging spirit of hospitality which prevails at the resort, and while physical changes take place every day, he said, the soul of the Grande Dame remains evergreen, offering genuine Aruban warmth and welcome, treasured by resort guests

Among those honored that evening: Rugia Siliee, Albert Tromp,  Regenita Arends, Nuria Cafarzuza, Clive Courtar, Rosindo Richardson, Margarita Vries, Augustin Kelly, Joan Hodge, Judith Koeiman, Marvinia Richardson, Glenn Farro, Frank Erasmus, Orving Croes, Norman Dijkhoff, Thomas Giel, Dominico Martilia, Monico Ruiz, Rofino Ruiz, Hector Wilson, Rosa Maduro, Bibi Ohab, Esther Simmons, Lidwina Rasmijn, Juan Semerel, Marina Carti, Ruthmila Pieternella, Henry Scott, and Kenny Solognier.

The diva has performed on that stage many times, however this Friday is special as it is Angela’s farewell concert; she will be going back to Spain to pursue her musical career even further, in her country of origin.

Plaza Café & Casa Tua Pizzeria are inviting the general public to attend the performance and to support the munch-loved singer and her band, over dinner or drinks.

Food, wine and friends, are best combined at Casa Tua Pizzeria over Margarita, Reina, Gypsy or Siciliana pizza, which are elegant and simple, and can always be paired with ice cream filled Profiteroles, drizzled with chocolate sauce, for dessert.

Just like the other famous Palm Beach location Casa Tua Pizzeria Renaissance Marketplace offers a contemporary pizza menu with popular toppings, as well as uncommon ones.

Besides the famous pizza, the restaurant also offers a Lunch and Dinner menu which features a number of famous appetizers from Casa Tua’s other well-established eateries on Palm Beach and in the Palm Beach Plaza Mall.

Owners Victor, Gregory and Daveed, representing two-generations of food fanatics, use their culinary gifts to blend the simplicity of a classic Pizzeria with the freshness of a fine Mediterranean restaurant. Their reward is popularity, as Casa Tua has been a long-time favorite with locals and tourists! Join them this Friday, at 8pm, for a memorable evening under the stars, or in the air-conditioned dining room!

The bull is a leftover from the former Espanjola Way which occupied the charming cunucu premises for a short time last year. The 2 Fools prefix attests to the fact that both Fred and Paul are in possession of a typical self-deprecating Dutch humor, and that they are fearless innovators, in the kitchen and outside it, going out on a limb with a fun name for a Gourmet Studio, created by two good, life-long friends!

Paul loves to say: Don’t be fooled by the name, and indeed the place has been totally transformed into a unique environment with Fred in the kitchen and Paul in the dining room, offering a culinary experience, in lieu of just dinner.

The u-shaped dining table is beautifully set for 17, it faces the kitchen and an authentic and fully restored French firewall, the only one of its kind in the Caribbean. The unusual grill was imported from Holland and now goes to work, every night, contributing to the delicious main courses.

While the decor in soothing gray and green is peppered with whimsical touches, the seating around the dining bar is very comfortable, and those wishing to smoke between courses, or stretch their legs are invited to the small outdoor patio, where the aperitifs are served just before dinner.

The menu which Fred and Paul concoct every week is a five course selection of surprises, leaving patrons, you guessed, “Fooly Satisfied.”

Some press members invited this week started their enchanted evening out with champagne cocktails flavored with Mango Caviar. Then the show took off with a Jamon de Pata Negra appetizer, pine nuts, and roasted, sliced corn-fed chicken over field-greens. It was matched with a nice Marges de Caceres Crianza. The Creamy Soup with leeks and Smoked Eel, was paired with a Sherry shot. The meal progressed at a nice leisurely pace, allowing free flowing conversation in preparation for the Seabass and Shrimp with bell pepper sauce and Herb Risotto paired with 689 white wine, chased by a wonderful main course, Lamb Chop, shitake jus with generous cuts from the Fire Wall, washed down with Alamos Malbec.

The dessert, a light and delicious Poached Pear, was drizzled with Chocolate Grand Marnier Sauce and escorted by  Fool’s Yogurt, paired with a small old vine Zinfandel.

2 Fools and a Bull offer the wine pairing with each menu, but individualists will find a fine selection of wines and other beverages to complement their dining experience, readily available at the world smaller bar, in the corner of the dining room.
The Fools Fantasy experience, including a welcome drink, coffee, and liquor comes to USD 80 per person. An additional Wine Flight is available by the Glass, or choose your own bottle from the suggested Wine Cellar for the evening!
Reservations can be made on line, and you are welcome to call for any potential last minute openings any evening till 4:30pm. PS. If the names Fred and Paul sound familiar, Fred was the Marandi chef for a number of years, his wife Hotske runs the Garra Rufa fish treatment at the spa at Manchebo, and Paul and his partner Miriam, created the now-defunct Tabasko, which we still talk about!!

Adam Williamson, Head Golf Professional, Tierra del Sol Resort Spa & Country Club, reports each tournament result will grant players points, and at the end of the annual schedule, the player with the most points will win a Full Golf Membership at Tierra del Sol for 2013, a prize valued at $3,800.

The Perennial Cup winner will then go on to enjoy the better things in life at the country club’s Ventanas del Mar Restaurant, Body & Soul Spa, and Golf Course, for a full year of indulgences, as first tournament prize.

Other winners included Ted Noble and Clifton Ling, in second and third place respectively with Jan Roeloffsvalk and Ron Moser in the fourth and fifth position.

Prizes sponsored by Body & Soul Spa, Ventanas del Mar Restaurant and the Golf Shop were also awarded to Closest to Pin on #3, Elvin Maduro, Closest to Pin on #7, Kim Tilleman, Closest to Pin on #13, Jan Roeloffsvalk, Closest to Pin on #15, Ray Perez, and Closest to Pin on #17, Ron Moser.