Of the many nighttime pleasures that Aruba offers, Madame Janette embodies all of my favorites and I was so pleased that it was the restaurant where we celebrated our arrival on the happy island. 

The way I like to describe the décor in the expansive bar area is funky-burlesque. The red walls, black lace, and warm lighting, clash pleasantly with the art-deco light fixtures and faux torches that blaze atop the bar, which is surrounded by signature glowing M’s.

We were seated outside in the expansive backyard, where we enjoyed fabulous (and plentiful) French-influenced dishes and the delicious breeze, both of which are famous in Aruba. One of my favorites at Madame Janette is the Caesar salad (yeah, I know, boring, right? Except, it’s insanely good here) which has an addictive, creamy dressing and sizzling grilled jumbo shrimp.  My new favorite was an Argentinean petite sirloin wrapped in bacon, drizzled in Dutch Gouda, and covered with fried onions. I mean, what could be bad? It’s the Argentinean beef that makes the meal – grass fed and raised hormone-free, it melts like butter.  Other favorites of the table included the almond-crusted, pan-fried grouper and the rack of lamb.  All of these photos are pretty terrible because of the low light, but you get the idea. All in all, a fantastic (and oof, filling!) first night in Aruba.

Mix 1 part sand with 2 parts crystal blue water. Heat to approximately 85 degrees with constant sunshine. Gently cool with pleasant breezes. Blend in days of snorkeling, windsurfing, and sun bathing, and a generous helping of napping in the middle of the day. Shake with amazing food and constant laughter and serve in a frosted glass. Garnish with pineapple slice and tiny umbrella. Serve immediately, before I have to spend another day freezing my butt off in New york!

As you may have guessed, the East Village Kitchen of NYC will be temporarily closed as I take the week off from the grind to go lie on a beautiful beach and sip upon the kinds of drinks that come with tiny umbrellas. There will be a bit of cooking and a lot of eating on this trip, and I plan to document my favorites, poolside (perhaps even a recipe or two, after all, Aruba was the birthplace of the Garden Crabcakes). Bon voyage!