Tucked alongside the street passing the bus station (a historical building in its own rights), and opposite the currency museum full of a dizzy array of international coins. There, you would find a true Aruba gem. I had to grill my hotel concierge before she was willing to mention that place, having wrongly pegged me as the typical American who eats fast food (despite my pretty good physical shape, grr.)
This gem is known as The Old Fisherman. Unlike the other places with seafaring names, this place knows their stuff. In between the tourist fare of steak, chicken, and other stuff for the silly Americans, their seafood selections are fabulous.
From the outside, it is not much to note, but inside, it is a warm and cozy place, where you are greeted and offered tables. A variety of waitresses would come by to take your order, bring your food, and banter with you.
I sat down and told the waitress to give me an authentic Aruba meal, and she pointed to the catch of the day along with Creole sauce. The first time I went, it was mahi-mahi. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the second fish I had — yet it was good. However, the mahi-mahi was by far the most delicious one I have ever had. The problems with restaurants are their cooking style — they would overcook the fish, drying it out far too much. It doe snot matter whether the fish is fresh or frozen (you do realize most of your sushi have been previously frozen?), the cooking effort make or break the meal. They nailed it both time, to my utter delight.
For appetizer, I was given a sliced and cooked corn bread (“Pan Bati” – a local Aruba delicacy) littered with shredded gouda cheese. Add gravy to it, and I would have not been able to identify it any differently than poutine. However, the taste is far better, and I would find the bowl empty far too soon for my liking.
The main course compromise of the fish, rice, a few sides tastefully placed, and quite delicious. Both times I went; the sides were as different as the catch of the day, lending itself to a good variety that would encourage multiple visits to this restaurant by tourists. The Creole sauce is pretty good, but as I got the plate the first time, I was offered to kick it up a notch with “Pipi di Papaya” aka Papaya Hot Sauce. Apparently, the Papaya fruit is mixed with a hot pepper plant, “Madam Jeanette,” to produce a fabulous yet highly spicy mix. If you would mix it with the Creole sauce to taste, you would have a delicious and spicy dip for your fish. Now rest assured, I could eat the fish straight, it was that good. The sauce just adds to the perfection.
The beverage of choice is Balashi, a pilsner beer that is very smooth, light, and perfect with the fish.
I am already missing the restaurant; sadden by the lack of good seafood restaurants here in St Louis. If Aruba wasn’t so expensive, I would have gone back next weekend, but until I do, it is a fond memory that I strongly suggest anyone going to create.
