I suppose we all know that having a drink at a bar is something else than buying it in the shop. But at Bongo's bar they really exaggerate their prices for just one little bottle of Polar beer. My friend and I took 3 Polars each and guess what we had to pay!!!
Twenty eight guilders and 50 cents!!!! That makes one beer at a price even more than at the airport. These people must be out of their minds. Anyhow, the next time I know how they want to fill their pockets.

Six beers at Fls 4,75 ($2.67) each, including the 5% sales tax, is a fairly normal bar/resort price-especially if you're on the beach with a beautiful sea view (I've seen prices in the $3-$5 (fls 5,25 - 8,75) range at some seaside places). They're actually charging fls 4,50 (+5% tax=4,75), not really an exaggerated price if you compare it to similar locations.

Hi Ruth,

Surely you are right if Bongo were a resort but in my opinion it is nothing more than a common bar without all the "overhead" of any resort. So, I stick with my opinion.

Jeroen

Come and hang out in Vail, Colorado... Those prices you mentioned seem cheap to me - even for a "non-resort" bar! I am a bar-tender a few nights a week at an off-the-beaten path bar near Vail and we charge $3.50 domestic and $4 import/micro brew. Other bars charge $4-$6. I think it is easy to forget that you are not just buying the beer but you are buying the atmosphere as well as electricity, water, rent, waitstaff, maintenence etc... and bars/resturaunts are the business of making $$, not a non-for-profit. I see nothing wrong with that as long as it seems reasonable. If it seems too much $$ then get a sixer and take a drive(not promoting drinking and driving though...) somewhere and enjoy!

Jenn

I also have to disagree... but with the statement that Bongos is a "common bar". I don't know where you're from or what you are used to... but it is far from common in my opinion.

Jeroen... oh my... please accept my apologies as I see you are from Bonaire ! LOL ! You are definitely used to perfect beachfront sunsets....

[although I still think Bongos is great]

I must be missing something........

$2.67 for a beer at a bar? I'll pay that ANYDAY!

The joints I hang at (sometimes...), I'm paying $2.50 - $3.00 per bottle - and that's domestic. (unless I'm able to sneak in on Ladies night)

I would pay $2.67 at an outside bar on the beach anyday.

Drink up!

Ok...so is this thread for real or is someone just trying to drum up business for Bongos?

Tribs...I'm cornfused too...gee, if I could only get a beer for $2.67 at a beach bar in California

$2.67 is a good price for an American-sized beer... seems like somewhat of a rip-off for one of the little bottles.

Maybe it's because those Polars come in such a small bottle...one bottle hardly lasts me more than a minute or so...never gets warm...it MUST be the tiny bottle...it couldn't be me

Warm beer is my second favorite drink!

uh...what's your first? cold beer? beer in a thong?...heh heh...has the snow arrived yet?

(Message edited by cyndelee on October 12, 2006)

Snow is here in Chicago now

Ssssshhh! Let's not mention the "s" word yet!

Bongos and beer and Oliveria's cooking. Can't wait to spend a few guilders there in a month or two.

We had a mini blizzard during my 8:00 am class the students couldn't focus. Thankfully, it did not stick nor last too long.

Bongos' burgers....yummy!

It is funny how the "s" word can mean different things to different people. We have already gotten the "s" word (over 3 ft in higher elevations)and it has made people excited for the winter season. When it does the "s" word people are happier and you see everyone get all excited. It really changes everyones mood for the better. When I lived in Michigan everyone cursed the "s" word! Funny how a little geography can change ones perspective.

I understand what Jeroen is saying. It is not fair to compare prices with other parts of the world. I assume that in the States that minimum wage is above the $3.00 that it is here. A Polar at Bongos is going to cost some people on Bonaire the equivalent to nearly an hours salary.

Naf4.75 is above average on Bonaire. Snack bars charge around naf2.00 and bars in town average naf3.50 to naf3.75. Even a big hotel like Buddy Dive only charges $2.00 for a beer (Polar & Balashi) and half that on happy hour.

Bongos has an enviable location but their prices are not justified. They would probably make more money if they were cheaper as they would move more volume.

I see your point. I thought all places on Bonaire charged these prices but I have not been there yet (42 more days!!). I know that where I live there is fluctuation in prices for the same product at different resturaunts and bars. I typically will not go to a bar if I feel I can get the same thing for cheaper somewhere else unless there is something at the place that makes it worth it for me. We all have to make out own informed decsions I guess.

First of all, thanks to all people reacting to my indignation about the unreal high price of a little Polar beer.

I do understand that it makes a big difference where you come from. All those people coming from the US, remember your dollar is quite something different from our guilder!! So, saying to me that a price you quote in dollars is not a high price, is not what I am saying. We are paid in Antillean guilders. Besides, as I see I am not the only one saying this, Naf 4,75 for a little Polar beer is quite unreasonable.

I do agree that if I don't want to pay that, I'll have to go to another bar. But, living on Bonaire, I don't frequently go to Bongo's and the last time was one year ago (!). In that time the prices were very reasonable.

So, my dear american visitors, before you react again, our guilder is NOT your dollar. We have to pay almost two guilders for one dollar.

Jeroen

Um, Jeroen - please get rid of that chip on your shoulder.

Ruth did the dollar/florin conversion in her first post, and people who posted were aware that dollars are not guilders.

So... 4,75 is about $2.67. As you say, you pay almost 2 guilders to one dollar. But we all knew that, you see?

Yes, I can see that that's a lot for one of those little Polars. You're absolutely right about that.

But you really need to drop the resentment towards Americans. Trust me, your blood pressure will thank you.

Ok...fair enough. However federal minimum wage in the states is $5.15 an hour. Most bars are charging more than that for a beer in the states, less in rural areas, much higher in metropolitan areas. The comparison is valid. You can buy a beer for less than minimum wage on Bonaire living in their economy. Depending on what you drink and where you are in the states a beer will not always be possible to purchase for one hour's wage.

And when did one start using minimum wage as a justification for imbibing????

Don't get me started again on prices in the UK!!

Here all premises have to display their prices in the bar.

I have seen Polars at $2 elsewhere at more up market resorts so with tax $2.1, so Bongos does seems a bit high unless a hefty service tax is also included.

I was thinking the same thing Brian when I was posting about the US wages. Our first pub visit in Scotland was a real eye opener!

Tribs

I am worried, how do you remember a trip to a scottish pub? Great people and a real grasp of hospitality and fun - don't know why I had a bad heid the next day

I suspect I do Brian. My hubby used to play Rugby in England and I have been entertained many a night with his pub stories. Hopefully we will get over there next year for his sister's 40th wedding anniversary. I've never been - all of my trips to Europe have been to Rotterdam.

Truth be told, I can remember my first trip because I was just getting over a case of the flu so I took it lightly. Now the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc...are another story.

Mara Mara, next time you're in Rotterdam give us a call!

No snow yet Cyn! Had some in the mountains, but went away...I hear it's coming on Monday

Angela - I will do that. I'm not certain when the next time will be. I've been 3 times already - all work related. Once I had to go from Atlanta to Rotterdam in March and then straight on to Singapore. Talk about having two completely different wardrobes in one suitcase. By the time I left Singapore I had two suitcases. Oh well.

OK, I'll pipe in on this one. I have experience

Having just been there in Sept., I too was surprised at the price of a beer at Bongos. It had increased considerably from last year and Amstel was no cheaper than Polar. Doing the math, it appears that the bottle size and price per bottle there is no longer the cheap bargain it once was not so long ago.

But!...

Let's look at the other factors involved that I MUST consider when I spend my hard earned money for a beer(or two, or...) at Bongo's.
1. ambiance(sp?) One of my favorite "hangouts"
to relax.
2. Convenience. I'm usually there at least once
a day for tanks or food or to dive the cam or
to meet a friend.
3. The people. Bongos is a great place to say
hello to old friends and meet new ones and the
staff is no exception.

How do I put a price tag on that and factor it into a bar tab? I can not. Quite franky, I don't believe that can be done, hence the "priceless!" quote we all so love to use. Add to that the fact that this is a vacation and I don't care...the cost only approaches what I would pay anywhere in the States, and right now I would gladly shell out $2.67 for a Polar if it was so I could sit on a bar stool at Bongos and enjoy it!

If anyone asks me "do you get what you pay for?", my answer has to be "and then some!!!"

My 2 cents!

Smack

I think we were at the bar at Captain Don's once, when Eric told the bartender that the only thing about Bonaire he would improve was the size of the beer bottles, but that he figured a bigger bottle would get warm before you finished it. The bartender disappeared and came back with a magnum sized Heineken in a bucket of ice and plunked it down in front of Eric. I think it brought tears to his eyes!

Have decided that price of beer is not that bad. Leaving Calgary for Houston in 45 mins. 5 hour layover then Continental to Bonaire. Hmm--beer at Calgary airport $4.50. Will let you know what a beer costs in Houston.
Dave and Wanda

Show up on the webcams Dave. And grab a Bright at Flamingo airport while you're at it.

You should have an Old Speckled Hen at Lion's Den.

Dave, have a great time. Wishing you safe travels.

Dave, have fun!
Mara, I understand....about the two suitcases.....
shopping is my middle name......

this is all off topic

Maarten; That always happens when the hard core BT'ers come in .....

Jerry

Where are you?

Brian, remind me to tell you the story of my trip to the How Towdi (sp?) pub in Edinborough. Great place to learn all about single malts!

Hi Michael I will try to get some single malt for when we come back in January. My favourite is Lagavulin, Laphroaig is nice but a bit too peaty. I remember being in Edinburgh on business many years ago and trying quite a few. Strangely I had a sore head (or sare heid in Scottish) the next day.

Menno, you're right...the hardcore BT'ers ruin it all...dang them! I think someone needs to go beer tasting at the waterfront pubs on Bonaire (I know, they aren't pubs on Bonaire)...and post the price of Polars for comparison...I'd volunteer but my next trip won't be for awhile. Dave, if you read this, can you please volunteer? You and Wanda have a great trip

Maarten, sort of back on topic...no?

Brian...Lagavulin, Laphroaig ...that is a mouthful...and what is "peaty?"

Sorry Maarten...off topic again...sort of, but we are still talking beer

I reread my post a few times now, but I can not find the part where I mention that "you all" ruin all topics, but, if you say so .......
I like to add something sort of "off topic" as well ...... if I may.....; What do you think about their disgusting rest-rooms ???

Thanks for that reminder Menno, I just lost lunch. Yes, I know I am
again.

Menno, my appologies...I don't think that's what I meant...I hadn't had my coffee yet, and I have a migraine again...lol...I think I meant:

Menno, yes, you're right, hard core BT'ers always get off topic...lol...thanks for the chuckle...

restrooms...hmm...well, i can think of the most disgusting one...the public one inside the strip mall across from KFC next to Littman's downtown...GAG...

OK, back to waterfront beer pricing and tasting!

Jeroen, we noticed nightly this past week that a number of people were stopped at Lutty DePalm's new shop for a cold beer, standing outside chatting. No it is not a bar, not on the water, but I believe affordable and friendly. I am happy to take any chance to point out that Lutty has just recently opened his new shop so people will stop by in suport of his business.

Denise :-)

Well Grasshopper, if you're going to drag my name thru a thread that includes the most disgusting "public" bathroom, you could at least have mentioned my beer prices! There's really only one public bathroom downtown-between City Cafe & the Gov't Bldg (technically, the mall one is for mall customers, but that's hard to control).

BTW, the mall owner is responsible for the condition of those bathrooms, not any business in the mall.

How's that for off-topic?
;-)

Ruth, what are the beer prices at KFC? ;-) OH wait, I might get you in trouble with the moderators I didn't mean to imply that KFC was responsible for those bathrooms Last time I was on Bon, I was waiting for my delicious chicken wrap from KFC (which was delicous by the way, fresh veggies and very hot) ;-) and had to use the ladies room very badly...so I asked the gal in the Littman's store, she directed me to "that bathroom"...I opened the door...and well...er...I must say it was the most disgusting thing I've seen in a while. Needless to say I didn't use it. As a business in the mall, I'd let the owner know that that bathroom isn't usable by customers (but maybe they know that?)

Ughhhh, no comment is possible at this time due to....

Let me get in trouble with the Mods!! KFC beer prices are amazingly low and you have a sea view to boot. What better way to enjoy the Bonaire sunset than to sit sipping a cold one and munching a a few hot wings...okay, Brian, maybe a bit of the Glen Livet and some haggis...or walkers short breads

Not a problem in the world, Michael. Unless you own a piece of the KFC pie, it's not self promotion.

I did have a nice sea view as I ate my delicious chicken wrap sitting on the bench overlooking the turquoise Bonaire water...no beer though cause I already had to "go" lol...so...Michael...uh...we're waiting

(Message edited by cyndelee on October 15, 2006)

From all the KFC I ate over the years I should get at least one or two shares....

Hoppy if the beer survey can wait until we are back January the we will carry out this dangerous assignment, it is very kind for BT to offer to cover the cost of the beer. Or did I misunderstand?

Part of the process to make whisky is to smoke the malt from a Peat fire. Peat is naturally compacted moss and lichens etc. The more it is smoked then the stronger the Peat flavour and the peatiness of the whisky.

I have been told about a really cheap bar in Bonaire were a lot UK/US expats now drink. I will try and find out the name and prices.

Michael

You are on, just remind me in December. I have a haggis trap in the garage ready for News Years -it has spring doors at either end to catch both types of haggis.

Now guess what brought me back to the table...haggis! Does anyone make it in Bonaire?

Tribs
Sorry you need sheep not goats as it is a Scottish speciality so import is the only way they can get to Bonaire.

Hey Brian...I know it is sheep not goats. I'm just trying to find someplace other than Scotland to get it. It is banned in the US, so I cannot get it here at home. I'd be willing to eat an import.

Banned in the US, I am surprised, can it posted to the US or are all meat products not allowed in at all?

I can see a whole new a career as a Haggis smuggler.

Now the fun starts..Brian will "pipe it in" ...(or don't you play the bagpipes?)

I can remember having a very drunken encounter with a set of bagpipes in Key West the night we passed our rescue diver course. 1:00am in the morning and a Police band arrived to discourage drink driving and entrusted the pipes to me, I hope there are no photos.

Sorry Michael I used to play the Tuba at school so bagpipes are beyond me. Can I whistle in the haggis?

You guys crack me up! I'm not sure about the actual legislation, just that a few butchers have told me when I inquired about obtaining haggis that it is illegal in the US. One said if I could find a farmer who made his/her own, I might be able to strike a deal, but that no butcher in the US would make it for me. Of course, I still ask when I come across a private butcher shop, but so far no luck. I guess I am going to have to wait until summer when I head to Scotland for a visit.

Menno, there they go again...lol...soooo ....will someone other than Ruth please post the price of beer at KFC please?

Brian, maybe 2007 will be the year we meet. I haven't confirmed my 2 trips to Bon yet (still working on finalizing my first trip, Michael doesn't even know the second trip is a twinkle in my eye yet...lol)

(Message edited by cyndelee on October 15, 2006)

Which way do you want the shares Michael? WEB was just under fls 10k this month, and all the taxes are due tomorrow....I'd be happy to share those bills any time!
;-)

Sorry.

Tribs - my hubby suggested you try to find haggis in Canada. Don't know how serious or not he was but I asked him was haggis was and sure enough he knew. Guess it's the British citizen in him - LOL!

The patio tables at KFC are often the location for rendezvous for me and my wife after my dives and her shopping. We usually have one or two cold beers from KFC. As I recall the price has been at about fl 2.50 ea. "including taxes" for quite sometime.
Great place to rendzvous, great ocean view, great price. Can't beat it.

Tribs...we are joking ;-)

Michael have thought through my new role as a Haggis smuggler and I think the bagpipes might not be good idea especially when going through customs.

Brian, I thought that's where you'd stuff the haggis?

Seb I bought the Bonaire Guide to Haggis Smuggling Made Easy Vol3 at Michaels and it advises not to hide Haggis in anything that looks Scottish such as Bagpipes, Golf Clubs etc.

O.K. I have been reading this thread, but have no clue what exactly a "haggis" is. Could someone explain it to me?

Debbie,
It's a kind of sausage. I just grabbed this definition from Wikipedia:

---

quote:

Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish. Although there are many recipes, it is normally made with the following ingredients: sheep's 'pluck' (heart, liver, and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally boiled in the animal's stomach for approximately an hour.

---

and I thought haggis were related to lemmings! Just kidding....I really do like it and also the soothing melody of bagpipes wafting accross the gentle breezes of Bonaire. Ruth, I will meet you at the tax office..we can have a "stockholders meeting".

Yes, stomach lining off and then sliced on top of potatoes...yummy! I also had it with rice and also as a main course. Oh my....one time it was real spicy and yummy! I was hesitant at first so ordered it as an appetizer - and I loved it! I had it three times on that trip, but should have ordered it every day. Oh well....

Yikes...off topic. BEER is GOOD. BEER is our Friend. BEER at Bongos is good when consumed with a friend.

Morning Michael! Wish I was with you at Chat n Browse. 2 months and 11 days until I can say hello in person.

Thanks, Susan. I don't think I could actually eat one now....

Thanks Peter-you're correct re: KFC beer prices. Some inland snack bars, like Spanhoek, have Polar for fls 2-but I'm not sure if that's all the time or just happy hour.

And Michael, meet me at home-there's no way I'm leaving this living room w/air-co--i think it's over 90 already, w/NO breeze. Yuk.

Haggis is very specialised taste and many people would not like it. Rather than a suasage, think of it as a stuffed stomach. I know I wouldn't eat one.

On the beer topic:
To my knowledge, Spanhoek is the cheapest with Belashi at ang 1.75. They do not have happy hour, they just sell cheap beer. Most of the snack bars sell Polar & Amstel at ang 2.00. A nice location is Kanti Awa (sp) on the Boulevard, again ang 2.00.
If you want somewhere a little more salubrious, Buddy Dive sell Belashi at $1.00 on happy hour and the bar at the old Inn sells polar & amstel for ang 2.50 between 5.00pm & 7.00pm and again between 9.30pm & 10.30pm. Not that I am obsessed with drink of course.

On the Haggis topic:
Traditional Haggis was prepared in a sheeps stomach but because of new health requirements, a synthetic one is normally used. Here is a good basic recipe for anyone who wants to try:

Set of sheep's heart, lungs and liver
One beef bung
3 cups finely chopped suet
One cup medium ground oatmeal
Two medium onions, finely chopped
One cup beef stock
One teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
One teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon mace

Serve with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) and accompanied by a good malt, it is a hearty meal. Lovely!

Suet? Don't birds eat suet? This is really weird, I tell ya.

I'm sorry - I'm still hung up on the beef bung.

You can buy canned Haggis through Vermont Country Store or Amazon.com. I have never had either fresh or canned so I cannot evaluate it's quality.
Enjoy

Mara, I'm still not over the lung or heart or stomach or whatever suet is defined as... Weirdest sausage if you ask me. Now I know why folks dont' tell you whats in hot doggies...

Debbie - LOL. There was something I used to get when I had to go to Louisana on business - oh yeah - boudin balls. It's made with pork livers and pork butt and all kinds of stuff too.

so yes - stomach, lung and heart - suet and beef bung - umm - I'd just rather not. I know I'm not really using my stomach anymore but EEGADS that's a bit drastic.

May the crackpot vegetarian chime in here? YEEACHH!

For those of you who have not had the pleasure of suet, it is a hard animal fat, beef or mutton and can be used to make pastry.

The beef bung is the casing used to contain the ingredients.

My mouth is watering!

Ahem....YYYEEEAAACCCHHHH!!!!!

Barbara,

I'll bet you didn't like brussel sprouts until you tried them. :–)

Glen, even if I weren't a crackpot vegetarian, I wouldn't eat anything that contained something called beef bung! (Just kidding, all you beef bung lurkers.)
I have a friend who moved here from Taiwan who kept going into groceries and asking for the delicious miniature cabbages she had been served by a friends. I finally figured out she wanted brussel sprouts, hadn't seen them before I guess.
Ok, I've done my part to move this discussion as far off topic as possible. Anyone else?

(Message edited by barbara_gibson on October 16, 2006)

That just doesn't sound very appetizing!! To each his own - I guess!!!LOL

Mike, say it with me....YEEAACCHH! (pardon me, guys; I have my silly hat on this afternoon.)

CB...I think the conversation has converted me to a vegan...lol...I'll say it with you...YEAACHHH...lol...hope your students have fun blowing bubbles tonight...

oh gee...Menno...I think we have gone I think I would rather have some Christmas cOOcOOckies

back to beer and haggis (ok, haggis wasn't in the original topic of conversation, but what the heck)


Jeroen, if you are still out there, will you PLEASE go over to the kiteboarding thread and answer some of Mr. Tise's questions before I am forced to put my moderator hat on again?

Oh, and yes, I know gifs aren't allowed but I went to post that and realized I'm not on MY computer because MY computer is in pieces (see pic in CC) and the pic I wanted...i.e. off topic pic isn't on husbands puter so i had to quickly find something to put in there...lol...


(Message edited by cyndelee on October 16, 2006)

CB, there are not enough overpriced Polars (mentioned beer folks) in the world, to put me in a state of mind where I could eat something called "beef bung"

Tom, thank you for that picture...first thing in the morning...pass the polar (beer) please

Cyndee here are couple of images for you

oops just realised I will add the other to CC

I was going to eat my breakfast but decided against it after reading this thread. CB, I'm with you on this one YEEEEEEAAAAAACCCHHHHH!!!Beef bung, I think not!Hearts. liver. body parts to consume, not for me thanyouverymuch!

I tried Haggis the other day at the Highland Games they had here. I'll try anything once....and once is all I'm gonna need for Haggis!

Mercy, you crazy woman, spam and haggis in the same month! What were you thinking? LOL!

Mercy, I want pictures....

I'm NOT thinking obviously Rosanne! I'm just a pretty adventurous eater!

You want pics of what CB?? Me turning green from eating Haggis??

Yeah, Mercy. Or I could post that special pic of you from the Left coast Meet. (Don't worry...won't do it no matter what they pay me...)

I was just looking at that pic again CB. Total blackmail stuff..considering I make my living as a model!!

Why I oughtta.....said in my best Three Stooges voice!!!

Nyak, nyak, nyak....(said like Curly)

I wanna see the pic ;-) Can't be worse than my helmet and botox pic

There are only two pics in my life that could ruin me..I have one, and CB has the other. It's all on a need to know basis..and you don't need to know! Actually...I'll email it to you GH..IF you keep it under wraps and guard it with your life!!!

Actually what is so funny to probably only me is..I always have to look so good in my modeling pics..that I tend to really goof off when I'm doing the normal pics with my friends! It's a release..what can I say??

Mercy, anybody who feels free to make that face at me 20 minutes after meeting me is ok with me!

Barbara maybe we need to see the picture!

Mercy, email it to me. I promise, I will burn it (i.e. destroy it) after I view it

Poor Jeroen...he started this thread to try and make a point about how expensive beer is at Bongo's and look what we have done to it...Jeroen...we are truly sorry...really we are.

I'll buy you a polar next time I'm on island

Hey GH don't I have go and do a beer survey at your expense as well

Brian, that pic's fate is Mercy's to decide. And I have a feeling that she is a woman who can make up her own mind.
Miss Mod, I feel prouder than I should that I helped this thread get so far afield...I feel so hard core....

Ok, ok..I have a great sense of humor about myself....you have my permission to post it CB! But only if Jerry or Brian promises to eventually photo shop me into something else and make it even worse..or funnier depending on your mood at the time!

Mercy I promise to play nice, we have the technology!!!

Mercy - if they won't I will!!!

Uh-uh, Miss Mercy. I already feel guilty for mentioning the dang thing, didn't think they'd demand to see it (well, I should have thought). If you want to broadcast it, go ahead. You have the technology...

Actually, I was going to post it myself..but I seem to have deleted it! Didn't know it would be in such demand! Geez...it's just really a goofy pic of me...cause undereath it all...I'm just a big, daffy nerd!

Either you post it CB, or send it to me to post..but I'm leaving for NY in the morning and won't be able to post it myself until Tuesday...sounds like the rabble may rouse if we wait that long!

Rabble?

Well ok, I confess

Miss Mercy, I am post challenged, so I'm sending the aforesaid pic to Miss Cynde, if you really want it loose in the world. I actually thought it was cute and fun, and very close to the spirit of the weekend, didn't know it would get such a reaction!

Well Miss Barbie anytime you openly mention a picture and then not post said picture. That is going to cause a stir with in the rabble. LOL

I'm still here for a couple of hours if you want to send it to me CB.....I know how to post now.

Miss Mercy, it is on its way.
I feel very bitter that you can throw off "I'm leaving for New York in the morning" so blithely...Were it I it would be "Oh, boy, oh boy. I'm going to New York in the morning!"...

How this ever got under Polar at Bongo's thread I will never know..but here we go! Here is the stupid incriminating pic of me that I can't believe I'm posting! From the BT Mini Meet in Santa Barbara..and realize, this is just a few minutes after meeting everyone!

Mercy...I can't wait to meet you in December! This is going to be fun.

Miss Mercy, it's the real you!

Hey Mercy

Respect, it is not bad at all.

I have a really dodgy picture of me and the bagpipes mentioned already in this thread. I will scan it in and post it.

4.50 for a Polar is a bit on the high side, but not outrageously so. I see usually see it sold cold for prices ranging from 2.00 to 3.50, but I don't go to the ocean-front resorts because (A) they're competition and (B) they're expensive.

Beer sizes on the island;Amstel and Polar and Heineken are sold in 8 oz bottles; Heineken in 9.5 oz; Amstel Brite in 10.5 oz; Grolsch in 8 oz, 16 oz, and 160 oz mini-kegs; LaTrappe Dubbel, Tripel, and Quadrupel in 12 oz; Bud in 12 oz; Old Speckled Hen in 16 oz; Landerbrau in 16 oz; Dragon Stout in 10 oz; Red Stripe in 12 oz; San Miguel in 12 oz; Balashi in 10 oz; Westmalle Dubbel and Tripel in 12 oz;Witte Trappiste in 12 oz; Palm in 11 oz bottles and 12 oz cans; Corona in 11 oz bottles; Gulpener in 11 oz, etc. That's what I know off the top of my head, I know that there are some mistakes and omissions in the list. People that think there are only three kinds of beer that are only available in small bottles don't get out to enough places.

I'm ALMOST concerned that you know these sizes off the top of your head Kevin but then again you ARE the Great Escape.

Remember that I have to manage the stock, Mara. Fortunately for me, I don't drink the stock. If I did, I wouldn't be able to manage it.

OK - I was just curious. I know I can spout off some things but that was pretty daggone impressive. We'll stop by for a few next time we are on island.

I would think you would know the size of your haul of ill-gotten gains girl friend.

I don't think I have ever seen a thread mutate the way this one did...bravo people! It's 8:30 AM here and I have Polars on my mind ...no...wait.... If I may wax philosophically and cite an old rugby friend of mine "Beer...it's not just for breakfast anymore"

But Cam - we started talking about beer and are now back on beer. It's all good.

The cycle goes full circle Grasshopper

Cam

The only reason that it comes back on track is because it is about beer. Three cheers - AMSTEL BRIGHT AMSTEL BRIGHT AMSTEL BRIGHT

Give me a B
Give me an R
Give me an I
Give me another drink!!!!

I think I have Buy Polar disorder

Good one Brian!

Kevin, can you tell us where we can find those various beers ? espcially the tripels .

(Message edited by GregZ on October 26, 2006)

Unfortunately, rules against self-promotion keep me from answering that question. Hopefully someone else will chime in and answer it for you.

I can say that I do not carry Palm in cans.

Has anyone tried The Great Escape?

I know Mona Lisa carries Duvel.

Kevin, you can answer Greg's question, he's asking YOU where he can get the beers you mention, especially the tripels. Or, he can click on your profile and read the list of beers your restaurant carries Just don't mention price

You are answering an unsolicited question

I have to say, that sometimes the rules even give me a headache.

What was the beer you said you had that tasted like a Hefevisen [sic], and do you still carry it?

I carry nearly all of those I mentioned. As for tripels, I carry Westmalle Tripel and LaTrappe Tripel today. I should get Leffe Tripel sometime around Nov. 1 (it's on a boat from Holland right now).

You are thinking of Witte Trappiste, Cynde, and yes, I still have some. I just added another similar beer, Steendonk, this week because I have a more reliable supply. Once the Witte Trappiste that I have is gone, I may not be able to replace it.

Thanks Kevin. Where's the Steendonk from?

Steendonk is Belgian.

Steendonk - a yellow liquid from Donkeys?

I think this brave investigator needs to visit the Great Escape on the next trip.

Brian...lol..I think you need to...part of of the great Beer Tasting and Pricing Guide to Bonaire book, heh;-)

http://www.bottledbeer.co.uk/index.html?beerid=747

Thanks Cynde, I wonder if Steen is Belgian for Pee? We will have to wait till January.

Maybe my book should be called "Bonaire Beer Drinking made easy" or BBDME to the regular readers

Brian,
I certainly hope that you aren't seeking a position in the fields of advertising or marketing.

Kevin

Fortunately not, I am looking forward to trying some of your beers though.

Ever been to TGE Brian?
Nice bar in back. Right down the street from Mike and I. Might be a nice place to link up?

Kevin,
you seem to have a nice selection of Belgiums finest beers. I'll certainly stop by next time.

Peter

I just found out that while I thought my problem was yeast it's not - it's gluten. So what does that have to do with Polar's or beer - I CAN DRINK IT NOW without fear - HURRAY!!!! Bring on the Brights - bring on the Belgium beers - I READY!

Brian, I was too busy pestering Jerry to say this earlier..."Buy Polar Disorder"...an instant classic!

That was a good one!

I've been tooling around snorting quietly over it all week.

Brain, working on the cover for your new guide. Hope to have it available by tomorrow. SNORTING HERE

Oh yeah, beer, beer, beer.

Brian,
In celebration of becoming Supreme I think you should add the BBDME next to your name.
When can we expect publication?
Mare
(cracking myself up on this last post!)

(Message edited by mare on October 28, 2006)

ohmigoodness!
There had better be a big first printing--
Christmas Presents!
Channuka Presents!
Diwali Presents!
Birthday Presents!
They will sell like hotcakes!

Uh-oh, are we infringing on the BSDME copyright??

Jessica!

Kevin,

hypotheticaly, if someone were to hypotheticaly want to procure for an undisclosed amount of money, hypotheticaly , 6 or so beers to take out for later use, would they hypotheticaly be able to so at the hypothetical location that might hypotheticaly have beer ? ....ah, maybe I'll just stop somewhere on my way back from Angel City on my way to Capt'n Dons... LOL !

I think every bar on the island will sell beer to go. Many of them (me included) won't honor happy hour prices on beer to go.

Tom

I thought I had deleted that picture.

I was thinking about a more sophisticated market segment for BBDME, but hey what the heck - Beer is Beer.

2 Brights please.

Any Heineken light on the island???- they started selling it in the US this summer!- It´s not too bad!

tom, you've outdone yourself...

CB..."buy polar disorder"...that's a 3 snorter...

It Brightened my day too!!!!

Hey is this a contender for the longest thread?

And to think - a long thread when we start talking about beer and Bonaire? who woulda thunk it.

Hi Mara I hope it aint dead yet, have you what Tom did - on my profile now, not sure about the wet leg though. I hope it was a bottle I spilt down my leg!!

Yes I saw that but I didn't notice the wet leg until you mentioned it. I might be mightily afraid of that. And of course if that is beer that constitutes a beer foul and there are severe consequences for beer fouls.

Mara - I have never heard of a Beer foul? what consequences?

There I was in Bonaire, BRIGHT-eyed and bushy-tailed, looking at a BRIGHT new day, with the sun shining BRIGHTly when suddenly I had a BRIGHT idea....to listen to my CD of Van Morrison singing "BRIGHT Side Of The Road"....I'm getting thirsty telling this story