OK, where were we? Ahhh, french fries....

Next night was Saturday night, after a long day on Klein Bonaire, it was off to a late meal at Kon Tiki. The first two years we had dinner here, we got there early and everything was okay. The last two years, we took wrong turns, went past the signs off EEG and ended up driving down past the lighthouse and having nightmares the rest of the trip. If you have the nerve, drive that way around the bottom of the island on a moonless night, with water on each side of the road about 6 feet away, not a lot of fun. And we think we're pros, know the island like the back of our hands, that will straighten you right out. But I digress.

We took the CORRECT turn this time and end up at Kon Tiki at about 9pm. Only people in the restaurant, had a very nice meal (more french fries), and leave about 10pm. Drive about 20 feet and ka-thunk, ka-thunk.... a flat tire. Drove back to Kon Tiki, get the gear out to repair it, and the jack would not work for me. Ok, I can't think of a reason why a 36 year old otherwise healthy male can't change a tire either, but I really can't do anything mechanical. The cook was locking the place up, saw my predicament, and offered to change the tire. Along with another fellow who happened to come around the back of the bar, they changed my tire and refused any kind of gratuity. So thank you, my deepest gratitude to you guys for your help.

Next night was Chez Lucille. Now we have visited there the previous two years and loved the ambience; the American music (not many French restaurants here play Norah Jones or Lyle Lovett),
the garden setting, the Thai food for Patty and the French food for me. Well, let me tell you about her new place. You need to get past a guard to get into Harbour Village, and find her place through a labyrinth of arches and turns. Yes, you can dress casually, but they play classical music there and you would not imagine you were on an island. Very proper service, outstanding (a bit pricey) food, but a great experience. Lucille's son is helping out for the time being, she is doing the cooking until she finds highly qualified chefs from Holland (the previous crew was not up to her very high standards). Yes, we'll go back and recommend it highly, but it is pricey. HV is very quiet; doesn't seem to be nearly full.

Monday was Lion's Den or Dive, I never get it right. After Rum Runners scared Patty off with the huge elephant carcass on the grill (alright I exagerrate slightly), we got the last table in the corner (no reservation). Patty had the eggplant roulandes and I had, what else?, more steak. I am sad to report that they held 4 tables for 7:30 reservations and only 1 table showed up, and in the meantime the host turned away about 6 tables worth of guests. In any event, this was the most American of the restaurants we've eaten at; most people new each other, were American, and were very loud. Nevertheless, we enjoyed it.

Last night on Bonaire, so we tried something new... Le Flamboyant. And were very impressed. This is in a garden similar to Chez Lucille (the way it was). Owned by two Dutch families eager to please, the salmon was fantastic, Patty had some vegetarian dish she wolfed down, we had french fries and desserts and it was a great evening. I highly recommend it.

As for The Lost Penguin, we had breakfast there once, food was fine, but only go if you have a spare hour and a half (at least for breakfast). And we are very used to island time. That was painful. And Chibi Chibi for lunch, we've eaten there before, Patty loves the gazpacho, reasonably priced sandwiches and wraps, out over the water, it's a sure thing. Before getting on the plane, we ate at Rib Factory, I think Patty did find a salad to eat, and I of course had the chicken and ribs special. Very nice.

Conclusions - Once again I am convinced it is extremely difficult to find a bad meal on the island. You may find <slow> service, which everyone has a different definition of, and you may catch a waiter or chef on an off night, but in general, I encourage all to eat, drink and be merry as often as possible on Bonaire!

Trip Report will be up soon. Thanks for listening!

Carl and Patty

Nice reports, Carl! Hi, Patty!! I know you're checking out what Carl has written on the Board, too. Sounds like you both had a very nice trip this year.

How's the lot making out? I understand there is an "object" on the lot.....just think of it this way....the boat is keeping the lot secure so that it won't slide away in the heavy rains....how's that for rationalizing things out?!? LOL. Just ask the fella for a ride next time you are down there...might be nice to make friends with your neighbors to be!

Thanks for the reports, Carl and Hi to Patty. Ayo. Carole