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Dining: First timer needs to cover the bases.
Bonaire Talk: Dining: Archives: Archives 2003 -2006: Archives - 2005-07-28 to 2005-12-14: First timer needs to cover the bases.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jeff Eichelberger (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 7:55 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

First time poster and our first time in Bonaire coming up late September. I went through the threads and came up with this list of places to check out:

Casablanca
The Lost Penguin
Stifler's
Wil's Tropical Grill
Gibi's
La Guernica
Richard's
Rose Inn

Have I missed a local favorite that has not been talked about in the last couple of months? We will be there from Saturday (late arrival on AE) to Saturday (early departure on AE). Any help will be appreciated.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By herman mowery (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #505) on Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 8:37 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Welcome to the board

I would add:
Bobbie Jan's Takeaway, all sorts of good meats off the grill. They now have some seating and are open on weekends only. Go early if you want a seat.

City Cafe has great burgers, a good breakfast and a great view.

Donna and Georgieos (sp?) delicious dishes and great pizza.

I would suggest you visit Gibi's on Tues night with the members of this board. Always a fun bunch that never met a stranger.

Enjoy Bonaire

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Scott Phillips (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #199) on Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 8:52 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I'll add few of my favorites: Mona Lisa and Capriccio's (both on the more upscale end of things), Rum Runners at Capt. Don's (a reliable favorite with a very pleasant setting on the water and a brick pizza oven at dinner only), Maiky Snack (out in the boondocks, very inexpensive local food) and the Garden Cafe (outstanding Lebanese food -- think felafel, hummus, tabbouleh, kabobs -- as well as pizza, grilled meats and excellent fish in tahini sauce). Getting hungry just thinking about it.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #385) on Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 9:28 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Don't forget Pasa Bon Pizza - some of the best pizza I've ever had!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jeff Eichelberger (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 10:15 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Where is Bobby Jan's in relation to Buddy's? I haven't run into that one yet and Sunday lunch will be our only shot at getting there.

I was kind of wondering about Gibi's regarding hours etc. That one is high on our list and we will try to make it Tuesday.

And since my wife was raised in Saudi Arabia we were leaning toward trying the Garden Cafe for lunch.

Pasa Bon Pizza was one of the two alternatives for our late Saturday night dinner along with Stifler's.

Maiky's also almost made the cut, but with so many choices and so few dinners/lunches we have to leave time for a return to our favorites.

Thanks loads and hope to run into you there at the end of September.

Jeff

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jeanine (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #665) on Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 10:43 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hey Jeff! You hit my favorites: Richards, Stiflers, Casablanca, Wil's Tropical Grill. I now add Pasa Bon Pizza. A New Yorker owns the place and can he make sausage!

Gibi's is a must. It was my first time this past trip and I will endeavor to make it every time I am on the island. It is Tuesday nights, and they say around 6:30, but people wandered in between 6:30 and 7:30. Gibi is an awesome host. Keep in mind it is in his home so you need to take directions with you or find someone to follow to his house. Ask Theresa about trying to find his place. When she inquired, they thought she meant the restaurant Chibi Chibi. LOL! Try not to miss it. You will meet wonderful people and have a great dinner.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jeanine (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #666) on Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 10:46 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hey! I even saved the map to my computer. LOL!
Gibi

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By J Rushman (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #107) on Friday, August 19, 2005 - 3:17 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jeff,

How long will you be in Bonaire? On this bulletin board, second to where is the "best" place to stay, debated is where are the best places to eat. If you're only on Bonaire for a week, you'll have too many "must go" places. Don't fret it. You'll be back!

Howerver...

1) Consider adding Swiss Chalet as a place to go. It's becoming one of our favorites for consistently good, reasonably priced dinners.

2) Do Rose Inn for lunch on the way back from Karpata. You'll be in Rincon anyways. Prisca's Ice Cream s/p management reorginization (I'm sorry to say) (also in Rincon) is not "the same". Lovers Ice Cream, at the traffic circle, is as good (sigh....(but I miss Tropical Burger too!)).

Juancho

The author of this editorial is responsible for its content. Author has no finacial or other interests in establishments listed.


 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mercy Baron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #153) on Friday, August 19, 2005 - 3:27 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jeff...I'm surprised you didn't see the threads raving about Bistro De Paris...just a few doors down from Pasa Bon Pizza...not to be missed incredible food!! One of my fave new places.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Taft (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #512) on Friday, August 19, 2005 - 7:33 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jeff, the sign for BobbeJan's is painted on a wall on the main road north of town. It is on your left if heading north and almost across from Donna and Georgio's. The actual restaurant is on the side street that runs down to the water road. They are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights beginning at 6pm and Sunday from noon until 2pm. Pasa Bon Pizza is opens at 5pm and is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Great choice for your late arrival.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Yana girl (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #303) on Friday, August 19, 2005 - 7:59 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jeff,
I would move Pasa Bon to the top of your list!
Yanagirl

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By herman mowery (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #506) on Friday, August 19, 2005 - 8:28 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

""Where is Bobby Jan's in relation to Buddy's? I haven't run into that one yet and Sunday lunch will be our only shot at getting there. ""

BJ's is located on the corner of Kaya G.N. DeBrot(same as BD) and Kaya Albert Engelhardt (ocean side). It's about 4 or 5 blocks outside of town twards BD.
Here is a web site you may find helpful.
http://www.skyviews.com/bonaire/map.html

Bobby jans

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Corney Ann Carter (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #281) on Friday, August 19, 2005 - 8:34 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

another vote for Mona Lisa

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By The Ginocchio's @ Golden Reef Inn (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #842) on Friday, August 19, 2005 - 8:57 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ok, I'm surprised no one said Bistro de Paris! Incredible French food! It is right next door to Pasa Bon Pizza...Excellent french style conch soup served in warm grain bread bowls....


Liz

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jeanine (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #670) on Friday, August 19, 2005 - 9:01 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Liz! I left it off of my list because the "boys" out voted me on the recent trip. We had one undecided meal and of course, pizza won out over French cuisine. Everything I have heard about Bistro de Paris has been positive, so it is on my try next time list. I think, but could be wrong, that they are even open for lunch.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DARLENE ELLIS (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1622) on Friday, August 19, 2005 - 10:00 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

In addition to all of the above, I will add It's Raining fishes catch of the day in Mustard sauce and Chez Lucille's for fine dining which is now next to Casablanca.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #14197) on Friday, August 19, 2005 - 10:40 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

If you want a great lunch in between dives, go to Bongo's:-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly Baum (GDLW) (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3014) on Friday, August 19, 2005 - 11:02 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Croccantinos. One of the more upscale places and a GREAT atmosphere.

Fairly new is La Flamboyant. It is on the main road in town where the shops are, across the street from Island Fashions. Ask to be seated outside in the courtyard, but bring your bug spray. :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jeff Eichelberger (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 10:21 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks for all the suggestions. From another thread it seems that Richard's will be closed for at least part of the week that we are there, so that will open up an evening.

So far dinners look like;

Stifler's (late night)
Casablanca
The Lost Penguin
Gibi's (Tuesday)
Wil's Tropical Grill
La Guernica
with a return to our favorite on our last night

Lunches
Bobby Jan (Sunday)
Rose Inn
Bongos Beach
Maiky's Snack

Once again thanks loads and looking forward to getting there in September.

Jeff

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By drazic (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #4) on Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 1:38 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

STIFLERS Bar & Grill.
This new restaurant is a must do!!!
You can't get more food for such low prices on the island.
The best burgers and ribs on the island, and the only low budget restaurant that also looks like a real restaurant instead of being a snackcorner.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Linda Suter-Gibson (BonaireTalker - Post #51) on Sunday, August 21, 2005 - 3:27 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

We recently came back from two weeks on Bonaire and I can honestly say we never had a bad meal. Our expanded waistlines are proof positive.
Our recommendations:

Very Best Meals: Bistro de Paris and Le Flamboyant

Prettiest Setting with Excellent Food: Den Laman

Best Patio with Excellent Food: Salsa

Nicest People with Excellent Food: Gibi's

Best Dessert: Molten Chocolate cake from The Last Bite Bakery. Enjoyed meeting Annette. Such a trusting soul when we showed up for our cakes sans $$$. How embarrassing! She gave us our cakes anyway, and we got a second visit (We shared lots of common ground--New Orleans, Vail and Florida) when we returned the next day to settle our debt. Such a delightful person.

Michael at Chat n' Browse was a great source for restaurant recommendations. Everyday when we'd stop by to check our email, he'd ask where we'd eaten the night before and would make a suggestion for that night. We checked out almost all his recommendations and weren't disappointed. Thank you, Michael, for all your kindnesses and helpfulness during our many stops.

It was blistering hot the whole two weeks and most places do not have AC. The most comfortable place we dined was the patio at Le Flamboyant. It was cool and breezy and we had no mosquito encounters of the biting kind.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fiona Rattray (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #331) on Sunday, August 21, 2005 - 3:03 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I like the Old Inn for Indonesian food, tons of tasty food for the price, just down the road from Plaza Resort.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bonnie (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #105) on Sunday, August 21, 2005 - 3:41 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I just returned from my first trip to Bonaire. I have to say that our absolute favorite restaurant was Capriccio's. We eat out ALOT and the taggliotelle with lobster or the seafood pasta special are TO DIE FOR. Mona Lisa's was also very good but the ceiling fans on HIGH SPEED made it feel like we were inside a wind tunnel and dried out our contacts. It's Raining Fishes, which is a little further down on the water, was also EXCELLENT. Top notch. I was also surprised that the sushi restaurant was also delicious. We are sushi snobs and I have to say that the only reason we went there was on the recommendation of someone who had eaten there twice in one week. It was worth it and a lovely change of pace.

I'm already looking forward to our first night back there at Capriccio's. mmmmmmmmmmm

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Annette Roswell - The Last Bite Bakery (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #131) on Sunday, August 21, 2005 - 8:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Linda.

I so much enjoyed meeting you both !! Thanks for the kudos and look forward to seeing you again - next time you're on Bonaire :-)

If you're in NOLA soon, have a drink at Tipitinas (spelled - I can't remember !) for me !

Ayo,
A

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By pat murphy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #177) on Thursday, August 25, 2005 - 7:28 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

i saw lost penguin listed as a dinner choice. are they open later or do they still close at 6PM?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By martha rhoades (BonaireTalker - Post #17) on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 11:06 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We celebrated our 18th anniversary at Rum Runner's with their 'special dinner'. It was magnificent! the best, most interesting food we have eaten anywhere. Two of their chefs have represented Bonaire in international cooking competitions. We like to eat fine food, and have traveled a bit. It looks like their everyday menu is less exciting, but nothing in the last 20 years topped their 'special meal'.

Our next favorite was Will's Tropical Grill. We were there August 5-13 for our first visit.

 


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