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Dining: CACTUS BLUE GETS OUR VOTE FOR BEST NEW RESTAURANT!
Bonaire Talk: Dining: Archives: Archives 2003 -2006: Archives - -2006-08-01 to 2006-12-31: CACTUS BLUE GETS OUR VOTE FOR BEST NEW RESTAURANT!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Larry Keeton (BonaireTalker - Post #93) on Monday, September 4, 2006 - 5:52 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We are close to finishing 16 days on Bonaire. It's been a couple of years since we've been back on the island, so Cactus Blue was not here on our last visit. By this point in our vacation, we've eaten almost everywhere--some good, some not so good. Cactus Blue is one of only 2-3 places that will get another visit from us before our departure.

The owners are extremely friendly and accommodating. The menu is imaginative (more than we could say for a lot of places we ate). We were about ribs, steak and catch of the day weary when we entered Cactus Blue for the first time. Their appetizer choices alone were enough to perk up our appetites. The chicken curry with mango (served with coconut rice and REAL fresh veggies, not frozen ones as in some other places) was about the best we've had anywhere (and we've eaten in good Indian and Thai restaurants all over the USA and Europe).

For dessert, we had the homemade key lime pie and homemade apple streudel with ice cream. Wow! We cannot wait to go back and try some of the other things on the menu!

Having been here more than 2 weeks, we did not get a single flyer on our vehicle from Cactus Blue at any dive site (been all over the island)--not that it would have stopped us from eating at the restaurant.

How did we find out about Cactus Blue? A few mentions on Bonaire Talk and yes, the Bonaire Update (saw the ad there with the 2 for 1 appetizer offer).

If you want some really good food from an imaginative menu, give Cactus Blue a try. By the way...prices are not outrageous either! And, no, we are not relatives of the owners nor is this a "ghost" post designed to drum up business...as you can see, we have been BT posters for a while. We are simply satisfied customers who would like to see this restaurant stay around for a long time.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4692) on Monday, September 4, 2006 - 6:06 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Larry, I, too am a huge fan of CB. In speaking with Corinna, I learned that all of their menu items are things they like to eat themselves ! I'm sure that helps when planning a menu. :-)

The two-for-one appetizer special can't be beat!You can have a huge buffet which is what I did on my second visit. lol

I was there for over two weeks my last trip, and never once got a flyer on my truck. I wasn't looking for them, but actually never even saw one the entire time I was there.

The varied menu items will keep me coming back... the first visit I couldn't decide between the garlic butter sauce or mushroom sauce so my waitress suggested both... it was fantastic!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #702) on Monday, September 4, 2006 - 6:21 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Count us in. We'll be going back to the blue in couple of weeks!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By michael gaynor (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2251) on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - 8:44 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Was there for a second visit last nite. Food was just as good as before and the service is really first rate. Since I live here, I seldom go out to eat except when I have friends visiting the island. I think I will invite a few more!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sandy Ruffin (BonaireTalker - Post #48) on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - 9:54 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

We love Cactus Blue! Also, never had a flyer on our truck during a two week visit in June.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4697) on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - 7:26 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Michael, I will be your friend...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By michael gaynor (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2252) on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 - 8:41 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Kelly, you are invited!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Brian Burke (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 - 12:32 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I have been a lurker on this site since 2001 and now I am doing my first post because this particular thread hit close to home so here goes...

My family and I have been to Bonaire yearly since 2002 for 2 weeks per trip and got to know Corinna and Hagen and their 3 delightful sons during our first visit and have remained close friends since that time. Our family is currently on the Cactus Blue website as the "...for Happy Hour" picture which was taken in mid-August of this year - although I'm not sure if that is a good thing or not...

I have been reading the multiple threads on the Cactus Blue restaurant and it was painful to see all of the posts about not patronizing the restaurant due to the flyers being distributed at the dive sites. I totally understand the opinions of folks who feel that Bonaire could be "trashed" by the flyers and I saw 2 opposing points of view and what seemed to be a can't win situation for all involved parties. I actually had a conversation with Hagen on his efforts to establish a new business on Bonaire and how difficult it was. I saw the situation as an energetic couple trying to establish a new business in a very competitive market and having one form of advertising backfire on them (at least on this website).

Our family dove with Corinna and Hagen several times during our August stay and I can say in a very unbiased manner that they are both very experienced and environmentally sensitive divers. An example was when we had one event occur at Something Special where another island divemaster came by and chased away a frogfish which we had been watching and Hagen commenting post-dive on why people can't just watch and not harass the marine life.

I am so delighted to see what seems to be a win-win resolution with folks on this site not boycotting Cactus Blue and Corinna and Hagen not leaving car flyers any longer. What this told me is that Bonaire Talk can be proactive influence in achieving a winning outcome for all involved parties.

Now onto our Cactus Blue review. We ate there 4 times between July 30-August 12 and every meal was excellent. The drinks, dips/chips, and atmosphere were nice but the meals are what made the experience. We had Mahi Mahi, tuna, shrimp, grouper, lobster, chicken, tenderloin, taco salad, and numerous deserts including key lime pie, warm chocolate cake, fried Oreos with Lovers ice cream, and more. I heard nothing but rave reviews from all members of my family including 2 college age boys who tend not to be very talkative about food.

Try the restaurant and I believe that you'll enjoy the experience - we sure did.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By michael gaynor (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2254) on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 - 5:22 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I just wish the Tuna was not so good and I could order something else. Maybe I can convince CB to make a sampler entre....

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bas Noij (BonaireTalker - Post #43) on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 - 6:27 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Bon Dia di Boneiru!

We might just go and give them a try tonight. I do agree that the flyer idea might not have been the best ever but that should not be a reason to boycot this place. We'll let you all know how it was (if they are open and have a table for us that is)

Cheers.

Bas.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4704) on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 - 10:33 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Michael... a sampler platter is a FINE idea ! I think I will email Corinna right now!

Kelly's sampler platter:

Chips and salsa (the best chips ever !!)
Spinach dip
Chicken wings
Tuna for Michael
Filet with garlic butter sauce AND mushroom sauce
ribs

And maybe a small Cactus Lemonade? Wait, they only come in LARGE... lol!!

Now I am craving Bonaire and food and this is all NOT good.... no trips planned.... I just ate the worse gouda cheese I've ever had in my life, I might go cry myself to sleep. Note to self... never buy gouda at Kroger... wahhhhh


 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By michael gaynor (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2255) on Thursday, September 7, 2006 - 9:26 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Kelly...I will be thinking of you at lunch today...Gouda grilled cheese!!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4709) on Thursday, September 7, 2006 - 10:50 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

NO FAIR !!!

That gouda I had last night tasted like Velveeta cheese slices for god's sake. Ick and double Ick.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mara Mara on the wall (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #698) on Thursday, September 7, 2006 - 11:00 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Kelly - I must confess that I too had Gouda last night and I do believe that it was also from Kroger and it too was just gross. Granted tastes have changed for me but UGH! It was pretty nasty.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rosanne (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #498) on Thursday, September 7, 2006 - 11:50 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I always bring cheese back when I visit Bonaire and Italy. I get the strangest looks from the customs people. I was asked last time if I own a cheese factory! LOL! Nothing like real gouda, mozzarella and pecorino!
I forgot most of all we loved the food at Cactus Blue! The chicken curry was awesome with coconut rice, my mouth is watering right now.

(Message edited by Caligirl on September 7, 2006)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4710) on Thursday, September 7, 2006 - 12:07 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Rosanne, I didn't know if I was allowed to bring cheese back or not. Next time I will! :-)

I love good chicken curry, I will have to try it at CB. When I went to Antigua, I went to the home of a local couple who made the best chicken curry I have ever had, and it will be hard to compete with that. But I will try !!! :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By michael gaynor (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2257) on Thursday, September 7, 2006 - 3:33 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Kelly, you have not tried my Curry...yet.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4713) on Thursday, September 7, 2006 - 9:32 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Michael, I do believe we have a date. Maybe even in February? (I might have two men with me, though; one a little smaller than the other one).

:-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Quita Malouf (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #6) on Thursday, September 7, 2006 - 10:08 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Yup, the folks at Cactus Blue are quite friendly, far more than almost any other restaurant on the island. That goes a long way in my book.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By michael gaynor (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2258) on Friday, September 8, 2006 - 10:19 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Kelly...you've got it..

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By pat murphy (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1003) on Saturday, September 9, 2006 - 3:38 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

kelly, you can go to dinner with us in february too. only two men???? you're slowing down girl....LOL. tell steve he's gotta stay home and keep working. don't forget that pension.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James T. McPeak (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #408) on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 8:37 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thank you all for giving me another place to try on Bonaire. It was not yet open on our last trip. We shall be there in December. Everything sounds really great. Congratulations to the owners for being so innovative with a menu. How is your wine list?

As far as the whole flyer issue, like politics, everyone is entitled to an opinion. I know from island friends of mine how difficult it is to get a business going there. I also understand the fragile environment, and how it too is the lifeline of Bonaire. Trying to keep the two in equalibrium is no easy task. In fact, with upcoming plans for building all inclusives, direct flights from Newark, and more people finding out about this treasure through diving magazines etc. the task will be magnified. Viva Bonaire and all the great eating establishments.



(Message edited by JimMc on September 10, 2006)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By karen gaffner (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #120) on Monday, September 11, 2006 - 9:42 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hurray for Cactus Blue! Great food and service! Corinna is terrific. And as for the flyers hopefully she won't need them anymore as word of mouth and BonaireTalk let everyone know about the restaurant!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jorgensen (BonaireTalker - Post #41) on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 3:58 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Can anyone tell me where Cactus Blue is located? Sounds like I need to go at some point during my next trip to the island (December 2-10).

Thanks!

Steve

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By karen gaffner (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #122) on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 7:35 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

you can find it right next door to Casablanca.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mara Mara on the wall (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #737) on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 8:07 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

If you go from "downtown" toward the airport do not turn down the road that goes toward the soccer arena stay straight and it less than a block on the right.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jorgensen (BonaireTalker - Post #42) on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 8:42 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks Karen and Mara -- I have a great idea of where to find it. Didn't need a flyer -- just y'all to convince me to try it.

Steve

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James T. McPeak (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #418) on Thursday, November 16, 2006 - 10:34 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I just made a res for Christmas night. If anyone is going to be down, Kathi and I shall be there at 1900.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Frank (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #471) on Friday, November 17, 2006 - 5:54 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jim,

Janet and Sarah would love to join you and Kathi. I, alas, will be in NJ working until the 27th.

-David

 


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