Maggie, Mercy and I had a sneak peak into the new Patagonia, run by Ines and family, formerly of Casablanca. We know the setting is amazing so were excited to dine opening night. It was a lot of fun. The place was packed with government officials, a large group from the medical school, personal friends of my family, Antilleans, local Dutch and many ex pats. The mood was lively and casual. There was no menu yet so we ordered rib eyes with grilled shrimp. The salads were great with a lovely balsamic dressing and tasty red juicy tomatoes. The meat must have been 8 oz. It was juicy and easy to cut with butter knives. The homemade potatoes were my fav. The 3 large grileld shrimps were fabulous. Our waitresses were friends who came to help Ines and family. What a lively fun night. Oh they had dessert which my friends tried and pronounced superb. We headed to Bistro because Maggie wanted Mousse and Mercy was treating. I had Tarte Tartin, Mercy had creme brulee and Patrice also sent over a HUGE piece of key lime pie. It was sinful. Today I am fasting..ugh...

Look for a review and photos from Bonaire Insider. They were on the scene covering the opening.

Ann...Can you clarify...Who purchased Casablanca? Are they new owners or some of the former owners who were not involved with the new venture?

Where is it located Ann? Is Casablanca still there? I'm all confused up here. LOL

Hey Jim and Vince,

Vince, I am confused by your question but can say this, Ines and Pablo and their son Pablito and his wife opened Patagonia. This new restaurant is located where Wil's Grill used to be when it was called The Lighthouse. It is on the harbour next to Harbour Village.

Ines and Pablo and family were the folks that ran Casablanca located on Abraham Blvd. They no longer work/run/manage Casablanca. Casablanca is still opened as I went by an hour ago. I do not know who legally owns what. I only know who is no longer at Casablance, Ines and family. Again, they now manage/run Patagonia on the harbour.

Hope this helps?

Unconfused. Thanks Ann.

Gabby, manager at Cargill, owns Casablanca and the carwash by Lisa Gas, among other local businesses.

Ann, thank you so very much for your review. A few weeks ago a friend and I ate at Casablanca on Pablito's last evening. During a most enjoyable conversation with Pablito he told us that they hoped to have Patagonia operating by the 15th. I am so happy for the family and wish them much success Can't wait until I return and try Patagonia.

OK I think I've got it now..Gabby is in fact the owner of Casablanca & retained Inez & family to operate it for him. Now Inez & family have moved (or bought) the new business doing business as Patagonia Steakhouse located by H.V.
So I'm guessing that Gabby will now hire a new manager to run Casablanca.
Reminds me of the old Abbott & Costello routine called "who's on first".

It appears that Bonaire will have another winner with Patagonia. It is not only the food that is important but the people behind it..and of course I would trust Annie's review...

Ann, sounds delicious! tell Mercy we are waiting for her to make her appearance on the cams! Hope she is having a wonderful time!

Vince is right. Pablo and his wife just managed Casablanca. They left but cooks and waitresses stayed, so I guess the mixed grill will still be enough for couple days.

Ann, thanks for posting your review. Sounds yummy!
Wishing them all the best with their own restaurant and look forward to trying it in February!

Being an omnivore, I have both Casablanca & Patagonia on the official roster of restaurants when we're down there in Feb also. Looks like a bunch of new places have opened & can't wait to try them!
So many restaurants, so little time.

Ines and family continue to be shareholders in Casablanca. Ines emailed me privately as she saw the discussion. Two important points, Casablanca still serving ..and now a new addition to the scene, Patagonia, run by Ines and son and wife.

Ann, thanks!

Yes! So glad to hear they are still involved with Casablanca. Mixed Grill here we come!!! (We of course will visit Patagonia as well - must chat with Pablito!)

OK, anyone interested in meeting at Patagonia on December 26th for dinner raise your hand. Kathi and I shall be there. Sounds like a plan to me. I only wish Cynde and Kelly were going to be there. We know how to party with the Argentinians or Argentines, whatever. LOL Malbec is great wine for sure. Oye Caramba.