Foods of Bonaire, part II
Next in line was Bistro de Paris, only a five minute drive. So if I say it was worth the drive, that would be faint praise.
It was worth much more than the drive. The food was excellent. Also, I had no issues with the seating. We were offered seats inside, but then we opted for outside. We sat at roadside, then decided to move to the far side, then moved again when we discovered the exhaust vent of the inside was right at that table. All moves were accompanied with smiles and no fuss of any kind. And, there were just the two of us.
We started off with a large bowl of French onion soup each. This was quite different from the usual approach in the US, with a slice of toast covered in baked cheese floating on the soup and broiled or baked on high to melt the cheese. Here, the cheese was at the bottom, under the thick doughy roll in the center of the bowl. There was also a spice I could not place simmering in the background. Very delicious and filling; a generous portion for each of us. If any of the early bread from the table warm up is left, it would be wonderful dunked in the soup. We finished two baskets before we even started. There was a very piquant butter mixed with crushed olives (I think) for the bread that was magnificent.
Follow this with yellow snapper, grilled with a delicate white sauce redolent of butter and wine. This was hers, meaning I got a few bites, and I had the medium done filet of beef tenderloin covered with melted brie, as only a Frenchman could do it. My medium was more to the rare side, which was actually exactly the way I wanted it. This was atop a base of mashed potatoes, fresh, covered with a thick brown gravy (French = Sauce) with truffle oil adding a trace of bitterness to the subtle flavorings. Most excellent, and cut with a fork. On the side was an incredible quiche based in potato, egg, cheese and roasted vegetables. Even the crust was crunchy and flavorful.
What would be complete without dessert, which in this case was a chocolate mousse? The only way for me to order this was to split with my wife, or else she would get nothing and I would feel guilty. The mouse arrived in a large “soda fountain” type glass with whipped cream on the top. It was serenely chocolaty, with some bittersweet flavor completely balanced by the whipped cream’s sweetness.
Perfection.

After this, we went to Papaya Moon. Obviously, next day, not next meal, or I would have been unable to balance myself on a dive. I doubt enough air exists to lift me off the bottom after two restaurants like these in a row in one day.

We arrived at Papaya Moon at 6pm and were immediately acquainted with happy hour. Since I am nearly comatose after diving, I just had one Amstel, icy cold and hit the spot. Multiple ice waters were delivered as needed. The starter was Avocado soup for her and seafood fondue for both. The fondue arrived with freshly heated tortilla chips and a red tomato salsa for dipping. Large chunks of shrimp hid in the fondue and could be savored in the melted cheese fondue base. This was a great combination and turn on the fondues I’ve had elsewhere. The avocado soup was as fresh as advertised, with a central float of red onion and pepper dice.

Next was Fish tacos for me and tuna, grilled, and a spicy peppery sauce for her. We are not carpaccio fanatics and ordered the tuna well done. It arrived exactly as planned and was both tender and moist, despite being cooked through. The onions and peppers with it were noteworthy, being marinated slightly sour and sweet before grilling. I loved the refritos, and the Tex-Mex spiced rice, whose flavors I can’t begin to unravel. The fish tacos, of which there were three presented in individual foil wrappers, were soft and moist, on a bed of lettuce, avocado guacamole and some pepper. All was delicious.

The finale was Crème Brule, of a Texas size and southwestern spin. The sugar top was twice the normal thickness and perfectly flamed to a golden crunch. When mixed with the sauce surrounding the central bowl of custard and rimming the plate, the result was a divine take off on a childhood special – the red sugar top on a candy apple. But the sauce was more than just a sweet red one; it had jalopena pepper in it for an amazing zing as it melted in my mouth. Another winner for Papaya Moon.

We only have a couple of nights left, and intend to get to Richard’s and Capriccio before we go. Both have been on our previous trip highlights, and we can’t wait to sample them again.

Enjoy.

Richard, you are making me to not like you.
I just had a cheese burger from Burger King.

We got to Richards last night. A very genial host, seated us quickly and chatted about the different kinds for fish. The starter bread was delicious, crunchy on the outside and soft inside, with very yellow creamy sweet butter.
Next was the Caesar salad, which I and my wife believed could have had more dressing. She asked if there were anchovies, as per the classic Caesar, and was told no (too bad for me, as I like those salty little critters).
The fish was excellent however. I had Dorado, and she had Kingfisher, each with a creamy white tarragon sauce. The diced carrots were cooked in some sweetener, making them very tasty. Fortunately, my wife doesn't like carrots, so I got a double. The sliced and sauteed zucchini was also great, with a buttery flavor and light al dente crunch. We both enjoyed the dinner here as well.
Eat on!

Nice...I'm sitting here eating a bowl of cereal wishing I had some leftovers. LOL! Thanks for the report.

Your description nailed Papaya Moon - Bonaire has needed a great TexMex place for some time and now it has it in Papaya Moon - and the staff is really great too. You know, Carl is an incredibly experienced chef (not a cook) - ask him about his training and experience.

The chocolate martinis are not shabby either.

We loved Papaya Moon. Their food was excellent. Their Southwest Egg Rolls are Amazing and the Peanut butter Cake (actually it is more like a cheese cake but better) is to die for. The cake melts in your mouth and not heavy at all. We ate their twice and had both dishes both times and ordered the Egg Rolls and Cake to go for our morning flight home. I miss them. I will have to go back soon.