Hello all,
while surfing through the archives you all have made me very excited (food wise)for our trip & wedding next April. So for all the locals & experienced Bonaire visitors & expats, what foods do we need to get to truly experience Bonaire cuisine. Chix & rib trucks, goat curry (yum), pastechie (sp?), bakeries? We are already expecting fantastic coffee, cheese & chocolate as well as some great spice flavours - I cant wait to try & cook some of the recipies too! Let it rip - what do you ALWAYS go back for?

Dianna ... when on Bon, you should get in touch with local people who are willing to invite you for a soppie uwana (iguana soup).
I was invited, and it was very enjoyable .. both the people and the soup ..

You should also try Coco's Little Kitchen (just left of Zeezicht) for some Surinam food (Roti, shrimp etc). Best food in a while (not only on Bonaire), I was really surprised by the diversity in taste. Service is very enjoyable as well !!

Dianna.

Don't eat the soppie uwana, they are beautiful creatures and look so much better running around. Like most things, they taste like chicken so just have chicken soup.

There are many snacky bars on the island that all have great specials. Surinam does a great roti, sopa di dia at Mi Banana si always good.

Goat stew and any local fish!

Oh...too many options!!! :-)

Fish Pizza at Pasa Bon
Ribs at Bobbejans
Goat Stew (I know, Kelly listed it, but I love it too)
Gyros at Amir

Anything at Rose Inn
Anything at Mi Banana

OK...must walk away from the computer now. Even though I had dinner, I'm starving again.

Just a quick comment about "any local fish". Please be mindful of endangered species. Local fishermen are poaching groupers and unscrupulous restauranteurs buy the fish, thus encouraging the trade of a species at the brink of extinction.

Please avoid grouper and other fish that are endangered. There are plenty of websites and even an iPhone application with listings of endangered species that should be avoided.

One reason I will not be returning to the Sunset Grill restaurant is that they had grouper listed as the catch if the day on 8/15. This is the restaurant adjacent to the workplace of Bonaire's most prominent naturalist. And they would still buy grouper and serve it.

Leo,

GOOD POINT...please meet Jerry Ligon at your dive shop. Actually there is one Grouper I think Red that is ok to eat but I doubt it's served here. I too will not eat grouper. The most eco friendly fish is Mahi Mahi.

I have seen Triggerfish and Parrotfish on menus in the Eastern Caribbean. Make your opinion known and let the restaurants know how you feel.

I could be wrong but I think Sunset's Grouper is farm raised..ask Kirk. It was discussed here before.

On the other hand farm raised fish can be toxic due to poor farm conditions.

Sunset only serves FARMED Grouper. Kirk is very much aware of the reef fish issue and has been very vocal in the preservation of our resources.

I do not eat fish while on Bonaire because of the over fishing needed to stuff my tourist belly. Plus, I like cold water fish anyway. Glad to hear of the farmed fish. I always opt for the beef. It's from South America and tastes great, along with the chicken and goat which are all easily renewable. Not preaching, just my .02c.

The BEST food on the island is Cactus Blue, and the hosts, Corrina and Hagen, are the nicest people ever!!! They know how to do food right. Always fresh.

Wow, that is awesome, keep it coming, I love trying new & indiginous foods!! Or any food for that matter. On the ecological side of this discussion, I work on an organic PACIFIC not ATLANTIC salmon farm here in BC, mostly research pens, and one or 2 for consumption, my partner has been diving & involved in the h20/food environmentalism for over 20 years & myself for about 13 (he is WAY older than me - haha) so I will do my best for the reef & table whilst in Bon. I do understand how easy it is to eat in an unconscious manner - but I want to believe those of us who are on & under the h20 often try a little harder & help those who dont know or realize. Cheers to you all

Another good restaurant, not local, but very good is the French place, Bistro de Paris. The chef is from France, and does an excellent job. We always make a point of eating there.

Bambu. (Table on the side street)
Capriccio. (Table inside)
Mona Lisa. (Table outside, Fri / music)

The tapas place on the waterfront street.... La Guernica (?)... sorry brain fart... but that was one of my favorites

Tara, yes that is a must on a Sat night.

Paradise Moon by Harbour Village

Taco's
Scallop Linguini
Coconut curry stir fry

Peanut Butter Pie
Grandma's sizzlin apple pie
lemon Raspberry tiramisu

To name a few delights!

and half price cocktails 4.30 - 6.30!!!

AWWWWRIGHT!!! Scallops, pie AND half price cocktails!!! WOOHOO, and Lochlann is all over the tiramisu. I have so much to plan.....oh right we have to get married sometime while there too....sheesh. We need a month, not 2 weeks!!

You can always peruse their full menu beforehand as it is available online!!!

Congrats on the wedding.xxx