From other threads, I understand the restaurant Appetite has supplanted (geographically) a restaurant named Flamboyant (sp?) and out of necessity a favorite tree of many people's was removed. That being said, I wanted to post my experience at the current restaurant...

We did eat at Appetite during it's sixth week of being open. The ambiance was very metro/urban but pleasing to me. (personal opinion). The aesthetics and dining under the stars was a very nice experience.

They do a surprise appetizer (think tasting) meal that should be 20 minutes between plates. The concept is that the appetizers are up to the chef - and the most interesting part - are not repeated night to night. Theoretically, you could do this and not have the same preparations twice over a fairly long period of time. They also have a regular ala carte menu which we did not try.

In order to avoid complications with the "surprise" factor of the appetizers' menu, the server notes any allergens or serious dislikes ahead of time. They suggest 3-4 plates total but you can have more and we did - five. I thought this concept was a bit ambitious but I was fairly impressed.

The only down side was that we were there far longer than anticipated - just under 4 hours. This is not what they intend and there was a problem with executing the concept among multiple tables that night. But please keep reading, it was pretty amazing.

The food was incredibly creative. The staff was friendly, the service prompt and again, I found the ambiance very nice. Portions are small compared to most on Bonaire but the meal was made of many appetizers. You won't leave stuffed. Many may find this a positive!

And finally the food...

Amusement: grilled yellow pepper piece on creme cheese atop roasted pine nuts with honey

1st app - composed salad of toasted prosciutto, with pear slices, crumbled blue cheese, toasted pecans, and fig compote

2nd app - spring roll filled with fresh local fish, sweet red pepper corn confit, with slices of nectarine with thyme & rosemary

3rd app - calfs sweet breads in port wine reduction sauce accompanied by home made french fries, julienne of zucchini

4th app - shrimp carpaccio wafer thin cooked in butter and garlic with a hint of lemon and possibly cayenne, with salmon trout tartar

5th app - tenderloin of beef on a cauliflower creme with burgundy reduction, baked tomato with caramelized onion and shallot

We met the chef briefly. His name is Martin. His girl friend who runs the front is Elke both extremely personable and pleasant. The stand out smile and service goes to Cynde (actually named Cinderella) who is the bar tender was very attentive!

All in all, a fairly unique experience and fascinating concept. The range and depth of the tastes included were phenomenal. I look forward to trying again to see if they have ironed out any of the kinks in the App-e-tite menu!

Now THAT'S a dining report! There cheers Mr. Bill!

The "other Cynde" LOL!

Sounds interesting- what does the regular ala carte menu look like?

Carol, my partner remembers a nice but not overly ambitious menu of steak and seafood on the a la carte menu. I personally, didn't even look - I was fascinated with the appetizer concept and taking a "chance" with a new restaurant and the "surprise" aspect of the appetizer meal.

Perhaps someone else can remember more details about the a la carte menu?

I like it! So more or less a tapas type dining experience?

That should be THREE cheers Mr. Bill...lol!

Precisely RA - except distinctly different from any South American flair.

I honestly can't imagine continually varying the appetizers unless VERY skilled. The service issues will be ironed out but to provide a depth of creativity that they promise is pretty impressive! I look forward to seeing if they can pull it off (and I AM rooting for them!)

Sounds fun, very ambitious and unique, I wish them the best!

(Message edited by caligirl on February 17, 2010)

Louise and I had lunch there, very good, but we cooked in the sun... Sun down only!

we remember when it was beefeater. we've always had good meals at that location...hope it continues.

That's a great concept!

I would hope though that it was a small dining room... I can't imagine trying that concept with a lot of tables to please.

Absolutely love the idea though. I might have to plant that one in someone's brain here in SB.

Although, I'd hate to be the server the night you get one or two ahole diners! Tricky very Tricky!!!

Carol, there were 4 of us for dinner in January and all ate from the ala carte menu. We each had a different dish and all agreed it was very well prepared. I had the Mahi-mahi (what else) special and it was cooked perfectly. I am not a lover of sauces but theirs was superb. The only complaint we had was the very slow service. They were only open one month and we had a new waitress. The place was nearly full and all seemed to enjoy their meal.

I would heartily recommend this restaurant. I do not think you will be disappointed.