Aruba - Part 2

We did a lot of relaxing during the first few days of our trip to rest up for all the excitement to come. We eventually got sick of this view..

Just kidding! How could anyone get sick of that? But one morning we decided it was a beautiful day to go on a waverunner ride around the beaches. We spent an hour twisting and turning, jumping waves and getting soaked!

That day we worked up some appetite and went to our favorite restaurant on the island - El Gaucho. El Gaucho is an Argentinian steakhouse. You can order a steak as big as the table, or just a little petite one perfect for me. The side dishes were delicious and we finished the night off with a Dulce de Leche Crepe, but what really stole the show was the chimichurri sauce. Trust me when I say this sauce was sent from heaven!

Keeping with our adventurous spirits, the next morning we left on an ATV tour to the other side of the island from where the hotel is situated. By far this was the most amzing part of the trip. We spent hours riding rocky trails and up and down mountains looking out at the most amazing views. We visited a natural pool, a chapel built in 1750, a gold mine and a natural bridge.

That night, we visited Hostaria Da Vittorio, an Italian restaurant. We filled up on carbs to re-energize after the morning tour. I had the Fusilli Bolognese and Carmine had Linguine with Shrimp. We spilt a cannoli for dessert.

The end of the trip consisted of more lounging on the beach and relaxing at the hotel.

By the end of the trip, we were dreading our flight home to New York and planning when we could return. We both loved everything Aruba had to offer and are looking forward to our next visit. For anyone looking for a sunny and fun spot to visit, make sure Aruba is at the top of your list.

Aruba - One Happy Island

We arrived in Aruba on Monday morning. After a long flight, we were ready to get right to the beach. We checked into the hotel (Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino), threw on our bathing suits and sprinted to the sand.

                     

After hours of swimming and sun bathing, we headed up to our room to get ready for dinner. Our hotel room is very spacious and we have a great view.

Our first night on the island, we had reservations for Simply Fish. This is one of the restaurants at our hotel. It will come as no surprise that the restaurant serves a variety of fresh and local seafood. The setting is beautiful, as the tables are set up on the beach and you enjoy your meal with your toes in the sand and taking in the sunset over the ocean. You couldn't stage a more perfect sight.

We started with the jumbo shrimp cocktail.

I had the sauteed halibut for my main, with creamy spinach and coconut rice.

And Carmine had the sauteed striped bass with broccoli and mashed potatoes

We finished the night with the restaurant's specialty, a banana and coconut cake.

After a long day, we headed to bed to rest up for day 2. On Tuesday, we explored the island's offerings. Aruba is filled with lots of little shops and cute restaurants to stop at for lunch.

For dinner, we headed over to Madame Jeanette's. This is a cozy, local restaurant, with outdoor seating under ivy covered pergolas and tons of little lights. The portions here are large, so I suggest sharing to save room for dessert.

Carmine and I shared the crab cakes and a shrimp and lobster gratin for an appetizer.

For our mains, I had the Schnitzel-style pork tenderloin covered in sauteed onions. Carmine had the chicken cordon blue. 

The food was absolutely fantastic. I couldn't recommend it enough! 

We have had two wonderful days so far, and I am excited to see what the rest of the trip brings. The weather is perfect, the food is delicious, and I am here with Carmine - what more could a girl ask for!

An Inside View: Olive Oils

Up today on 'An Inside View' is Olive Oils in Point Lookout, NY. Olive Oils is the neighborhood Italian restaurant serving up traditional Italian flavors with a fresh perspective. With its outdoor seating, it is a great spot during the summer months. Inside, the location is split into the dining room for the restaurant and a pizza bar. The pizza has a perfectly crispy crust and comes with a variety of toppings.

Whenever you go to Olive Oils, they always start you off right. A basket filled with warm, seasoned bread and a plate of their secret seasoning mix for dipping. The seasoning is a combination of grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasonings and crushed red pepper. Mix it all together with some high quality olive oil for a delicious treat.

Next up, we ordered some appetizers to share. The baked clams oreganata and the homemade rice balls with marinara sauce.

Look at that cheesy filling. These rice balls are made fresh and filled with ground beef, peas and mozzarella cheese. If you know whats good for you, you will give them a try. (Trust me!)

For my main, I ordered the Captain Al's Calamari Fra Diavolo served over whole wheat penne. The sauce was spicy and flavorful and the calamari was fresh.

We also had the Chicken Saporito - sauteed chicken breast with artichokes and sundried tomatoes in a garlic and white wine sauce with roasted potatoes. This dish is packed with flavor and ingredients that complement each other.

To round it out, the Salmon Portofino - pan seared salmon over sauteed spinach with roasted peppers and potatoes in a lemon white wine sauce. The salmon was fresh and cooked to perfection.

After a delicious and filling meal, I finished off with a scoop of chocolate gelato. 

Overall, Olive Oils is a neighborhood staple for good reason. They continue to serve up fresh and high quality dishes. Whether you live in the area or are visiting the beach during the summer, put Olive Oils on your list. You will be happy you did!

Olive Oils - 28 Lido Boulevard, Point Lookout, NY - (516) 432-0000

An Inside View: Lunch (aka The Lobster Roll)

If you are thinking of taking a trip out to the East end of Long Island, you must stop at 'Lunch' on your way. Officially called 'The Lobster Roll' but known as 'Lunch' to locals and frequent visitors due to the huge sign on top of the building, this spot serves the most delicious and consistent clam-bar style food. They're most famous for their lobster salad sandwich, but my favorite is the fried blow fish or Puffers as they are called on the menu. Whatever your preference, you will not be sorry for stopping and I am sure this will place will soon become a regular on all your visits out East. Just be sure to head out there soon, as Lunch closes for the season at the end of October.

I started with a crock of homemade, creamy New England Clam Chowder

H started with a crock of homemade, heart Manhattan Clam Chowder

We both ordered the Puffers n Chips - served with homemade remoulade sauce and coleslaw

As always, everything was delicious and I am already looking forward to my next visit. I highly recommend Lunch and suggest you make a visit.

The Lobster Roll (Lunch) - 1980 Montauk Highway, Amagansett, NY

An Inside View: August

A few weeks ago, a few friends and I stopped by August in the West Village for dinner. We had a great time chatting and catching up and even more so enjoyed all the delicious food. I highly recommend it for a date night; whether it is with your man or your girlfriends you are sure to have a great time.

Let's dive right in!

Baked Three-Cheese Mac & Cheese (It was a special the night I went, so hopefully it is when you go too!)

Tarte Flambe - Alsatian onion and bacon tart with creme fraiche (yum!)

My main: Seared scallops with bacon, potatoes, fennel and clams

J's main: Roasted chicken with mashed potatoes, chilled green beans and fried garlic

H's main: Roasted pork chops with swiss chard, smoked beans and sarsaparilla

Time for dessert!

Between the three of us we split the Warm Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Gelato...

and the Peach Crumble with Buttermilk Gelato

The food was absolutely delicious and the atmosphere is so warm and friendly. It is rustic and cozy and fills up quick so be sure to make a reservation! We had a great time and highly suggest checking it out!

August - 359 Bleeker Street, New York, NY - 212-929-8727