{"id":3167,"date":"2014-11-30T10:03:42","date_gmt":"2014-11-30T16:03:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/?p=3167"},"modified":"2014-11-30T10:03:42","modified_gmt":"2014-11-30T16:03:42","slug":"travel-eats-a-week-in-tropical-aruba","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/2014\/11\/30\/travel-eats-a-week-in-tropical-aruba\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel Eats: a week in tropical Aruba"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>Travel Eats documents my food adventures outside of Chicago.<\/em><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-version=\"4\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\">\n<div style=\"padding:8px;\">\n<div style=\" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;\">\n<div style=\" background:url(data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf\/\/42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB\/lQPb79drWOyJVa\/DAvg9B\/rLB4cC+Nqgdz\/TvBbBnr6GBReqn\/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I\/fZou\/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/p\/vcBFhFMuCZ\/\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_top\">A photo posted by hillary proctor (@hillaryproctor)<\/a> on <time style=\" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;\" datetime=\"2014-11-15T22:50:46+00:00\">Nov 11, 2014 at 2:50pm PST<\/time><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async defer src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>I spent the week before Thanksgiving on vacation in Aruba, a Dutch island located just north of Venezuela. The pristine beaches and sunset views were spectacular, but I was also impressed with the cuisine, which blended Caribbean, South American, and Dutch influences into its own m\u00e9lange of flavors. My travel companion and I tasted both traditional and modern versions of classic Aruban dishes, plus a slew of fresh seafood and tropical cocktails, all proving why the country&#8217;s slogan is &#8220;One Happy Island.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The most special dining experience of the week was an 8-course tasting at The Kitchen Table by White, a 16-seat kitchen counter\u2013style restaurant opened 3 months ago by Urvin Croes. Chef Urvin&#8217;s original restaurant, White Modern Cuisine, was among the first to bring modernist cooking (\u00e0 la Grant Achatz of Alinea) to Aruba; he opened this second restaurant in order to offer a more intimate and extensive tasting experience with a monthly changing menu. Over a leisurely few hours, we tasted course after course that employed truly creative cooking methods and flavor combinations. Among them was a modern take on keshi yena, one of Aruba&#8217;s most traditional dishes: instead of chunks of chicken stewed with fruit and nuts and topped with flame-broiled Dutch gouda cheese (which we tasted later in the week), it became a chicken roulade beneath elegantly constructed layers of gouda and crackers in many forms. In the same way, a &#8220;steak basket,&#8221; common street food fare in Aruba, was updated to include fries buried in a fascinatingly delicious powdered peanut sauce. I was blown away by how well the complex array of components harmonized in each beautifully plated dish, especially in the four shown below.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3184\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3184\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/kitchentablebywhiteoystersoup.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/kitchentablebywhiteoystersoup.jpg\" alt=\"Oyster soup, The Kitchen Table by White\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3184\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/kitchentablebywhiteoystersoup.jpg 554w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/kitchentablebywhiteoystersoup-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/kitchentablebywhiteoystersoup-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3184\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">&#8220;Sopi Oyster&#8221;: Aruban oyster soup served with scallops tartar, celery rings, carrots sour, onion gel, Madame Jeanette pepper parfait, pickled okra, and spiced chips, The Kitchen Table by White<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3182\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3182\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/jerkedcobiakitchentablebywhite.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/jerkedcobiakitchentablebywhite.jpg\" alt=\"Jerked cobia, The Kitchen Table by White\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3182\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/jerkedcobiakitchentablebywhite.jpg 554w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/jerkedcobiakitchentablebywhite-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/jerkedcobiakitchentablebywhite-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3182\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">&#8220;Jerked Cobia&#8221;: Jerked cobia served with curry popcorn, mini corn, curry coconut powder, plantains, pickled yellow squash, pickled chayote, moringa flowers, polenta, pumpkin, mango chutney, and a lemongrass and saffron sauce, The Kitchen Table by White<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3183\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3183\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/chefurvincroeskitchentablebywhite.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/chefurvincroeskitchentablebywhite.jpg\" alt=\"Chef Urvin Croes, The Kitchen Table by White\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3183\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/chefurvincroeskitchentablebywhite.jpg 554w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/chefurvincroeskitchentablebywhite-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/chefurvincroeskitchentablebywhite-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3183\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chef Urvin Croes preparing food in the open kitchen during dinner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3193\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3193\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/kitchentablebywhiteduck.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/kitchentablebywhiteduck.jpg\" alt=\"Brined, smoked duck breast, The Kitchen Table by White\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3193\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/kitchentablebywhiteduck.jpg 554w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/kitchentablebywhiteduck-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/kitchentablebywhiteduck-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3193\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">&#8220;Pato Hum\u00e0&#8221;: Brined, then smoked duck breast served with pickled dragonfruit, red beets, radish, tomato compote, pickled onions, roasted bell pepper, and a spicy creole sauce, The Kitchen Table by White<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3181\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3181\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/kitchentablebywhitespicecakemochapannacotta.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/kitchentablebywhitespicecakemochapannacotta.jpg\" alt=\"Dessert, The Kitchen Table by White\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3181\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/kitchentablebywhitespicecakemochapannacotta.jpg 554w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/kitchentablebywhitespicecakemochapannacotta-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/kitchentablebywhitespicecakemochapannacotta-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3181\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">&#8220;Drigid\u00e8k cu Koffie&#8221;: Caribbean spiced cake served with mocha panna cotta, coffee crumble, espresso gel, dark chocolate, coco and white chocolate parfait, coconut gel, and a cappuccino foam, The Kitchen Table by White<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>And then there was the seafood. Whether it was vanilla-scented scallops at sunset with my toes in the sand or richly spiced caribbean shrimp in a lush backyard garden, I enjoyed it all. Grouper was especially prevalent \u2013 my favorite version featured a crunchy almond crust and creamy spinach sauce that the restaurant claimed had been imitated-but-never-duplicated since the dish&#8217;s debut in 1999.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3186\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3186\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/barefootvanillascallops.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/barefootvanillascallops.jpg\" alt=\"Vanilla-skewered scallops, Barefoot\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3186\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/barefootvanillascallops.jpg 554w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/barefootvanillascallops-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/barefootvanillascallops-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3186\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Vanilla bean-skewered scallops with caramelized Belgian endive and saffron mayonnaise and bottle of Veramonte sauvignon blanc from Casablanca Valley in Chile, Barefoot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3191\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3191\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/madamejanettealmondgrouper.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/madamejanettealmondgrouper.jpg\" alt=\"Almond grouper, Madame Janette\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3191\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/madamejanettealmondgrouper.jpg 554w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/madamejanettealmondgrouper-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/madamejanettealmondgrouper-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3191\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Grouper filet in a coat of almonds served with a creamed spinach sauce and scalloped potatoes, Madame Janette<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3175\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3175\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/papiamentowestindiesshrimp.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/papiamentowestindiesshrimp.jpg\" alt=\"West Indies shrimp, Papiamento\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3175\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/papiamentowestindiesshrimp.jpg 554w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/papiamentowestindiesshrimp-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/papiamentowestindiesshrimp-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3175\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">West Indies caribbean shrimp in a curried coconut milk sauce with sweet potato puree and okra, Papiamento<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3189\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3189\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/hadicurarimaitai.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/hadicurarimaitai.jpg\" alt=\"Mai tai, Hadicurari\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3189\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/hadicurarimaitai.jpg 598w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/hadicurarimaitai-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/hadicurarimaitai-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3189\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mai tai on the first night, which came alongside red snapper, mashed potatoes, and vegetables, Hadicurari<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Standout dishes also extended beyond seafood. At Smokey Joe&#8217;s, I scarfed down half a rack of Caribbean-style ribs, which the menu touted as award-winning, and also snacked on pastechies, an empanada-like local specialty. Salt and Pepper, a quaint diner-style restaurant with thousands of namesake shakers adorning its walls, was a great spot for an egg wrap with ham and gouda. We even ate well at sea: while aboard the Black Pearl for a snorkeling sunset sail, we feasted on gouda-tomato sandwiches and grilled cheese (so yes, Dutch gouda is everywhere in Aruba).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3192\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3192\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/smokeyjoesribspinkiguana.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/smokeyjoesribspinkiguana.jpg\" alt=\"Classic recipe ribs and Pink Iguana drink, Smokey Joe&#039;s\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3192\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/smokeyjoesribspinkiguana.jpg 554w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/smokeyjoesribspinkiguana-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/smokeyjoesribspinkiguana-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3192\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Half rack of &#8220;original recipe&#8221; ribs with island slaw and home fries, and Pink Iguana drink with light rum, crushed strawberries, pineapple juice, and coconut cream, Smokey Joe&#8217;s<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3180\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3180\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/saltandpepperbreakfastwrap.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/saltandpepperbreakfastwrap.jpg\" alt=\"Breakfast tortilla wrap, Salt and Pepper\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3180\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/saltandpepperbreakfastwrap.jpg 554w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/saltandpepperbreakfastwrap-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/saltandpepperbreakfastwrap-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3180\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Breakfast tortilla wrap with ham and gouda and a side of homefries, Salt and Pepper<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3177\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3177\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/blackpearlgoudatomatosandwich.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/blackpearlgoudatomatosandwich.jpg\" alt=\"Gouda-tomato sandwich aboard the Black Pearl\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3177\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/blackpearlgoudatomatosandwich.jpg 554w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/blackpearlgoudatomatosandwich-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/blackpearlgoudatomatosandwich-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3177\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Gouda-tomato sandwich aboard the Black Pearl<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3178\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3178\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/blackpearlboatspecialdrink.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/blackpearlboatspecialdrink.jpg\" alt=\"Black Pearl &quot;boat special&quot; drinkBlack Pearl &quot;boat special&quot; drink\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3178\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/blackpearlboatspecialdrink.jpg 554w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/blackpearlboatspecialdrink-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/blackpearlboatspecialdrink-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3178\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Black Pearl &#8220;boat special&#8221; with 5 kinds of tropical juices and 3 kinds of liquor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>I had a few favorite treats as well. Melk Chocolade Pasta, a Dutch chocolate spread we picked up at the grocery store, made a perfect snack when slathered onto pita chips. At the swim-up bar, I was especially fond of the Bird of Paradise, brightly colored with mango and blue cura\u00e7ao, and the Slippery Monkey, a dessert-like blend of coffee liqueur, Caribbean coco rum, Irish cream, banana liqueur, banana puree, chocolate swirl, and a dark rum garnish. The best dessert of the week, though, was a classic chocolate souffl\u00e9 boosted by roasted pumpkin seed ice cream, blueberry sauce, almonds, and a mountain of whipped cream.<\/p>\n<p><figure id=\"attachment_3190\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3190\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/madamejanettechocolatesouffle.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/madamejanettechocolatesouffle.jpg\" alt=\"Chocolate souffle, Madame Janette\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3190\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/madamejanettechocolatesouffle.jpg 554w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/madamejanettechocolatesouffle-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/madamejanettechocolatesouffle-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3190\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chocolate souffl\u00e9 served with roasted pumpkin seed ice cream, blueberry sauce, almonds, and whipped cream, Madame Janette<\/figcaption><\/figure><br \/>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3188\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3188\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/melksnack.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/melksnack.jpg\" alt=\"Snack of Melk Dutch chocolate spread and pita chips\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3188\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/melksnack.jpg 554w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/melksnack-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/melksnack-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3188\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Snack of Melk dutch chocolate spread and pita chips<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3176\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3176\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/birdofparadisecocktail.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/birdofparadisecocktail.jpg\" alt=\"Bird of Paradise cocktail, Seaworthy&#039;s Pool Bar at Marriott&#039;s Aruba Surf Club\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3176\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/birdofparadisecocktail.jpg 554w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/birdofparadisecocktail-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/birdofparadisecocktail-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3176\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bird of Paradise cocktail with banana liqueur, coconut rum, mango puree, and Blue Curacao from Seaworthy&#8217;s, the swim-up pool bar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>The details:<\/strong> <em><a href=\"http:\/\/hadicurari.com\/\" title=\"Hadicurari\">Hadicurari<\/a>, J.E. Yrasquin Boulevard 96; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.smokeyjoesaruba.com\/\" title=\"Smokey Joe's\">Smokey Joe&#8217;s<\/a>, Juan E. Irausquin Blvd. 87; <a href=\"http:\/\/barefootaruba.com\/\" title=\"Barefoot\">Barefoot<\/a>, L.G. Smith Boulevard 1; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thekitchentablebywhite.com\/\" title=\"The Kitchen Table by White\">The Kitchen Table by White<\/a>, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 266\u0003; <a href=\"http:\/\/saltandpepperaruba.com\/\" title=\"Salt &#038; Pepper\">Salt &#038; Pepper<\/a>, J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 370-A; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.aruba-sailing.com\/\" title=\"Black Pearl\">Black Pearl sailing trip<\/a>; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.madamejanette.info\/\" title=\"Madame Janette\">Madame Janette<\/a>, Cunucu Abou 37; <a href=\"http:\/\/papiamentoaruba.com\/\" title=\"Papiamento\">Papiamento<\/a>, Washington 61 Noord; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.marriott.com\/hotels\/hotel-information\/restaurant\/auaac-marriotts-aruba-surf-club\/\" title=\"Seaworthy's Pool Bar\/Captain's Galley\">Seaworthy&#8217;s Pool Bar\/Captain&#8217;s Galley at Marriott&#8217;s Aruba Surf Club<\/a>, 103 L. G. Smith Boulevard (all Aruba).<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Travel Eats documents my food adventures outside of Chicago. A photo posted by hillary proctor (@hillaryproctor) on Nov 11, 2014 at 2:50pm PST I spent the week before Thanksgiving on vacation in Aruba, a Dutch island located just north of Venezuela. The pristine beaches and sunset views were spectacular, but I was also impressed with [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[1474,1461,1462,1470,1475,1468,1477,1481,1469,1482,1480,1467,1466,1465,1483,1472,1463,1479,1464,1478,1471,1476,1473],"class_list":["post-3167","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-travel-eats","tag-almond-grouper","tag-aruba","tag-aruba-dining","tag-barefoot-aruba","tag-black-pearl-sailing","tag-caribbean-cuisine","tag-chocolate-souffle","tag-dutch-cuisine","tag-dutch-gouda","tag-hadicurari","tag-jerked-cobia","tag-keshi-yena","tag-kitchen-table-by-white","tag-madame-janette","tag-mai-tai","tag-marriotts-aruba-surf-club","tag-one-happy-island","tag-oyster-soup","tag-papiamento","tag-pink-iguana","tag-smokey-joes-aruba","tag-urvin-croes","tag-west-indies-shrimp"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3167","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3167"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3167\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3230,"href":"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3167\/revisions\/3230"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3167"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3167"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.hillaryproctor.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3167"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}