Chef Robert is not new to the island. I met him several years ago when he was invited as celebrity chef to cook in the kitchen of Tierra del Sol’s clubhouse. He shouldered the responsibility during Christmas and New Year and gave many local and visiting patrons a taste of his artistry.

The chef is back in Aruba, check out his Instagram at: @cca_chef

AfternoonsWithRobert

There are also some interesting YouTube interviews online from the time Robert served as personal chef in the movie industry, especially to stars who needed to lose weight fast, and become ripped for superhero roles. He worked on the set of the fondly remembered 90210 hit series, and is proud of including Al Pacino, Leonardo DeCaprio, and supermodel Gisele, as well as several U.S. presidents, in the list of his former clients.

In the case of Spiderman Tobey Maguire, chef Robert had a special soup recipe, made with quality greens that would flush the pounds off his bones, accentuating muscle, which helped launch the actor’s career.

I am living to get my hands on that magical recipe.

But meanwhile Robert is busy making gorgeous dishes around vacation rentals on the island. In his leisure he is germinating avocado and pineapple on his kitchen windowsills, growing tomatoes and herbs in the garden, and making sinful food, in collaboration with his buddy, supreme pastry chef John Lejuez, Artisanal Pastry, Metro Mall.

Robert promised to cook for my friends one evening… I am waiting. I guess he is busy.

Should you want to book him. Message him on Instagram. WhatsApp +1 310 633 1477 and add me to the list of invitees.

I saw it advertised and dropped in to check it out, Saturday, 10am to 2pm.

The market is small but packed with great quality and value. The most prominent stand, Nos Cunuku, the Land Farm with Ari Lichtenstein. He sells local cucumbers, glossy, smooth skin cucumbers, giant okra, Spinach, Roma tomatoes, grape tomatoes, Asian eggplants, and string beans at Awg 5 a bag.

I asked him how he manages to sell it so cheaply, and he said it was his wish to make it affordable for the people on this island and besides, the produce got picked that morning, without a middleman, and the consumer benefits from freshness AND direct delivery.

Ari, if you recall started the Land Fam not far from the Arikok Park in 2009, with 12 greenhouses, on 50.000 square meters. It was his own investment, and the sweat of his brow. I was in love with his smooth skin, mini cucumbers, available at the time in just a few supermarkets. I bought his veggies regularly.

Ari went on to do the impossible, for 17 years, grow fresh produce here until 2019, until the rising cost of labor and water took him out of business.

He blames the government for denying water permits and points out that food security is not given the same attention here, as it does in the Netherlands, where it is a major priority. He sees himself as a farmer, not a businessman and as such, he expected the government to be more supportive towards the Cunukeros.

(Ari was part of the Comision Pro Cunukero in 2022, and the United Farmers Aruba Association, UFA. In 2024, but I believe the organization experienced a split, resulting in two Farmers’ Markets, one at Santa Rosa, now weekly, and one at Centro di Bario Playa Pabao.)

Fortunately, Ari gave agriculture another try in 2022, trying to bring the farm back to operation, and since May 2026, he is fully operational and you may find his delicious veggies at Nos Tera market, on Saturdays, and once a month in San Nicolas.

Other vendor at Nos Tera offer a variety of quality products and I could not stop shopping.

Coco, Banana & Carrot cakes, Sopi Carni, Ginger Juice, as well as many others, Artisanal honey, Smach Sourdough bread and specialty buns, Nathy Jay’s Kimchi and Kimchi Hummus, cookies made with turmeric, part of a local a school project, Naughty Hots, pineapple pica and pickled onions…

Another story: One of Ari’s biggest sellers is a small box filled with gorgeous small peppers he called chilis.

I took offense.

These were not chilis, these were Piment Zozoi, pee-mahn-zwah-zoh, famed Caribbean Bird Peppers known for their moderate heat and fantastic flavor.

Bird Pepper? The shiny red beauties are a favorite snack among Caribbean birds who eat the peppers, then excrete them everywhere, in droppings.

I first met the peppers in Haiti, where my mother-in-law had a pepper-filled beautiful bush, growing at the entrance of the outdoor kitchen. It was incorporated in all dishes, to intensify the culinary experience with a spicy kick.

Overtime, peppers became scarce in Haiti, due to one too many hurricane seasons that wiped out the plants, and my brother-in-law took it upon himself to scour the country in search of seeds, for a seed bank. He was determined to create a small bird pepper plantation, answering the demand in the market.

I remember large round rattan trays of bird pepper seeds drying in the sun in the family’s courtyard. The future looked bright. He collected enough seed, to make a modest comeback.

As the pepper plantation became a reality, another hurricane wiped it out, and we never went back to Haiti.

Photo Opportunity

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/photo-opportunity/

The HOFA proposal will save us millions.

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/the-hofa-proposal-will-save-us-millions/

Looking for a place for lunch

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/looking-for-a-place-for-lunch/

Artist Arturo DeSimone, at the Archeological Museum.

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/artist-arturo-desimone-at-the-archeological-museum/

Welcome Voco

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/welcome-voco/

The dolphin swam away last evening…and came back!

https://batibleki.wheninaruba.com/the-dolphin-swam-away-last-evening/

I visited the dolphin rehabilitation encampment on Malmok yesterday morning. It is good I did, because he swam out to sea in the late afternoon, to hopefully unite with his family members, or join another pod he finds along the way. This kind of very social Pan Tropic dolphin will be accepted into other groups if he does not hook up with his. (I heard this morning that he is back, why is unclear, I will report, though he seems well. Free food? Giolina’s company? Diving with Luciano?)

He was stranded more than a week ago at the popular Sarah-Quita Beach, just ahead of Hi-Winds, a major windsurfing competition, taking place at the same spot. He was exhausted, unresponsive, and had difficulties to remain afloat. When found disoriented, hanging onto life, he was almost ready to give up, then Aruba Marine Mammals Foundation, AMMF, came to the rescue.

Giolina Henriquez, the founder of AMMF, is a well-known conservation advocate/activist with a large network of rescue organizations around the Caribbean. She knew what to do.

The first two days were chaotic but with the help of the local vets, the Aruba Conservation Foundation, and volunteers, a makeshift rehab was set up on the beach. When the dolphin refused food, they intubated him with a sardine slushy they concocted, fending off weight loss and malnutrition. The local vets tested his blood. A mysterious infection was the culprit.

AMMF asked volunteers to stay with him in the water 24/7 helping him float. Sinking meant death. And Giolina and her motley-crew bought out the foam noodle supply on the island to help the distressed mammal live. Argentinean-born, Mariza, a woman-of-many-talents, wearing two borrowed wetsuits stayed with the dolphin for FIVE nights, in the water, in the dark, from 11pm to 5pm. Her shift last night was cancelled as the dolphin swam out to sea.

As I got to the beach, Friday, man-of-many-talents, Argentinian born, former conservation ranger Luciano, was putting on his wetsuit. He was about to get into the water with Dutch-born private chef Ronald, to feed the dolphin as on day 7 or his rehab he refused the intubation and grabbed a sardine.

The effort to secure fresh sardines, was gargantuan. Luckily, one of the island’s fishermen emptied his freezer. Some were found in supermarkets. Other fishermen answered the call and showed up with their catch. They have been battling the wind recently and did not produce much.

Then some gracious visitors showed up on the beach with cash donations and the makeshift rehab had some money to spend, it offered to buy fish, wherever it found it. The dolphin required 5kg a day and as his appetite returned, he was gaining his strength, and his weight.

As I was looking from the beach, Giolina was in the water with the dolphin, walking up and down the enclosure with him along. He was playful, noseling her, studying her face. She told me he would chatter and whistle in the afternoon, feeling better about himself. (Luciano gave me his binoculars.)

When she came out of the water, Ronald and Luciano took over, luring the dolphin into colder, deeper water to play-feed him, making him dive and swim for his food. These guys stayed in the water for hours re-teaching the dolphin the skills he lost. All I could see was Luciano’s long fins as he was diving, dolphin in tow, while Ronald, afloat, protected the fish stash, shooed the birds away, arguing with the pelicans. He was asking them to take a backseat and respect the dolphin’s space. Not sure he was always successful. The birds would snatch their share of free food, at every opportunity they got.

But Luciano & Ronald got the job done, as the dolphin was able to swim away, that day, after his last encouraging blood test.

Kudos to the local vet for being able to draw blood, from the vein in the tail, of a wriggling flipping swimming dolphin.

I understand that as volunteers both Luciano & Ronald dropped everything and dedicated their time to the rescue. Their reward? Salt-stung lips, peeling noses, chaffing, irritated and stinging body parts, but Ronald explains they did not know each other before, and now they are family. He was inspired to join AMMF, as a tribute to his late son, who passed away from cancer five years ago. The kid would have liked that, he explained.

Because of the intense pressure of people on Sarah-Quita beach, the decision to move the rehab encampment north to Malmok was not taken lightly. Giolina consulted her network, and picked a cove where she has seen dolphin pods before.

At the new encampment, the dolphin grew stronger, and yesterday, as the sun was setting Luciano and Ronald, plus one more swimmer, Marina, a friendly neighbor, got into the water for the last time and swam out to sea with their friend, they paddled out about 2 kilometers, as was their plan, until they could see him no more. A boat by Pelican Watersports picked them up for the return to the beach. Pelican Watersports has been extremely helpful to the operation.

Giolina says it was a process with the authorities, the land department was responsive immediately. The Coast Guard, and Maritime Police, while they did not rush to cooperate, they became huge allies, and the organization is thankful for their understanding and in serious need of their input. A letter from the Prime Minister got all stakeholders’ attention, permits were granted and all maritime stakeholders in the private sector were asked to take notice and stay away. The Ritz Carlton Resort graciously cancelled three firework shows, though the local fireworks provider was unhappy. The neighbors offered a vacation rental for showers and toilet breaks.

I want to say something philosophical about the plight of animals endangered by the growing encroachment of mankind, but I also want to say that compassion and love, and care go a long way. Many people got behind that idea of saving the dolphin, and we hope to never see him again.

Aruba’s long, wide shallow waters attract dolphins who teach their young to swim here, as our shallow reefs are most inviting. We hope to keep them that way.

Last night to a spectacular technicolor sunset, VOCO’s official ribbon cutting ceremony featured a blessing, sprinkles of holy water, speeches, a festive toast and hotel room tours for guests curious about the new look of the old favorite, having transitioned from a local brand to the international stage as the first Caribbean VOCO, flagged under the Intercontinental Hotel Group, IHG.

Voco, such as in Voh-koh, emphasis on first syllable, and the c is pronounced like a k, is  a family member of famous Intercontinental, Holiday Inn and Iberostar hospitality brands and according to Kevin Anderson, GM, Holiday Inn Resort Aruba, VOCOs are encouraged to retain their original flair, no two VOCOs look alike, they are all boutique properties proud of their heritage and their unique destination features.

Voco, means ‘to invite’ and ‘call together’ in Latin – standing for the thoughtful, unstuffy and charming nature of the decor, embracing Aruba’s local feel. Voco is a popular brand in China, the United States, and the United Kingdom, besides many other major destinations around the globe.

The new VOCO look, reflects the resort long history here. Owners kept the repeated arches, inspired by Mediterranean architecture, and the stucco exterior, adding warm, indirect lighting. The magnificent tall palm trees and open-air pool deck with tropical landscaping create a calm, elegant, luxury resort feel.

The lobby now looks like a modern tropical lounge, with soft ambient lighting, and muted organic-looking fabrics on the comfy furniture. Green leafy potted plants, accent pillows, and friendly faces at the reception, round up the experience.

We visited the one bedroom and two-bedroom suites, they are beautifully appointed including a breakfast nook, a living area, a work desk, and a mini kitchen. The bedrooms are dominated by very inviting beds, and the bathrooms, super modern and compact. The rooms, we thought were too brightly lit, perhaps in honor of the opening.

But we decided we could easily live, long term, in the two-bedroom suite, it is truly beautiful.

We wish VOCO success. Its location is very attractive, across the beach, close to town, and a stone throw away from the airport.

Once you step into the courtyard it has a cloister-like ambiance, that hugs and holds you.

My crystal ball predicts it will do well.

A bit of history: The resort first opened as The Strand Hotel, in 1943, by Chaiben Neme, a Lebanese businessman, who cleverly thought that catering to Lago refinery executives would make good sense. He built his hotel outside the city limits of Oranjestad, almost across the Dakota airport, he knew Lago executive would see it and become excellent clients, especially in the aftermath of WWII, and the global rebuild, which made the refinery such an important player.

The hotel featured seven rooms plus a pool, bar, restaurant, and was a social hub for social organizations like Rotary and Kiwanis. The place stood out, there was nothing like that on the island.

In 1949 the hotel expanded to 19 rooms and by 1952 it was renamed Coral Strand Hotel.

Check out this webpage for pictures: monumentenfondsaruba.org

The hotel had the honor of hosting Dutch royals. First Princess Juliana, heir presumptive to the Dutch throne, accompanied by Prince Bernhard, in 1955, then Princess Beatrix and Prince Claus in 1966, after their honeymoon in Mexico.

Located on L.G. Smith boulevard, the property holds historical significance as a hospitality pioneer and the island’s first non-beachfront hotel.

Mid-50s Chaiben Neme and his son Maurice, understood the future lies in Palm Beach and oceanfront hotels, and they went on to construct the first tourist accommodations on that magnificent stretch of sand, the Basi Ruti, which opened in 1957, just two years before the opening of the Aruba Caribbean in 1959, today, the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Beach Resort & Casino. Basi Ruti was eventually demolished to make way for Playa Linda Beach Resort, in 1981.

In 1964 A Dutch-born American businessman, who already spent some time in Aruba before, as a painting contractor, brought his new bride to Aruba. That was Ike Cohen. Greta his new wife at once felt very deeply about the island and its people. Together they bought the Coral Strand hotel, a nothing-to-talk-about hotel property, rebranded it as Talk of the Town, and worked very hard to reposition the renamed hotel and raise Grete’s two girls, as a family.

The Talk of The Town became indeed the talk of the town, a thriving resort offering excellent food and caring service, besides comfortable accommodations. Ike & Grete’s pet property joined the Aruba Caribbean Hotel, the Basi Ruti and the just opened Cactus Inn to jumpstart Aruba’s tourism trade.

Since there was no hotel school on the island, Ike took it upon himself to train his people, consequently many island hospitality greats, started their career at TOTT, and moved on to bigger projects.

Besides hospitality, Ike also got into airline catering, cooking meals for passengers, in the Talk of the Town kitchen first, later at the Surfside, what became Calloway Catering. In those days, food was hand carried up plane stairs.

I have great memories from the Talk of the Town restaurant serving good quality food in the days when quality food was not readily available. From day one, the place set the tone for what was to come in terms of international cuisine, fancy cocktails, exciting menus, elegant set-up, crisp linens, sophisticated ambiance, smart dress code, and top entertainment. At the time, Oranjestad boasted very few restaurants, perhaps a handful Chinese kitchens, and the Bali Floating barge.

To maximize profits, TOTT restaurant turned into a disco after dinner service. Scorpio’s Disco was born there, before moving to Surfside.

Some vintage menu highlights, I remember.

Beuf Bourguignon, duck a L ’Orange, Tournedos Rossini, Sole Meuniere, Chateaubriand for two with sauce Bearnaise, Entrecote a la Bordelaise, Steak au Poivre, Snapper Veronique, Lobster Au Gratin, with haricots verts and pommes dauphinois, and for dessert Crepes Suzette, prepared flamed tableside.

Those were the days, we were not afraid of butter, cream and flour. Nook, the resort’s updated restaurant boasts a more contemporary menu!

Over the years, TOTT expanded to 69 rooms, a charming boutique property keeping its vintage feel. It has been run by GH Hoteles since 2015, under the name Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club Aruba. It was majorly renovated when the company took over. GH Hoteles is based in Venezuela where it runs several properties.

These last renovations went over the top, elevating the intimate local resort to international standards as VOCO.