Chalet Suisse - Old Folks Home
I had to ask my wife if we arrived by taxi or time machine. It was like stepping into the movie "Dirty Dancing." I expected Patrick Swayze to start doing the Tango.

We're in our mid thirties and we were probably half the age of every other person in the place...and we didn't even go to the "Early Bird"...which they DO HAVE! I think our reservations were for 8:30p.

Anyway...to be serious and perfectly honest. It is a big, somewhat noisy joint, atmosphere is sort of like a cross between a really nice restaurant and an all you can eat buffet in the States. Everybody there is American (just like me-so I'm not dissing the USA)...the thick New York accents coming from all the tables is a riot.

The service is excellent. They cater to families and big parties. They come and sing Happy Birthday...if you're into that sort of thing. and they have a lot of people servicing you. If you're looking for romance...look elsewhere.

The food is good, but there are so many better restaurants on the island that are also less expensive.

We had a goat cheese and arugula salad that was excellent. The appetizer...was also very, very good...but I can't remember what it was. The dessert choices are good. Everybody gets the fondue...and I mean...of course melted chocolate is awesome...so it's hard to criticize melted chocolate, but it's not like some creative and exceptional dessert experience. I had a steak. It was slightly overcooked but tasty. My wife had beef strouganoff...it was terrible. it was supposed to be strips of prime filet...not particularly tender. It was like noodles and gravy. Very disappointing since I grew up on the stuff.

They were out of the first two selections I made on the wine list. My third choice was decent.

There are better places in Aruba. If you want more suggestions...chat up the cab drivers, shopkeepers, and other locals. They know where the popular world class places are.    [10 Nov 2006 10:07:19]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: arugula and goat cheese salad

     ­Matt