Courtesy of: Aruba Daily
Things are heating up at Cuba’s Cookin’, with live music every night, a cabaret and the very best authentic Cuban cuisine, right here in Aruba! In its 15-year history, the restaurant situated in the heart of Oranjestad has had the combination of great food and art as its main constant, with proprietor Douglass Markus as its driving force.
The history of kinship between Aruba and Cuba goes way back to the turn of the century, when many Arubans went to the island of tobacco and sugar in search of opportunities. What many of them found was backbreaking work in the sugarcane fields. Many of those Arubans also married and returned to their homeland with Cuban wives, strengthening those deep ties between the big and the small islands. So one may say that it’s no surprise that Cuba’s Cookin’ has become one of the mainstays in the restaurant scene in Aruba.
Through the years Douglass returned to the “big” island a host of times to keep up with family and friends. During his visits, he also made sure to seek out new paintings and photographs for the walls at Cuba’s Cookin’. The result is a unique, very authentic and most of all stunning display of the many facets of Cuban art, culture and everyday life, all set in a cozy restaurant, with a great bar and – most important of all – amazing, real Cuban food.
Now, because Ropa Vieja and other authentic dishes go down really well with some great entertainment, Cuba’s Cookin’ recently introduced live shows to its already sensational line-up. Every night starting at 7 pm, except on Sunday when it starts at 5:30 pm, there’s a band playing. From Tuesday to Friday, Son de Cuba hits the stage to play authentic Cuban tunes. On Sunday and Monday, there’s the vocal jazz quartet The Aruban Youngbloods. On Tuesday and Thursday, there’s a real Cuban Cabaret, just like back in the wild days before Castro took over. All great live music and all of it free of charge. Just come sit at the bar and order the “world’s best mojito” (yes, really!) or grab a table and enjoy the show with locals and guests alike.
For the upcoming holiday season Cuba’s Cookin’ has put together special Christmas Dinner packages for groups. Businesses, families and groups of friends can choose between three menus featuring original Cuban dishes like ayacas, arroz moro y cristianos, yucca con mojo and arroz con leche. Prices range between $32 (Afls. 56,60) and $40 (Afls. 70,-) per person (15% service charge excluded). Interested parties who want their Christmas Dinner on a Cabaret night need to book as soon as possible, as these nights get booked first.
Cuba’s Cookin’ is located across from The Cinemas at the Renaissance Marketplace. For reservations call 588-0627.
