courtesy of: The Morning News
Progress is being made on the completion of what will become an impressive center for shopping, dining and entertainment in the “low rise’ hotel area at the Alhambra Mall. This complete makeover is resulting in a sleek, stylish environment and the eateries and facilities located within are following through; the newest addition, Ginger Restaurant, is a perfect example.
Ginger is an expanded version of the restaurant that is part of the Tamarijn all-inclusive resort, and its popularity there prompted Divi management to offer a full-blown outlet of the Pacific Rim fusion cuisine. This chic, charming little eatery is what the area needed, and after a soft opening a few weeks ago, is already garnering a loyal clientele.
Ginger is the newest branch of a small, very popular boutique franchise out of Holland, where Divi sent their Chef Danie to train before opening the Aruba edition. “Though relatively young (30) to be running a kitchen, we couldn’t be more pleased with her creativity and passion for her profession,” confided Aruba Divi Properties Manager Alex Nieuwmeyer, “We are fortunate to have some great talent here.”
Aruban media was invited to discover the pleasing and reasonably priced menu, and were duly impressed. Thai Green Curry and Chicken Tikka Masala earned raves from reporters; MORNING NEWS taste testers tried the Malaysian Otak Otak, an assortment of salmon, local fish and shrimp wrapped and cooked in a banana leaf. The sauce was perfectly sweet-spicy without overwhelming the taste buds, the fish moist and tender. Main courses are served with a choice of white or fried rice or noodles.
Ginger features a wide range of flavors from Japan, China, Thailand, India and Malaysia, so there are choices of the familiar, but some tasty new adventures in Pacific Rim cooking. Main courses range from $15 to $19 and the restaurant is open from 5:30 to 11:00 PM for dinner.
There is a very appealing dessert selection, but we had to try the signature Ginger Lemon Cream, (a tangy, light lemon mousse with fresh ginger sauce) which paired with some green tea, was the perfect end to the meal; highly recommended. A lovely extra touch of luxury: hot towels delivered to your table at the end.
Ginger Restaurant sports chic setting, tasty and reasonably priced food and excellent, congenial service; looks like a winner!
