There are some restaurants that simply feel like home. Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant is one of those- well that is if “home” is prime, pristine beach front property. When my Pastor and his wife (Roel and Rowena Tangco from Zion Worship, Aruba) took me to lunch last year and suggested Matthew’s I jumped at the opportunity. I had not yet been and had heard great reviews. With hubby busy at work, I grabbed bubs and joined our Aruba family for a long lunch.
I arrived to a large round table with my friends gathered and graciously, they had left a chair for me facing the most beautiful turquoise waters. Lunch was a casual sandwich with really tasty fries and a cocktail and we all had dessert. We ate slowly, talked a lot and laughed until we got sleepy, lulled into sheer relaxation by the gentle waves lapping the shore. I promised myself I would return another time for dinner and a review.
Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant Aruba
Last week, when we got an invitation to go for dinner, we jumped at it. And as much as I thoroughly enjoyed the first adults only date in forever, I actually managed to grab some shots between courses and conversation. We arrived early and stayed late. Jaja’s honorary Wela (grandma in Papimento, Aruba’s native language) was kind enough to watch him for us and so we totally soaked it up.
Service from Bhing at the bar, Valentina our hostess, Angel our runner and Doreen our lead waiter was excellent. Staff are excellent in reading guests and engaging with them exactly as they wish. Doreen is a professional of the highest order and we were very impressed with her skills and finesse. A good waiter responds promptly to needs. A great waiter anticipates needs and Doreen is definitely in the latter category.
Exclusive Romantic Dinner for two setting by the shoreline.
High tide on a cloudy afternoon. Great sunsets on a normal clear day.
Chef’s tuna salad appetizer was rather tasty. Mouthwatering, sesame crusted succulent Asian Marinated, raw yellow fin tuna literally melts in the mouth. Paired with crunchy and raw vegetables for a great mix of textures.
Feeling adventurous, I ordered escargot as my starter. It was perfectly seasoned and honestly very moorish. I have come to realize I really like to eat snails. Conch, busu (river snails in Jamaica) and now escargot. Yay for trying new things! Have you ever had snail or any other creepy crawly foods?
Surprisingly, Chef ordered salmon for his main. He never does. I guess he was just in the mood.
My interest was piqued with the description of the lobster pasta and it did not disappoint. Lots of chunky lobster with fettuccine slathered in a tasty pink sauce. The portion was pretty generous so I was happy that I had a small starter. The sauce was absolutely lovely.
We shared a creme brûlée for dessert. A lovely, generous portion. The profiteroles are also good.
Move over cappucino. This is Chef’s new favorite specialty coffee drink. Fresh cream tops a fresh brew of coffee laced with Jamaican Tia Maria for their Spanish Coffee.
Cocktail of Choice is this Brazilian Cachaca Cocktail. It is no joke. We nursed ours the whole evening, pausing to have wine with our main courses.
Matthew’s is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from 7:30 a.m.-10:00p.m. They have a special Valentine’s Day promotion for this Valentine’s Day (reservations only) so be sure to book ahead by calling the number on the flyer.
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