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a8 local
Thursday 8 May 2025

Experience a taste of Belgium in Aruba – Only at L’Avenue, Palm Beach

flown in weekly, the menu offers
something both comforting and
surprising.

Now Serving: Belgium’s “White
Gold” — White Asparagus Season
Has Begun

Among Belgium’s most celebrat-
ed seasonal delicacies is white as-
paragus, often referred to as “wit
goud” — white gold. Harvested More Than a Bistro — A Culinary
only a few weeks each spring, this Destination
rare vegetable is sought after for
its delicate, buttery taste and soft, L’Avenue is more than just a place
refined texture. to eat — it’s a culinary destination.
A thoughtfully curated menu, an
At L’Avenue, the white asparagus extensive selection of premium
is prepared the traditional Belgian Belgian beers, and an atmo-
way: tender spears topped with sphere that balances European
finely chopped eggs, layered with elegance with island ease make it
Nestled in the heart of Palm ish décor, and the comforting ham, and gratinated with cheese one of the most talked-about din-
Beach, Aruba, L’Avenue brings a aroma of Belgian classics crafted until golden and bubbling. It’s a ing spots in Aruba.
fresh breeze of Belgian charm to to perfection. It’s a place where dish that embodies the heart of
the Caribbean. Just over a year locals, travelers, food lovers, and Belgian cuisine — simple ingredi- Whether you’re looking for a ca-
since its grand opening, this inti- beer connoisseurs come together ents, elevated through care and sual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a
mate bistro has quickly made its — united by a love for great food, technique. celebratory evening with friends,
mark with its warm hospitality, au- heartfelt service, and that unmis- L’Avenue delivers a dining experi-
thentic cuisine, and elegant yet takable European flair. With daily specials also showcas- ence that’s as memorable as it is
approachable ambiance. ing this seasonal gem in creative delicious.q
At L’Avenue, every dish tells a ways, guests have plenty of op-
Whether you're strolling through story — one of tradition, season- portunities to enjoy the white as- Open daily for lunch and dinner
Palm Beach after a morning at ality, and bold yet balanced fla- paragus while it lasts. Plates start Located in the heart of Palm
the beach or looking for a special vors. From crispy croquettes and at just $17, making it a luxurious Beach, Aruba
dinner spot, L’Avenue welcomes perfectly poured Belgian beers yet accessible indulgence. Come discover Belgium’s best —
you with an inviting terrace, styl- to steaming pots of fresh mussels right here at L’Avenue.

Ever heard of the cah’i orgel?

A key instrument in Aruban folklore music

the barrel piano and the organ, the Rufo Wever was a young musician is accompanied often by someone
most popular stories said that the in- in 1937 when he established his own else playing the “wiri”, a percussion
strument came from either England cah’i orgel business on the island. instrument made out of steel and
or Germany, but made its way to Before that he experimented with reminiscent to the Spanish guiro.
Italy down to Venezuela, where in his uncle’s cah’i orgel, and he over Back then, you would often also
1881, Mr. Horatio Sprock (1866-1949) the years he learned to build and find someone playing the triangle
from Curacao was first introduced to repair the instrument. In fact, he was alongside the cah’i orgel and wiri.
(Oranjestad)—The cah’i orgel mu- it. After that, Sprock made his own incredibly skilled in this, and he was In Aruba, the cah’i orgel and wiri
sic box is an important and unique cah’i orgel “Josefina”, and suc- one of the few to have recognized is used for traditional music genres,
instrument that is used on the ABC cessfully debuted it on the streets from the start that the cah’i orgel is such as the Aruban waltz, tumba,
islands in the Dutch Caribbean. This of Barquisimeto. Back in Curacao, an instrument that needs preserving. mazurka and more.
instrument is a staple in our folklore he started his own cah’i orgel busi-
music, and its significance in the tra- ness along with his brother Luis. In As mentioned, the cah’i orgel is a Fun fact: another name for the cah’i
ditions of Aruba has and continues Aruba, it is said that the cah’i orgel music box. made from mahogany orgel is the “tingilingi box.” q
to bring together the old and young. was introduced by Rufo Wever, who wood, it contains a cylinder with a
later in his career became one of the maximum of eight music pieces. By Source: “E Cilinder Magico entre
The origin of the cah’i orgel is said to composers for the Aruban national rotating the lever on the front side Aruba y Curaçao” by Marilyn Alcalá-
have come from Europe around 150 anthem. of the box, the cah’i orgel produces Wallé, Herta Parabirsing-Balentina and
Nidia Rosaria-Wallé.
years ago. A cross breed between music similar to that of a piano, and