Page 13 - AHATA

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local Wednesday 21 august 2024

Chef Urvin Croes Invited to Participate in “BogotaEats”

gastronomic masterpieces that rival
those of the world’s culinary capi-
tals. Their dedication has drawn
attention from prestigious culinary
events across the globe, includ-
ing an invitation to showcase their
skills at ‘BogotaEats,’ one of South
America’s most prominent culinary
festivals.
Additionally, Chef Urvin has been in-
vited to the Dominican Republic to
collaborate with Chef Jason How-
ard, a former MasterChef winner,
in promoting high-level Caribbean Ono exemplifies his ability to blend
cuisine. This international acclaim innovation with accessibility, offer-
underscores the impact Chef Urvin ing extraordinary dining experienc-
is making both locally and abroad. es to a wider audience.
The Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) For those seeking the pinnacle of
has played a crucial role in support- Aruba’s culinary offerings, Infini is
Aruba’s culinary scene is evolving, that changes every three months. ing these opportunities, recognizing the place where local talent meets
thanks to the visionary talent of Chef This commitment to creativity and the value of showcasing Aruba’s international standards. Don’t miss
Urvin Croes, the mastermind behind excellence has garnered significant culinary excellence on an interna- the opportunity to experience In-
Infini Aruba, the island’s most inno- international recognition. tional stage. fini’s 11th menu, available until No-
vative fine dining experience. In less Beyond Infini, Chef Urvin is also the vember 15, 2024. Make your reser-
than four years, Chef Urvin and his Infini Aruba is more than just a creative force behind Po-Ke Ono, vation now and indulge in a world-
team have redefined fine dining in restaurant; it is a creative canvas consistently ranked among the top class dining experience at Aruba’s
Aruba, offering an 8-course menu where Chef Urvin and his team craft 10 restaurants on the island. Po-Ke most exclusive venue.q

The Bali Restaurant: a touristic hot spot and lost gem on the island

(Oranjestad)—Once located by the Caribbean Tourist As- taken over by Karel “Carl”
in what is now the Renais- sociation. Schmand. Over the years,
sance Marina, the Bali Res- the restaurant needed
taurant was once both a The restaurant was prob- constant renovation and
touristic and local hot spot, ably most iconic for its repair, mainly due to its vul-
and nowadays it’s consid- Javanese-inspired exterior nerability to leaks and the
ered a forgotten gem on with its pointy, slanted roofs. unstable pillars underneath
the island. However, the first version of the foundation. However,
Bali did not look like that at the biggest change made
Known as “the floating res- all but was still considered to the restaurant happened
taurant”, Bali first opened in as one of the most popular in the year 1970—still under
1955 by Willem “Bill” Strijland, restaurants on the island at the ownership of Schmand,
who had experience in Ja- the time. The restaurant saw when it got its iconic pointy
vanese cuisine. At the time, three different owners during roofs. The restaurant was also
the restaurant was pretty ex- its existence, during which it expanded to host a total of
clusive—with space to host underwent various renova- 85 guests. This was “The New was again handed over to Be apart of the conversation:
only 25 guests. Yet, 4 years tions and rebranding. Bali”, who had its official (re) other owners, and since then if you or any family member
later, it was named the best opening in 1972. suffered from unstable pillars of yours have a memory of
restaurant in the Caribbean In 1964, the restaurant was underneath the foundation, the Bali restaurant, whether
After 1972, when Ronny resulting in various leaks and it be a picture or just a story,
Schmand took over, the res- overflowing of water into share it with us! We would
taurant saw yet another ex- the restaurant. And as most love to see this legendary hot
pansion; this time complete great things come to an end, spot through the lens of our
with a long bar and dance so did the survival and main- visitors! q
floor, where guests enjoyed tenance of the Bali Restau-
live music from legendary rant. However, folks today still
Aruban musician and com- reminisce its legacy, and it’s Source and pictures credit to:
poser, Toti Arends. now considered a lost monu- “De Kolibrie op de Rots (en
meer over de geschiedenis
ment. van Aruba)” by Evert Bongers.
After 1989, the restaurant