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LOCAL Monday 6 october 2025

Infini Named One of the 10 Best Restaurants in Aruba by

Caribbean Journal

In a feature by Caribbean
Journal, Infini has earned a
coveted spot on the publi-
cation’s list of the “10 Best
Restaurants in Aruba for
2025.” Known for spotlight-
ing the finest in Caribbean
travel and dining, Carib-
bean Journal praised Infini
as a standout for its immer-
sive, high-end culinary ex-
perience.

“Dining at Infini is an inti-
mate encounter with culi-
nary precision — just a few
seats, one open kitchen,
and a front-row view of
Chef Urvin Croes in action,”
the article states. “For those
seeking something rare
and immersive in Aruba’s
dining scene, Infini delivers
something unforgettable.” blends modern techniques sonal engagement with
with the bold, authentic the chef—is designed to
Located inside the exclu- spirit of the Caribbean. elevate food into an expe-
sive Blue Residences, Infini rience.
is not your typical fine-din- Chef Urvin, celebrated for With this recognition from
ing venue. With their open- his innovative approach to Caribbean Journal, Infini
concept kitchen, the res- island cuisine and crowned continues to raise the bar
taurant invites guests to be- Iron Chef Aruba, has built for Aruba’s culinary scene,
come part of the culinary Infini into a space where offering something truly
journey. Each course—me- dining becomes storytell- unique for food enthusiasts
ticulously prepared by Chef ing. Every detail—from looking to go beyond tradi-
Urvin Croes and his team— plating and pacing to per- tional dining.

Adriaan Laclé: One of Aruba’s richest men in the twentieth century

(Oranjestad)—The name own house also reflected Maria Monica Laclé and while Maximilian and Maria
Adriaan Laclé may ring a his success and good taste. Maria Veneranda Laclé, Veneranda’s house stands
bell to locals as one of the Today his house still stands who went on to marry suc- on the opposite side of the
bigger roads on the island, in good condition and can cessful brothers Eloy Arends road to them—though cur-
but about a century ago, be found in the back streets and Maximilian Arends, rently under renovation af-
Adriaan Laclé was a rich of main street Oranjestad. respectively. Their houses ter years left in ruin.
businessman, well-known are still standing; Eloy and Source: De Kolibrie op de
for his generosity, wealth, Regarding his personal life, Maria Monica’s mansion Rots (en meer over de ge-
and taste. it has been said that he functions as a townhall, schiedenis van Aruba) by
was married twice during used to host civil marriages, Evert Bongers.
Adriaan was born in 1866 his lifetime. He had his first
and was the eldest of daughter during his first
six children. Not much is marriage but lost his wife
known about his childhood soon after her birth. During
upbringing or any of his his second marriage, he
earlier business ordeals, but he commissioned the con- fathered 16 children. How-
during his hay day he often struction of the famous La ever, it has been said that
helped people get loans, Quinta Carmen manor— only 11 of those 17 made
was a well-established now a restaurant. Though it past 18 years of age.
trader, and owned sev- he himself never lived in Perhaps two of his most
eral plots of land. In fact, the beautiful manor, his well-known daughters are