Page 15 - AHATA

A9
LOCAL Tuesday 21 OcTOber 2025

Po-Ké Ono Brings Bold Asian Fusion to Aruba’s Dining Scene
Innovative eatery blends island culture with modern Asian cuisine

around accessibility and en- bao. Its growing popularity is a
joyment. Whether dining in- testament to Aruba’s evolving
doors or grabbing a quick food culture—one that em-
bowl on the go, guests can braces global influence while
expect a consistently high staying rooted in community
standard in both service and and craft.
cuisine. With extensive menu
options, including selections For those seeking a modern
for vegan diners, Po-Ké Ono taste of Asia in the heart of the
caters to a wide range of Caribbean, Po-Ké Ono offers
tastes and dietary preferenc- a flavorful and memorable
es. experience worth exploring.q

In a culinary landscape known for its diversity While the concept leans into
and creativity, Po-Ké Ono stands out as a vi- fast-casual dining, the quality
brant and contemporary addition to Aruba’s of ingredients and thoughtful
restaurant scene. With locations at Azure in
Palm Beach and the Renaissance Market-
place in Oranjestad, the concept introduces a preparation reflect fine-dining
roots. Many of the restaurant’s
refreshing take on Asian fusion dining—casual
in style, yet refined in execution. core ingredients are sourced
locally, emphasizing sustain-
ability and support for Aruba’s
Established in 2020, Po-Ké Ono was envisioned agricultural community. The
as a space where flavor, culture, and creativ-
ity intersect. The menu features an array of sig- result is a dining experience
that honors both the island’s
nature dishes including poke bowls, steamed
bao, and sushi, crafted with precision and a spirit and the culinary tradi-
tions it draws inspiration from.
focus on freshness. Drawing on Asian influenc-
es, the restaurant delivers bold flavors in an Open daily from 11:00 AM to
approachable format, appealing to a broad
audience of locals and visitors alike. 10:00 PM, Po-Ké Ono contin-
ues to gain recognition as one
of the island’s premier desti-
The ambiance is designed to be welcom- nations for sushi, poke, and
ing and relaxed, with a philosophy centered

Adriaan Laclé: One of Aruba’s richest men in

the twentieth century

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