Page 17 - AHATA

a8 local
Tuesday 10 June 2025

Po-Ké Ono Brings Bold Asian Fusion to Aruba’s Dining Scene

Innovative eatery blends island culture with modern Asian cuisine

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

Aruba’s Bocas: home to the rarest fossil reefs on the planet!

(Oranjestad)—If you’ve been to of which its growth and changes mis. As the scientists themselves have
the northern coast of Aruba al- can be traced back to the last gla- pointed out, these fossilized reefs
ready, you’ve probably noticed cial period. Through underwater and land sur- on the windward side are truly an
how the ground differs entirely from veillance, and 3D models of the incredible and rare remnant of
the sandy beaches on the southern On May 30 2023, geoscientists, Dr. reefs, they were able to narrow geological history, as they provide
part of the island. These hard sur- Patrick Boyden from the Marum down when these formations start- a clear view of how these reefs
faces, with sharp bumps and holes research faculty at the University ed to take place. They were also have formed.
are actually fossilized coral reefs, of Bremen, Prof. dr. Alessio Rovere able to track the fluctuation of sea
from the Ca' Foscari University of levels during the past hundred or This research is also important for
Venice and Prof. dr. Gianfranco even thousands of years, and the the future of coral reefs on the is-
Scicchitano, from the University effects that this fluctuation has had land. By studying rising sea lev-
of Bari Aldo Moro, presented their on the coral reefs of the windward els and climate impact on these
research on these fossilized coral side of Aruba. coral reefs, we are able to take
reefs at the University of Aruba. concrete action in protecting and
Their focus for their research includ- These findings can certainly put preserving our coral reefs. So, if you
ed studying the health and forma- things into perspective. The ground are ever visiting one of the bocas
tion patterns of these coral reefs, on which we have walked many or driving along the northern part
and to investigate how these reefs times in the northern part of the of the island, please be conscious
have responded and can respond island hold such rich history, histo- to help protect our natural histori-
to fluctuating sea levels or extreme ry that dates back to a time that cal remnant. Oh, and wear (coral-
weather, like hurricanes and tsuna- most of us cannot even imagine. friendly) sunscreen! q