Aruba’s hospitality business got a boost from different cultures working together. At Matthew’s restaurant, located at the ocean front of Casa del Mar Beach Resort, we meet waiter Marcos Garcia from Peru. “He is doing a fantastic job, recognized by his colleagues, the management and most important our guests. Marcos pushes through, gives his best and has love for the job”, says Jonnique Phillips-Lake, General Manager of Matthew’s. With his five stars recognition for consecutive years in TripAdvisor the company wishes to congratulate Marcos and emphasize the importance of going the extra mile.
Matthew’s restaurant has been consistent in its top quality since the start about twelve years ago. The unique characteristics of the establishment are the delicious food, its outstanding location – literally, within feet from the ocean, and the elegant yet comfortable beach-chic design.
The magical touch in this Xanadu is the service provided by Marcos. “I am passionate for service. I am completely myself here and love to interact with my guests. To give them the best experience is what I strive for.”
He explains that it is fantastic to meet different cultures which is mind-opening. “Another great thing at Matthew’s is that we have many guests from the time-share resort Casa del Mar that come every year. They have become family, we know each other and some even bring me gifts.” He remembers a family from Arizona who saw him driving his car. “They asked me why I have a spare tire on my car and I told them my brother broke the ring. Shortly after I received a new one from the States, they had it sent to me. That is overwhelming, amazing.” It symbolizes the down-home feeling the guests have with the staff and vice versa.
Best Memory
Marcos finds it essential that waiters realize their responsibility in making the guests’ night unforgettable one. “They have one experience here and this is delicate. You may have enjoyed the best vacation ever, but if your last night is ruined by bad service that is what you will remember when back home.
In this business there is the red line you can never cross. People pay for the table, the view, the food and the service. I want to give them the best memory.” Just the other night he had a couple that got engaged, and Marcos did not let that moment pass without the attention they deserved. A dessert with candles and bubbles made the love birds feel extra special. “What happened after was an extra surprise as apparently after leaving the restaurant they crossed another couple in the parking lot and they recommended me. The couple from South Africa asked for me, but I did not know them and asked them how they heard my name. These things make my heart jump with joy.”
His credo is; be yourself, never stop learning, and details are the key! “It is of course great to be recognized by my guests, in TripAdvisor, and by my employer. I am honored and I will continue my journey with the goal to gain more stars for Matthew’s.”
About Matthew’s
Matthew’s offers a variety of activities that make it worth visiting. In addition to full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, they offer all- you-can-eat spare ribs on Tuesdays, Karaoke on Wednesdays, Italian night on Thursdays and daily happy hours 3 x times in a day from noon – 1pm, 4-6pm featuring live music at the bar (Mondays and Tuesdays) and 9-10 pm. If you are a sports fan, three flat-screen TVs at the bar are always tuned in to the most exciting events.
MATTHEW’S BEACHSIDE RESTAURANT is located on the Beach at Casa del Mar Beach Resort.
J.E. IrausquinBlvd. 51, Oranjestad – Tel. 297 588 7300 – info@matthews-aruba.com
