At the beginning of this week, the Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival kicked off with an incredible Restaurant Week, where various participating restaurants offer a special menu in anticipation of the Wilhelmina Pavilion during the weekend of October 12 and 13. It is a weekend that promises to be magical, where we will celebrate and share the culinary world with locals and guests of our island.
The Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival is a culinary event that unites recipes from various countries. As a nation with a unique history shaped by a community of over 100 nationalities living together, Aruba brings diversity and richness to our culinary traditions.
“Autentico” means something different to each of us. Recipes from various countries, which are also part of the culinary experience, have at times found their Aruban touch. This is a significant part of Aruba’s story. Local talents combine traditional recipes with new techniques, creating a new era for Aruba’s cuisine.
All of this can be experienced during the spectacular weekend of October 12 and 13. The streets of Wilhelminastraat will be transformed to host the Pavilion, featuring the following participating restaurants: Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, Poke-Ono, Lima Bistro, Caya House, Que Pasa Restaurant & Winebar, Olivia Mediterranean Restaurant, O’Niel, El Gaucho, Windows, Azar Open Fire Cuisine, L’Avenue Belgium Bistro, Restaurant Anno 1877, Ever, The Journey, Passions on the Beach, MarCo Canteen, GG Bakery, Papiamento, Gelatissimo, Gianni’s Ristorante Italiano, Papillon Restaurant, T2Pan, and Cookout.
It will also include participating bars such as: Taste Gold by Tropical, The Divine Pour by Divino, Tanqueray Bar by Romar Trading, Don Julio Bar by Romar Trading, Amstel Bright by Romar Trading, Bodegas Papiamento, Art & Sip by Arion, Capture Paradise by Aruba Trading Company, along with all the existing restaurants and bars in the area like Djispie’s Place, Pepe Margo Distillery, Taste My Aruba, Cupcake Garden, Bistro de Suikertuin, Chubato Beer, Bits & Cheeses, Wilhelmina, Olivia, Coffee Break, and more.
On Saturday, October 12, guests can experience the sixth edition of the Bartenders’ Brawl, where Aruba’s best mixologists will compete on the main stage. These talented bartenders will create innovative cocktails that highlight the unique flavors of our island. The competition will be judged by a panel of experts, as well as the audience, adding an interactive touch to the event. A special thanks to the team at #WhenInAruba.
The competition will feature mixologists from: Esneider Tuñon of Pepe Margo Distillery, Orlando Navas of Aruba Trading Company, Jocasta Feliz of Pepia Est, Nelson Molina of Tropical Bottling, David Posada of Papiamento Rum, Giovanny Tromp of Arion Wine Company, Louisa Rivero of Romar Trading, and Carlos Perez of Divino.
On Sunday, October 13, guests will witness the Iron Chef competition. Three participating chefs will create dishes that reflect their culinary artistry and creativity. The winning chef will take home the prestigious title of Iron Chef Aruba. Each chef will be accompanied by the winning students of the Student Competition, held in early September 2024, with students from E.P.I. and EPB.
The participating chefs are: Moises Ramirez, Sous Chef at Lima Bistro, Jeanclaude Werleman, Chef de Cuisine at Infini Aruba, and Juan Ludeña, Chef at Papillon/L’Avenue.
With rhythms and melodies filling the streets of Wilhelminastraat, the perfect atmosphere will be set for an unforgettable weekend of food, joy, and cultural celebration, featuring artists such as: Timothy Daal, JRaplh, Christopher Rudolfo, Kyle Winklaar, Angelo Kock, DJ V, Ronald Hopman, Chriss Kross, El Prove, Omar Kock, Johnny Scharbaay, and Datapanik.
As Aruba celebrates its vibrant culinary heritage, the Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival brings together the island’s top talents for an event that honors tradition while inspiring innovation.
Visit www.autenticofestival.com or Super Food Plaza to purchase your tickets. With the purchase of a “Weekend Pass” for AWG 54, you’ll receive a credit of AWG 30, which can be used during the event days. Alternatively, you can purchase a “Day Pass” for AWG 36 and receive a credit of AWG 20 to be used on the day of the event. During the event, there will be booths available.
Follow Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival on Facebook and Instagram for updates on participating restaurants and bars, event program information, and the Events map.
