9/17/11 Amazing Review of Carte Blanche Restaurant

[Septembergirl]

Hello,
We have 3 words for this dining experience...AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!!!!
The atmosphere was delightful, the service was impeccable and the food was spectacular!! The owners are dedicated to providing a 5 star dining experience. This is by far the BEST restaurant we have had the good fortune to visit in Aruba and we will definitely return.

Advance reservations are a MUST because there are only 14 seats available. Dinner is chef's choice with the option of 4 or 5 courses with or without wine pairing. Reservations are confirmed the day before your planned visit and at that time the chef ill ask if you have any special food needs..ie allergies,etc. If you want to have an amazing experience opt for the wine pairing!! The night begins at 7pm and continues until approximately 11pm. You do not realize how long you are there because you are having such a grande time! The food is prepared in front of you and the chef explains each course in full detail. The wines are selected to compliment each course.
(a full bar is available for those who do not choose the wine pairing)

The owners, Dennis and Glen called a cab for us and escorted us to the door at the end of the evening! Believe me, you will LOVE this restaurant!! Check out the high ratings on trip advisor. A special thanks to Amy on this board for recommending Carte Blanche!!

[~Amy~®]

So glad you loved it as much as we did! We dined there on Jan. 2nd and again in May and both times were amazing! Love this place (and love Dennis and Glen, too!)

[Septembergirl]

Thanks again!

[jpsphr]

I couldn't agree more. It was the best dining experience we've ever had. The meal was 4 1/2 hours, but flew by. Great food, great wine pairings and entertaining conversation the whole evening!

[Andrea J.]

really.......4 1/2 hrs!
i could not do it.

[~Amy~®]

Originally Posted by Andrea J.

really.......4 1/2 hrs!
i could not do it.

Yep. We were there both times from 7pm to almost midnight. The time just flies by. You feel like you're at a private dinner party with food, wine, conversation, etc. If you like food (must be a somewhat adventurous eater and willing to try new things) and wine then you'd love it. But it's definitely not for everyone.

[Septembergirl]

The thing is....you don't even feel like you are there that long because you are having such a great time!!

[nfahey]

I had made reservations for this restaurant for 9/17. My husband decided it was not for him & so we canceled them. I was so disappointed & still am :-( I'm sure whoever got our seats at the last minute was quite thrilled.

[grazizgreen]

we absolutely LOOOOOVVVVVEEEE this place. I am a finicky eater and there are certain foods I just will not even entertain the thought of eating, so I was cautious. Surprisingly though the ingredients, although not too exotic, were done in ways that I never had them before. Those guys are amazing, they love what they do and it shows. Best experience on the island food wise. It is now on our must do list every trip.

[jpsphr]

Andrea,
I know 4.5 hours sounds like a long time, but think of it as if it were a movie and dinner combo. Seriously, it doesn't feel like that long at all, because you are involved in the cooking and wine pairings with Dennis and Glen. They're just as entertaining as the lounge singer at the Marriott. (well, almost).