Hubby and I just came back from our 4th trip to Aruba. Our new timeshare at the Divi Links was finally built and ready for us. What a GORGEOUS place this is. Our villa had an incredible pool and ocean view and the view was even more spectacular on the roof which also included a rooftop deck, two hot tubs and two BBQs solely for the use of those who own top floor units. Our only complaint about the Divi was their front desk service which is servicing both the older timshare units of Divi Village and the new Divi Links. At any given time there was only 1 or 2 persons on duty and the lines for check in/check out were ridiculously long.

Now onto the restaurant reviews:

Saturday night. El Gaucho. As usual we had no complaints. We both ordered the 16 oz. gaucho steak (which comes with 3 side dishes of your choice). Both of us only finished half of the steak and took the rest as leftovers. My sides were sauteed mushrooms, rice and broccoli in garlic/oil. Hubby got corn on the cob, balsamic roated veggies and mashed potatoes. For dessert we split fried cheescake. This was YUMMY.

Sunday night. Driftwood. Outstanding fish. Great wine (Santa Margharita Pinot Grigio). Hubby had carribean lobster which he surprisingly liked after I told him they were not as good as new england lobster. I had the Wahoo Aruban style. I was looking forward to this and it did not disappoint. So fresh and tasty. Very highly recommended. Split a brownie with ice cream for dessert.

Monday night. Madame Janette. Fabulous. My best meal of the trip. I had their signature almond grouper which was HUGE and delicious. Hubby had mahi mahi - also sensational. We both got salads for appetizer which was a mistake because they were ENORMOUS. We should have split one because we had no room for dessert!! Ordered my favorite wine Ruffino Chianti Riserva Ducale and all was good!!

Tuesday night. French Steakhouse at Manchebo Beach. What a surprise. This place not only had delicious food but the value was incredible. We both got the Ambassador's dinner which consists of choices making up a FIVE course dinner for only $30.00. For an extra $9.99 they throw in a bottle of wine. We got a chilean red which was surprisingly good for the cost. We both got the 8 oz filet mignon for our main course. Hubby got seafood crepe as appetizer (delicious) and I got mushroom caps (good). Then I had a salad and hubby got soup du jour which I believe was cream of potato and was excellent. Steak came with veggies and a potato. For dessert I had chocolate cake and hubby got apple strudel. We have both decided that next year we are going to pass on El Gaucho and definitely return to the French Steakhouse.

Wednesday night. Had reservations at Flying Fishbone. Was really looking forward to it (had never been there before). Unfortunately, on the way there I was not feeling well and we turned around and cancelled. Later on that night ate El Gaucho leftovers!!

Thursday night. Red Sail Sports dinner cruise. Highly recommended. This cruise is offerred on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Wednesday is catered by the Marriott and Thursday by the Hyatt. Food was excellent consisted of a chicken dish, beef medallions, mahi mahi, rice, veggies, potatoes, salads, mozzerella balls and LOTS of desserts. Open bar. Beautiful sunset. Met very nice people. May do this again. cost was $95.00pp and the cruise lasted a total of 3 hours.

Friday night. Sunset Grille at the Radisson. Another favorite. Again ordered the Santa Margharita Pinot Grigio. I ordered a sushi appetizer and hubby got seafood bisque in a flaky pastry (very good). For main course I got chilean sea bass and hubby got veal oscar. Was not hubby's favorite style of veal but he enjoyed nontheless. Sea bass was top notch. We were comped for dinner by the casino so that always works!!!

As for some other notable mentions. We had lunch one afternoon at Pizza Bob's next to the Alhambra casino. We split a 12" pizza which we could not finish and a salad. Pizza was excellent and this is coming from two New Yorkers!!! Thin crust and full of flavor.

Linda's pancakes and Pizzas and also the Dutch Pancakehouse in town. Both were very good. I had the strawberries and whipped cream crepe at Linda's and the ham, cheese, onion and mushroom crepe at the Dutch pancakehouse. Different and tasty. Wasn't hubby's cup of tea but I would definitely return.

Manchebo beach spa del sol. We got a couples relaxing massage. Excellent value. Extremely relaxing. Great and knowledgeable staff. Got massaged in cabanas overlooking the beach. Would DEFINITELY do this again.

Budget rental car. Good service. No hassles or problems. Would recommend doing this. We rented for two days but next year will rent for the entire week. Saves money on taxis. No waiting for taxis. Best way to explore the island. We started at one end and drove around the entire coast.

Song airlines. Excellent staff. Very enjoyable flight.

JFK airport. Horrendous. No organization. Lazy employees. Lost baggage (that was delivered to me 10 hours after return - long story). I prefer Laguardia but Song does not fly out of LGA to Aruba directly.

The weather was perfect EVERY day. No rain at all during the day. I think we got two quick showers at night but we missed them both. Came out of the casinos and the ground was wet. Breeze was perfect. True paradise.

All in all we had a truly spectacular vacation in Aruba (as always) and can not wait to return next year. I'm even thinking of booking a long weekend sometime in the next few months because I don't think I can wait a full year!!!

Great review. I haven't done a dinner cruise nor eaten at the "French Steakhouse". Will have to try them both out in 32 days (and counting).

Thanks "Lewny1"
Scott

Divi Links sounds incredible... you fortunate to be able to buy there. I'm sure they'll get the front desk in order..glad to hear you enjoyed the "French Steak House"-we have never been disappointed there. I think we'll take you up on the Red Sail Dinner/Cruise..did they have any dancing?? Thrilled for you both that you had such a great trip..we leave on May 4th..and we can't wait...this is our 23rd trip to Aruba and I'm just as excited every year!! Bon Bini

Sounds like you had a great time.Thanks for the information.I wrote down the names of the restaurants to try..My friend and I are leaving for Aruba in less than 2 weeks.YIPPEE!!! My second time in 10 years,her 1st time..Again thank you.

Glad you liked the FSH. It has always been one of our favorites.

What sort of ship was the Red Sail for the dinner cruise?

Lewny, WOW, you guys ate great! My wife is tiny, 5'1", 108 and her eating capacity is about less than half of mine. Once in a while we'll share a dinner, like the Gaucho steak, A lot of food tastes good the next day but I personally dont like the taste of left over steak no matter how its presented.
We normally dont do desserts but maybe once or twice in a month. I prefer coffee with a side of Sambucca.

Since you will go back to French Steakhouse and Scott as well, there are flyers that are available that advertise "Free" bottle of wine with the Ambassador special.
I go two on my rental car window and picked up another 2 in the Manchebo lobby near the F.S. Hse. restaurant. The flyer is like a two page fold over with the complete menu on it and the "free" bottle mentioned on the back cover.

The waiters there ask for the flyer if you mention it and they take it with them when you order. If you enjoyed the piano, he's not there on Mondays. More than not, you can go in without a resv. if you make up your mind the last hour. Maybe except Sat's.
Although very pricey, I never heard anything but good concerning the Sunset Grille, esp. their steak.
Being Italian, my favorite is Solamare. Resv. def. needed. They overbook sometimes but its worth the short wait.
Many complaints this yr. with the Hostaria De Italiano across from the Hyatt.
Everything on the menu barr none is Ala Carte. You could order a $30.00 dinner or more and if you wanted a side of spagetti its $8.00 extra. Thats $8.00 with no sides with the dinner!

Another winner is the Rack of Lamb at Chalet Suisse. Happy Hunting!
Bon Appetit'

Your trip report was great!! I have a question about the time share, is it on the beach or is that the one that was built on the way to town? Also, I agree with you about Song airlines, but are you aware that they aren't flying anymore after May? I also agree with you about JFK. I'm looking into Newark for our next trip in November, but the times aren't as good as JFK.

Glad you had a good time. Sounds like we have the same taste in wine. I love the Riserva Ducale and I always have a couple of bottles of Santa Margherita in the house. There are some very good Chilean wines and they are reasonably priced. Check out winespectator.com.

Leenie:
Unfortunately, there was no room for dancing aboard the catamaran once all the tables and chairs were set up but they did play music.
It's a nice relaxing evening. You will enjoy.

We also just returned from Aruba on 3/13. We own at the Playa Linda Beach Resort & been going to Aruba for 17 years & LOVE IT!!

I was surprised you didn't mention 2 of our favorite restaurants; Chalet Suisse (someone else did) & Venetas Del Mar (golf course). These 2 along with Madame Janette's never fail to impress with their consistently wonderful food & service.

We are already looking forward to next years trip for the food, shopping & relaxation we are not gamblers, but make the most of our vacation anyway. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it!