The Italian Gourmet Garden Terrace is the new beach side alfresco restaurant at the Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa. “We want to provide our guests an extra treat, a trip to the Mediterranean without ever leaving their favorite beach” said Chef Oscar Steba. Chef Steba was hired when Valentino’s closed its doors after working there for the last nine years. The ambience is really out of this world with alfresco dining, background accordion music and great Italian dishes served. The terrace also specializes in aromatic coffee. Open daily for breakfast and dinner. For dinner reservations or information, please call (297) 582-3444.

Famed Le Dome restaurant will be relocating to Tierra del Sol at the end of 2006. The Le Dome team under the leadership of restaurateur, Ramon Groot Antink will be taking over what we now call Ventanas del Mar restaurant, integrating the two services brigades into one. The inside portion of the restaurant will be completely renovated and upgraded in Old World charm with many local touches, as conceived by Le Dome’s partner, Freek Teusink. Chef Rudy of Le Dome is excited as he will be able to show the true talents of his kitchen crew in the new, upscale and gourmet incarnation of the restaurant with limited seating capacity, an elegant dress code and exclusive service. The outside wraparound terrace, and a part of the inside large enough for a new bar overlooking the golf course and lighthouse, will be completely transformed into fun, casual trendy eatery. Meals will also be served around the pool. The concept will be a cross between the Papiamento Restaurant, the Flying Fishbone and Marandi. Ventanas del Mar will close around September 1st. For more information please contact Le Dome at (297) 587-1517 or Tierra del Sol at (297) 586-0879. In the meantime, it is business as usual.

Que Pasa? Restaurant, in town will be moving from its current location a block down into the former Boonoonoonoos building. The owners - who also own and operate Marandi, have been working this year on the rehabilitation and upgrade of the building’s second story, being currently converted into cute apartments. Later they will launch a major renovation for the street level, the home of the new Que Pasa? Restaurant.

La Bodega is coming! A major wine retail store will be checking into the Maduro & Sons Street, across the Valero gas station at the entrance of town. The building is now being finished and it looks awesome as the large wooden vault doors prepare to open and dazzle wine lovers with an overwhelming selection by Romar Trading. The place will also be equipped with a small kitchen so tastings are made possible in combination with food. La Bodega is also available for banquets and parties, with wine bottles for a backdrop.