1st and last night Dinner?

[Andrea J.]

Do you have a first night or last night dinner tradition in Aruba?

We had a 1st night tradition in our early years that was a MUST DO because my son and husband INSISTED on the half roasted chicken.
It was at the place (name escapes me) that was a USA franchise place right there across from the holiday inn..... then was turned to a Dennys. Both Kevin and Paul loved the chicken and I tolerated the chicken caesar salad. Once the kid went off to college, we ditched the place and traded it in for Hung Paradise.

So, my short answer is Hung Paradise 1st and last.

[Andrea J.]

Tony Romas was the place!

[cpjones]

Sunset Grille is always our last night.... even the year it was closed and service took place at Laguna.... in the old Radisson. Mme J's is always dinner on our first full day on the island. First night has been hit or miss over the years including Smokey Joe's a number of times and Fusion a few times most recently.

[Aruba Kenny]

Since we fly in at 1PM, get our luggage, buy at duty-free, go through customs, get our jeeps, quick trip to Superfoods from some breakfast items plus Balashi's and check-in, the first night is pretty laid back. Besides everyone will be wiped out after getting to the airport at 5AM.

This year with 14 of us, we will get takeout wings from The Local Store and pizza from either Pizza Bob's or North End Pub while watching the sunset across the street from the Aruba Sunset Beach Studios. How much better can it get? Takeout is always a 1st night tradition so everyone can decompress and relax.

Final meal is up for discussion. Marina Pirata has been our past tradition, but we will visit earlier in our trip. Right now, in the running are Mathew Beachside, Madame Janette, Water's Edge 12o North or a private grilled dinner out on the ocean front patio. We end up with a three-bedroom on the fifth floor with a gas grill and jacuzzi at the Costa Linda.

[WaltVB]

Nothing set in stone. It's always something easy and casual for the first night there. The last night this year was Perle D'Italia. It varies from year to year, but the first place we stop on arrival and the last place we stop on our way to the airport is West Deck. The view there is our first and last every year. We also do the same with family and friends that join us. That is our tradition.

[Colette M]

Day of arrival we are usually exhausted from getting up at 3:00 or 4:00am. Upon arrival at the hotel we usually have a late lunch at La Vista at the Marriott. We absolutely love their steak salad with blue cheese and avocado, pretty filling. The hotel always sends us a gratuity, usually a cheese platter and wine so we have that for a light dinner and then get gelato in the lobby. Like CP our first full day is usually Madame Janette (although last time we did Elements first). I like MJ at the beginning of trip. It has such an island feel with great atmosphere. Last night we just happened to go to Yemanja but will probably change that since it’s farther away and last night is packing night.

[cpjones]

Last night we just happened to go to Yemanja but will probably change that since it’s farther away and last night is packing night.

Ahhh.... packing night... that's the 5 minutes I spend cramming everything into my suitcase.... right?

[Pegmeister]

No real traditions for us. Our last few trips we hung out at Pega Pega on arrival day, had lunch then headed over to Alhambra for a bit. Afterwards it was back to the room to unpack and organize then off to Ike’s Bistro for coffee and dessert, followed by an early night. Last day tends to be a beach day followed by an early dinner somewhere downtown as we’re usually at the Renaissance for the last few nights of our trip. Afterwards it’s nice to spend an hour or two at the Seaport and Crystal Casinos.

[Colette M]

Hahahah takes me more than 5 minutes but yes easier than packing to go to Aruba!

Ahhh.... packing night... that's the 5 minutes I spend cramming everything into my suitcase.... right?

[robin]

Not really. When we used to rent a car, we'd stop, usually at Casa Tua by the Ren. Now that we have a taxi take us to the condo, we go to Terreza(I know it is spelled wrong) for a late lunch and then unpack.