Xa on The Go: Michelin stars, sunsets, and Autentico?
You can scratch this off my bucket list!
It was my first time inside the newly opened St. Regis in Aruba, which was the perfect location for my first Autentico Bucket List Experience! We were taken to the rooftop terrace at Akira Back, St. Regis’ Japanese and Korean fusion restaurant, by Michelin-starred chef Akira Back. The evening started with the best view I’ve seen in my life. I live in Aruba, so I’m used to beautiful sunsets. But, this felt like the sun was hired as part of this experience and was told to give the people a show. The sky was performing, let me tell ya!
After the mandatory sunset photos, the evening was initiated with a champagne sabering ritual. We were then taken to the service elevator for a night worthy of being called a Bucket List Experience. Not everyone gets to be behind the scenes like this. It felt exclusive. Already, this is no ordinary dinner experience. Dim lights, DJ playing. It was the ultimate backroom vibes.
Autentico Bucket List Experiences ✨ ✍🏼 Bucket List Experiences are limited-seating dining moments that are designed to ignite your culinary curiosity, with local and internationally acclaimed chefs taking you on a unique culinary journey. These experiences are part of the Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival. |
With little pit stops along the way for canapés and drinks, and may I briefly mention, excellent service by the St. Regis team, we made it to Eskama Cucina Italiana where we would be served a six-course wine-pairing dinner. After being seated, we reviewed the evening's menu, and were welcomed by Chef Tim Golsteijn, Executive Chef at Restaurant Bougainville, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Amsterdam. Born and raised in Amsterdam, Chef Tim started as a dishwasher at only 13. Since then, he couldn't stay away from the kitchen. He worked his way up in Amsterdam’s finest restaurants, and fell in love with pastry. His efforts eventually led to his first Michelin star at only 30!
First Course: Lionfish Tiradito
While a very talented violinist entertained us, the first dish was served. A refreshing and light “tiradito”, a raw fish dish, which was flavorful but not too overwhelming. The presentation of course was beautiful. I must note that using Lionfish for this dish was a conscious choice, as the Lionfish are an invasive species that have a negative impact on native species and habitat. Delicious and a sustainable effort. A+
Second Course: Mahi Mahi Filet
Chef Tim brought yellow cucumbers (that are actually extinct) in from Amsterdam for this dish. The meaty Mahi was tasty, the ‘achterham’ sauce was creamy, and the edible black butterfly tuile made from flour and squid ink was a unique, crunchy touch.
Third Course: Crunchy Potatoes
If you’ve read my previous blog posts, you know I’m a simple gal. The complex simplicity of this dish blew my mind. This layered crunchy potato paired with this creamy sourcream sauce and topped with cheese was *predictable but true comment incoming* a flavor explosion!
Fun fact: Chef Tim also served this at The Pavilion, in collaboration with Chef Urvin Croes at Infini.
Fourth Course: Local Chicken Rouleau with Foie
Made with local ingredients, from chicken to mushrooms. The side dish was a vol-au-vent made with ragout from the thighes and local mushrooms, and a sauce based on the chicken bones, liver and local rum from Bodega Papiamento.
Fifth Course: Popcorn & Caviar
Sweet or salty? That is the question. But no need to choose here! Goodbye paradox of choice… This one had me skepticle, I’m not gonna lie. But boy was I surprised! This was, for me, the most interesting dish on the menu. Sweet, salty, unique. I can honestly say a combination I haven’t tasted before and I loved it!
Sixth Course: Chef’s Signature Thai Mango Sticky Rice
Tim’s version. A sticky rice made from Chef’s favorite flavors from Thailand, but with Mediterranean ingredients like coconut and mango. A sweet and sticky ending to a great night.
Chef Tim says he truly understands why Aruba is called the One Happy Island. The people, the laid back vibe, the climate, and surroundings make it impossible to not like Aruba. Autentico for him is a game changer for the culinary scene and gastronomic future of Aruba. It is a good way to showcase what Aruba has to offer on the culinary front for both locals and guests alike.
I agree with Chef Tim. Autentico, and this Bucket List Experience in particular, opened my eyes to the creativity and dedication happening behind the scenes in Aruba’s kitchens. Aruba is no ordinary island when it comes to food. We Arubans, whether born here or honorary, are a creative and modern bunch. We don’t just stop at good. We work towards great. And that was highlighted not only during this Bucket List Experience, but throughout Autentico week. Aruba is where you meet the world through food.
