Fun and Funky in Sunrise City, Aruba
If Fun and Funky and full of character's is your idea of an awesome bar, then you need to make certain to take in Charlie's Bar on your next Aruba adventure. Located in the heart of San Nicolas, also known as Aruba's "Sunrise City." Charlie's bar has been in operation in Aruba for well over 70 years now. This very unique hot spot was founded by a Dutch couple, Charles and Marie Brouns.
The first time see the colorful exterior, your interest is peaked. Then as you walk into the bar, your jaw may drop at the crazy menagerie of their choice in decor: banners, pennants, posters, stickers and bric-a-brac can be seen covering virtually every inch of the ceiling and walls. Aside from the unique decor, many people enjoy lively conversations and stories told while hanging out at the bar top. If those reasons aren't enough, you will most definitely be back for the food. Some of the delicious concoction's have funny names like "Shrimps Jumbo and Dumbo." The Shrimp are Jumbo in size, but called Dumbo because they allowed themselves to get caught by the fishermen.
If your more into "Turf" then "Surf", order up one of Charlie's signature Argentine-style steak, and splash on a dash of Charlie's "Honeymoon sauce." But before you do, make sure your Ice Cold Beer is close at hand as not only is the sauce delicious, but it's hot, hot, hot!
It's about a 15 minute leisurely drive from Oranjestad and is definitely worth the trip. Stop in on your way to or from Baby Beach or any of the other amazing spots arounds San Nicolas.
Here is a popular recipe that is shared on the web by Charlie's Bar. Enjoy making this dish and home and allow it to bring up great memories that you made while at Charlie's Bar! Enjoy!
Charlito's Creole Calamari
Ingredients
2 pounds fresh calamari (baby squid), cleaned and cut into rings.
1/2 head garlic, cloves peeled and thinly sliced.
3/4 cup chopped onion.
1/2 cup carrots, peeled, finely cubed.
1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas.
3 bay leaves.
1/2 cup Martell Cognac.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
Preparation Directions
Blanch fresh cleaned calamari in boiling water for about 2 minute or until tender. Drain. Use a non-stick pan, heated to medium. Add in the Calamari and all the remaining ingredients. Stir well and cook for 3-5 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and serve with your choice of rice or vermicelli.
Charlies Bar is located:
B. v/d Veen Zeppenfeldstraat 56 San Nicolas, 297-5845086
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Lizzie McKay is an avid traveler with a special Love for Aruba. She loves exploring new places and trying out new things, and sharing those adventures with you. She writes articles and takes photographs for All Around Aruba website and is a contributing writer for various blogs.
She is available for writing assignments throughout Aruba. Contact her here for more Information.
