CCC is back - Aruba pics, a restaurant review, and what's coming up!

Bon Bini, everyone!   So the husband and I are back from Aruba - tanned, well sort of tan for me, rejuvenated, and ridiculously in love, even moreso than before if that is possible:)  It was one of the best trips of my life and I can't wait to go back someday!  From the amazing food and drink, to basking in the Aruban sun, or under a palapa reading Revolutionary Road, to Carnivale, to etc etc etc ;)  Here are some of my fave pics:

 

  

  

  

  

 

  

  

 

So, more than a few, I apologize;)  

I must say I was pleasantly surprised, even thrilled, with Aruba.  All of the people were so nice and helpful, the weather was perfect, as there was always a breeze, and the Aruba Ariba's, ahh!  You never know how it's going to be going to a new place, especially one you had reservations about, but I'm glad I put those aside and went - best and most relaxing vaca of my life:)

I wish we had more time for everything - more sightseeing, more excursions, but especially more restaurants!  There were restaurants everywhere, and we only got to a sample a few.  I'm going to talk about one below - definitely let me know if you have questions, or if you have been there before too and want to add your two cents:)

• El Gaucho - http://www.elgaucho-aruba.com/  - definitely make a reservation ahead of time!  Very large restaurant with very nice, Argentine-feeling decor.  The mood is set by a wonderful mariachi pair, and the wonderful sound of people having a great time!  We started off with their complimentary garlic bread (much better than the garlic bread we had the night before at Gianni's) and their "appetizer" ribs - seemed more like a meal to me!

10 huge ribs, dipped in their awesome sauce = heaven!  I was full already, and I only had 3!  But, next came our wonderful meals, and might I say the drinks/app/dinner/dessert were spread out so nicely, we never felt like they were pushing anything at us.  But back to the meals - the husband had a huge rib eye with mashed potatoes, broccoli, and corn on the cob - not a huge fan of the sides, but the rib eye, he says, was the best he's ever had!  I had a beef tenderloin with fries, corn on the cob, and my fave, fried plantains - I loved mine, loved it, but I must say I enjoyed my tenderloin the week earlier at Grill 23 a little bit more, like maybe 5 points more, based really on the seasoning.  Still, loved it, and would definitely eat it again!  

Dessert  = flan topped with coconut - so good, but too big for me to finish!  Must have been all that other stuff;)

As you can see, we really enjoyed this restaurant because of the food and the overall atmosphere!  I would give it 9 out of 10 stars!!  Like I said, I would definitely eat this again, but most likely would try something else just to have more to rate the restaurant as a whole on!

What's next for CheyCanCook?  The Olympics!  Starting this Friday night 2/12, I'll post about the different, country-themed meals I'm making in accordance with the Olympics, and some facts to go along with it - I can't wait - for the Olympics AND the food:)  I hope this work!  I'm working on finishing up the menu tonight...but am a little stuck on Russia - any suggestions??

Glad to be back!  Now to catch up on all of YOUR blogs:)