It’s fun winning awards. And it’s doubly fun when you win twice. That’s precisely what Windows on Aruba restaurant did this year. First in May, for a Certificate of Excellence Award, honoring top hospitality establishments the world over; and then in October, with a 2013 Travelers’ Choice Restaurant Awards. Both awards are from TripAdvisor, which means the accolades come from our guests. We couldn’t be more proud.
That last award, in particular, is a super biggie. Windows on Aruba at Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort came in as one of the top five favorite restaurants in the Caribbean. The awards singled out 171 restaurants around the globe, based on millions of reviews posted to TripAdvisor. One of 171 restaurants In. The. World. Wow! And, we think Top Five in the Caribbean, well, that’s even better!
We knew we had a winner when Paul Zijlstra walked into the kitchen at Windows on Aruba in 2009. Zijlstra has become known for his seasonal dishes and creative specials with fresh market ingredients. He and his staff can do it all. Those grand and delicious show stopping finales served up at the end of most meals at Windows have earned a following among Aruba visitors and island residents. The tranquil space, elegant décor, floor to ceiling windows looking out over the 9th hole of the Links at Divi to the Caribbean Sea beyond – it all works together to create a memorable experience.
Zijlstra trained with Dutch masters in The Netherlands, then headed to Bonaire to hone his Caribbean cooking. So, you’ll discover a dash of Meyers Rum in his brownies, fresh coconut inside the chocolate bonbons, mango and papaya sweetening the chutney served alongside scallops and Blue Mountain coffee beans in the chocolate mousse.
He’s sharing his mousse recipe with you. It will make you a winner with your family and friends at home. Invite 10. Or invite less and have seconds and thirds!
Blue Mountain Coffee Chocolate Mousse
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tbsp. Blue Mountain Jamaican coffee beans
- 1 tsp. gelatin powder
- 4 oz. dark chocolate
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- 4 oz. dark chocolate
- 2 egg yolks
- 4 egg whites, 2 oz. sugar
Directions:
Add milk and coffee beans in saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove beans and add gelatin to saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in dark chocolate. In bowl, whip heavy cream to medium peaks. When mixture has cooled, add egg yolks and cream. Whip egg whites until they peak, add sugar and whip again to peak. Combine all ingredients well, spoon into bowls, cover, chill at least 2 hours.
