Courtesy of: Aruba Daily
Papillon Restaurant in The Village, across from the Radisson Resort, is the place for a special evening out. With French Caribbean flair added to Belgian cuisine, the theme restaurant offers a wonderful, very relaxed ambiance, which many guests like a lot. With its attentive staff taking care of every wish and a lovely menu, Papillon surely belongs among the top of Aruba’s many restaurants.
Papillon is named after Henri Charrière, France’s most notorious escaped convict; he got his nickname Papillon, because of the butterfly tattoo on his chest. Henri’s riveting story was the inspiration for Papillon Restaurant: `prison-style’ chic. Cozy, elegant, but with casual flair, expect quality dining, superb French wines and European seasonal delicacies. The restaurant at The Village is best-known for its French-Caribbean cuisine, its excellent service and quest for perfection.
The year at Papillon starts off in April with the white asparagus season. Not called `the white gold’ for nothing, this delicacy is flown in from Europe when the stalks are big and juicy. Next comes the mussel season, which starts mid-July with the fattest, tastiest mussels, cut from the banks of the Zeeland coast. Fantastically healthy, mussels have many fans.
The European game season for deer, pheasant, hare and boar is limited – it starts on October 15 and from that date on, terrific traditional recipes await Papillon’s discerning guests. After Thanksgiving preparations are starting for most appealing Christmas menus for private persons and groups.
For those who like to dine early, Papillon has a 5 to 7 Early Bird special for $ 29.75, a glass of wine included. After 7 o’clock a three-course menu for $ 49.—is offered, with choices of weekly changing specials.
Henri Charrière could never have imagined that he would be the inspiration for this unique restaurant on Aruba. He captured the imagination of millions when he wrote the gripping, shocking story of his conviction and escape. Now, however, his nickname has become a synonym for a super evening out underneath the stars.
Papillon, Taste of Belgium and CILO City Lounge downtown are owned by the same owners. CILO is the perfect place to meet for a relaxed breakfast, coffee, lunch or dinner. In the evenings the glass fronts are taken away and the restaurant becomes a cool lounge area, where live music hits the right tone every time. Taste of Belgium in the Palm Beach Plaza Mall is a restaurant with a great deal of class. Both should definitely be checked out too!
Bon appétit!
