Courtesy of: Aruba Daily
Papillon Aruba is ready for the 2013 game season. This means that guests at Papillon Restaurant will be able to enjoy the perks of the European fall, like pheasant, boar, hare and venison. Europeans love eating game. Controlled hunting keeps the balance between the species and special permits are therefore sought-after in many countries. The hunt used to be a royal sport where noblemen with packs of dogs and foot folk left their fairytale castles only to return to beautiful, graceful queens and princesses to present their trophies. The most impressive heads were mounted and glorious tales about hunting days were told and re-told.
The season for the hunt runs from beginning of November until the end of December in Europe. Controlled hunting keeps the balance between the species and special permits are therefore sought-after in many countries. Of course no one goes hunting on Aruba. One won’t see green-coated, feather-capped men with shotguns creeping through the countryside.
The hunting season for us means that one is able, only for a limited time, to buy game.
At Caribbean-French restaurant Papillon in The Village, the game season starts off with a bang. Weekly specials might include Wild Pigeon Breast, Duck, Deer, Hare Loin Fillet, Pheasant, Venison and Stew of Hare courtesy of the chef. The special feeling of autumn, crackling fires and roasting chestnuts must be conjured up in the mind, but the uninhibited enjoyment of eating traditional, exuberant game is just as good at Papillon as in Europe.
In the old days, game used to be traditionally served with bones and all, but the modern consumer is more geared towards fillets and steaks. The `back to nature’ trend in eating points to enjoying game without heavy sauces and crazy side dishes; it wants you to savor the taste of the meat `au naturel’. The traditional way of preparing game is an evergreen favorite as well.
Papillon Restaurant is planning a series of specials honoring the age-old European custom of eating game in the fall. For reservations, please call 586-5400. Papillon is located across from the Radisson Resort on the Hi-Rise strip.
