Gouverneur's Restaurant in Curacao

Three Visits!

Don and I were in Curacao less than a week and we visited this restaurant/bar 3 times!  That goes against all my common sense... to see and experience as much as I can!

Beautiful Building

The image of this red, twentieth century mansion from the street was enough to attract us.  But we entered from the opposite street and discovered a wonderful courtyard, which was just as appealing!

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Drinks with a View!

But on our first visit, it was still light and we chose a table in the small bar, with a window looking out on the waterfront.  Our bartender, Terrence made us cosmopolotins,  which we sipped while watching Curacao's entertaining "Swinging Lady" bridge, as it opened and closed for boat traffic.  

The drink colors worked well with the pastels of the old Dutch buildings across the water!

Another Night

On a different night we chose a table on the front terrace where we talked with some other travelers from The Netherlands.  I guess I have to admit, this restaurant does appeal to tourists... and I do love a place that attracts the locals. But at least none of the tourists were speaking English.  I don't think we met an American on our entire stay in Curacao.

Food!

We moved to another terrace for dining. Not only was the atmosphere heavenly, but the food was exceptional and our server (who reminded me of BB King) was outstanding!  We started with Cuban banana soup, served with a fried plantain strip.  The bread and herbed butter was a treat, as well.  I ordered chicken skewers with grilled pineapple, cucumber relish and coconut & peanut  butter sauce.  All was perfect.

What is Keshi Yena?

Don chose a delicious dish with roots in Curacao and Aruba.  The main course dish called Keshi Yena, supposedly originated from Dutch Empire slaves of the Dutch West Indies.  Rinds of Gouda or Edam were stuffed with meat table scraps.  Don's Keshi dish started with chicken and prunes, then wrapped in cheese and baked. 

Evening # Three

We just went for drinks on our last evening.  There is no better place than Gouverneur's, to make a toast to the wonderful Dutch architecture and the interesting blend of people and cultures that make up the island of Curacao. Terrance, our bartender made us festive drinks and wished us well when we headed out.  

Hope to return, again!