Blink and you’ll miss the sign for Chez Arsenio on the road from Cabarete to Sosua. Tucked away at Hideaway Beach just down from Encuentro, Chez Arsenio’s beachfront location and calm, quiet ambiance is like a deep breath of fresh air. Chez Arsenio offers diners the choice of sitting in the open-air dining room or on a sweeping lawn dotted by palm trees. Both overlook a gorgeous stretch of beach, usually empty save for a few surfers. Oh, and the food’s excellent too.
Arsenio’s serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all equally well. For breakfast the three-egg omelet arrives loaded with fresh vegetables and cheese. The sides include piping hot home fries and toast. Add a freshly squeezed glass of juice (by fresh I mean mine was made-to-order) and it’s a meal that might take awhile to finish. Luckily, you’ll have a good breeze and a stunning view to enjoy while your food settles.
Burgers are the best way to go for lunch. Arsenio’s offers several different types, all cooked to juicy perfection and arriving with an array of accoutrements. The Bleu Cheese burger arrives stuffed with, well, bleu cheese and topped with crisp bacon. For those who enjoy something more picante, the Arsenio Heat offers a burger laced with Tabasco and smothered with cheese and jalapeños. French fries or onion rings arrive burger-side straight from the fryer. In fact, Arsenio and his gracious staff make sure everything arrives at fresh and at temperature. The attention to detail is noticeable during every meal.
Dinner begins with a basket of bread baked fresh on-site. The type is varied. One night we received garlic bread, another tiny, airy knots. Beef reigns again at this meal. While you almost can’t go wrong with any of the entrees, the filet mignon is what keeps me going back. Eight ounces of steak are well seasoned and served with a choice of sauce (pepper, wine, bleu cheese, mushroom) and sides. My first night I asked for a sampler and the waiter cheerfully brought me all the sauces. The bleu cheese and mushroom cream were my favorites--rich and luscious compliments to the already buttery-soft meat. The extra? Perfect for the two mini baked potatoes on the side. If you’ve got room for dessert, the banana flambé is presented flaming at the table. To stuffed to move? The soothing landscape will make you in no hurry to leave.
Chez Arsenio
Entrees $180 pesos--$800 pesos
Open 8am to about 10pm Tuesday-Sunday, Closed Monday
(809) 571-9948
No comments:
Post a Comment