Preparations are in full swing for the EAT LOCAL RESTAURANT WEEK

ORANJESTAD, Aruba, Sept. 2, 2015 /CNW/ -- Starting September 28 and lasting through October 9 2015, the One happy island of Aruba invites guests to explore local culinary delights during the Eat Local Aruba Restaurant Week.

Preparations are in full swing for this culinary event, highlighting authentic Aruban cuisine for two full weeks. The restaurants' pre-fixed meals allow visitors to enjoy local cuisine for a very reasonable price, with lunches costing $15 and dinners $30--$40.

No passes, tickets or vouchers are required— attending diners can simply visit their favorite participating restaurants throughout the program dates to enjoy the special menu offerings. More than 55 restaurants have already signed up for this new culinary event and are incorporating authentic local dishes in their menu.

Director of Food & Beverage at Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort Dominique Bauduin says the great thing about restaurant week is that "for us, it opens the door for a different audience. People can enjoy the high gastronomic standards of dining at Windows on Aruba without having to dig deep in their pockets."

Restaurants that already feature local menus are adding on specials and accenting on the local flavors.

Carolina Merryweather-Raven, manager of Driftwood Restaurant says that their seafood restaurant "already features a lot of local dishes, but during the 'Eat Local Aruba Restaurant Week' we will certainly highlight the more authentic Aruban dishes accompanied by locally brewed beverages."

This new initiative was developed by the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) to showcase Aruba's diverse culinary scene and highlight the islands flavors by incorporating locally inspired dishes in the menus of participating restaurants.

Visit www.aruba.com/eatlocal to ensure a table at your favorite restaurant!

For more information on the One Happy Island, visit www.aruba.com. Engage with Aruba via social media at www.facebook.com/ArubaFans or @Aruba on Twitter and @arubatourism on Instagram.

About Aruba
As one of the most revisited destinations in the Caribbean, Aruba -- One happy island -- is an island of contradictions, where pristine turquoise waters collide against the desert-like terrain of the north shore; where peace and relaxation coexist with wild and rugged adventures; where Dutch influence meets American ease; and where a diverse history parallels a bright future. Nestled in the Southern Caribbean on the fringes of the hurricane belt, the island is just a two-and-a-half hour flight from Miami and a four-hour flight from New York City and also boasts year-round cooling trade winds and an average 82-degree temperature. Aruba offers beach lovers, adrenaline junkies, relaxation seekers and everyone in between a slice of paradise, including breathtaking beaches, a booming culinary scene, world famous festivals and events, exciting land and water activities, art galleries and museums, sumptuous spas, championships golf and exclusive shopping. With all-inclusive options, boutique properties in charming Eagle Beach, high-rise branded resorts in Palm Beach or cosmopolitan city hotels in Oranjestad, the island of contradictions provides the perfect getaway for first-time guests and loyal visitors. www.aruba.com.

For more information: Sjeidy Feliciano, Senior PR & Corporate Communications Specialist [e-mail] + [phone] Ext. 239 Aruba Tourism Authority

SOURCE Aruba Tourism Authority