North Coast - Dominican Republic - page 313

OUT-OF-TOWN EATS
If you should ever grow tired of the beachside scene in Cabarete, the following restaurants are won-
derfully unique options. Even if it weren't for the excellent food, they would be worthy destinations
simply for the chance to get out into the countryside.
Castle Club ( 809-357-8334; www.castleclubonline.com ; Los Brazos; per person excl drinks
US$35; vary) Set in the mountains around a half-hour drive (taxi is US$25 one-way) from Cab-
arete is this rambling, eccentric home - a castle of sorts, though one perpetually a work in progress.
The charming and entertaining owners grow much of their own food on the property, and will prepare
one of the more memorable meals you'll have in the DR. Expect dishes like coconut sea bass, exquis-
ite salads and cold lemon soufflé. The schedule can be erratic - book at least two days in advance. It
can cater for groups from six to 100. From Cabarete, head east on the highway to Sabaneta and turn
right onto the road to Moca. Around 12km later you pass a bridge in the town of Los Brazos, where
you should look for a sign to your left as you climb the hill.
Blue Moon Hotel & Restaurant ( 809-757-0614; www.bluemoonretreat.net ; Los Brazos; mains
RD$600; dinner with reservations) Just 200m before Castle Club, this bungalow-style hotel and
restaurant hosts family-sized Indian dinners (minimum six people, reserve in advance). Food is quality
South Asian fare, including two different veggie dishes, a main course such as tandoori or curried
chicken or fish, rice, salad, coffee, tea and dessert. It feels like a slightly gimmicky experience: you sit
on the floor and eat with your hands. The bungalows (US$50 to US$60 including breakfast per bunga-
low) are cool and comfortable, with inventive Indian-style decor.
Wilson's (mains RD$200) This is a little BBQ shack on the Yasica River in Islabon, around 8km
southeast of town on the way to Sabaneta de Yasica. The eponymous Wilson, who speaks perfect Eng-
lish, serves up wood-fired fish, chicken and lobster.
Restaurante Chez Arsenio ( 809-571-9948; [e-mail] ; Hideaway
Beach Resort; mains RD$500; 11am-10pm Mon-Fri, from 9am Sat & Sun) Occupying a spectacu-
lar stretch of the western end of Playa Encuentro, Hideaway Beach Resort's (primarily condo rentals)
restaurant serves up a wide variety of Dominican, Italian and especially recommended seafood dishes.
Choose either the open-air pool-side dining room or a table on the perfectly manicured lawn under a
towering palm tree. Look for a sign marking the access road off the highway on the way to Sosúa.
Eating
Dining out on Cabarete's beach is the quintessential Caribbean experience - paper lan-
terns hanging from palm trees, a gentle ocean breeze and excellent food (even if it does
cost the same as you'd pay back home). After your meal, dig your toes into the sand and
kick back with a cocktail. Many of the bars on the beach serve good food as well; any-
where from a quarter to a half close up shop for all or part of October.