Feature Story Island Life XpBonaire
It Rains Fishes is one of those places we have known for years. It has gone through many changes and renewals which always makes it exciting to come back. Some things never change - the lively atmosphere, the great view and the staff who are always friendly and make you feel right at home.
“Fishes”, as we all call it, has gone through many new and exciting changes lately. Not only has the interior changed completely, but a new, young management team has taken over with new fresh ideas resulting in a delicious food experience.
The Chef
Giovanni, who joined the team in October, 2016, as Chef de Cuisine, is a person who loves to create and combine, always striving for perfection. He never really thought of becoming a cook, but at school, none of his other choices were available except hospitality.
His teacher was so inspirational that Giovanni started to enjoy cooking. After experiencing his first hamburger competition with the exchange of ideas, techniques and meeting new people, he realized he had made the right choice. At the end of his studies, he was fortunate enough to visit Italy, a very important and inspirational journey in his life.
Giovanni has been a member of the Bonaire Culinary team for 3 years in a row where he competed in the Best Junior Chef category. He slowly worked his way up from bronze medal winner to gold and won the Best Junior Chef of the Caribbean award.
After working in various kitchens on the island, he came to a crossroads and asked himself whether being a cook was the right career for him and applied for a police officer position. After a conversation with the owners of the It Rains Fishes restaurant, Huub Groot and Shaira Offerman , he realized that it would be a bad choice to throw away all his years of experience was offered the chef position at It Rains Fishes. Even though Giovanni realized that it would be a new and challenging responsibility, he accepted and is now part of a smooth working kitchen team.
The Restaurant Manager
Michael, the Restaurant Manager at It rains Fishes, joined the team in June, 2017. Because he has known the island since childhood, the decision to accept the Restaurant Manager position was quickly made and he moved from the Netherlands to Bonaire in a month’s time.
In order to find his passion, he tried several areas of study and felt most comfortable when he worked in hospitality at a family vacation park. He started as a dishwasher and worked his way up to become manager. The experience of working in a team, who eventually become your friends and family, was what he was looking for. Later he traveled to Thailand to attend a bartender course. When he was offered a position as a teacher, he stayed in Thailand for a time working with people from around the world, before he moved to Bonaire.
Michael has been living on Bonaire for a year now and knows that it was the best choice he ever made. He really enjoys working with a team that is so diverse, with different ages, cultures, mentalities and languages. What can make communication difficult also brings them closer together and is what creates a warm atmosphere for their guests.
The new menu
After renovations last year, the restaurant also introduced a new menu and concept, offering new combinations and preparations. The most exciting of which is live cooking in the restaurant. Using their Portuguese wood oven, a cook prepares your food right next to your table.
In September, 2018, It rains fishes has revised their menu and we are happy to give you an idea of some of their new offerings.
Oven Special
If you enjoy something different, come on a Wednesday and make a reservation for the Oven Special. Delicious food, prepared in the oven, can vary from lobster tail, pizza to whole pork. Always prepared with fresh ingredients, Fishes will announce their special a few days in advance and reservations are advised.
Live Music
For live music, come on a Saturday starting at 6 pm. You can also enjoy a nice glass of wine and a bite at the bar.
New menu items
Besides the It Rains Fishes most popular classics, the new menu offers a variety of new creations such as:
- Goat Cheese Crème Brulee served with sweet peanuts, apple gelee and reduced acceto balsamico caramelized onions.
- Carpaccio bonbon filled with a potato and bacon salad
- Homemade ravioli
- Lamb rack served with a frutti di bosco - truffle sauce
It Rains Fishes is open 6 days a week from Monday – Saturday serving lunch and dinner with a bar that stays open as long as you are having fun.
Info
It Rains Fishes
KAYA J.N.E. CRAANE 24
KRALENDIJK Oceanfront Blvd.,
E-MAIL: INFO@ITRAINSFISHESBONAIRE.COM
Facebook: It Rains Fishes Bonaire
Phone +599 717 8780
