Restaurant Review: Wines & More

XP Bonaire IslandLife Feature Story

Have you ever heard the expression, “a wolf in sheep’s clothing”? It usually refers to someone who appears harmless but is actually dangerous. In the case of Wines & More, the phrase applies — though here, it’s not a person that’s dangerous, but the sheer level of culinary indulgence being offered. Friendly? Absolutely. Dangerous? Only if you're trying to resist temptation. Because everything at Wines & More is dangerously delicious.

The name Wines & More may sound modest, but we’d argue it should be changed to Fabulous Wines & Much More. Why? That becomes crystal clear as soon as you sit down.

Wines & More is the brainchild of Annemarie and Mathieu, who have crafted something truly special on the corner of Kaya L.D. Gerharts — right across from the tax office. It’s a cozy blend of restaurant and delicatessen, making it an ideal destination whether you're dining in or looking for gourmet takeaway. What sets it apart is its laser focus on quality. Everything served has been carefully considered, prepared, and paired with true passion.

Appetizers

Our culinary journey began with two starters: a classic French onion soup and a salad with house-smoked wahoo. Don’t expect unnecessary frills or pretentious plating — just honest, soulful food done right. The onion soup was rich and deeply flavored, exactly as it should be. It was the kind of soup where you find yourself scraping the bottom of the bowl, hoping for just one more spoonful. The wahoo salad, served with a horseradish dressing, was an absolute highlight. Mathieu smokes the fish himself, using only the freshest possible catch. The flavor was elegant, the texture so perfect it felt like a work of art. You can taste the attention to detail in every bite.

Wines

Annemarie, who guided us through the meal, is an intuitive and highly knowledgeable host. After asking a few questions about our taste preferences, she selected two wines that matched us so precisely it felt like she’d known us for years. A Tokaji from Chateau Dereszla and Cinquante from Louis Chèze — both stunning and thoughtfully chosen.

Main Course

The main courses were just as impressive. We enjoyed two very different dishes, both memorable: a traditional Italian ossobuco and an Indonesian rendang. The ossobuco, a tender veal shank served with broccolini, orzo, and Turkish lemon, was a special of the Bonaire Culinair event. It was perfectly executed — slow-cooked, succulent, and bursting with depth. The rendang came with basmati rice, Javanese green beans, and a light cucumber salad. The beef was flavorful and tender, though for our taste, it could have been a bit spicier. That said, the dish was beautifully balanced and made accessible for all palates — and of course, seasoning can always be adjusted at the table.

With our main courses, Annemarie poured us a bold 2020 Ripasso Superiore from Zenato — one of our favorites. The pairing was exquisite and showed just how much care goes into every aspect of the experience.

Dessert

Though we were nearly full, we couldn’t resist dessert. We ordered one sweet option and one cheese plate — and were absolutely blown away.

The dessert was a masterpiece: a white chocolate mousse “bombe” with kumquat compote, sesame brittle, edible marigolds, and a hint of rose gold leaf. It was visually stunning and tasted even better. This dish was another of Annemarie’s creations, and it was also featured during Restaurant Week. For the final wine pairings, she served a 2016 Niepoort port and a rich Pedro Ximénez from Mil Pesetas. The contrast and harmony with the dessert and cheese were simply divine.

The cheese plate was no afterthought. It featured a carefully curated selection: goat cheese, Taleggio, Appenzeller, Reypenaer VSOP, and Shropshire Blue — served with toasted nut bread, truffle honey, apple-pear syrup, and Mostarda di Senape (quince mustard). Each element was deliberate, balanced, and truly indulgent.

Though we stayed a little beyond the official closing (kitchen closes at 8 pm). Annemarie and Mathieu showed no signs of rushing us. For them, the culinary experience always comes first — and it shows.

So, can we temper our enthusiasm? Honestly, no. Wines & More is a place every food lover should visit at least once. It’s easily accessible, extraordinarily hospitable, and an outstanding example of culinary craftsmanship. The “more” in Wines & More isn’t just a tagline — it’s a promise they consistently deliver on.

Wines & More –Info

Location: Kaya L.D. Gerharts 10 Unit 1A, Lourdes Shopping Mall, Bonaire

Opening Hours: Monday–Friday, from 11:00 AM (kitchen closes at 8:00 PM)

Website: www.winesandmorebonaire.com

Social Media: Facebook & Instagram @WinesandMoreBonaire