There are a handful of places that stand iconic to the growth and development of the island and Ramon’s Village is definitely in that handful. Catering to all the needs of visitors to San Pedro has always been top priority for the resort and tied in with this service is that of providing an amazing culinary experience.
Dorian’s Angels had their sweet taste buds tingled this past weekend as they visited Pineapples Restaurant, Ramon’s Village newly revamped restaurant that is boasting a new and exciting menu. And they have lots to be boastful about, as the new items on the menu are exquisite. Chef Rommy Kie and his sous chefs have outdone themselves, infusing pineapples to their dishes, creating a sweet heavenly and blissful dining experience.
We were delighted to be warmly greeted by Mr. Ramon Nuñez, the iconic face of the resort. He was very pleased to have Dorian’s Angels at the newly renovated restaurant. Immediately served to us were some fresh pineapple and watermelon fruit shakes to start of our tropical dining experience. We were told about the excellent new menu but we were truly taken aback when we got our appetizers.
With bright colored plates that compliment the name of the restaurant, the appetizers were served, of which had one of a kind presentations. The Coconut Shrimp, Fiesta Salad and Pineapple Explosion were all equally delicious and unique. The Pineapple Explosion awakens your senses with an extraordinary mix of fresh pineapple chunks, pungent red onion, flavorful cilantro and Chef Rommy’s spicy homemade dressing. Delightful I must say!
For those of you with a sweet tooth try some of the Chef’s favorite, the Pineapple Boat, Rosemary Shrimp Skewers and the Buccaneer Chops. The Pineapple Boat- (the restaurants signature dish!) consists of scrumptious oriental fried rice loaded with chunks of sweet and delicious fresh pineapple and succulent grilled shrimp served in an authentic pineapple boat, topped with crispy fried rice noodles. (Dorian’s Favorite!)
The Rosemary Shrimp Skewers – this dish provides the subtle flavor and excellent scent of the Rosemary herbs to the succulent Caribbean shrimp and sweet, pineapple chunks skewered on rosemary branches, brushed with olive oil and grilled, then drizzled with a mint pesto sauce.
For those of you non-sweet food lovers you can try the Calypso Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp Satay or the International Duo. The International Duo is an interesting combination of Cajun shrimp and Italian sausage that has an unexpected culinary sensation as the shrimp and sausage are gently sautéed with bell peppers and green onions in a smooth Cajun mustard sauce.
Can you say Royal Treatment? All these plates of food consisted of a fusion of different spices, herbs and other ingredients in a unique way to awaken your taste buds. And if you thought that was more than enough for us to savor, your wrong! Remember that this was a unique dining experience and only at Pineapples can you cook your very own meal at the dining table with their “On a Stone” dining.
The “On a Stone” dining is an exciting new dining concept where you can hear the food sizzling and smell the incredible aroma of the meal cooking right in front of you on a searing hot volcanic stone. The Stones are heated at about 400°C and the prime cooking temperature is about 20 – 30 minutes. Not only were we having fun cooking our own meal but it was quite an entertaining experience for us. We enjoyed cooking and then eating strips of chicken breast, steak and shrimp.
Dessert you might ask? Of course, and it was as great as all our appetizers and entrées. We had The Pineapple & Ginger Crêpe (thin pancakes stuffed with pineapple chucks in a ginger sauce served with whipped cream) and the Pineapple Fruit Boat (honey tossed mixed fruit in a pineapple boat).
Ramon’s Village Resort has been operating its restaurant since 1987 and along with the renovations throughout the resort came the new name of the restaurant, Pineapples. And why Pineapples you ask? Well when owner of Ramon’s, Mr.Richard Headrick decided to give the restaurant at Ramon’s a name, he batted around 1000 different ones. “We and finally chose the name Pineapples because it was the owner’s favorite fruit – it’s fun, fresh, delicious and tropical – just like our restaurant! “ commented Mr. Headrick. Richard’s favorite dish in the world is Chef Rommy’s pineapple shrimp fried rice (the Pineapple Boat), which is one of the signature dishes at Pineapples.
The team of chefs and cooks are Rommy Kie – Chef, Jose Ortiz – Assistant Chef, Edwin Arzu – Assistant Chef, Othoniel Cocom – cook, Pietra Maximo – cook, Carolina Gonzalez – prep & dessert and Aurora Tzib – prep/helper. The Waiters are Joel Sanchez – Head waiter, Steven Mendez, Jack Palma, Samuel Quinteros, Roberto Sabido, and Mark August.
For a true tropical dining experience, that will make your taste buds go “pineapples”, go on over to Pineapple’s Restaurant at Ramon’s Village Resort, both locals and visitors are all welcomed! And remember if the Angels recommend it, it’s Gotta be GOOD!!!!
