For our last evening in Aruba, Darren and I decided to head downtown to Oranjestad and despite our earlier purchases have yet another look at all the jewelry and watch stores.  We both love jewelry and watches so it was inevitable we would end up purchasing something.  After numerous visits to many stores (I think we actually went into just about every store), Darren found a watch that he absolutely loved.  A unique brand that we didn’t find in most locations, he managed to strike a good deal.  All the dealers offer discounts and some are more negotiable than others but if you are in the market for some jewelry or a new watch, have a look around, you won’t be able to resist what you see.

After shopping, we decided on a spur of the moment dinner at L.G. Smith’s Steak & Chop House in the Renaissance Mall.  We were in the mood for steak and since we were downtown we decided to give this restaurant a try.  The decor is very modern with sleek tables, chairs and booths decorated in neutrals and white, very trendy.  It reminded us of a modern steak house back home in New York or in Las Vegas.  We were seated by the window so we could look out at the boats on the water which was very pretty as the sun was starting to go down.  The menu had all the traditional items you would expect: shrimp cocktail, seafood chowder, caesar salad, filet mignon, porterhouse, t-bone steaks and a variety of fish as well.  The prices were quite moderate, especially for a steak house.  Appetizers ranged from $7-14 and entrees were $24-$36 and came with two sides each.  I started with the tomato cream soup which was thick and flavorful topped with fried drizzled onions.  Darren had the shrimp cocktail, four jumbo shrimps accompanied by a small set of greens.  For our entree I had the petite filet mignon which was tender and juicy.  Darren had the porterhouse and ate just about all of it.  He thought it was excellent.  We were too full for dessert but they had an array of cakes, ice cream and pie along with their signature marscapone dessert.  We thoroughly enjoyed our meal but definitely felt like were home rather than in Aruba so if you are on the island for awhile and want a break from the local cuisine and want to feel a bit like you are back home, try L.G. Smith’s.  You won’t be disappointed.   The service was spectacular so you will be well taken care of.