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  Kia Orana
RECOMMENDED IN RARO
The best places to eat and drink on the capital Island
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    RAROTONGA 2005   TOP 10 "TO DO   ACCOMMODATION
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If you're looking to meet and mix with a fun crowd, dance to some great music and enjoy a few drinks - all within sight of the sea - you have to visit WHATEVER!  The bar-cum-club also serves huge portions of  "fill you up food" including steaks, fish, chicken and mini burgers that are anything but mini in size.  And it's all cooked on a barbeque in front of you. 
If you prefer a more sophisticated but far from stuffy venue, look no further than the centre of town and the very stylish SALSA.   A superb menu with loads of daily specials make the mouth water.   And when your chosen dish is brought to your table, it really is almost too good to eat.  The presentation of the food is superb.   This restaurant would do credit to any international city.    I can't recommend it too highly.    Salsa is located next door to CITC and is open during the day as well as in the evenings.  
You could be forgiven for thinking that the Cook Islands is not the place to go if you're looking for good food and a lively nightlife....but you couldn't be more wrong.   The capital Island boasts some great places.   This is a personal selection.
It's on the same side as Trader Jack's - turn left just before Sava Duty Free, more or less opposite the T Shirt Factory.  Joint owners Tiri John and Peter Allport are great hosts.   Open everyday but Monday.   My top recommendation for a great night out.
TAMARIND HOUSE is a superbly restored colonial property now offering a unique dining experience.   It was built somewhere between 1910 and 1915 to house the managers of the Union Steamship Company.   And thanks to Sue Curruthers and Robert Brown - former owners of the Flame Tree - it's been turned into something very special.   The elegance of the colonial house combines with the wonderful waterfront setting to make the top class food taste even better.  Or you can enjoy evening cocktails as you watch the sun setting over the South Pacific.   Truly magical. 
Find out more at the Tamarind House web site
The traditional cuisine of Italy is alive and well and ready to relished within site of picturesque Muri Beach at  Stefano's Italian Cuisine restaurant.  Have a look also at his fabulous pictures of Rarotonga if you can manage to take your eyes off the moutwatering menu which is also on line.    Stefano, Roberta and their two beautiful children have have brought with them from Italy the traditional ways of making fresh pasta.  And round off your meal with what I personally think is the best Tiramisu I have ever tasted!   
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