Dining Outside the Home: Island Taco in Poipu, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Island Taco in Poipu, Kauai. The handwritten sign on the counter said, “Aloha! Please try our homemade cinnamon crisp. Yum!” An inviting basket nearby was overflowing with crunchy sugar-coated flour tortilla strips. OMG! Within seconds Elise, a quirky illusion of a mermaid with ocean blue hair, appeared to take our order for lunch. Since all the tortillas are handmade, Island Taco didn’t stop there. Tacos that turn on, Burritos that beat all, Quesadillas that are quazy-good, plus much more. The chef at Island Taco goes on to create tropical choices like Kalua Smoked Pork, Seared Cajun Ahi, Blackened Mahi Mahi, Papaya Shrimp. Are you getting my drift? Refried beans and dirty rice are always a good idea. Generous servings are spot on! It’s a quick bite because, after all, you’re in paradise and the island lifestyle keeps you moving on. Hang loose. Shaka Mahalo.

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: Letter S

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Home Cooking: Sombrero Bread Bowl! OMG, this is the best kept secret! Go to your nearby Bakery and choose a savory artisan bread, small loaf. I chose Rosemary Olive Oil. From there, the biggest challenge is waiting for your mouth-watering seasoned creation to come out of the oven! Repeat after me, “All good things come to those who wait!” You can thank me later.

SOMBRERO BREAD BOWL

Ingredients:

4 ounces Neufchâtel cheese

1/2 cup ranch salad dressing

1 cup extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 green onions

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

14.5-ounce round loaf of artisan loaf

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 300°. In medium bowl, blend Neufchâtel cheese, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, red pepper flakes, and bacon until well mixed. Stir in onion snips. Cut off top of bread bowl. Hollow out insides. These may be used for dipping later. Fill center cavity with creamy mixture. Replace top. Wrap entire loaf in foil. Bake for 90 minutes. Peel back foil to expose bread bowl. Bake 30 minutes longer. Serve warm with bread cubes, multi-colored tortilla chips, and green onions. Enjoy!

Dining Outside the Home: La Spezia Restaurant in Koloa, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: La Spezia Restaurant in Koloa, Kauai. Here’s the rule of thumb: If you’re going to sit and relax on a Sunday morning, indulge yourself with the Special of the Day and the Bloody Mary Bar at La Spezia. It’s a match made in heaven. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make you feel at home, that’s for sure. The Bloody Mary Bar offers a tabletop of ingredients to build-your-own. The signature benedicts, fluffy quiche wedges, 3-egg omelettes, and applewood bacon are incredible! But you’ll have to make a return visit because the portions are generous. For a sweeter beginning, try the fluffy pancakes with real maple syrup or the fruit-stuffed French toast. Whatever you do, save a little room for their special blend of smooth Kauai and Kenyan coffee. It’s simply delish.

Warehouse 3540 is Hidden Jewel

Down a winding stretch around Kalaheo, you’ll stumble upon a few cars parked along the side of the road against a wall of giant tangled grasses. Park there and look both ways before crossing. The metal sheet work walls of an old warehouse enclose what is known to locals as Warehouse 3540. Step inside to a world of locally handmade crafts, creative art, products made on the island, jewelry designed for casual fashion statements, and uncommon home accents. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a day when the Farmers Market overflows with island fruit, leafy vegetables, and exotic choices gleaned from the land. Cultural food trucks park outside, with inspiring dishes to tempt the palate. No worries. Picnic areas are conveniently placed inviting rest, conversation, and taste sensations unique to each chef’s specialty. The second Saturday night of each month, check out the live music as an added attraction. This is one creative community marketplace you won’t want to miss.

Dining Outside the Home: Chip-Wrecked Da Kine Nachos in Poipu, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Chip-Wrecked Da Kine Nachos in Poipu, Kauai! Ever wonder why we love nachos so much? Might it be the crunch of crispy tortilla chips smothered in a lava flow of melted cheese? Or possibly the mountain of tender spicy meat engulfed in shredded veggies and fresh fruit? Chip Wrecked takes you on a voyage for your bellies. Their secret? I’m told it’s the homemade flour tortilla chips individually dipped into a vat of five gooey cheeses to give your tastebuds explosive flavor in every bite. After all, naked chips are pretty dull. Check out the Black Pearl, Castaway, S.S. Minnow, Hurricane, or Mermaid with Avocado. Aargh! Be brave, mate! Add on the Lilikoi Passion Fruit Habanero sauce for good measure. It’ll make a landlubber out of you!

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: Letter R

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Home Cooking: Rolled Fillets of Chicken! There seems to be a hundred ways of serving chicken, but I like this one best because it makes a savory meal that is also filling. Split one serving with your partner and add another vegetable side dish for a healthy alternative. I omitted salt in lieu of herbs.

ROLLED FILLETS OF CHICKEN

Ingredients:

1 pkg. Stove Top Chicken Stuffing

2 stalks celery, diced

2 cups chicken broth

1/4 teaspoon rosemary

1/4 teaspoon sage

1/4 teaspoon thyme

1/4 teaspoon parsley

4 chicken breasts

1 cup baby carrots

1 cup chopped celery

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°. In a medium pan, bring one cup chicken broth and seasonings to a boil. Add stuffing mix and diced celery. Mix, cover, and set aside for 5 minutes. Flatten chicken breasts with a rolling pin. Fill with stuffing and roll up. Place seam side down in covered casserole dish. Sprinkle herbs on top. Surround chicken with celery and carrots. Add one cup of chicken broth to the bottom of the dish to keep it from going dry. Cover tightly. Bake for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove lid and butter tops of chicken. Then sprinkle with parsley. Bake 5 minutes longer uncovered.

*The pan drippings can be made into gravy or simply spoon the juice over the chicken for a moist finish.

Dining Outside the Home: The Fish Express in Lihue, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: The Fish Express in Lihue, Kauai! If you’re looking for a quick bite of incredibly fresh fish, spicy ahi, batter-fried butterfly shrimp, or seasoned seafood, make a pit stop at The Fish Express near the Lihue Airport. No matter the time of day, people can be seen standing around outside leaning against the building or sitting in the shade with a styrofoam container propped in one hand and a fork in the other. Once inside the door of this carry-out eatery, you’ll be blown away by the multitude of choices available in the glass showcase. No worries. Try anything that looks yummy. But you better hurry. If you dilly-dally too long, the person beside you might snatch it up. The staff is an old hand at getting people through the line f-a-s-t. Affordable Bento boxes are placed on the edge of the counter near the register as a convenient add-on. Do it. Throw a couple bucks in the Tip Jar. As you’re driving away, don’t be surprised if you find yourself cracking open a container to nibble on its contents. “It’s fresh off da boat.”