cocktails

Dining Outside the Home: Bobby V’s Italian Restaurant in Kapaa, Kauai 

Dining Outside the Home: Bobby V’s Italian Restaurant in Kapaa, Kauai!  Change is constant on the tropical island of Kauai. But change is often for the better. If you ask the staff at Bobby V’s about their new location in the Coconut Market Place, you’ll get a hearty laugh and a cheerful nod. Not only is the new location more spacious, to accommodate its growing customer base, but the outdoor garden seating offers the island atmosphere with free entertainment. Don’t be surprised if you catch sight of an ancient hula dance or Hawaiian singer performing on the Coconut Market Place center stage. But back to the menu at Bobby V’s. Italian appetizers get things started while deciding between stuffed calzones, antipasto salads, hand-tossed pizzas, or dinner entrees. My opinion? I’m glad you asked. The Bianca Pizza loaded with three cheeses and drizzled with olive oil was superb. The husband added pepperoni for good measure. See what I mean about customer service? That’s why at Bobby V’s they say, “The best way to someone’s heart is through their stomach.” Buon Appetito!

Dining Outside the Home: Mariachi’s Mexican Restaurant in Kapaa, Kauai 

Dining Outside the Home: Mariachi’s Mexican Restaurant in Kapaa, Kauai!  Twice the taste, second to none. Mariachi’s Mexican Restaurant is a very popular place on Kauai. Perhaps that is why there are two convenient locations on the East Shore. On the main drag of Old Town Kapaa, Mariachi’s is at the center of activity. You can’t miss the brightly colored building. Grab a window seat for people-watching and open air. Pay no attention to the birds that flap their wings. They know how to behave. Before the tortilla chips and tomato salsa disappear, a sizzling platter of crazy fajitas arrives to take its place. No worries. There’s plenty of food to share at a table for two. Bienvenidos!

Dining Outside the Home: Oasis on the Beach in Kapaa, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Oasis on the Beach in Kapaa, Kauai!  A restaurant with an ocean view may hold you spellbound and lure you back for a return visit. Oasis on the Beach is like that, especially when coupled with live entertainment. It wouldn’t be Hawaii without the jangly sounds of ukulele music, breathtaking sunsets, and food so fresh you expect to see it growing next door. With a master chef at the helm, expect creative dishes beyond imagination. This is Paradise. 

Dining Outside the Home: JO2 Natural Cuisine in Kapaa, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: JO2 Natural Cuisine in Kapaa, Kauai!  Step across the threshold of this clean, crisp restaurant and you will find the atmosphere extraordinary. Peruse the specialized menu. There is little doubt the French chef will create anything less than a masterpiece, using nature’s freshest ingredients arranged on a plate. Your eyes will feast on the artistic presentation before a forkful of food ever touches your lips. Take it slow to appreciate every bite. Linger between Appetizer and Entrée, giving yourself time for quiet conversation over signature cocktails. Perhaps you’ll share a nibble of super sweet Baby Corn grown exclusively on the island. Or a taste of Mushroom Risotto lashed into perfection with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and sea salted French butter. Do you see where I’m going with this? Make dining at JO2 an experience to remember. After all, the colorful palette is designed especially for you. Bon Appétit!

Dining Outside the Home: Oasis on the Beach in Kapaa, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Oasis on the Beach in Kapaa, Kauai!  Sea breezes embrace dancing palm trees as if hula movements come naturally to everything on the East Shore of Kauai. At the Oasis on the Beach, an open-air restaurant, the view is as jaw-dropping as the food on the plate. Experience the catch-of-the-day surrounded by fresh ingredients from local farmers. Your taste buds will be amazed at the flavor explosion in your mouth from citrus star fruit to white flower broccoli. Everything is edible. Taste and see. 

Dining Outside the Home: JJ’s Broiler in Lihue, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: JJ’s Broiler in Lihue, Kauai!  When visiting a tropical island, it’s not unusual to expect fresh fish daily as well as locally-grown ingredients. Open the menu at JJ’s Broiler and see. “Voted Island’s Best” Fish and Chips is a natural choice, in my opinion. A generous platter of Pacific Mahi Mahi engulfed in a crispy beer batter coating is paired with seasoned french fries for a salty crunch that does not disappoint. The house tartar sauce is a nice complement. Take advantage of the spectacular ocean view. Dine on the outdoor terrace for an open-air experience. Ignore the feathered friends wandering around. They simply cannot resist a crumb or two that has fallen to the ground. 

Dining Outside the Home: Garden Island Grille in Old Kōloa Town, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Garden Island Grille in Old Kōloa Town, Kauai!  Ramble down the boardwalk of Old Kōloa Town to where you see remnants of the theatre that once was the social gathering spot of the community. Follow the signs to the Garden Island Grille which now occupies an old plantation site some still believe is visited by lingering spirits. Now a restaurant that specializes in seafood and fresh island fish, the Garden Island Grille features fresh island-grown products, including organic cocktails. Sample the Seared Ahi seasoned with volcanic spices and pickled ginger. Move on to the fish tacos, lightly grilled corn tortilla shells stuffed with the catch of the day, shredded cabbage, and chipotle-lime sauce. Yum. Stick around for the live entertainment. It’s worth another round of plum sugar-rimmed margaritas. 

Dining Outside the Home: Kalapaki Joe’s Sports Bar in Lihue, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Kalapaki Joe’s Sports Bar in Lihue, Kauai!  Known as the “Westernmost Sports Bar in the U.S.”, it is a favorite gathering place for fun and entertainment. And the extensive menu is pretty tasty, too. I chose Ahi tuna seasoned with a toasted sesame furikake, then grilled to perfection and laid on a bed of shredded cabbage and white rice. Feel the kick? That’s wasabi cream, you’re newest addiction. Don’t hate me. These volcanic spices are what makes this plate an island favorite. Come early, relax, chat a bit, and take advantage of Happy Hour specials before the crowd sets in and the games begin. Well done, Kalapaki Joe’s. 

Fairmont Banff Springs is Real-Life Castle

Fairmont Banff Springs is Real-Life Castle! In childhood fairytales and adolescent dreams there’s always a knight in shining armor who lives in a castle in the mountains. Ladies, I’m here to tell you such a place exists. I know because I have been there. In fact, the Fairmont Banff Springs is known as the “Castle in the Rockies” located at the edge of the quaint alpine village of Banff, Alberta, Canada. With its attention to detail, sophisticated respectability, luxurious furnishings, and majestic views, is it any wonder it continues to attract celebrities and royalty from all over the world? Feel free to wander aimlessly throughout its tapestried halls and winding staircases. At the end of the day, you may find yourself in the romantic alcove of Rundle Lounge sipping hand-crafted cocktails overlooking a manicured garden or spacious terrace. Just remember to bring your own Prince Charming.