culture

Palatable Possibilities

Many areas of the country offer walking tours to get acquainted with history as well as attractions, restaurants, and shopping. Culinary tours have become a popular thing, too. Think about it. Cities have always been multicultural. People move in and bring with them family customs, lifestyle traditions, and amazing comfort food. Before long festivals celebrating ethic heritage are long-established and popular. People share recipes, our sense of taste is enhanced, and cravings set in with mental appreciation. Perhaps this is why some of us eat to live and live to eat. Amirite? So many foods and ingredients can be substituted to appeal to each lifestyle and palate. It’s all about the possibilities, ideas, and balance. I encourage you to make substitutions in the recipes I offer without sacrificing taste. I do it all the time; you can, too.

Some of my posts have been favored by the “Food Network” on Twitter (Snapshotsincursive @DornaGail) as well as Ina Garten’s The Barefoot Contessa, on Instagram (gail _dorna). You can even find me on Pinterest at Gail Dorna. I’d love to connect with you there as well. I also met Chef Michelle Tribble of Hell’s Kitchen reality cooking show. Fun times. Experience different flavors and textures one bite at a time. Catch a glimpse of “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: Palatable Possibilities!” This remarkable journey of the palate is unique because it gives me a few moments with you. Thanks very much to all of my guests and followers on http://snapshotsincursive.com for the uplifting support, award nominations, and moving words of encouragement.

Oasis on the Beach in Kapaa, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Oasis on the Beach in Kapaa, Kauai! No, the rooster isn’t the host…he just thinks he is. If he could speak, he would probably recommend the catch-of-the-day and lead you to a table outside where the view is simply mesmerizing. The staff at Oasis on the Beach focuses on quality of ingredients by using local growers and fishermen for diversity in cultures as well as flavor. For example, the Pork Wonton appetizer is complemented by a spicy ginger soy sauce for dipping. Pair it with the Okinawan Sweet Potato Wrap for something new and different. The roasted peppers and charred onions enhance the creamy texture of the Hawaiian sweet potato. You can’t get flavor like this on the mainland. Choose your next meal at a place that stays true to their mission statement of sustainability.

Lowcountry is Whole Other World

Take a seat on the balcony to greet the indescribable sunrise as joggers leave footprints in the sand on an invigorating morning run. Catch a bird’s eye view of yoga enthusiasts communing with nature, enriching body and soul. Meticulous gardeners groom ornamental flower beds with flawless precision for an impeccable stroll on the way to the pool. Marvel at rich island history, native culture, local artwork, Lowcountry cuisine, and beachfront recreation pressed into twelve miles of nonstop beauty along the Atlantic Ocean. This million dollar view is as pristine as a tropical paradise. Welcome to Hilton Head Island, a South Carolina resort town and coastal haven for the travel enthusiast. 

Catch a Glimpse of Ancient Hawaiian Culture in Torch Lighting Ceremony 

The muscular native Kauaiian, dressed in traditional garb, slowly raised a scalloped conch shell to his lips as the audience at the Marriott Beach Resort held their breath in silent anticipation. A trumpet-like fanfare filled the air at the natural beachfront stage where ocean waves rushed to meet the sandy shore. An attractive female native, in a flowing Polynesian skirt, green leafy leis, and Kukui nut shell necklace, sat nearby on the grassy knoll. Gentle drum beats engaged melodic songs swaying the beautiful sinuous hula dancer to her feet. Rhythmic hip movements, accompanied by floating hand gestures, matched the drumming performance. Together they seemed to cast a magical flow that touched each heart. As the history unfolded, the contemporary hula dance of Kahiko (ancient) told a story that left an imprint on all who caught a glimpse of this exceptional dance form.