history

All Aboard: Grand Central Station, NYC

No matter the day or hour, people can be seen flocking in droves to New York City’s Grand Central Terminal. It’s hard to imagine the doors formally opened to the public in 1913. As the first “stairless” station, gradual sloping ramps accommodate even the tiniest toddler at its mother’s hem to the elder traveler with a cane. The main concourse is flanked by gigantic glass window panes and classical architecture. Stop for a moment and look up at the gilded arched ceiling. Notice the astronomical phenomenon made up of 2500 stars. And that’s not all. With 60 retail shops and 35 eateries, this impressive landmark is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is considered the world’s most visited tourist attraction. 

Take a Walk on Hanalei Pier

The scenic view on the North Shore of Kauai is right out of a Hollywood movie. And that film is the 1957 Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, “South Pacific”. The Hanalei Pier was originally built in 1892, when it was used to transport taro and rice to Honolulu. Made of wood at that time, it became too difficult to maintain the pier in a tropical climate. Thus, it was replaced with a concrete finger deck and a framed shed roof in the 1940s until Hurricane Iniki damaged the 340-foot pier beyond use in 1992. Today, the local history and its iconic charm continue to lure curiosity seekers as well as vacationers and beach lovers. Hanalei Bay is the largest on the island of Kauai with its 2-mile long crescent moon and white sandy beach. Known to natives as Black Pot Beach, it can be seen littered with avid fisherman, energetic surfers, carefree picnickers, and leisurely landlubbers. We mustn’t forget the romantic lovebirds who stroll to the end of the pier, gaze into each other’s eyes, share a wet kiss, and then snap a Selfie against the opulent aqua-blue waters. Hanalei Pier does Hollywood proud. 

Dining Outside the Home: Gaylord’s at Kilohana in Lihue, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Gaylord’s at Kilohana in Lihue, Kauai!  Nothing compares to an enchanting plantation sprawling with cool island breezes, fragrant foliage, flirting dragonflies, and a tropical Hawaiian buffet that’s easy like Sunday morning. Gaze upon the lush landscape where children frolic, beyond the terrace, on the estate lawn. Romantic music fills the air with cello music soothing the soul that can make a wise man weep; especially Pachelbel’s Canon in D which brings back memories of wedding day bliss. Who hasn’t felt that before? Kudos to Diane Rubio for being spot on. Gaylord’s Sunday Brunch offers healthy farm fresh selections as well as Polynesian favorites. Choose wisely. Whatever the craving, pace yourself. The bounty continues long after you’ve had your fill. 

This is Where it All Began for the Old Kōloa Sugar Mill

Take a step back in time, circa 1800, where a lush and fertile land along the southern coast of Kauai housed a sugar plantation that sustained an entire island. The Old Kōloa Sugar Mill was born. King Kamehameha III reigned supremely when Christian missionaries came with a message to share. Because the Native Hawaiians preferred fishing and living off the land, it was necessary to maintain a sustainable workforce. Thus, Chinese flocked to Kauai to work, in addition to Japanese, Koreans, and Filipinos. The Old Sugar Mill of Kōloa quickly relocated from the town to 980 acres near a waterfall and seaport. At the current site it became a large-scale industry, producing 225,000 tons of sugar in 1898. “This is where it all began” is splashed across the rusted and decaying abandoned storage bin as a reminder that everything must come to an end. Now what stands is a shell of deteriorating remains. Still, 161 years is a good run. 

The Return of Nippon Maru: A Japanese Sailing Vessel

Standing on the shore, gazing out to sea, if you looked hard, put an open palm across your brow, and really squinted, you could see it. Like a mirage in the desert, it seemed to appear before fading into hazy white light. Blink. There is was again. Beyond reason, if seeing is believing, then it had to be a ghost ship of some sort, gliding back and forth on the horizon, but never approaching land. Until it did. A military intelligence service veteran, standing on the jetty wall of Nawiliwili Harbor, proclaimed “She’s actually coming in.” The Nippon Maru II, a 1930 four-masted Japanese training vessel, was about to dock after 21 long days at sea. The last time it had visited the island of Kauai was in 1983. As if awestruck, tourists and Native Hawaiians stood as still as marble statues. They gaped in wonder when the buoyant museum slid into Pier 2. The familiar white rectangular flag, with a bright red disc in the center, identified its country with pride. Word is after its return to Japan in 1984, it became a permanent landmark docked in Yokohama Harbor. During its service, it had logged over 45 trips around the world and brought up 11,500 cadets. Historical. Just as gallantly as the Nippon Maru II arrived, two days later, the prestigious training ship with its four giant masts, solid wooden decks, and thick knotted ropes guided its way back out to sea. The energetic sailors, dressed in crisp white uniforms, scaled the nautical rope ladders with ease. From every position they heartily waved their arms at the crowd. Shouts and cheers of farewell billowed on the trade winds. Then with imperial majesty, the Nippon Maru II slid out of sight without ever unfurling its mighty sails. 

Dining Outside the Home: The Merchant House in Greenville, Ohio

Dining Outside the Home: The Merchant House in Greenville, Ohio! Centuries ago in the town where the famed sharp-shooter Annie Oakley lived, an 1880s merchant building was the hub of all activity providing supplies and groceries for its patrons. Today that historical building still stands and has been transformed into the town’s newest eatery, The Merchant House. Much of the building’s character has been a labor of love. Decorative tin tiles adorn the ceiling, majestic architectural columns divide seating areas, and antique brick walls boldly offset black and white murals. The menu features smoked barbecue, deep dish pizzas, specialty salads, two-handed sandwiches, gourmet desserts, and local craft beers. Farm-to-table ingredients are a plus. For casual family dining and live entertainment, The Merchant House is spot on. 

Dining Outside the Home: Gaylord’s at Kilohana in Lihue, Kauai 

Dining Outside the Home: Gaylord’s at Kilohana in Lihue, Kauai. Envision a table for two at the edge of a shaded limestone patio where tropical flora bloom within sight and the fragrance of hibiscus is only inches away. Now envision being carried away to an historic plantation estate as melodic Hawaiian music fills the air while a farm-to-table brunch is offered to its guests. Seared Ahi Eggs Benedict takes center stage as a multitude of side dishes serve to compliment. Prosciutto tarts, savory meats, sweet breads, and fresh fruits are only a few of the temptations beautifully arranged on scalloped platters or kept piping hot for ultimate flavor. If you appreciate historical romance and elegant dining, step into the island’s glorious past while enjoying a culinary experience of present day. 

Dining Away From Home: The Coffee Pot and Bear’s Mill

Just across the state line off of Route 121 through a bucolic stretch of rolling farmlands sits the historic town of Greenville in Darke County. (The Wild West star and folk hero, Annie Oakley, got her roots in this area.) Many of the buildings are as original in character as they are rich in personality. Take the “Coffee Pot”, for instance. They serve seriously good espresso and decadent desserts to share! It’s enough to rev up your engine and keep you going for a trip down the road to a functioning gristmill dating back to 1849. At “Bear’s Mill”, I keep supplied with fresh cornmeal ground on the original French buhr stones powered by water from the Greenville Creek. This is the same yellow cornmeal used in recipes from Gail’s Kitchen and featured often in “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet”. Some things are really worth the trip!