travel

Dining Outside the Home: Sal’s by Victor Italian Restaurant in Williamsburg, Virginia 

Dining Outside the Home: Sal’s by Victor Italian Restaurant in Williamsburg, Virginia. The authentic Italian homemade pizza is just the tip of the iceberg on this extensive menu of Sicilian favorites. The warm glow of Tuscany reflects artwork from Venice and beyond. Never mind that the natural flow of Italian conversation lingers against a backdrop of regional classic music. Everyone is family here and the food proves it. That’s amoré!

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia in Bloom

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia in Bloom. Trees are budding, flowers are awakening from underground slumber, sunshine beckons those outdoors to sit and revel in the beauty of Spring. A picnic lunch from The Cheese Shop provides mile high sandwiches, loaded with quality ingredients, on freshly baked breads for dining al fresco. Well done, Colonial Williamsburg!

The Mystical Island of Kauai 

“You have a spiritual connection to the island”, I was told by a native. “I can feel it. I see it in your eyes. It’s what keeps you coming back.” Those words pierced my soul. Perhaps it was the grand untouchable beauty in every direction that captivated me. Or the fact that Nature reappeared with an enduring vengeance for life from what was once nothing more than molten lava. The tropical vegetation is practically surreal in its perfection. Maybe it’s the harmony between the tangible benefits of sunshine and the intangible belief in allegorical legends. For all one knows, it may be the sudden and unexpected appearance of a vibrant rainbow. Or the freedom of spirit, the passion for life, the gratitude for blessings, and the nourishment of body. Kauai is tranquility; it is passion; it is exotic; it is hopeful. But most of all, Kauai is like taking a walk with Our Heavenly Father in the Garden of Eden. 

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

Dining Outside the Home: JJ’s Broiler in Lihue, Kauai. Not your typical sports bar and restaurant. Maybe it’s the oceanfront dining by candlelight that makes it unique. Or it could be the incredible French Onion Soup served as if it came directly from a Paris café. Most guys would say it’s the generous cut of Prime Rib, garlic-rubbed, served nightly with your favorite beverage in front of several high-definition TV screens. The bottom line is this: The food is great, the location is a bonus, and the sports are thrown in for good measure. Everyone Wins!

It’s Not as Easy as it Looks

People on vacation take to the water like a school of fish. The trouble is, they’re still learning. Instructors make surfing sound so easy, forgetting it becomes second nature to them. A young couple stood at the water’s edge, ankle deep in sand, both bending over struggling independently with their own contoured surfboard. As we rambled by cutting through the waves and kicking sand up on our heels, Gerald nudged my elbow and said, “Look. Did you see that? She’s fallen out of her top.” I turned back to see, and there she was exerting all kinds of frustrated energy trying to get that surfboard to cooperate against the waves. Her bikini top had slid down under one breast which left it dangling like a piece of ripe fruit begging to be picked. Her partner seemed oblivious to her failed attempts of coercing the massive board into the water, let alone her bare breast flashing around for all the beachcombers to admire, since he was involved in his own tug-of-war with the tide. Suddenly she looked down, screamed obscenities, and raced ashore to restore things to their proper order. The last we saw of her, she was standing under a palm tree making amends as her partner stood at the seashore harnessing two surfboards between him. Four words of wisdom flashed through my mind for women who plan to take up surfing: one-piece bathing suit. 

Dining Outside the Home: Eating House 1849 in Poipu, Kauai 

Dining Outside the Home: Eating House 1849 in Poipu, Kauai. Paying homage to one of the first restaurants on the island in the mid 19th century was easy. Hawaii’s abundant blend of local flavor came from neighboring farmers, fishermen, and ranchers. And it’s still true today. If you build it, they will come. Word of mouth sent us on a quest for the Hapa Burger. Never heard of it? Me either. It’s a combination of grilled lean beef, wild boar, and Portuguese sausage. The robust burger is built with a mountain of condiments that require two skewers to contain it for that first juicy bite. You may appreciate a swig of Moscow Mule served in a frosted copper mug to wash things down. The seasoned edamame snackers provided a salty crunch before dinner arrived. A respectable nod goes to Peter Fernandez, one of the original culinary chefs from 1849. His inspirational quote is painted on the wall. It says, “Esposa feliz, vida feliz”, which means “Happy wife, happy life.” Truer words were never spoken. 

Dining Outside the Home: The Dolphin Restaurant, Fish Market and Sushi Lounge in Poipu, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: The Dolphin Restaurant, Fish Market and Sushi Lounge in Poipu, Kauai. We accidentally found a pleasant diversion on Kauai’s South Shore one afternoon while waiting for another restaurant to open their doors for dinner. The sunny lanai at The Dolphin Restaurant offered outdoor seating for a magnificent sunset and nostalgic ambience where people mingled in relaxed conversation. Fragrant tropical flowers soften the nautical theme splashed throughout. We wet our whistles on a tasty Ginger Rita infused with Grand Marnier. The shrimp appetizer, from local waters, was served with a homemade cocktail sauce to spice things up a bit. This place definitely deserves a double-take. 

On Golden Pond: The Nā Pali Coast

For the biggest white gold sandy beach in Kauai, offering a panoramic view from sea to coast, you must be determined to make the road trip real. Everything is fine until you hit the state park sign at the end of Highway 50. The arrow points west and promises to be nothing less than tough for another four miles. I have witnessed discouraged tourists reverse direction and head back to solid ground. I have also witnessed rental cars broken down. The old sugar cane road is unpaved, extremely bumpy with deep ruts, and a single lane trail of sand at best. And that’s if it hasn’t rained in awhile. But the adventurous spirit must know no bounds. You know you have arrived when the landscape beyond the windshield joins mountain and beach in an unforgettable breath-taking view. Forget cell phone coverage. Radio station signals are nil. And unless you park at the end, beyond Queen’s Pond, no facilities are available. On the endlessly long and wide beach, sweeping sand dunes and clusters of lava rock, are washed with powerful white-capped waves that roar like a coalition of male lions. And this is Paradise. You have arrived!

Dining Outside the Home: Kalaheo Café and Coffee Company in Kalaheo, Kauai 

Dining Outside the Home: Kalaheo Café and Coffee Company in Kalaheo, Kauai. “Aloha. Please pick up a menu, choose a table where you wish to dine, and then come up to the counter to place your order. You’re in coffee country now”, chirped an energetic waitress in corked platform heels. From the ship-lapped walls to the peak of the cathedral ceiling, this upcountry café featured oodles of local art. And the aromas kick-started my taste buds for a hearty breakfast. The House Specialty boasted the “Bagel Benny” in a single or double serving. My heartstrings were pulling me toward the bakery items where the griddle wafted the essence of vanilla buttermilk pancakes. Add fresh fruit and two slices of meat. Yes, please!