Kauai
November 24-28, 2005FOOD
Gaylord’s Plantation
Well, I should qualify this with saying that we went to this well-known and popular restaurant/plantation on Thanksgiving. The wait - even with reservation - was interminable. Yes, there’s a gift shop (with items you can get at Hilo Hattie’s for ¼ of the price) and lovely grounds, but that only kills about 15 min. And for Thanksgiving there was a pre-set menu, and it wasn’t even Thanksgiving dinner with an island flair. It was turkey and stuffing. The service was horrible and the food mediocre. And even though this is renowned for its romantic ambience, with the overbooked crowd and stressed-out wait staff, the energy was anything but lazy, quiet and romantic. I would certainly be up for trying Gaylord’s on a non-holiday day. http://www.gaylordskauai.com/
Casa Di Amici 2301 Nalo Rd., Poipu , 742-1555
This was recommended by our host at the B&B. Casa Di Amici is mid-sized restaurant in a quiet neighborhood, and has has a very low-key vibe for such a sophisticated menu. While the diners inside the restaurant enjoyed the music provided by a piano player, we were seated on the veranda. The deck had only 5-6 tables, and we very much enjoyed the romantic evening, idyllic balmy island weather, as well as an unexpected - but charming - visitor . . . a gecko! We started with salad and appetizer: Shrimp and Ahi Thai Sticks with Wasabi Aioli, Sweet Thai Chili Sauce, and Peanut Vinaigrette served with Namasu and the Salade Mesclun with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette, Toasted Almonds and Sonoma Goat Cheese. We each had the same entrée - the Lobster Tails Poached in a White Truffle Sauce with Fresh Carrots, Zucchini, Tomato, and Peas served on Farfalle. Each dish was superb; however, dessert was truly the Star. We threw caution to the winds and ordered the baked Hawai'i: a chocolate-macadamia-nut brownie topped with coconut and passion-fruit sorbet and Italian meringue. We were stuffed, but could not leave one bite. Lastly, we found our server to be courteous and prompt (but not overbearing) and very knowledgeable about the food. I would give Casa Di Amici my highest rating.
LODGINGS
Lawai: Strawberry Guava Bed and Breakfast
My husband and I stayed at the Strawberry Guava for 3 days and 4 nights, and we highly recommend it for anyone who dislikes the idea of staying at a large, impersonal uber-touristy place while visiting Kauai. The Strawberry Guava exemplifies the characteristics which set Kauai apart from its larger counterparts, Maui and Oahu. Ben and Traci were wonderful hosts. Traci made fantastic breakfasts and is a wealth of information about the island - just ask her about the great hikes in Waimea Canyon. The B&B is located close enough to the beaches, canyon and restaurants, but away from the hustle and bustle. It gave you the feeling of being in a little mini-paradise up in the mountains - the view from our bedroom was spectacular. So I say bail out on the antiseptic flavorless Hyatt and stay at this charming, family-feeling little B&B to experience a more authentic slice of Kauai.http://homepages.hawaiian.net/lauria/
posted by Fatty @ 11:57 AM
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