Friday, December 31, 2010

Hanalei Dolphin - Hanalei, HI

Hanalei had a lot of night time choices for dinner but I had heard from numerous people that "The Dolphin" was the one place we could not miss. I browsed the menu and thought it sounded tasty but was not blown away by any of the descriptions... Boy, was I about to be proved wrong!

Tasty Pina Coladas for two. They were so milky, sweet and delicious that we could only handle one. So dessert like!

I was given the reins to order appetizers and so I looked over the menu. Then came our waiter, Brandt. He said he would take over the ordering for us, it seemed weird at the time but he brought out the most fantastic appetizer I have ever had. Listen to Brandt, he knows his stuff! ORDER THE RAINBOW POKE MARTINI! Premium cuts of Tuna, Salmon, White Fish and avocado served atop sushi rice with this super, spicy wasabi sauce drizzled on top and at the bottom of the glass.



Brandt then recommend two types of fish: the Walu and the Teriyaki Ahi. The first one sold me it is also known as Hawaiian butter fish, rich, oily and buttery white meat. HEAVEN! Served with drawn butter and Prosciutto and Mozzarella wrapped Asparagus. Next up, Teriyaki Ahi, the house specialty for over thirty years. Ahi steak marinated in their homemade teriyaki and then charbroiled medium rare served with drawn butter. Geez, too good.

I cannot say enough good things about this place. Great setting, service and knockout food. I have not felt this way about a restaurant in a long time, it sure gave Lucky's a run for it's money. If ever in Kauai you have to make time to check this place out, you will not be disappointed!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

The Hanalei Gourmet - Hanalei, HI

The Hanalei Gourmet seemed like the happening spot to have lunch so we went twice! The place is small so be prepared to wait or sit outside on the deck. Either way it is worth the wait.

I tried the Seafood Chowder. It was pretty good. I could tell that my friends butter and cream were at the party so I was one happy girl. Hawaiians sure love their butter!

What is a restaurant experience without crab cakes? Lots of peppers in the mix so it cut down the crab to mouth ratio. The pineapple aioli was worth the wait. Yum.

Fish and chips. My two favorite things on a plate: fried and seafood. this was mahi mahi and totally big, fresh chunks of fish with a light, crisp batter really sealed the deal. So delicious.

And a good old Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Nothing crazy just all together filling and good for you! Minus those tasty fries. They tasted like they were double fried. I love that...

All in all, good solid place to through back some lunch. For dinner head to The Dolphin, watch for my next post to knock your socks off!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Java Kai - Hanalei Bay, HI

One of the coolest things about Hanalei Bay was the method of travel, by beach cruiser. Everything was just a short peddle away!

I noticed that this coffee house was jumpin' the first morning we were there. By the second day I wanted to see what all the hype was about. This place was great! I ordered the Macadamia Waffles - omg. I asked for more butter and syrup - what is wrong with me? I also had the Snakebite coffee which was: coffee, with extra espresso, half and half, whipped cream and a shot of raspberry syrup! Total heaven. Scott ordered a bacon, egg, lettuce and tomato sandwich on toasted with a side of fresh fruit. Just amazing. Well recommended.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Scotty's BBQ - Kapa'a, HI

Scotty's overlooked the ocean. Pretty beautiful right?

In a mood for an island brew, we went with Kona Brewery - Fire Rock. Kona is all you can pretty much order on the island.


These are the fish dippers, made for cuts of mahi mahi. They reminded me of chicken nuggets. The sauce they served them with was SPICY! Wow... another beer please?


There is nothing like a good Pulled Pork on a lazy afternoon. Let me just say, anything pork related on Kauai was wonderful! The pigs must be eating good there. The beans were just ok.

All in all, an easy little place to run into and grab a bite. Not the best but it is worth a stop for a drink with that amazing view!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Lure Fish House - Camarillo, CA

I have always known when I don't eat something every couple hours I get grouchy. I mean, really grumpy, evil - not much fun to be around. So, when I saw the Lure Fish House located off the highway, I demanded to stop in and get some calories in. You know how much I love fish!

I thought the inside was super chic. Think Hampton's Beach house.

Skinny Girl Margarita? Yes, please!

Hunt for the best Clam Chowder is always on my mind... And this stuff was great! Seriously good. I wish I got a bowl, I am going back for more!

Grilled Mahi Mahi, also known as Dorado. Very healthy but left me wanting something more. I was a little hungry. More chowder please!

Fish Tacos were amazing! Very tasty. I tried them myself. Two thumbs up!!

The salad was large but not that tasty. The calamari was cold and tasted like it had been cooked maybe the day or days before. Bummer, that was supposed to be the best part!!

Hot Fudge Sundae was as tasty as promised. Yum yum.

cute restaurant. Very cool atmosphere. The dinner menu looked like it was better than lunch so I will be back. A Fish House is always fun to explore. The drink menu was fun too. They had a Watermelon martini to try - I will be back!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Off to Kauai...

Off to Hawaii, see you in a week!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Yamamori Sushi - Scotts Valley, CA

Ok. Go to Scotts Valley... maybe fill up your car at the local Pacific Pride. That is always a good idea! But after, go straight to Yamamori Sushi Boat & Grill for some fresh eats.

Then order the LOBSTER LOBSTER ROLL. So delicous.
Lobster inside, lobster on top - makes for a fantastic roll. The sauce really pulls it all together. My only suggestion? Ask them to leave off the cream cheese, save the calories on maybe another roll! Ha.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Suzanne's Cuisine - Ojai, CA

There are just some places that you have to review twice, three times and probably more times than necessary just so I can go back and eat their wonderful food. Welcome to Suzanne's Cuisine in the beautiful town of Ojai. Christmas spirit has touched down and the restaurant decor reflected just that.

The wine ordering was left up to Cowboy Ron. He always knows what is best and last night he did not disappoint. Being pinot fans, he ordered one from his backyard - Flowers. Very fruity and light. I enjoyed it more and more as the night went on.

You know when there is soup on the menu Melissa Good Taste just has to try it. It was a dilemma deciding which one to order because the options were: mushroom bisque or butternut puree. I went with the butternut, I am a sucker for squash! I made the right decision, it sure was tasty. It is amazing what a little additional salt did for the soup, just made it sweeter - the reverse effect. Anyhow it was a smash, Scott also ordered it and enjoyed every last drop.

I made a promise to myself if I ever saw butterfish on the menu, anywhere, I would order it. I saw a Food Network special awhile back and they were raving on the moist, tender and succulent butterfish. Low and behold, Suzanne's had it! Served on a bed of jasmine rice with miso sauce as a swimming pool of deliciousness. I was in heaven. I would just like to send a shout out to the ocean for supplying my tummy with such yummy treats.

Scott wasn't feeling like fish, beef or chicken so he went the vegetarian route just like a good Ojai native should. Rigatoni with tomato, zucchini, basil, crushed red chile and feta cheese rounded out this traditional Italian meal. I have to say the photo makes me quite hungry.

Cowboy Ron ordered a special of Short Ribs served over penne pasta. He made sure the gravy was up to par before he ordered and the server ensured that it was. He was not disappointed. Sounded like we all were happy campers! The wine flowed and we ended up ordering anther bottle, Zinfandel for round two. It was much more hearty than the pinot but delicious all the same. Another beautiful meal at Suzanne's Cuisine, another one for the books!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

December is here!

It is starting to look a lot like Christmas!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Raking leaves...

Did you know that raking leaves burns 240 calories an hour?

Good Morning Ojai!

Thanksgiving 2010

I love my family!

Mom, Duke and Nanny

Brother, James and Dad.

Stylish sister, Jennifer.


Mingling.


Nanny, Cousin Allison, Uncle Charles and Aunt Carolyn


Table for 24


Aunt Tricia and Aunt Carolyn


Melissa Good Taste and John, bro-in-law.


Cousin Robert and Aunt Kathy



Jennifer and John

Cousins: Allison and Heather

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Reading food blogs...

Read this now! So many good soup recipes! The cold weather has me chilled to the bone and I am so excited!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Enjoy Cupcakes - Los Olivos, CA

Don't they all look so beautiful? I couldn't just pick one. So, I got mini versions of them all! Oh my. I will pay for this one. Terrific frosting, it pretty much tasted like butter - one of my favorite things ever.

Shop 'til you drop...

Back At The Ranch in Santa Ynez and Tin Roof Boutique in Los Olivos are dangerous! Too many cute things. I came, I saw and dropped some dough. There was a sale! What was a girl to do?!

Dos Carlitos - Santa Ynez, CA


Welcome to a totally chic Mexican joint in downtown Santa Ynez. When seated at your table you are greeted with tasty salsa with plenty of fresh cilantro (my personal favorite) a black bean and corn relish next to a basket of fresh chips. Perfect start.

It had been a chilly, rainy day weekend so a nice hot bowl of Pork Pozole really hit the spot. Of course I garnished it with more cilantro to encourage a fresh flavor. The broth was soothing and warmed me up from the inside out. The pork cook have been a bit more tender but that is my only critique. Would have loved a fresh fruit margarita but I was on the road! Maybe next time when I can stay awhile.