During a recent trip to one of my all time favorite places – MIAMI – I had a chance to reconnect with and old friend who went from being a LAWYER to now following in his father’s footsteps as a FARMER! Watch this inspirational interview with Jesse Capote
And watch this one if you want to laugh “at” me and learn the difference between an AVOCADO and a COCONUT. Do you know the difference?
Big thanks to Jesse and J&C Tropicals down in Miami. Definitely check out their website if you’re curious about tropical fruits and veggies. Their website has gorgeous pictures, descriptions and recipes!
Here are my favorites from my first time to Hawaii. We went to Maui and I finally understand what the “big deal” was about the beautiful islands. I can’t wait to go back!
Banyan Tree at Courthouse Square, Lahaina: The Banyan Tree located was brought to Maui from India when the tree was a mere eight-feet tall. Today, you can climb, linger and dream on it as someone snaps our picture. It’s really majestic.
Mama’s Fish Housewas simply amazing. It was comparable to Gary Danko’s, but set on a quiet beach on the North Shore of Maui as opposed to the foggy Wharf in San Francisco. The second I left I began to think of the moment I’d be back. I understand and agree with everyone who told me it was “a must.”
Coconuts Fish Cafe: Delicious fish tacos with fresh mango salsa!! I want some now! Only draw back is that the restaurant lacks atmosphere, but who cares when the fish tacos are good.
Foodland Supermarket (the best POKE): The Poke bar at Foodland’s Market was so LEGIT!!! There were at least 1/2 dozen different kinds of fresh, delicious, big pieces of Poke. Best of all was that a generous amount over fresh rice was only $4.99! One of the best dinners we had was when we hit the Foodland Poke Bar and packed a picnic on the beach before sunset.
Road to Hana: Worth it only to arrive at the Seven Sacred pools, past Hana, and then discovering Laulima Farm just beyond. The tiny Laulima Farm was by far the best discovery on Maui for me! The fresh banana bread and organic shakes (that you blend yourself by peddling a stationary bike) easily become imprinted in your mind as something so special yet simple. Update Days after my visit, I read that the tiny farm was shut down because they did not apply for proper permits after serving people for years. This is a sad loss!! Here’s a post from the Maui Time News Feed: http://mauifeed.com/maui-news/hawaii-health-department-closes-laulima-farms-cafe-kipahulu/
This year, my big Cuban family decided to add GOOSE to the menu. Watch what happens – it’s really funny! Special thanks to Schiltz Foods for the delicious whole-roasted smoked Goose.
To celebrate the many good things in life, cheap airfare and a big birthday for my husband, we just booked a trip to Maui! I’ve never been to Hawaii because when I lived in NYC, I’d spend all my free time flying up and down the coast (Boston to Miami) or over to Europe (those were the good ol’ days of student travel discounts)!
I’d love the opinions of all you Maui lovers out there! After a little research, here’s what I think I should do. Please chime in or tweet me with any other suggestions!
Adventures to be had/Places to visit
Historic Lahaina
Haleakala (at sunset instead of sunrise)
Go to a Luau (Old Lahaina Luau)
Road to Hana
Surfing Goat Dairy Farm (for the foodie/goat cheese lover in me)
Take a Paddle Surfing Lesson
Cliff Diving at Kaanapali Beach (to watch, not participate!)
Shim Coffee Farm Tour
Eats
Mama’s Fish House
Da Kitchen
Kihei Cafe
Hali’imaile General Store
Coconuts Fish Cafe
Foodland Supermarket (the best POKE)
Sansei Seafood Restaurant
Cafe O’Lei
Am I missing any “MUST GO” to places or things to see? If so, post a comment here, on Facebook or tweet me @cluelesscooking.
7×7 is looking for “Coffee Geeks.” Of course, I self-nominated. Read my entry below: Hi! I nominate MOI to be the best reader judge that 7×7 has EVER seen! I’m Cuban with Jersey roots, so coffee is in my BLOOD. Seriously, I was drinking cafe con leche in a baby bottle. Some people turn their [...]
