Fact: Matt and I are not what you would call "foodies."
That's not to say that we don't like food. We do. Especially food of the delicious variety. It's just that, for the most part, we'd rather spend our money on fun activities that create lasting memories than on a few seconds of taste bud bliss (I guess our taste buds just don't have memories as good as others' do!). Thus, packing PB&J to save money on a few meals in Europe was an easy decision. That worked so well that we did it again for Kauai, but added protein bars and bagels this time. We bought some fruit and veggies upon arrival and were pretty much covered for two meals each day. On vacation, that is a huge money saver!
When we did eat out on Kauai, we made sure it was worth our while. Our first stop was at Duane's Ono-Char Burger for lunch after kayaking on the first day. Duane's is a little red shack with a big reputation. We ordered a "Local Girl" and a "Local Boy," which proved to be the most amazing BBQ/teriyaki/pineapple burgers in the world.
For a nicer dinner, we headed to Duke's at the Kauai Marriott. The hotel grounds were so pretty to stroll around.
The food at Duke's was delicious (hooray for fresh mahi-mahi!), but the real show stopper was the dessert. Whoever decided to turn one pint of ice cream into a "pie" is my hero.
A local dive called Tip Top Cafe was rumored to serve to-die-for banana macadamia nut pancakes. They definitely did not disappoint!
The highlight of our dining experiences, however, was our classy evening at the Beach House in Poipu. We decided to splurge on just one fine dining meal and called it our official anniversary eating-out. The Beach House gave us everything we'd hoped for: a romantic atmosphere, a unique menu, and amazing views of the sunset over the ocean. It was the perfect way to spend our last evening in Kauai!
Of course, I'm getting ahead of myself with that "last evening in Kauai" talk. Before getting all gussied up for the Beach House, we spent the day getting nice and dirty on an incredible hike. And our last three-quarter day was packed full of fun, too, so stay tuned!
PB&Js can be such a lifesaver when traveling! It looks like you guys had some amazing food in Kauai. That picture of the "local girl" makes me hungry just looking at it!
ReplyDeletePack lunches to save money on eating out! THAT IS GENIUS! Must remember to do this when I go to Washington state next.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Cora cried for 15 minutes straight when we left. She kept saying I want ASHLEY! Just yesterday I showed her the picture of all of us and she started crying AGAIN! I think she liked you. =)
I've actually been somewhere that you have been.. Kauai stole my breath, I want to go again. Beautiful post Ash, sorry I'm so far behind!
ReplyDeleteOh Dear, I am afraid we have planned entire trips around the food! Such a naughty habit! This is why I recognized every single place you went to and my mouth begin to water. Still, some of my best memories are sitting on the deck of our hotel room, in our pajamas, eating cold cereal, or oatmeal with blueberries and pecans watching the beautiful ocean and palm trees and sometimes even the sunrise. I love the sounds and smells of Hawaii! Can't wait for your Napali Coastline hike! That is an amazing adventure!
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley I met you yesterday at Andy's wedding (I'm the neighbor from across teh street). it was so nice to finally meet you. My blog is private so email me at callie_c17@hotmail.com so I can send you an invite.
ReplyDeletePS Next trip I go on I am totally having you plan it for me as you guys always do such fun/amazing things!!
Oh my gosh! I am so far behind. I had no idea you were going to Kauai!!! I'm so excited for you. We love Kauai. I can't wait to read the rest.
ReplyDelete