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Mahogany House Part 2:  The Food

This post is continued from "Embracing His Game," a story about the chef of Mahogany House restaurant in The Bahamas.

Chef Dan and I settled on stools at the bar's corner for the interview. We discussed the essence of Mahogany House restaurant as well as his own culinary philosophy. He's an advocate of simplicity and fresh ingredients in cooking. Though he has access to irresistible sweets at home (his wife is a pastry chef), he doesn't touch them. He prefers desserts that bring forth natural sweetness like grilled peaches.

In between our leisurely chat, he'd get up to greet guests walking in for lunch, or he'd reply to staff members asking him quick questions. He was showing me his wedding photo when two of his top-selling menu items turned up in front of us.

I sampled the appetizer first and was immediately impressed after tasting only a small portion.

"OMG. This is amazing!" I exclaimed and pointed to the pork belly. He tried to hide a smile but the glint in his eyes couldn’t conceal his pride.

The Buffalo Pork Belly appetizer is a definite must-try.

This is a killer appetizer: the Buffalo Pork Belly (a creative variation of buffalo chicken wings) with bleu cheese dressing complemented with pickled celery and carrots.

The pork belly is masterfully smoked for six hours then braised for an additional four. When deep-fried to order, the result is an unbelievably succulent pork belly with a perfect bit of crisp on the outside. It was oozing with that unmistakable buffalo chicken wing flavor. Listed under "Bites" or small plates category of the menu, this serving is meant for sharing. Oh, but this is one appetizer I'm not willing to split with anyone.

Next, he introduced me to Mahogany House's best-selling entrée: the Blackened Snapper in chili butter sauce, served with prawn and polenta (a playful twist on shrimp ‘n’ grits), garnished with grilled scallion.

Mahogany House's showstopper: Blackened Snapper

This is outstanding. With just the right touch of spiciness, this dish is rich, elegant, and above all, comforting. Every delicious bite commands another. It is light and exceptionally satisfying. Interestingly, Chef Dan says it is the most popular item on the menu and the easiest to execute.

Ultimately, it's the food that makes or break a restaurant. After seeing the true stars of the show here, it's plain to see why their clientele clamor for an encore. I've been to some highly rated restaurants on the island but their offerings didn't excite me. Studying the interesting menu at Mahogany House, I found that there's something for everyone -- from mouthwatering starters, tasty yet healthy soups and salads, all-time favorite pizza and pasta, to savory main dishes. The duck confit manicotti on the menu caught my eye. I'm definitely coming back for that one.

Chef Dan getting ready to chill the braised pork belly

Chef Dan setting out the duck confit

"And what about wine?" you might ask. More on that in the next post called "A Pleasant Surprise."


Mahogany House is one of three dining options at The Island House, located in Mahogany Hill on Western Road (found on the west side of New Providence Island, The Bahamas.) Just outside the exclusive Lyford Cay Club, it is about a 10-minute drive from Lynden Pindling International Airport.

Here, There, and Everywhere

I spotted a land crab!
Click here for the short video clip.

I have seen ducks crossing the road before...but crabs???

I was confused. I wasn't even anywhere near the beach and yet there was this huge gray-colored crab that crossed the street, climbed onto the sidewalk, and then scurried towards the bushes in the garden. Where did this fella come from?

"I found this guy today. Do you know what it is?" I showed the photo to a local.

"That's a land crab," she quickly identified it. "We eat those," she added and asked if I've ever tried the country's popular dish called Crab & Rice.

It so happens that it's mid-August and still well into the crabbing season. The crab behavior I just witnessed was part of the land crab's life cycle. The geek in me had to learn more so I did some researching. Here's what I found out:

Land crabs actually live on land, burrowing in muddy areas where the soil and rock are saturated with water. When the heavy rains begin to pour -- usually in late May/earlyJune -- these crustaceans mate. About two weeks later (when their eggs have fertilized), the females must release their eggs into the saltwater. That's when they migrate from land to the ocean.

Andros, the biggest island in The Bahamas, is home to the largest population of free roaming land crabs. During migration and spawning season, its main road is blanketed with the clawed creatures. I've seen YouTube videos and photos and it's an incredible sight. Look at this photo by Tru Bahamian Food Tours, for example.

Crabs everywhere!
Photo credit:  Tru Bahamian Food Tours

The migration typically happens at night and during a full moon. Here's how a writer describes this occurence: "Each evening you will find folks all over the island with flashlights, burlap sacks, and 50 gallon drums lining the lone street in search of Mr. Crabby..."

Land crabbing in Andros has become an annual festival drawing not only locals but visitors from around the world. It's a big deal! The Crab Fest spotlights on local headliners, presents a smorgasbord of crab delicacies, and highlights culinary competitions. Of course, the main event is when locals catch crabs with their bare hands.

I have yet to visit Andros and experience all this because I missed Land Crabbing this year. For now, I'll leave you with this YouTube video that had me in stitches. Start at the 20-second mark.

"Ladies and gentlemen...This is breaking news. There are crabs, crabs everywhere...Everywhere!"

To learn more about land crabs, click here.

The Daiquiri Shack

The Daiquiri Shack in front of Melia Nassau in The Bahamas

If it weren't for my desire to explore the island by bus, I would have never found this gem. Directly outside Melia Nassau Beach Hotel, it is situated in front of the bus stop that shuttles passengers downtown.

Friendly tourists enjoying a frozen daiquiri

The Daiquiri Shack is as welcoming as the people inside. Party beats spill out of its windows and the interior oozes with character. Shelves are colorful with stacked fresh bananas, strawberries, oranges, pineapples, mangoes, and more. Plastered on the wall are autographed dollar bills and photos of visitors from all over the world. The rafters and ceiling are decorated with team T-shirts donated by visiting tourists.

Team shirts hang along the ceiling beams.

Of course, the hero is the bar at the center of it all. Juice blenders whizz as the cheerful bartender creates concoctions for his daiquiri fans.

When I walked in, I found some folks sitting on the stools surrounding the bar while others were leaning against the shack's railing as they waited for their drinks.

Bartenders here use large cooking spoons when preparing the best daiquiris in town.

When it was my turn, I ordered my favorite pineapple daiquiri.

"With alcohol?" the bartender asked to make sure.

 "Hell, yeah!"

He gladly added the magical rum and fired up the blender. He then poured the mixture into a plastic cup, finished it with a straw, and handed the overflowing drink to me. All it took was one sip and I was hooked.

My overflowing pineapple daiquiri

During my first time here, I found a snack menu posted on the door. Ahh, all of a sudden the picnic tables outside made sense. Aside from drinks, they also serve chicken wings and a burger combo meal with chips. They were quite good and they didn't bust my budget. Who said everything was expensive in The Bahamas?

I must say that the frozen daiquiri here is the best I've ever had. I crave it especially on a hot and humid day on the island. A small cup costs only $6 but I always opt for the large one for $10. Whether large or small, I'm sure either size would be enough to make anyone happy.

Bus Number 10

Bus No. 10 in Nassau, Bahamas

It was February when I visited Nassau for the first time.  The weather wasn’t exactly what I expected.  It was gloomy, blustery, and a little chilly. I recall eyeing the luxurious pool and the famous Cable Beach from my hotel window. Oddly, I had no desire to swim. Instead, I set out to explore the island. Getting a map and some tips from the tour desk, I took the local bus downtown.

Some call it the jitney. Most call it a bus. But by my standards, it's a 32-seat shuttle. If you’re lucky, you might catch one that is air-conditioned. Across from my hotel entrance is a bus pick-up/drop off point next to a daiquiri shack. (More on that later). There I stood and waited for my ride.

I waited for the bus in front of the Daiquiri Shack.

Bus number 10 took a straight shot down West Bay Street heading to the east side of the island. It only cost $1.25 one way and the bus route showed me brightly hued buildings, lush trees, and a view of the turquoise ocean. The trip would have been shorter but we were on a single-track road. The traffic congestion didn’t help. Along the way, passengers randomly got on and off at no designated bus stops. Whenever there’s a break, the bus would pick up speed and I had to latch on to anything I could grasp. 

I hopped off in front of the Christ Church Cathedral on King Street -- the end of the bus route. Even though it wasn’t a Catholic church, I stopped in for my customary three wishes. (Read about this from a previous post.) It's beautiful inside.

Inside the Christ Church Cathedral on King Street.

I was in the heart of downtown near the cruise ship dock and the straw market. Walking past the Pirates Museum, I was reminded that Nassau was once the Republic of Pirates in the 1700’s.

The Pirates Museum showcases a large part of Nassau Harbor's history.

Through my self-guided tour, I discovered the iconic British Colonial Hilton and shamelessly took selfies with a member of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. His Wolseley pith helmet was a dead giveaway.

A selfie with the po-po (Royal Bahamas Police).

My meanderings led me to places I consider cruise passenger magnets. Junkanoo Beach is hard to miss with its lively music and cheerfully colored shacks. Then there’s Arawak Cay (pronounced “Key”) also known as Fish Fry where they prepare made-to-order conch salads. I didn’t have time to sit down and try it, unfortunately. The looming dark clouds warned that I should be heading back to my hotel.

Junkanoo Beach in Downtown Nassau

Colorful shacks offering food, drinks, beach rentals, and even massages.

At Arawak Cay a.k.a Fish Fry

The restaurants and bars at Fish Fry

Junkanoo Beach is the closest to the cruise ship dock.
Click on this video clip for a taste of Junkanoo Beach. 

I braved crossing the street to catch my return bus. On this island, they drive on the left-hand side just like in Britain. I boarded another bus number 10 not realizing that it was almost empty. Its only other passenger disembarked at a nearby gas station. After a few hundred feet, the driver pulled to the side of the road in front of KFC. He got up and turned to me, “I’m just going to pick up lunch, ok?”

My face spoke for me.

“Do you want me to get you another bus?” he offered. Before I could utter a word, he yelled after an approaching Number 10 but it just passed us by. “Oh well,” he shrugged, “I won’t be long.”

Neither was the next bus. I soon learned that the Number 10 transport was frequent. I quickly found another one to ride and made it back safely. By the way, that wasn’t the most unusual bus ride I've experienced here. The other time, my bus driver stopped for a beer.

-----

Travel Tips:
If you're planning a trip to Nassau for the first time, click here to visit their official website for helpful information. Find more advice on my previous post Traveling to The Bahamas.

Traveling to The Bahamas

I'm starting a new blog series about The Bahamas. First, I'd like to share these travel tips especially if you're flying from the West Coast. I usually fly out of Las Vegas. Hope you find these helpful.

Traveling to The Bahamas - Travel Tips from the Curious Adventurer

Flight schedules:  I recommend taking a red eye flight. Remember you lose 3 hours going East because of the time difference. Typically, I choose to fly late Tuesday night so that I am in Nassau early the next morning. When I arrive, I just catch up on sleep. By the afternoon, I'm ready to be out and about.

To maximize my stay, I choose to fly back late afternoon on a Sunday. That gives me about 5 days to spend on the island but taking only 3 days off from work. I highly recommend this because other flight schedules consume so much travel time. If you're traveling as far as the Bahamas, wouldn't you want to make the most of your time there versus sitting on a plane?

Choosing Your Airline:
American Airlines - Their red eye flight that leaves Las Vegas (LAS) at 11:45 pm PST arrives in Miami (MIA) at 7:27 am EST the next day. Then the connecting flight leaves at 9:46 am and puts you in Nassau (NAS) in an hour. American Airlines has the most flights from LAS to NAS. Other flight schedules include a 3-hour layover. To make the layover bearable, go for a massage at the airport spa.

JetBlue - They have a red eye that leaves LAS at 11:57 pm PST and gets you to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) at 7:44 am EST the next day. The connecting flight to Nassau leaves at 9:00 am and arrives on the island at 9:55 am. For the return flight, I recommend taking the late afternoon schedule. It leaves 5:25 pm and lands in FLL at 6:30 pm. Then it takes off at 7:40 pm EST and lands at 9:47 pm PST in LAS.

Southwest Airlines - Although they do fly to Nassau, flight schedules are limited. It's worth looking into if you're connecting from FLL and you are a Rapid Rewards member. You just might have enough points for a free flight.

Sleeping On The Plane:  If you're one of those who can't easily fall asleep on the plane and you've taken melatonin before, take one right before take off. Bring your noise canceling headphones or ear buds in case you're seated next to a loud snorer or crying baby. No offense to parents who bring their young ones. Oftentimes their infants/toddlers just get uncomfortable and cry throughout the flight. Sleep eye masks are also helpful especially when you're ready for shut-eye but a passenger close to you is working on his computer or watching a movie on his device. It's not a bad idea to bring a travel pillow either. For women like me, pack a pashmina or wrap and use it as a blanket when the air conditioning gets unbearably cold.

Entertainment:  If you're flying American Airlines, download their app ahead of time. Once on the plane, it will be easier to watch TV shows or movies from the app. This is the case until they replace gogoinflight which takes forever to download -- if you can even download at all. Most of AA's aircrafts no longer have the TV screens. If you don't have a tablet or a mobile device with you, I suggest you prepare to play Sudoku found in the inflight magazine.

Snacks:  I usually bring some cashews or almonds and power bars. By the time the flight takes off, you're likely to just sleep. But in case you do get hungry or in case of any delays, you'll have some munchies ready.

Mobile Plan: Keep in mind that you are traveling overseas. Work with your mobile carrier about a temporary international plan while you're traveling. You wouldn't want to come home to an outrageous mobile phone bill with international charges or ridiculous roaming charges. Apps such as Viber or Facebook Messenger as well as iPhone's FaceTime will allow you to communicate for free via WiFi connection. They are great for video/voice calls or text messages. Just remember that if you make a phone call from Nassau to the US, rates can be as much as $1.99 per minute.

Carry-On and Personal Bags: While waiting to board, American Airlines sometimes announces that they are willing to check your carry-on bag for free. Make sure to keep valuables and other essentials in your personal bag so that anytime this happens, you need not worry about handing them your carry-on luggage. It's a good idea anyway because it's a long flight. If you end up in the window seat, you wouldn't want to crawl over your seat mate to reach for your items in the overhead compartment.

Cash to Bring: Around here, cash is king. Power outages are common and debit/credit card systems are down when there's no power. Some establishments accept only cash so it's best to have some $ in your wallet. US dollars can be used here. The Bahamian dollar is equivalent to an American dollar. Another good thing to note is that Bank of America and Scotiabank are both members of the Global ATM Alliance. If you bank with BA, you can withdraw from any Scotiabank ATM on the island without incurring international access fees. You will still, however, be subject to the local 7.5% VAT or value added tax.

Anything else: On your flight to Nassau, you'll be required to fill out an Immigration Form so make sure you have a pen handy. I also recommend spending the money on Trip Insurance. Anytime you're traveling overseas, this is a no-brainer.

Do you have any tips you'd like to share or add? Feel free to comment below. I'd love to hear from you!

It's a Hula-day

The Te Au Moana Luau
(Fourth of a series)

Day 2 - December 16, 2013

A visit to Hawaii would not be complete without going to a luau.  My good friend Cheryl recommended the Te Au Moana Luau presented at Wailea Beach Marriott Resort and Spa.  During my early morning exploratory walk the day before, I discovered it's just next door to Grand Wailea! All it took was a 5-minute leisurely walk from our hotel room to the venue.

We all agreed to meet at 4:30 pm so we could save good seats.  I was surprised to see the place already filling up.

Our group photo with Cheryl and Mike at the Te Au Moana Luau

While waiting for the feast to start, we received our orchid leis, had our photos taken, and chatted away over mai tais and pina coladas.  I told Alan and Trevor that Cheryl and her husband Mike own Mele Ukulele, known to be the Best Ukulele Shop in Maui. We asked them if they've ever met any celebrities at their store.  Apparently, several famous folks such as Mick Fleetwood, Steve Miller, John Fogerty, and even comedian Mike Myers have purchased ukuleles from them.

Soon a young man, dressed in traditional Hawaiian garment, trumpeted with a conch shell horn.  It was his way of inviting guests to come closer to the imu or oven pit.  Here they "unveiled" the kalua pig and signaled the start of the feast.

Guests gathered round the imu or oven pit to witness the unveiling of the kalua pig. 

Presenting the kalua pig, the star of the luau feast.  Kalua means to cook in an underground oven.

We all joined the buffet line where Cheryl explained to me that Kalua Pork goes well with Lomi Lomi salmon (Think Hawaiian salsa made of salmon, tomatoes, and Maui onions.)  After trying that combination, I don't think I could have Kalua Pork any other way. Yummy! It was great to enjoy all the delicious food including the grilled teriyaki steaks, seafood pasta, shoyu chicken, and Hawaiian fried rice while watching the sun slowly go to sleep.

This wasn't even the main performance.  But the pre-show was a visual delight against the spectacular Maui sunset.

The ocean and the setting sun provided an incredible stage backdrop. And once the sun had set, the stage remained vibrant with colorful dance performances and storytelling of Hawaiian legends.

I was so excited to see my friend and former grade school classmate who is now a long time resident of Maui. I have such fond memories of her and my childhood.  I still vividly recall how she and her sisters -- along with me and my sisters -- would always sit together at the same lunch table in school. 

Cheryl and I somehow manage to find each other even after being out of touch for years. Thanks to social media and a recent class reunion, we reconnected once again.

Cheryl and me

Continued from My Heart Smiled. More Maui adventures to follow. See Bouncing Off The Clouds.

Welcomed With Softness

Hot Air Ballooning - Part 3
Nov. 2, 2012


"Let's go!" Ryan called out.

"That's you. Go!" Jason prodded.

"What?!" I was caught off guard.  "Oh my!  This is it!"

I sprinted towards the hot air balloon colored like the American flag. Greg Szymanski, the pilot of Free Spirit, was already in the gondola ready to take flight. Wanda, his wife and crew chief, walked over and asked me to sign a waiver.

Greg Szymanski, pilot of Free Spirit, from Boise Idaho.

Ryan, who was helping Greg, showed me the small hole on the side of the wicker basket. It's the foot hold so I could easily prop myself up and into the gondola.

"What should I hang onto?" I asked looking for rope handles.

"Anything leather," both Greg and Ryan answered.

Greg pumped a few blasts from the propane burner and then we started to float.  "This is really happening!" I got really excited.

I waved goodbye to these folks as we slowly drifted upwards.

~ ~ ~

In my previous blog posts ("Up, Up and...Um Not Yet" and "A Different High"), I wrote about my close encounters with these lovable aircrafts but have never experienced a hot air balloon ride.

Who would have known that it was going to happen on this day?

Sheldon Grauberger, a pilot of Vegas Balloon Rides, told me about the Las Vegas Balloon Fest. I came to the event because I was interested in the Glow Show -- when balloonists blast propane bursts while it's still dark in the early morn.  The hot air balloons look like they're glowing.

The hot air balloons twinkle in the twilight
during the Las Vegas Balloon Fest's Glow Show.

They're like giant colorful lightbulbs flashing on and off. It's a visual delight!

Didn't expect to ride a hot air balloon at all. I was even wearing heels! I was just taking pictures and chatting with Jason Abbott (marketing director of Vegas Balloon Rides) when Ryan, also from Vegas Balloon Rides, surprised me with the opportunity.

I was so thankful...and happy!

~ ~ ~

When the basket first lifted off the ground, I was thrilled! "This is going to be so cool!" I thought. But as we drifted above street lamps and trees, it finally hit me that we're going really high up.  I must admit I was white-knuckled for a while.  I wanted to take pictures or tweet about what was happening but I was afraid to let go of my grip.

"Did I forget to tell you that I'm afraid of heights?" I asked Greg.

"So am I," he replied in a grandpa kind of way.

I took this picture as we rose higher and higher.
The hot air balloon ride was as peaceful as this sunrise.

Ours was only one of the multiple balloons that launched
 for the mass ascension during the Las Vegas Balloon Fest.

Soon enough I relaxed. I didn't even feel that the wind was carrying us towards the east. We slowly rose higher until I could see a great view of the valley. Around us were the other balloons in flight.  It was incredible!

The experience was exactly how Jason (Vegas Balloon Rides pilot) described it to me, "You feel completely detached from the ground and you get this motionless sensation. It's like canoeing in the sky."

View of the Las Vegas Strip from one side.

View of the Red Rock Mountains on the other side.

"It's like canoeing in the sky."

I asked Greg about the gadget hanging from his neck. He explained that the instrument helps measure altitude, rate of climb, and the balloon top's temperature. Then he started whipping out facts and figures about hot air balloons. I was bummed I didn't have my notepad to jot them all down.  He even said that our balloon could fit 90,000 cubic feet of air. "That's 90,000 basketballs," he put it in perspective. I looked up in awe.

"And who is this fella," I then tapped the stuffed animal hanging on one of the support poles. 

"That's my hitchhiker," he laughed and pressed a button on it. The song "Wild Thing" started to play and we both cracked up.

The hitchhiker on Greg's Free Spirit Hot Air Balloon

"It's a beautiful day," Greg emphasized. The weather was perfect and there was no cloud in the sky.  I told him that I got my wish.  And how elated I was to get a private ride. It was worth the wait.

Later he scouted the area where we could safely land.  He pointed to a truck on the ground, "There's our chase crew following us." I wasn't really sure how or where we could touch down. We were gliding above homes.  I saw some great backyards and swimming pools, by the way.  Then he pinpointed an elementary school playground.  That became our landing pad.

"We're going to bounce," Greg warned me. "Bend your knees."

The basket gently hit the ground and bounced back up. We hit the ground another time and then slightly skidded to a halt. Some teachers and kids came out to see the balloon up close.  They all took pictures while I was still in disbelief.  Ryan and Wanda soon arrived and we all helped put the balloon away and back into their trailer.  It was a lot of work but they got it down to a system.

"So how was it?" Ryan asked me.

"IT.  WAS.  AH-MAZING!" I exclaimed.

Smiling for the camera after a great landing. That's Greg and me.

Ryan and Greg using a squeezer to force the air
out of the envelope a.k.a. hot air balloon

I was so grateful for the incredible ride of my life. Oh but wait...there's more!

Greg and Wanda weren't just going to let me go without the full experience. They signed and handed me my certificate. "You are now officially an aeronaut," Greg declared. He gave me a little hot air balloon pin that looked just like what we rode. It was inscribed with "Free Spirit Balloon Team."

Next, he pulled out 3 flute glasses and poured champagne into them. We all raised our glasses for a toast and what he recited almost made me cry...

The Balloonist's Prayer:

"The Winds have welcomed you with softness.  

The Sun has blessed you with his warm hands. 

You have flown so high and so well, that God has joined you in your laughter. 

And He has set you gently back again into the loving arms of Mother Earth."

"Cheers!"

Free Spirit Balloon Team

Greg writes my name on the Certificate of Aeronaut

Ste Chapelle champagne for toasting

Shimmy, Shimmy, Shimmy!

I went to a belly dancing class yesterday and had a great experience. I had no expectations of the class at all. I knew I was going to learn how to shimmy and do the belly roll...and have fun while I was at it. But the unique class helped me feel...well, sexy and comfortable in my skin! The teacher's focus was more on the enjoyment of it all. She encouraged the women to "expand their feminine beauty and creativity." What a wonderful form of release!

I came a little late (my darn TomTom gave me the wrong directions) but my friend, Robin, said it was no biggie. The class had already begun and there were about a dozen ladies in the dance studio. I went straight to the back and kicked off my shoes.

"You need to grab one of these," Robin said pointing to her costume and then led me to a pile of different colored scarves at one end of the room. I picked up a white chiffon material, fringed with coin-like embellishments, and wrapped it around my hips. The coins jiggled with my movements as I followed Robin to our spot in the back row of students.

The ladies all around me were wearing hip scarves themselves and had just learned to slide their heads left and right while their hands were over their heads, palms together. The dance instructor demonstrated other fun steps like the shoulder shimmy, while stepping forward and then back. Or the hip toss, alternating left and right, while circling wrists gracefully. Then we came to the tummy roll. Ummm...I missed the earlier instruction on how to do that correctly.

Goldie, the instructor, must have noticed how I was desperately trying get it right. She gestured for me to stand next to her while she showed me step by step the proper way to do it. She asked me to push out my behind while extending my chest forward. Then in a slow serpentine manner, lift my chest...lean back...and contract (as though someone had pushed down on my chest)... and then do it all over again. It felt really great once I got the hang of it!

My favorite step was the hip roll. You stand with one foot forward (on ball of foot). Arms up above your head, back of hands almost touching, fingers relaxed. Then you slowly push out your hip and make a wide circular motion with it. It's like the Tom Jones' grind. Then you repeat with the other hip. Oh yeah! It was so much fun!

The finale: Each of us had to dance free form underneath a blanket size scarf that is being held up by the other ladies. One by one, we took our turns doing our own belly dance moves underneath this chiffon cloud. To show support, we had to cheer each other on by yelling "Yella Yella Habibi!" which means "Come on" or "Let's go baby!" It's like the Middle Eastern version of limbo rock.

Trip to Calistoga, Napa Valley

"Harvest time will be early this year," said Philip as he poured coffee into my cup. Alan and I were about to have breakfast al fresco, taking in the view of the rows of vineyards before us.

"If you look at the vines closely, you will see that the grapes are already starting to sprout," he added.

Every year, Alan and I make an effort to go someplace new for our wedding anniversary. My pick for this year was a bed & breakfast highly recommended by my brother. Chateau de Vie in Calistoga, Napa Valley offers a refreshing break from the heat as well as the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas.

Accommodations

It's a three-story house with 4 rooms in the middle level. I believe the top floor housed the suite. Upon entering, you are welcomed with soothing urban music -- reminiscent of modern hotels and resorts. (This one reminded me of the music for Skylofts at MGM Grand). Dominating the walls were posters with Diego Rivera's art. Philip, the main host and one of the chateau's proprietors, greeted us and led us to our room.

Our bedroom was decent size with a four-poster bed, a comfortable armchair next to a reading lamp, a tall dresser...but no television. That made me sing Handel's Messiah in my head. But I swore to my husband, the TV addict, that I had no idea they wouldn't have any TVs in their guestrooms. I'm surprised he didn't mind and in fact, he had a really relaxing time just reading and napping during our stay. I love quiet time and hardly ever turn a TV on, so this was perfect for me.

The bathroom was just as nice with L'Occitane amenities. Outside our bathroom window was another breath-taking view of the vineyards. Imagine how much fun it was to just brush your teeth while looking out this window!

Downstairs were the main living room, main dining and kitchen areas. The parlor had sofas and ample-sized armchairs conducive for reading. Bookshelves lined one end of the room. Opposite that were French doors that led outside to a deck area with bistro sets and patio furniture. This is where they served breakfast. This backyard area overlooked the surrounding vineyards -- some of which are owned by Chateau de Vie. (One should never miss the opportunity to taste their excellent Cabernet Sauvignon.)

Beyond the deck is the pool area. The Jacuzzi tub is enclosed in a gated section and past that, a small lap pool. Everything seemed to be just the right size. Understated yet never lacking.


Breakfast

Breakfast was served at 9 am. Unlike other B&Bs, this one had several smaller tables where guests and their own parties can dine in private as opposed to dining altogether at a common table. There's nothing wrong with socializing with others except when you're on vacation, sometimes you prefer alone time. For starters, we had delicious scones. I never thought about having them for breakfast. I always thought scones were reserved for afternoon tea. (By the way, Philip published the famous recipe in his newsletter.) Next, we had strata with artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes. Fabulous! After breakfast, we took up Philip's suggestion of taking a walk through their vineyards. The photograph at the top of this page shows the mini grapes already starting to sprout. I made Alan put his hand next to it to give the viewer a better sense of its size. "Beautiful" is probably an adjective too common to describe this place, but I can't think of any word more apropos.


Around Calistoga and Napa Valley Driving around this town is enough for a wonderful adventure. The different wineries alone such as Opus One is a must see. The building structure at the center of the property reminds me of Aztec architecture. The surrounding acres of vineyards seem to stretch as far as your eyes can see.The one curious thing Alan noticed with some vineyards is that a rose bush grew in front of each row of vines. We asked Philip about this and he said there are two schools of thought: one (which is his favorite) is that it is a symbol of celebrating the fruit of the vine...the very essence of Napa Valley...and the romanticism of it all. The other (the more scientific explanation) is to protect the vines. If bugs were to attack the plants, the bugs would go after the roses first.

~ dates of stay: May 18 - 19, 2008