Trip Notes

Whether for business or pleasure, I often find myself visiting exotic and unique locations around the world.  One of my favorite aspects of traveling to new places is sampling the cuisine of the local culture.  In case you find yourself in any of these places, I am sharing with you some sure-to-please spots to seek out that will make your visit memorable.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

Kona, Hawaii

Not the most exotic location I've visited, but this is a special place that is easy to get to from California.  While enjoying a long weekend on the big island, we dined at a favorite place of ours, the Canoe House at the Mauna Lani Resort, about 25 miles north of Kailua.  The setting is magnificent, with open-air seating within feet of the ocean.  You hear the wind in the palm trees, the waves on the beach, and can see a spectacular sunset right from your dinner table.  Let me not forget to mention that the cuisine is spectacular!  We have made a fine dinner by sharing appetizers, all of which are creative Pacific Rim inspirations.  When I'm in the mood for something more substantial, the seared ahi is a signature dish.  Make a point of going there the next time you're on the big island, and be sure to tell the restaurant general manager, Mike Murray (pictured below), that I sent you!!!  You can also check in with Elizabeth Bal, who runs catering and conference services.

Nairobi, Kenya

This was the trip of a lifetime - again!  My third trip to east Africa did not disappoint in the least.  We traveled with a group of family friends this time, and our time on safari was truly spectacular.  There is no place like this on earth!  While acclimating to local conditions in Nairobi, we dined at the famous Carnivore restaurant, where you have your choice of many grilled wild game selections which vary nightly - ostrich, crocodile, buffalo, and zebra, to name a few.  We also visited our good friend Rob Malpas at the end of our trip, who hosted us to a delightful barbecue in his garden.  In the picture below you see me in his kitchen with his full-time cook/housekeeper, Willy, and his associate Evelyn.

Serengeti, Tanzania

We visited a variety of game parks in Tanzania on this trip.  At Tarangire National Park, we stayed at the Maramboi Camp and had an exceptional experience.  The location, service, and cuisine there were impeccable!  It was a highlight of our time at this park.  We were also fortunate to return to a sentimental favorite spot, the Ndutu Lodge, on the southern border of the Serengeti.  The wildlife here is exceptional, but the real plus is the lodge.  Although it is rustic and remote, they are able to produce gourmet dishes served family-style in an open-air dining room that opens onto the plains.  It is not unusual to see big game animals - giraffes, hyenas, gazelles, etc. - strolling by as you enjoy a salad of braised fennel or an entree of glazed pork chops.  I paid a visit to the kitchen, shown below, and was amazed at their resourcefulness and consistently high quality.  You will not forget a visit to this spot!

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Mostly a haven for "snowbirds" from the north - Canada and the northern US - Cabo has become replete with standard Mexican fare as well as many American franchises.  However, those willing to go a few blocks off the beaten path can still find cuisine that made this area famous - fresh, simply prepared seafood, homemade tortillas, and innovative variations on classic Mexican desserts.  I was particularly impressed with La Casa del Dorado, a few blocks off the Marina on Alvaro Obregon at Calle Narciso Mendoza, where I discovered a wonderful chocolate cake topped with a layer of classic flan.  I highly recommend it!

Todos Santos, Mexico

Up the road about an hour from Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos is best known by Americans as the home of the Hotel California made famous in the song of the same name by the Eagles.  However, visitors will soon find that this town has a lot more going for it than souvenirs of a classic rock song.  The town retains the quiet charm of an art community, and is well worth the trip to spend an afternoon there.  While in Todos Santos, be sure not to miss a meal at Tequila's Sunrise Bar & Grill.  There you will meet proprietor Manuel Valdez Vazquez, who will regale you with detailed descriptions of his creative interpretations of classic Mexican dishes.  With their emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, you can enjoy gourmet preparations whose presentation will rival the best California has to offer.  Be sure to try the margaritas - three fresh Key Limes in each serving - and a wonderful version of chile rellenos that avoid the deep fryer.  Find Tequila's Sunrise directly across from Hotel California in the center of town.

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