Good news -- we've got 2 new restaurants on Kaua`i which are getting rave reviews.

Ha`ena -- Mediterranean Gourmet. Open 11a.m. til sunset; closed Sundays. Hummus, babaganoush (sp?), falafels, etc. (plus hamburgers & chicken dishes for the non-Med diners). Oceanfront at the old Charo's site...and yummmmmmmmmmmmy! Save room for dessert...baklava, plus more. We've been there twice in the last four days, and will probably be eating their weekly.

Kapa`a -- Pacific Bistro (formerly Panda Chinese), in the Safeway shopping center. Tucked back in the corner, near Cold Stone Creamery. Friends are raving about the new menu, but the old favorites (including Peking duck!) are still available. Open 7 days for lunch and dinner. Hope to get there tomorrow and will give you a first-person review <burp!>

Yum! Both sound great and will be added to my list for our Nov trip. Thx!

Thanks auntimaria! Have added these to my list. We're down to 23 days!

Thanks Auntie. We always hope for a restaurant to make it at the old Charo's location. It is such a great spot for dinner. Hope all is well

<wave to RichinPA!!>

The Mediterranean Gourmet -- as of now -- is only open 11a.m. to sunset. Hoping to expand their hours somewhat, as the business builds. Adding belly dancers in June...(!)

And did I mention this important point? It's the ONLY oceanfront restaurant on the northshore of Kaua`i. Princeville restaurants are bay-front and perched on hillsides. Med Gourmet is smack dab oceanfront and sea level.

Speaking of Princeville restaurants -- Hanalei Bay Resort's dining room is only open for breakfast and dinner now. Lunch (new, great menu) is available in the bar.

One more note re: Hanalei Bay Resort -- our beloved Tuesday night entertainer, Lady Ipo and her gang of musicians and hula dancers -- will celebrate their _final_ night, this Tuesday.
No news yet of what kind of music will be offered as replacement. Waaaaaah!

More dining news -- The Shack in Kapa`a has just been purchased by Thom (owns the great little Polynesia Cafe in Hanalei's Ching Young Village). He hopes to re-open June 15 -- all-Hawaiian, along the lines of a Hawaiian beach shack. Wheeeeeeeeeeee!

Still haven't made it to Pacific Bistro...mebbe tomorrow. Will give a foodie report, for sure.

Auntie Maria, we are leaving next Tuesday for Oahu and then on to Kauai three days later. Love your recommendations for restaurants. Where and when are you on the dial on the radio? thanks

You can hear Hawaiian music (and my ramblings!) on our community radio station KKCR-FM. Northshore tune to 90.9; eastside tune to 94.7; everywhere else on the island 91.9

My show is on 7-9a.m. (HST) Wed & Fri

The station is broadcast worldwide on the 'net, too -- listen online at http://www.kkcr.org/live/live.html

"topping" for escargot and gail because I'm going here in 148 mo' days.
Sorry...couldn't resist.

How did I miss the comment on The Shack being turned into an All Hawaiian themed restuarant?? Has it opened yet?

The old Charo's/Mediterranean Gourmet was one of the nicest settings for a resturant on Kauai IMHO. Even nicer than The Beach House.

We ate there in two of it's previous lives and watched some awesome waves that looked like they had radioactive enhanced colors hitting the beach right there.
Too bad it's so far out.

Did I also hear Kauai Pasta opened another location in the old e.b.'s eats in Lihue and e.b.'s moved to Poipu?

Can't wait for b'fast at Oly Cafe, shitake mushroom meatloaf at HukiLau Grill, lobster ravs at Coconuts, extra spicy Puka Dog and a Fire Rock Pale Ale at The Sand Bar...if it EVER re-opens!