Dining around the world

As you may know, I was a globe trotter for many years, beginning with my trip to Maui in 1967 and ending with my trip to India in 2012.

Today, I would like to mention those restaurants that remain vivid in my memory, simply because the cuisine was so extraordinary, and the restaurants were so beautiful.

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Ondine: Sausalito, California (1968). Ondine was an elegant restaurant on the water, jutting into San Francisco Bay:

I ordered a succulent Duck Breast a l’Orange with green beans and rice pilaf. This is the best way to prepare duck, I swear. The roasted duck was served with oranges, cooked in a lovely sauce, infused with orange liqueur. There was a citrussy tang with every bite. Oh, I was in seventh heaven!!!

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The Oriental Hotel: Bangkok, Thailand (1969). This restaurant was located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. It’s the major river in Thailand, flowing through Bangkok and into the Gulf of Thailand:

Back then, I had insufficient fresh veggies in my Thai diet, so I ordered an incredible Tossed Salad with Italian dressing, something I could only get at a western hotel. The salad was crisp and colorful:

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Hofbrau Haus: Munich, Germany (1969). Look at the magnificent ceilings:

I ordered a mug of Draft Beer and a plate of Wiener Schnitzel (veal) and potato salad. The potato salad was tangy with a touch of vinegar, and the seasoned veal was sautéed in butter. Now, I know what Wiener Schnitzel is all about:

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The Rainbow Room: New York City (1997). David and I spent a glamorous evening at this restaurant, located at Rockefeller Center. Between bites of our dinner, we danced to live music by a terrific orchestra. Imagine us dancing the cha-cha-cha and the fox trot! Yes, we had to dress up. David wore a suit, and I wore a sexy spaghetti strap cocktail dress:

We both ordered a perfectly Braised Rabbit with rice pilaf. This is the one and only time I have ever had rabbit. It was tender and moist, seasoned just right. I wish I could have it again, but rabbit is never on the menu in Hawaii. I think it’s because rabbits are considered too cute and adorable to eat:

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Orchids Restaurant: Honolulu, Hawaii (2008). I had a romantic dinner with David here. We enjoyed the beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean at sunset:

We shared a plate of Jumbo Sea Scallops, served on a bed of creamed corn and mushrooms, as a delicious appetizer:

David’s entrée was juicy Maine Lobster and veggies:

I had the Roasted Duck Breast and couscous. The duck was spiced with pepper and drenched in a delightful red wine sauce. How I love thee, dear Duck!!!

Dessert was a decadent slice of Coconut Cake, so wonderfully fluffy and airy that it practically melted in my mouth:

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Crowne Plaza Okhla: New Delhi, India (2012). David and I stayed at this 5-star luxury hotel, where we had a pleasant dinner with my Indian blog friends (Jitesh, Kavita and Ruprekha). We discussed arranged marriages in India, the caste system, and local politics. They are all Brahmin, but Kavita married a dentist from the lower Warrior caste, causing consternation within her family. Jitesh’s wife was chosen for him by his parents, and likewise Ruprekha’s husband was chosen for her by her parents. They both believe arranged marriages are the best way to find a mate:

We had a delicious Buffet dinner. This is what made its way to my plate.

Uttapam, covered with veggies. It’s basically just a pancake:

Kidney Beans, Chicken, Peas and Basmati Rice. I mopped up the flavorful gravy with Naan Bread:

For Dessert, I had Fresh fruits, a Banana smoothie, and a Danish:

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I literally ate my way around the world. You could call me a gastronome (a connoisseur of good food). Don’t worry about the calories. I walked so much while traveling that I didn’t gain a pound. In fact, I lost weight.

I had a blast!