Confessions of a Sugar-Free Foodie

Savory Vacation Memories

September 7, 2016 at 8:41 pm Leave a comment

The other day I realized how long it had been since I posted on my blog. Believe me, there’s been plenty of food  created and consumed between the time I relocated to the present.  I’ve neglected my journaling duties, and for that I’m regretful. I love reading back and reminiscing over the amazingness I’ve created and/or experienced.  So with that, I now resume.

Fast forward from relocation temporary housing to very much settled in our new home in Northern Kentucky.  My most recent foodie experience was on vacation in the eastern Caribbean. We visited Honduras, Belize, Cozumel, and Costa Maya with two other couples near and dear to our heart.  While the food on the ship was acceptable, the cuisine experienced on the islands was ridiculous.

My mother is friends with the curator of the resort at Paya Bay in Honduras. For $85 per person they pick you up at the pier and deliver you to their secluded resort 45 minutes on the other side of the island.  We were greeted with a watermelon cocktail and an appetizer of bean dip with fried plantains. I’ve since found a bean dip that mirrors the flavors we experienced called Authentic Desert Pepper Black Bean Dip (spicy). And I also found a Hispanic grocery to purchase fried plantains.

To our surprise, a quick storm blew through which cooled the hot air off nicely.

Next we were escorted to our “room for the day” that we could use to shower, change, or relax.  And then came the amazing lunch. We had a choice of chicken, shrimp or lobster for a small upcharge. I chose the lobster and was pleasantly surprised with the largest tail I’ve ever had.  The fresh vegetables were scrumptious and the baked potato cooked to perfection.  Dessert was cheese cake or key lime pie. Half the party ordered one and the other half ordered the other so we all got to sample the deliciousness. I was so high on the lobster, I neglected to take a picture.  Forgive me.

After lunch, half of our party received massages on the yoga pavilion nestled in the jungle above the resort with a stunning ocean view between the trees.  The other half of our party enjoyed cocktails on the “naturalist” beach on the shore below the resort. A few of us relaxed and others enjoyed the blue water and waves.  We all kept our clothes on, but enjoyed the vain man who felt the need to stand up and slowly reapply his suntan lotion. Thankfully, his body wasn’t hard on the eyes!

In Belize we went on a rum tasting and cultural show excursion.  While no food was consumed, the different varieties of rum was a treat.

Our next edible experience was in Costa Maya  My husband and I took the day without the other couples to find a resort my mother recommended called National Beach Club a short cab ride from the pier.  My husband ordered the chicken and I ordered …. wait for it … lobster.  I know.  I love the the stuff and can’t help myself.  OMG. Yes again, another huge tail. The sides were amazing. My husband’s chicken came with a perfectly cooked chorizo on top.  We were in Caribbean heaven.

After lunch, my husband got a massage on the beach under the palm trees. I sun bathed in a hammock INSIDE the gentle waves of the ocean.  My torso was covered in the clear blue warm water, and my legs, arms, and face got golden brown in the sun.  If I could bottle that moment, I could make a million.

In Costa Maya we did a tequila tasting, museum, and cultural show. The fed us amazing tacos. But the best part was learning about tequila at a whole new level. AND discovering a mango spicy margarita.  OMG, who knew that adding liquid Tajin and Tajin seasoning to the rim would be so scrumptious. I have since duplicated this recipe several times since we’ve been home. A new favorite for sure. The sweet mango and spicy seasoning is to die for.

My recreation:

Our last foodie experience to remember was stateside. We disembarked around 9am and our plane didn’t leave until 7pm.  A couple we met invited us to hang with us at their hotel near the airport. A short Uber ride later landed us at the EB Hotel Miami. Stunning facility. Their executive room was top notch with rain showers, sleep number king size bed, and a full seating area.  Rates were reasonable too.  I will definitely be staying there the next time we are in Miami.  The hotel restaurant is called Miranda. My husband had a club sandwich, and I had salmon with an Asian sauce. Delightful!

Our vacation was so amazing, the week after I wore white every day, played Caribbean music, and cooked island food. I didn’t want the glow to wear off. Here’s a meal I cooked the weekend after we got home. Lobster tails … did you expect anything else?

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