food

As heard on Mad Dog's radio show in Palm Springs: The Maui Prince, Hawaii -  Filled with enchantment and romance, this Hawaiian paradise will find its way into your hearts without emptying your pockets.  Rated one of the top hotels of the island, the Maui Prince is now offering amazing rates for all their rooms, including ocean front rooms.  Their amenities range from spa to complimentary valet to wi-fi in your room, should you need it. Take advantage of their Special Packages or let them take the worry away from planning a wedding!  That's right, lucky divas!  They also have wedding packages, complete with every detail, including the fabulous backdrop of Black Rock and red sunsets. Email us at diva@travelingdiva.com for more info and special rates not advertised on their website! and..... shhhhhh... the secret to their free upgrades!!!!!! Email us for the best secret rates imaginable!  diva@travelingdiva.com [gallery]

You don’t have to be one of the 200 lucky guests in the Statuary Hall of the Capitol to delight your taste buds with these patriotic dishes. This fabulous three-course menu, inspired by Abraham Lincoln and designed by Design Cuisine, was served on exquisite china, replicas of the china from the Lincoln Presidency, featuring the American bald eagle above the U. S. Coat of Arms. A seafood stew was first in line, paired up with Napa Valley’s Duckhorn Vineyards 2007 Sauvignon Blanc.  The main course, pheasant and duck served with sour cherry chutney and molasses sweet potatoes came accompanied by Anderson’s Valley Goldeneye, 2005 Pinot Noir. For the crowning end to the Obama lunch dessert came in the form of apple cinnamon sponge cake topped with sweet cream glace, paired with Korbel Natural “Special Inaugural Cuvée.”  Ahh, sweet taste of Change. [caption id="attachment_670" align="alignnone" width="150" caption="Flower Design by JLB Floral of Alexandria, Virginia"][/caption] For the full recipes click here:  Inaugural Menu Recipes 2009

If natural phenomena is more your style, head over to the northern region of Thailand, the Nong Kai Province.  Every year on the first full moon of October spectators are awed by hundreds of lights and balls of fire that surge abruptly into the night above the Mekong River.  This occurrence directly follows the end of the Buddhist Rains Retreat, and is the main event of a two day Thai festival along the river including light and sound shows, an illuminated boat contest, the King's Cup long-tailed boat race and food offerings.  These Naga fireballs, named after the mythical fire-spitting serpent Naga, say to bring over 400,000 visitors to the region year after year.

The ultimate escape for the active surfer is Kauai. Since the natives first mastered the shores, surfing has become an exhilarating rite of passage. Contemporaries such as Andy Irons, Bruce Irons, Keala Kennely, Laird Hamilton, Sena Seramur, Dustin Barca all contributed to Kauai's legendary surf community. Kauai has many surf spots on the island, most of which remain a secret. The more well-know waves are Hanalei Bay, Cannons and Tunnels. Surfing in Kauai means summer breaks in the south and winter breaks in the north. Generally surfing is best on the North Shore, and the south coast in summer, where popular Po'ipu Beach crowds up. Pakalas, near Waimea is the Westside's hottest break. Transitional swells happen on the Eastside, when surfers hit Kealia Beach or Wailua Bay behind the Kaoa'a Sands Hotel. Surfing conditions at the Po'ipu beaches are usually gentler than on the other side of the island, but if you're qualified, you might want to take on challenging North Shore beaches like Hanalei. Keep in mind that conditions can be extremely dangerous during the winter months (experts only.) If you happen to find yourself in Kauai hankering to ride the waves on North Shore, Hanalei Bay or Poi'pu, and have never ...

Have a thirst for more urban island experience? Quench it in Honululu's Chinatown. More than souvenirs and dive bars, Honululu's Chinatown has become the city diva's inland retreat. Here are a few suggestions to quenching your urban thirst on the island. Rent scooters and get lost in Honululu's Chinatown. If you're hankering for something a dash more urbane in your island experience, then hit Thirtyninehotel, a gallery by day. Grab something pretty to sip on, like a colored cocktail called Hawaiian Punch and enjoy the scene. Continuing the art theme, head across town to Arts at Marks Garage, a gallery com performance space that exhibits work by leading local artisans. Keep your healthy buzz going and buy a few gifts for your favorite people back home. Lei, straw bags, and body-hugging silk cheongsams can be found at Cindy's and across the street at Lin's. This diva's tip of the day: For $2.00, catch the Bus from Ala Moana Center and discover Indigo at Nuuanu St. and enjoy a twilight aperitif.