When in Maui, Would You Rather Sample The Famous Banana Bread or the Flavorful Maui Beef?

Would You Rather Wednesday! 

Maui Beef

      Richard and I were not aware that Maui is known for its beef. The Maui Cattle Company partners with six different ranches, each offering acres and acres of land for the cows to graze. One of the most famous partners is Hana Ranch . Hana Ranch is a working cattle ranch in Hana, on the island of Maui. The ranch is 3,600 - 4,00 acre ranch that nurtures 2,000 cattle. They are all grass fed until fattened, making it an ethical and humane choice (their words). 

      Hana Ranch offers their beef at 2 spots: The Hana Burger Truck  and at their restaurant/bakery Provisions . Richard loves hamburgers so we decided to visit Provisions in Paia, Maui. I ordered some smaller salad dishes and Richard ordered their burger. There are only a few toppings added so you can really appreciate the flavor of the beef. He could not talking about how incredible it was. So I stole a bite...It really was amazing. I am not a big burger lover and I have to tell you the darn thing was so full of flavor and juicy as well! We were converted to Maui beef fans. 

     For the duration of the trip, wherever we went for lunch or dinner we would ask if they have Maui beef products. The unfortunate thing is, not many large restaurants carry the product because Hana farms could not keep up with the demand. They have partnered with smaller restaurants along with other ranches from the Maui Cattle Company to supply great quality and great tasting beef products. It's ruined our enjoyment of beef back at home. 

Banana Bread

     Before we even left for our trip to Maui, we had friends and family telling us all about the must try banana bread not only on the island but most importantly on the Road to Hana. So me, being a sweets lover was pretty darn excited about eating banana bread the whole road trip. Our first few nights in Maui were in a small town called Haiku. We stayed at a bed and breakfast, which of course included breakfast. We woke after a long day of travel the previous day to find coffee, greek yogurt, fresh fruit, and banana bread waiting for us. It was moist, it was bursting with banana flavor, and most importantly it was fresh (the owner had it delivered each morning). WOW!

    During our travels on the Road to Hana there were numerous stops where "the best banana bread" was being offered. We held out and bought ours from a Hana Farms stand. There are so many varieties to choose from: banana and chocolate chunk, banana coconut, banana and macadamia nuts, banana macadamia nuts and chocolate, and more! I must reveal, that after trying some at another hotel and receiving a small loaf after a luau, they are all good. Maui and likely the rest of Hawaii is good at making banana bread. Sure banana bread is simple and I am sure your mother or grandma has a great recipe, but using local bananas and baking it fresh everyday makes this one of a kind in my 

books.

Our choice

It's obvious, Rich prefers the beef and I the banana bread. 

Dominical Costa Rica Travel Guide

Today we are fortunate enough to have a guest post from bloggers Natalia & Hernando of 

travelinglikelocals.com

Read about Natalia & Hernando's travels as they use the world as their playground: 

Blog - http://www.travelinglikelocals.com/

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About Natalia & Hernando...

Hi! We are Natalia and Hernando and currently live in San Jose, Costa Rica with our sweet dog Lola. Food and travel was definitely one of the first things we had in common when we met, and 5 years later we are still very passionate about experiencing different cultures and always having a good meal. Our blog Traveling Like Locals started as a way to share with people our past experiences, and new adventures around Costa Rica and wherever we go during our vacations and times off our jobs, so we hope you join us in our crazy adventures and get inspired to travel more! 

Hi Travelers!

We recently had the opportunity to take a few days off and decided to travel as good locals to a place we had never been. 

Dominical Beach in the South Pacific of Costa Rica was our destination.

This beach is about 210 kilometers from the capital, San Jose, the drive takes approximately 3 hours.

We had so much fun in this trip, that we want to share with you our recommendations to help you out If you wish to visit this beautiful area of ​​Costa Rica.

How to get there

The easiest way, without a doubt, is driving there.

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For our foreign friends we recommend these options:

Rent a Car: There are many companies available anywhere in the country with rates from USD $ 30 a day for compact cars, such as Avis and Budget Rent a Car.

Bus: Companies like Tracopa offer the trip from San José from Monday to Sunday, the prices range around USD $10 per person.

Click here to get the complete route in Google Maps from San Jose.

Whatever the way you choose to arrive there, we recommend you travel with comfortable and light clothing because the heat will definitely rise as you come closer to your destination. Do not forget to bring bottles of water to hydrate on the way, some snacks and good music to enjoy the trip.

The Weather

Temperatures in the area of Dominical, ranges between 30C in the morning and 27C by night, which ultimately tells us that comfortable clothing will be really necessary, and don’t forget to wear a cap, hat or similar.

Applying sun block is a must if you don’t want to get sunburn, and we also think mosquito repellent is a good idea to bring too.

Lodging

As for accommodation, there are options for all tastes and budgets.

You can find from perfect beachfront backpackers Hostels with very affordable prices, to more elegant hotels up in the mountains with spectacular views.

We decided to stay at Hotel Cuna del Angel, which is located between Dominical and Uvita, which offers a great family environment but at the same time is very tranquil and relaxing. 

This hotel has all the amenities you would expect from its 4 stars. The hotel is very small, offers an in house restaurant, breakfast is included on the price, and the pool is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some Piñas Coladas!

The price per night is around USD $200, which is a little high, but well worth it.

Food

The area offers different food options, you will find from small restaurants with typical Costa Rican food, to more upscale places offering world-class cuisine.

From our trip we recommend these 3 places:

Café Mono Congo in Dominical Beach: we really liked this place because they offer a very varied menu with vegan options and fresh smoothies, is located right at the mouth of the river, so it offers nice views and a peaceful and relaxing vibe.

Tortilla Flats in Dominical Beach: this place is located right across from the beach, is perfect for eating a quick bite and admire the beautiful beach views, offers a lively and busy atmosphere. They serve a variety food and drinks, we ordered a couple of delicious cheese and bacon sandwiches, we totally recommend it!

The Restaurant at Hotel Cuna del Angel: this is undoubtedly a place of gourmet food, the menu offers a variety of dishes including seafood, meat and pasta. We decided to eat here one night to try their dishes and also because it was just a few steps from our room. The food was delicious, it had great flavors and the quantities were generous. Although the restaurant is kind of pricey, we believe it’s worth to treat yourself once and have lunch or dinner at this place. The service is amazing and the ocean view is definitely spectacular.

We recommend making a reservation because the restaurant is very small and fills up easily.

Activities

There are many activities to enjoy in this area, here are a few recommendations on what you can do during your trip:

Marino Ballena National Park: The famous beach shaped like a whale's tail is one of the places to visit if you are in the area. It’s located about 20 km from Dominical. The Admission is 1,000 colones (around USD$2) per person (resident or foreign) for the whole day, be advise that you cannot enter with alcoholic beverages. If you want to enjoy walking on the whale’s tail visit the beach when it’s low tide. We recommend bringing some water, snacks and a blanket to sit back and relax on the sand.

Crafts and Souvenirs: if like us you love to go and roam through the craft and souvenir shops, Dominical is definitely a great place to do that, you can find a whole street beside the beach with various stalls selling handcrafts, clothes, jewelry, ornaments, souvenirs, etc.

Surf: Dominical Beach is famous for its awesome waves, so if that is your sport, this is the ideal place to practice and have some fun. If you would like to learn, there are several surf schools, which provide general or custom lessons to start riding the waves in no time.

Nauyaca Waterfall: Located about 7 km from Dominical, once in the entrance you would have to go through the forest to reach the beautiful waterfall, this tour can be done on foot or horseback riding (we recommend horseback riding, as the walking distance is about 6km each way). For both tours you must pay an entrance fee, take into account that only the horseback riding tour offers in their fee a guide and food.

Whale Watching and Dolphin Tour: There are several companies that offer this type of tour in the area, we recommend searching for the one you like first, make a reservation and arrive on time. Prices vary slightly depending on the company but they are usually around USD $75 per person, they usually include a guided tour of 3-4 hours, water, fruit and snorkeling equipment.

Additional Information

There are several ATMs on the area in case you need some extra cash, the one we used and recommend is the one on the Bank of Costa Rica which is located at the entrance of Uvita, right besides BM supermarket.

However, most places accept credit cards, debit cards and US dollars.

Supermarkets and convenience stores are easy to find, so you will not have problem getting hygiene products or snacks to take to the beach.

We hope you get a chance to visit Playa Dominical, for us the area is extremely beautiful, plus you truly feel immerse in the jungle, this is one of the areas that hasn't been so over developed by man making it a paradise with lots of vegetation and animals.

Would You Rather Your Hotel Offer You Free Happy Hour or Breakfast?

Isn't it wonderful when you book an amazing hotel, only to find out it also includes breakfast or a free evening cocktail reception? Unfortunately this does not happen as much as we travellers would like, or as often as it used to with the cost of everything on the rise. But when it does, it is often one or the other, but we have been lucky enough to stay somewhere that included both....more on that later.

Happy Hour:

Some hotels offer a happy hour, or evening reception for their guests. Often each guest room is given a drink or two in the early evening in the hotel bar or lounge. No one enjoys an evening beverage more than Richard and I, so an evening reception is always a draw or wonderful surprise for us. We have experienced several. One that stands out is the Kimpton hotel in San Francisco. They had a managers reception that focused on Napa wines. The wines changed during our stay, and there was even a house made sangria with fresh fruit one night. It is a nice touch when the beverages from the area are highlighted or featured

Free Breakfast:

Okay so there is free continental breakfast, and then there is free breakfast...We have stayed at some hotels that include incredible full, healthy, and cooked to order breakfast. If you like to indulge in eggs, freshly squeezed juice, and other savoury delights then Southeast Asia hotels are for you! When Richard and I stayed in Bali we had the best breakfasts ever! When we stayed in Seminyak, Indonesia and stayed at Sun Island Villas, we were given a menu each morning with numerous choices. There was traditional North American breakfast fare to choose from as well as Indonesian dishes such as savoury noodles topped with an over easy egg. Richard tried a new item each of the 5 mornings we stayed. To accompany your meal there was a light buffet of breads, sweets, and fruit. I also have to share that we have never been coffee drinkers until we had a latte made for us each morning with Balinese coffee.

One other breakfast hot spot for us was when we stayed in Ubud, Indonesia. First off let me tell you that this hotel is amazing. Words cannot describe it. So of course the breakfast was special for us too. The staff at Ubud Padi Villas brought us a menu each evening, allowing us to select which breakfast items we would like for the morning. The menu varied each day. We could choose to have it delivered to our villa, cabana, or enjoy it in an outdoor bungalow on the hotel grounds (picture below). They made coconut sugar and palm sugar filled crepes among many other great items.

Ubud Padi Villas, Ubud Bali
Photo: @conciergecouple

Best of Both Worlds:

Yes, we are not blind to the fact that our room rate likely covers the cost of the breakfast or happy hour, but when you get a great deal on a great hotel and there is a bonus, why would we go to the competition? Example: The Kinzie Hotel in Chicago. Not only do they have an evening cocktail reception in their upper floor bar, but they even have created their own signature cocktails if you are interested. Even once your 2 drinks per night vouchers are finished, the prices of additional drinks are fair. Please note: Richard and I never ran out of vouchers...we simply asked for more and they gave us more at the front desk! During this reception they also have major appetizers and small bites. I am not talking about fried appetizers, they are snacks like: charcuterie trays, dips and veggies, mini sliders, spicy meatballs and fresh bread, even some desserts. Okay I am getting off topic..

Breakfast here is very innovative and centered around a fresh idea. They deliver breakfast to EVERY floor EVERY morning. Yes, you read that correct. Each room has a serving tray for you to bring out into the hall and gather the food items you would like. They encourage you to wear your robe, and don't feel embarrassed because everyone is. You gather boiled eggs, yogurts, fruit, bagels, cereal, cheese, and so much more on your train and then....Enjoy it in your bed. Ahhhh.....Isn't this concept so simple yet amazing?! We think so. I tell you, we barely eat out at restaurants in Chicago when we stay here...but we still do :)

Would You Rather Food Poisoning While on Vacation or Bring Back Bed Bugs?

Would You Rather Wednesday!

Richard and I have had some experiences with food poisoning, but now that I think about it , it usually happens to me. Once when we were in the Dominican Republic, I was sick in bed for an evening after eating salad at the buffet. We had been warned not to eat any produce that may have been washed with local water, I did not listen. This was one of our first resorts ever, so let's just say it wasn't the swankiest place and there are much higher standards now.

In Bali I was sick in bed for 24 hours. I had to stay in the cool air conditioned room in the dark while Richard was out sightseeing. I had intense stomach pain and a small fever. The strange thing was, I think it was the North American, BLT I ate that may have caused the sickness. In the Philippines this past year I was bed ridden again. After a day out on a 7 island tour I fell quite ill again. Sleeping and cool air were the only things that made me feel slightly better. Could it have been the "fresh" fish that was barbecued for us on the boat trip? The all day sun? The waves rocking me side to side? Or the large amount of alcohol I consumed? It very well could have been a combination of all these things, or food poisoning. Although I do love vacationing, being sick is the only time I wish for my own bed and home.

We have luckily not seen, heard of, or "caught" bed bugs in any of the hotels we have stayed at. Maybe it is all the reviews we read on TripAdvisor that have saved us! We have had friends who slept on a boat overnight in Australia and woke up with little bites all over their bodies. Thats right....they confirmed it was bed bugs. Now bringing them home would be another whole nightmare. It makes me think of the chaos that used to ensue when me and my two sisters had head lice in elementary school. And that is just head lice!

Our pick: Food poisoning. It usually only lasts 24 hours, and if you are anything like us, your body probably needs those 24 hours of rest after too much partying, late nights, or jam packed schedules of sightseeing.

Puerto Vallarta Street Food
Photo: @conciergecouple

Would you rather have a pizza from Italy or a dish of Pad Thai from a food stall in Thailand?

Would You Rather Wednesday!

Pizza:

Richard has always loved pizza. When we travelled through Italy, I learned that I also love pizza. Wait, not just any pizza. The thin crust pizza with minimal, yet fresh from the market toppings, baked on a light thin crust in a wood-fired oven. We tried them all: margherita, anchovy, spicy sausage, etc. We fell in love with one pizza in Milan. Let me set the scene for you. Just the two of us seated at a small table with a checkered table cloth on the side of a cobblestone street. A candle on the table, and a few street lights glimmer in the night. We are sipping wine of course...and our pizza is delivered. It is a four cheese pizza. The cheese is bubbling as they place it down on the table. It is likely a bad idea to take a bite when it is this hot, but we do. It's amazing! We are in love!

Pad Thai:

I love ethnic food, spice, and anything that is booming with flavour. We have had some good Pad Thai in North America, but I often found it a little too sweet for my liking. In Thailand there are many options for street food, and we loved almost everything we tried (chicken feet were a no). We ordered a dish of Pad Thai from a street vendor in Phuket. We topped it with crushed peanuts, lime, and cilantro, all which were carefully cut and available on the side of the food cart. We walked down to the beach to enjoy it. We sat there using our chopsticks to enjoy this noodle dish as the waves crashed in and the sun was setting. The spices, the warm evening sun on our backs, and the view of the ocean really made this a memorable meal and dish.

So which would you rather? Pizza or Pad Thai?

Our choice:

Pad Thai! A dish made by a local using only the equipment within their food cart and a likely passed down, traditional recipe wins in our books!

Pad Thai
Photo: @conciergecouple

TL Travel Guide To Traveling In A Developing Country

Today we are fortunate enough to have a guest post from blogger, Teri Potts of TL Travel

About Teri

Photo: TaylorNorthey Photography

As the Owner of Canadian travel company TL Travel, Teri Potts organizes both large & small group trips to unique locations in popular destinations, as well as luxury trips for the off-the-path adventurer. Having visited almost 35 countries (& counting) she shares her knowledge & passion for travel through her work at TL Travel and all of the behind-the-scenes on her YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/tltravel.

Connect With Teri:

Online www.tltraveltrips.com

Email reservations @tltravel.ca

Twitter & Instagram @TLTRAVEL

YouTube www.youtube.com/tltravel

It is in my experience that the majority of travelers find themselves in developing countries more times than not given that they are typically cheaper, more cultural & frankly a little more exciting! Perfect for a limited budget, there is nothing like setting out in a country where you can live comfortably on fifty dollars a day & live like a king for the price of an American motel, but what else should you be expecting when you travel in a developing country?

Getting There Is Half The Fun

While road quality is slowly improving around the world, road reliability & safety are still severely lacking which, paired with the lack of personal boundaries in many countries, can make for an unpleasant ride. Expect to be crowded & expect to arrive late, but don't forget to stay calm & go with the flow of things (just like the locals do!) 

If you absolutely need to be somewhere on time (to catch a flight or start a trek for example) consider spending a few extra dollars on a private taxi or transfer ... after all... you are here in the first place because a little goes a long way.

Photo: @TLTRAVEL

Don't Think, Just Eat

While it is still important to take the proper safety precautions when it comes to eating local food (see Is Street Food Safe?) if you are eating like a local you may also end up eating vegetables & meats that you may not necessarily recognize. More times than not it will taste great & you won't think twice after the first bite, however, if you are prone to food allergies or poor reactions to new foods it is handy to either keep the proper medications on hand or avoid the unknown until you know for sure what it's made of. 

Eating like a local may also mean eating with your hands. The etiquette here is typically to use your right hand for eating & your left only for holding your bowl or glass. This is because in many cultures that left hand is used for toilet duties ... so try to keep that tip in mind! 

Photo: @TLTRAVEL

Always Be Prepared!

Back home the street lights are on from the first sign of darkness until the sun comes up, perhaps we leave the TV & air on all night while we sleep & hot water is just a turn of a tap away, but preparing for an inevitable lack of amenities while discovering a developing country is absolutely essential. Many remote areas will have little or no electricity & scarce amounts of running water (even some heavily-toured areas may limit your usage.)

Charge your electronics while you have access to electricity, pack a battery powered flashlight & be sure you are back at your hotel or home-stay before the village turns its lights out. Start your journey expecting the least & you will be pleasantly surprised when you arrive to more.

Toilet Trouble

Squatters, squatters & more squatters. From India to Tibet & Thailand to the Philippines, the squatter is the way of the world & for good reason. While it may take some getting used to, squatters rid you of the need to touch your bottom to anything & therefore lessen the transfer of germs. One of the first things I do before I visit a country is check in on the toilet situation & prepare accordingly... will my toilet be a bowl? a hole? or will it sing me a lullaby? - one can never be too prepared when opening up that washroom stall. And please ... throw your paper in the bin & don't try to flush it unless it is posted that you can.

You Are Your Doctor

Sure, there are doctors & hospitals in developing countries, and yes, you have travel medical insurance (I would hope!) but if you are heading off-the-beaten-track then it is likely you will need to be your own doctor & self-medicate every now & again. Now don't get me wrong, self-medication is not always recommended, however, with most common prescription medications (like antibiotics) available over the counter, carrying a small supply in your first aid kit when traveling in a rural area can be a life-saver in the case of an emergency.

You Will Get Ripped Off At Least Once

It is true, avoiding bribes & extra taxes/fees is dang near impossible as an English-speaking Westerner (& clear target) but you can still take some control over the amount that you pay & who you pay it too. If you know that you are going to be crossing a border or taking part in a tourist activity, try checking online forums first like TripAdvisor or ask around on reddit to find out how much people pay & what the obvious scams are that you will need to be wary of. There is no better feeling then being able to tell a taxi driver that no, in fact that is NOT the price of a taxi to the airport & YES you are certain.

Photo: @TLTRAVEL