"Paradise" means different things to different people. If your idea of paradise is golf courses, casinos, neon lights, and high crime, then PLEASE, do not come to Vieques! Your sniveling will upset our karma.
However, for such a small locale, there is a lot to do here. It is nice to be able to choose to do nothing but vegetate on the beach, indulge in a daily siesta, and catch up on your reading. But, it is also inviting to feel the pulse of the island; enjoying what she has to offer.
On Saturday, February 5th, Café Media Luna had a full house for their "India Night", serving traditional Indian and Indian fusion cuisine. Then, on Saturday, February 12th, Jibaro Jazz entertained with "Romantic Rhythms". The five-member band visiting from Puerto Rico filled the night air with great jazz. Be sure to call Monica and Ricardo (741-2594) when you arrive to reserve your table for the next evening they offer from their Master Jazz Series.
After a day on the beach, one of the best places on the island for enjoying the famous Caribbean Sunset is the beautiful Blu Bar, at The Inn on the Blue Horizon. E, the jaunty bartender, will eagerly serve you your favorite drinks. Oh come on, live La Vida Loca and try his "Ricky Martini" or his "Jennifer Coco Lopez"! Actually, a favorite at The Blu Bar is E's "Sundown Relaxer". So, sip a cool tropical concoction while you watch the setting sun splash a myriad of colors on the sky. The Blu Bar is open Thursday through Monday, 5:00 PM until…….until E tells you it's time to GO HOME!
Several times a year, when the island residents share their cries of Sushi deprivation, Café Blu, at The Inn on the Blue Horizon (741-3318), becomes a "Sushi House"; surrendering its daily fare, and featuring treats from the Orient.
Chef Michael and his sous chefs, Scot and Brooks, elegantly presented "Sushi Night" on Monday, February 7th. As soon as the word spread around the island, reservations came flooding in.! Guests enjoyed Meguro Tuna, Dried Cured Salmon, Spicy Flying Fish Roe, Tuna Rolls, Salmon and Avocado Rolls, Barbecued Eel, Vegetable Roll, and a signature "Blu Horizon Roll" of Pineapple Mango and Cucumber. All of this was accompanied by plenty of Wasabi and Pickled Ginger, with an added treat of a Seaweed
Mesclun Salad.
It didn't stop there! Other specialties included Hot and Sour Vegetable Soup, Miso Shiru-a fermented Soy Broth with Tofu and Enoki Mushrooms, Spicy Curried Chicken with steamed Cabbage Moo Shu and Soured Cucumber Threads, stir Fry of Black angus tenderloin slices with Enoki, Wikomo, and Shiitake Mushrooms over Soba noodles, and a Soft Shell Crab Tempura.
The theme carried through to the end of the evening as everyone satisfied their sweet tooth on a dessert Sushi presentation of Papaya Strawberry Roll and Chocolate Wasabi Truffles, or a fresh- made Ice Cream sampler of Sesame, Ginger, and Green Tea.
As Chef Michael would say, "Vieques…come for the food, stay for vacation!"
Many days, on my way to work, I stop in at Bananas, in Esperanza, to have a late lunch. I just love this place. The dark wood, the friendly staff, the smiling, sandy, tanned, tourists, the parade of people and cars cruising
the Malecon, over-looking the Caribbean with boats of all sizes and shapes (and stories to go with them), anchored right in front, are the heart of why I am here.
Not long ago, I walked in and Colleen called me over, saying she needed my opinion. Ernesto Pina, Vieques' talented sign painter, had several drawings spread out on a table. Colleen had commissioned him to paint a mural on the east wall of Bananas, and couldn't decide which one she liked the best. Many of the samples were seascapes, and were all magnificent. But, because you already have the Caribbean in full view and the bar and restaurant IS called Bananas, my vote went for the rainforest look.
Colleen must have agreed, for the next week anyone who came to Bananas to drink or dine were granted a true gift-watching an artist create. When you come to Vieques, please plan to spend some time in Bananas to feast your eyes on Ernesto's mural.
On February 14th, Bananas hosted their annual Valentine's Day dance, featuring Rotor-the one-man-band sensation. Revelers danced until the wee hours amid a
bubble-bath of red and pink balloons and streamers. The fun, the romance, and yes, the hangovers were the talk of the island!
The Vieques Humane Society will be hosting a series of "Fun Raisers" over the next few months. On February 26th, there will be a "Goods and Services" auction at Al's Mar Azul. Dinners at our local restaurants, gift certificates from shops, and massages are only a few of the great treasures that will be auctioned. This is always a good time!
On March 20th, La Campesina will have an Art Auction featuring the best paintings, prints, sculptures, and pottery from gifted artists on the island. This is one of my favorite events of the year.
Finally, on April 18th, The Oasis Restaurant will host "The Taste of Vieques". Chefs from the best restaurants on Vieques will donate their specialties- appetizers, entrees, and desserts-for an entire evening of culinary delight.
Call The Vieques Humane Society-741-0209-to reserve your place at The Goods and Services Auction", "The Art Auction", and "The Taste of Vieques". All proceeds go to a very good cause, and each event is SO MUCH FUN!
Ah-h-h, the warm sun is shining and the soft breeze tickles the palm fronds. The clear, see-all-the-way-to-your-toes Caribbean water is so soothing, and just begs to be snorkeled. The vanilla cake-mix sand on our beaches beckons castle-builders, sun-worshippers, and shell-seekers. If you are in need of a little "down-time", romance, superb dining, and tropical music; or you want to enjoy the best nature has to offer-then throw your swimsuit, camera, t-shirts, shorts, and sandals in a bag, and visit Vieques. Actually, you can buy all that stuff when you get here. So, call your favorite airline, and "Book 'em, Dano"!
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