| I am fairly certain that the
webmaster should change the name of this column from “What’s
Happening” to “What’s Happened” so I will have a chance to
get things right. CBS did a fabulous job of making a
complete liar out of me regarding the Super Bowl and the
commercials. We did not get all the stateside commercials
since we watched several ads for various San Juan based beer
distributors. Now, I don’t know about you, but I thought
this year’s batch was somewhat disappointing except for the
one with the man, the dog, the bark collar and the bag of
Doritos. Anyway, March in Vieques is perhaps the busiest
month of all and the weather is just about perfect. Unless
you are a polar bear or a penguin, sun, sand and eighty
degree weather is just what you are looking for. But do you
know why you are looking for it? Where did the concept of
sitting on the beach with a trashy novel come from?
A Brief History of the Suntan
Historically, the suntan was considered an ailment of the
lower working class. Only laborers that toiled under the hot
sun day after day had tans. Women would apply lead based
cosmetics (until they started dying from lead poisoning) to
avoid getting a tan. During the Victorian era people piled
on layer after layer of clothing from head to foot to keep
out the sun. And now you know why all those photos from that
period show people looking absolutely miserable. Just think
about taking a quick dip wearing swimsuit made of fifty
pounds of wool. You would stare into the camera with a
ferocious frown too. It’s wonder that most of the human race
managed to stay afloat in those outfits.
That all changed in the 1920’s. Coco Chanel, (who else?)
suffered a sunburn while vacationing in the south of France
and viola……the suntan became the symbol of the rich and
famous. Anyone who was anyone paraded along the beaches in
St. Tropez, the Mediterranean, Florida, California and every
little island in the Caribbean chain. Suddenly, it was most
important to have a tan. The peaches and cream complexion so
favored by people at the turn of the 20th century became a
sign that one was not of the upper classes. Go figure.
Hippocrates, the father of medicine, looked upon
sunbathing as healthy and healing. His formula for a dynamic
life was sun, water on the inside and the outside, diet,
exercise and rest. So, what’s good for your health? A
vacation in Vieques. You can get all of those things here
and you don’t necessarily need the bank account of a couture
fashion maven to get them.
Laura Takes Over Window Café in Esperanza
We have a fabulous, newish, café in Esperanza. Last month
I wrote about Carli and the Window Café at Lazy Jacks. Well,
in true ‘what happened’ form, about five seconds after I
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submitted last month’s
article, Carli moved off island and Laura came in. Laura has
taken the café a step further with fresh fruit smoothies and
homemade all natural granola bars. The espresso is great!!!
Only have one, I repeat only have one, or the rest you so
crave will be a long time coming. The Café is open every day
from 7am to 1pm. For a full breakfast, you can head to
Trade Winds, Belly Buttons or Bili, all on the Malecon in
Esperanza. Evita, at Bili, has a breakfast burrito that is
wonderful. She also has a coffee machine for fabulous
cappuccino. Trade Winds Lobster Benedict is good, good,
good. Belly Buttons for pancakes, egg sandwiches and that oh
so special sausage gravy. Don’t forget that Belly Buttons is
open for dinner seven nights per week. Roy’s Coffee House in
town offers good coffee and breakfast on that side of the
island. There is internet there as well, available for a
fee.
Where to Go for Dancing, Dining and Karaoke
Lazy Jack’s, featuring pizza and salads opens around
noon. They are hosting open mike night every Monday in
March. This may prove to be scary, but should be fun.
Duffy’s has DJ Paul on Friday and Saturday nights and the
dancing is a good time.
For a great Puerto Rican dinner, visit the restaurant at
Island Adventures. The restaurant is owned by the folks at
Island Adventures and stays open until the last bio bay tour
has returned. It is BYOB and is open every night that a tour
runs.
La Reina Cantina has a DJ on Friday’s and a special
upstairs Happy Hour. The pool table is a good one so sign up
on the chalkboard for your turn. Coqui Fire is open as usual
on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and yes, there will be Corned
Beef and Cabbage on that special night. (Saint Patrick’s Day
for the uninitiated) Sombrero Viejo usually does something
fun and funny on that day as well. It’s handy as you can
have a drink there while you shop the most extensive wine
and liquor collection on the island.
Al’s Mar Azul still rocks on Saturdays with Karaoke. Like
Lazy Jack’s this can be scary, but there no limit to the
fun. Sunday is game day at Al’s with four screens, lots of
beer and popcorn around 5pm. Sunset is now on the north side
of the island, so the deck at the Mar Azul is a perfect spot
for watching. Coconuts is open Friday thru Tuesday starting
around 5pm. Good food with casual courtyard dining.
...and Fine Dining
For those who wish to dine in style we have more than our
share of great places. The old stand by Trade Winds is open
every night and has an array of fresh fish. El Quenepo has a
great wine list and a Ceviche to die for. The Next Course
offers an eclectic mix of dishes and some small plates for
more of a tapas type meal. Conuco, the pink
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building across from the bank,
has gotten its liquor license and offers a great Puerto
Rican inspired menu. Chez Shack has a great foodie type menu
on Wednesday thru Saturday. I would strongly recommend
reservations for these restaurants to make sure you have a
great experience. Chez Shack also hosts its traditional
Reggae Grill Night on Mondays. Live music, food on the BBQ
and great Margaritas. Call for reservations.
Restaurant at BBH Now Open
Pizza reigns at Taverna along with Italian dishes in the
evenings. Joe and Liz host a Thai night on Fridays (make a
reservation). During the day, Beverly runs a lunch café for
eat in or take out. My favorite is the salmon salad.
The restaurant at BBH is now open, along with the Palms
poolside bar on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. I have
yet to get there myself but all reports are that the food is
good, and of course, the setting is picture perfect.
Provisions for the Home Chef
If you prefer to eat in, be sure to visit Buen Provecho,
next to La Reina. Chris and Beth stock a variety of
specialty cheeses, organic produce, wonderful cuts of beef,
breast of duck, slabs of fresh salmon, and brown eggs.
Yes, Sushi and Hagen Daas Go Together
Chicken King and Ice Cream has finally reopened in
Florida, across from Nales Hardware. You can get fried
chicken, fries or a cone in one stop. The other ice cream
shop is at Mr. Sushi. That’s a combo, sushi and Hagen Daas.
Sadly, Peter’s at the Crow’s Nest has closed. I haven’t
gotten the full scoop, so you’ll have to visit in person
find out more.
Working Off All That Great Food
The exercise part of Hippocrates program can be found in
any number of places. The kayak companies are out in full
force offering kayak trips, along with fishing and
snorkeling. NanSea Charters and Blackbeard’s Sports can take
you diving. Captain Bill or Chris and Barb can take you
sailing. You can rent bikes or go horseback riding with
Elizabeth and Donde or Penny. You can surf. Check out Playa
Voltios surf shop in town next to the pharmacy. They have
great gear and are the place to go if you have a flip flop
blow out. You can also simply float in the Caribbean at any
number of beaches. This being my personal favorite form of
exercise, except of course, for ten ounce curls.
Thanks for visiting!
Janie Chadwick |
