For some reason, every time I come to Italy, I find myself in Amalfi. This is the stairs leading from the tomb of St. Andrew to the sanctuary. The texture of the walls and the light coming through the window made for a good HDR candidate. OK, it was also one of the few places that I could take a photograph without a tourist in the way
As you drive around an industrial area, it is hard to believe you are looking for a place to eat. This area is full of industry and cold, hard steel. It is a very unlikely area to find a place that you would want to visit, let alone eat at.
As my wife’s cousin is driving me around this very unappealing local in Honolulu, he assures me that it is worth it. As we turned the corner and I see the incandescent holiday lights on the arch over the entrance to La Mariana, I knew I found a diamond in the ruff. The last tiki bar on Oahu.
Getting out of the car, I knew that we in for an experience. From the waterside location to the piano music inside, to the obvious tiki decor, this is a special place. As we entered the waitresses all said “he Bobby” to my host. Apparently he frequents this place. He simply said, just order because everything is good. For our appetizer, we had the grab cakes. There was no disappointment there. Fresh, juicy and so good. I asked the waitress to bring me her favorite dish. it was a fish with macadamia nuts. I wish that I could remember what it was called. In any case, it was outstanding.
La Mariana Tiki Bar and Restaurant
1-808-848-2800
50 Sand Island Access Rd
Honolulu, HI 96816
What can I say. This was one of the most relaxing strolls that I have been on in a long time. I was in Italy in the winter and took a tour on the Amalfi coast. As the bus left Sorrento and started the in and out weaving of the 1,000 plus curves of the Amalfi Coast highway, we finally came to the statue of the Virgin Mary standing over Positano, commanding a breathtaking view of the village below.
With the village being built so tightly into the mountainside, we had to walk into town, After a quick café at the Bar Mulno Verde, I took a relaxing stroll through the town. Since there was a light drizzle, I had this beautiful vine covered walkway to myself.
With no one around, I continued on at a very relaxed pace with the sound of the rain tapping my umbrella. Once at the bottom I was greeted by the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. This spectacular architectural achievement had a glass viewing room at the entrance so visitors and gaze into this highly ornamental house of worship while services are taking place. As always, leave a Euro in the offering.
Remember that the constant them of Positano is the vertical. What goes down, must go back up.
Before I started my climb back up to the bus, I took some time on the beach. Normally this would be a crowded, yet exciting place in the summer. Today, I had the place nearly all to myself.
I hope one day to return to Positano during the summer and maybe even to stay a night or two. Travel to Positano means a trip through Naples. If flying in, take the Ali Bus just outside the arrivals door at the airport. The Ali Bus makes three stops, for three Euro’s: The Airport, train station, and the marina. Do you notice the constant theme here? It stops at places to get out of Naples. Take a ferry from the Marina. It cost more, but it is my choice for transportation in the region.
This is one of those unexpected pleasures. Bub’s looks like a and old country store on the outside, and a dump inside (Which is part of its charm). That is OK, because the food more than makes up for it.
Bub’s is located in the upscale community of Carmel, IN which is a suburb of Indianapolis. Situated conveniently along the Monon bike and walking trail, it is perfect for a walk to dinner. The signature dish here is the one pound “Big Ugly”. If you can polish off this bad boy, you get immortalized on the wall.
My personal favorite is the elk burger. I do not know how they spice, but I do know they spice it well. Don’t forget the fries and stop by the ice cream shop in the front before heading back out on the Monon. While running past Bub’s and training for a marathon, the hardest part of the training was Bub’s. It smells so good your motivation on that 20 mile run just goes away as your mouth begins to water.
Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream
210 West Main
Carmel, IN 46032
317-706-BUBS (2827)
