Your Fantasy Birthday - Tell Me

[robyn]

It's my husband's 60th birthday next year - May - and I want to surprise him with something really nice. He's been so tired lately - taking care of his Dad - dealing with hurricane debris - junk like that. He needs some R&R in a relaxing place - with great food. Although he usually likes places like New York - I was surprised that he enjoyed my surprise 50th birthday trip to Hawaii so much. So I'm trying to evoke that memory - and trump it.

So tell me if you were (or - preferably - are) - a 60 year old guy - what would you like? Where would you want to go - and where have you gone where you came back with a nice smile on your face. I know that Bloomingdales does not enter into this equation . We can probably travel far - as long as we don't have to spend more than 5-7 days. Although I don't want to spend most of the trip - and a week after that - getting over jet lag. So west from Florida might be ok - whereas east wouldn't be (jet lag west --> east is a lot harder than east --> west). And far isn't - of course - necessary. Could be someplace in the Caribbean - or Sonoma - just about anywhere. If you could tell your wife or significant other what you want - what would you say? Again - only requirements are an opportunity for lots of R&R - and great food. Robyn

[Jason Perlow]

I'm assuming you've already planned the post-dinner part of the evening after the dinner guests go home. I'm sure Gifted Gourmet can give you some practical and experienced advice on that part of the festivities

[Busboy]

California between San Francisco and Big Sur.

Ask Tanabutler, but I can't picture anyplace in America that, in May, would have a better combination of places to kick back and relax, and great seasonal and restaurant food. And if you want a night on the town, you can drop into Fog City and do it up right.

[Marlene]

NOt that I know east from west , but tmy first choice, and my husband's would be to go Mexico, the Royal Hideaway. A truly pampering resort, and some truly outstanding food as well.

This is usually where we head for our anniversary.

[Gifted Gourmet]

I'm assuming you've already planned the post-dinner part of the evening after the dinner guests go home.  I'm sure Gifted Gourmet can give you some practical and experienced advice on that part of the festivities

←

Hold on there! Now I am the Social Activities Director on the Good Ship eGullet? The Love Boat without the Midnight Buffet??

I enjoy cooking and if a little Cialis falls into my soup pot, what can I do?

Definitely California .. I would say San Francisco because it is marvelous and the food is incredible!

[jamiemaw]

Robyn,

I would second Marlene's recommendation of The Royal Hideaway, just south of Playa del Carmen--easy for you to get to as well. Playa is just the right size right now and has a certain charm cast in its distinctive feel of Europe brought to the Mayan coast, especially along its main walking street. There are lots of restaurants specializing in Yucatecan and Veracruzan cuisine. The Hideaway itself is an elegant property fronting some very beautiful azure water.

The other resort that we particularly enjoy (and in fact are visiting soon ourselves) is The Palmilla in Los Cabos. Although Cabo has no where near the charm of Playa del Carmen, the town of San Jose, close by the resort, retains some native soul. The resort itself is gorgeous, quiet and interesting, with kitchens specializing in indigenous-inflected cuisine but watched over by Charlie Trotter.

In Hawaii, we had an exceptional stay at the Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island. Some very good eating right on the property (terrific Japanese restaurant)--gotgeous walking and beaches. Up the volcano in Waimea, more good eating (Peter Merriman's longtime restaurant started it all) from the local farms. It's stunning to compare the black lava at sea level with the lush greenery above--it looks like Ireland.

Those are just three recent entries, but we think them all worthies for the sort of thing that you're contemplating.

Bon Voyage,

Jamie

Edited October 8, 2004 by jamiemaw (log)

[maggiethecat]

I know the City of the Big Shoulders doesn't have a romantic getaway rep, but it should---especially in May. It's the Third Coast, arguably the most innovative (and classic) restaurant city in the country. And you get almost zero tude and amazing food.

And the lakeshore (think hand in hand) and the architecture (nowhere else comes close) and the seriously fine restaurant scene.

[Marlene]

The town of Playa, (5 minutes from the Hideaway), is indeed charming, and has some very decent restaurants of it's own. The Hideaway itself is in a gated community and is very safe to walk around at any time. The RH features 6 restaurants all of which are ala carte, unusual for a vacation resort. The only buffet you'll find here is during breakfast (if you choose, there's an ala carte breakfast option as well), where Carmen makes a damn fine omelet. The Hideaway has a spa as well, so if you aren't relaxed enough by the poolside and beach side waiter server, (just raise your flag in the sand when you want something), the spa will finish the job. We've stayed in 4 or 5 resorts in Playa, but nothing compares to the Hideaway for good food, relaxation and pampering service.

Robyn,

I would second Marlene's recommendation of The Royal Hideaway, just south of Playa del Carmen--easy for you to get to as well. Playa is just the right size right now and has a certain charm cast in its distinctive feel of Europe brought to the Mayan coast, especially along its main walking street. There are lots of restaurants specializing in Yucatecan and Veracruzan cuisine. The Hideaway itself is an elegant property fronting some very beautiful azure water.

Bon Voyage,

Jamie

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[jackal10]

Hedonism resort? Although I'm not sure its the food one goes for...

[Marlene]

Hedonism resort? Although I'm not sure its the food one goes for...

←

The guy's 60. Let's not give him a heart attack!

[Rachel Perlow]

Marlene -- I see that the resort you recommended above is all-inclusive. We've found in the past that we generally don't care for all-inclusives because the food is usually of lesser quality and we like to get out and explore the region, including restaurants outside the resort.

How does this place's all-inclusive compare to the run of the mill all-inclusive place?

[Gifted Gourmet]

Have you ever been here? I have a friend who absolutely adored it and could not stop raving about it!

Little Palm Island Resort

the dining

The Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering the finest foods and wines from around the world, all served in an island paradise. There are seasonal menus along with tempting daily specials. Guests order from the menus a la carte or by selecting one of the island's special meal plans. Little Palm Island is rated number one in the "Top Restaurant" category in Monroe County by the Zagat Survey, and has received numerous awards from AAA, Mobil and Golden Spoon.

[phaelon56]

There's a lovely small inn located in Leonardsville NY (the middle of nowhere but more or less in Leatherstocking country and not far from Cooperstown). For many, many years they've been renowned for having some of the best food in this part of the state. They also operate a small luxe property in a secluded location on the coast of Puerto Rico. I've always wanted to stay there and suspect that the food is excellent. I have eleven years and a few months before I can cajole my GF into taking me there for my 60th but it appears to be quite appealing.

Horned Dorset

[Marlene]

Marlene -- I see that the resort you recommended above is all-inclusive. We've found in the past that we generally don't care for all-inclusives because the food is usually of lesser quality and we like to get out and explore the region, including restaurants outside the resort.

How does this place's all-inclusive compare to the run of the mill all-inclusive place?

←

Rachel, we normally feel the same way. This is the only all-inclusive we've ever really liked. The food is way way above the run of the mill all-inclusive place. And we also get out and explore. There are some great restaurants in Playa as well. I have the menus for all of the restaurants if you'd care to have them

Dining at the Hideaway here's a link to their dining page.

Below is the menu for the Palazzo Dining Room. You just don't get food like this at the average all inclusive. They take great care to ensure the ingredients are fresh and use local ingredients where they can.

PALAZZO DINNER MENU

ANTIPASTI

ENTRADA / APPETIZER

CARPACCIO DI MANZO IN SALSA DI GRIBICHE (*)

CARPACCIO DE RES EN SALSA DE GRIBICHE

BEEF CARPACCIO, OLIVE AND CAPER DRESSING

BRESAOLA CON RUCOLA PARMIGIANO E NOCI

BRESAOLA CON QUESO PARMESANO Y NUEZ

BRESAOLA WITH PARMESAN CHEESE SHAVINGS AND WALNUTS

PROSCIUTTO E MELONE

JAMON SAN DANIELE Y MELON

PROSCIUTTO SAN DANIELE WITH MELON

CHAMPIGNONES PORTOBELLO CON CIPOLLA

ACETO AGLIO E ROSMARINO

CHAMPIÑONES PORTOBELLO CON VINAGRETA DE AJO, CEBOLLA Y ROMERO

PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS WITH GARLIC VINAIGRETTE, ONIONS AND ROSEMARY

INSALATA CAPRICCIOSA

ENSALADA DE ESPINACAS CON CAMARON Y CHAMPIÑONES, SERVIDA CON ADERESO DE MOSTAZA DIJON

SPINACH AND MUSHROOM SALAD SERVED WITH SHRIMP AND DIJON VINAIGRETTE

INSALATA MISTA ALL’A CETO BALSAMICO

ENSALADA MIXTA CON VINAGRE BALSAMICO

MIXED SALAD AND BALSAMIC VINEGAR

ZUPPA ALLA TOSCANA

SOPA TOSCANA CON ESCENCIA DE TRUFAS

TUSCANY SOUP WITH TRUFFLE ESSENCE

ZUPPA ALEGRIA DI MARE

CREMA DE ALMEJAS Y CAMARON SASONADA CON RAIZ FUERTE

CREAM OF CLAMS AND SHRIMP SEASONED WITH HORSERADISH

RISOTTO DI SALMONE

RISOTTO CON SALMON AHUMADO

RISOTTO WITH SMOKE SALMON

[joiei]

I recommend a journey to San Miguel de Allende in central Mexico. A quaint old city with excellent restaurants, first class accommodations, and for you, pretty cool shopping. There is an American community there, so you can get by with minimal Spanish. The house tours on Sunday are not to be missed.

When I went last December, we rented a casita that was only a block and a half from the Parroquia and the Jardin in the center of town. Definitely a place to consider if you do not want to go to an Americanized resort on the coast of Mexico.

I recommend going to restaurant San Augustin for Cocoa after dinner. very Lovely.

San Miguel de Allende web site

edited to add link

Edited October 8, 2004 by joiei (log)

[phaelon56]

You can also take the ferry from Playa over to Cozumel for an afternoon and have fantastic and very authentic mid afternoon dinner at one of the little loncheria's tucked away on the side streets. My 47th birthday dinner was in Coxumel at La Cocay - a truly Marvelous restaurant run by a French-Canadian couple. Modest prices for the quality - dinner for two with tax and tip was well under $100 with one glass of wine. Not sure how late the ferry runs in the evening so can't say whether dinner in Coz iz an option if you're staying in Playa.

If he's up for snorkeling the reef in Coz is world class - absolutely fantastic. there's also a very large colony of sea turtles somewhere just off shore very close to Playa - not much reef there but the turtles would be fun to see.

Even better.... take him for a day or overnight trip to Isla Holbox where you can

Snorkel with the Whale Sharks

And it's food related because you can snorkel with the guide while he spearfishes some fresh fish and it's cleaned and grilled on the beach for your lunch. I did my advance diving certification with Blue Angel - very reputable and really nice people.

[Chud62120798]

I keep thinking of the book " Stanley Park" while reading this. What about pitching a tent and going to Micheal Staatlander's farm for some 5 star? Word has it you leave hungry though.

[jamiemaw]

Rachel, we normally feel the same way.  This is the only all-inclusive we've ever really liked.  The food is way way above the run of the mill all-inclusive place.  And we also get out and explore.   There are some great restaurants in Playa as well. 

←

I concur Marlene. All-Incs are not our proscribed style either but the RH offers the option of eating very well on site or heading into Playa. And that water . . .

Interesting restaurants and bars pepper Avenida Cinca. The little Hotel Deseo, although far from muy autentico is an amusing place to begin the proceedings. We watched cashmered Italians rearrange themselves on their bar stools. As is El Beach Bar at Hotel las Palapas (where we also stay, it's Swiss Family Robinson meets Gilligan's Island and absolutely lovely), where Happy Hour begins promptly at 4pm and ends vaguely at eight. Both are good crossroads for conversation. We saw the new DNA of the Mayan coast at Casa del Agua, where the second generation (German chef marries local beauty) shows up in the children's startling green eyes. At Bar Cabalova, a hybrid sushi/sports bar run by two mad Frenchmen, we took good fish and icy cervezas on the sidewalk while chatting up Austrian and Scandanavian folks, as well as the charming Mayan locals.

And that's the merest whiff of great beginnings . . .

Jamie

Edited October 8, 2004 by jamiemaw (log)

[Chud62120798]

Hmmm...wait a minute...May=mosquitoes,no?But all great art requires a little suffering...maybe I should just be quiet and go back to my shake n bake...sorry.

[Gifted Gourmet]

Dunno 'bout you but this thread looks like a hybrid between the Travel Channel and Food Network!

[Marlene]

Jamie, that water is like nothing I've ever seen. The purest of turquioses. Observing that water from the patio at Spices during breakfast is the best thing in the world

[ghostrider]

My fantasy birthday, as long as we're talking pure fantasy here, would be to be able to forget about my low-salt diet and just eat whatever the hell I want again.

Sorry, I guess that's a bit off topic, after reading the post up top, but that was my immediate thought on seeing the thread title.

The only actual advice I could offer here would be for Italy so that's out.

Good luck, hope you can make it a memorable birthday celebration.

Edited October 9, 2004 by ghostrider (log)

[jmcgrath]

QUOTE(jackal10 @ Oct 8 2004, 07:28 AM)

Hedonism resort? Although I'm not sure its the food one goes for...)

The guy's 60.  Let's not give him a heart attack!

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I'm 61 and it's one of my favorite places. Lots of fresh fruit and eggs cooked to order for breakfast. Snacks at the hot tub food shack. Jerk fish late afternoon at the food shack. I guess I don't wander far from the hot tub. Who knows what you might find to eat later in the evening.

[MHesse]

Turning 60?

That's the right age to be an Elvis fan.

Why not Memphis - especially if he likes that kind of barbecue.

[deltadoc]

If it were me, I'd just love to go to Pearl Beach Resort, in Bora Bora.

doc