Ronna and Sophie at the Coconut Grove. Photo by David Lansing.
When I arrived yesterday afternoon, the owner of the Coconut Grove, Ronna, met me at the front gate to warn me that her Doberman, Sophie, came from a breeder who probably abused her, so she’s still trying to mute her aggressiveness. For her part, Sophie was curious about me—but polite.
After showing me to my room, she apologized for not being able to join me for dinner. She had a Rotarian meeting to go to. “But maybe you’d like to come?” she asked.
I took a pass.
Dinner was on the screened in deck off the lobby. Everyone was very reserved, whispering the way people do in hospital waiting rooms. Perhaps that’s because there are several lone men here, myself included. A bit different from Likuliku where I was told I was the first guest to stay at the resort alone.
What an accomplishment.
Dinner service was an anachronistic as the American man in the corner wearing a longed sleeved shirt, blue jeans, and Hush Puppies with white socks while reading The Tin Drum by Gunter Grass, a book I’ve never been able to get through.
Do we have CIA spooks in Fiji? And if so, would they hang out at the Coconut Grove on Taveuni? Silently watching this man slowly drink Scotch from his own bottle while staring out at the beach, I’d have to say yes. In any case, he definitely seems out of place here. But then again, perhaps I do as well.
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Out of place…isnt that what tourists always look like. People not from that area, disconnected, out of sorts, confused and overwhelmed by what others see everyday.
CIA? Culinary Institute of America, Central Institute of Astrology, Curious Idiot Overwhelmed & Astonished
Smiles…You are just island hopping arnt ya…
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Oh my..I looked up Charlie Palmer…and felt very embarassed. I knew who he was..Pigs & Pinot, I am a Top Chef junkie…and he judged a episode and talked about it. Matter of fact two of his former chefs(brothers) competed , were the final two and one won.
You met him and interviewed him? How was it? spill it
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Charlie was very cool, very mellow. Cooked me up some scallops on sous vide pork belly. Had that with some champagne (which he knows I love) and talked about food bloggers versus the big newspaper critics for the NY Times, LA Times, etc. He thinks newspaper restaurant critics are a dying breed. I think he’s right.
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He is correct. Everyone now has a say in the food service business. Seriously it can make and break you. But really if you think about it, the everyday person is the one eating there, and word of mouth is great business. Ive gone to dinner at places here in Austin, and have researched the opinions of everyday ppl. I have had some good things, and not so good food from opinions. Like mexican food….thats a win or miss by just what ppl think is good mexican food. So I stay loyal to one place for that reason.
Well how exciting you ate with him….jealous. I want to meet Gordon Ramsey…Huge fan…
Smiles
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