Mamajuana go to the beach!

Ah vacation! Two weeks ago Mike and I decided to head down to beatiful Samana in the Dominican Republic where we stayed at the Grand Paradise Samana. I haven't been on vacation in almost 6 years and to be very honest with you I've always preferred culinary vacations (can anyone say Spain...Italy...Brazil... hello...) to beach vacations but my goodness has this spot stolen my heart and more. I know what you're thinking ``but Jules isn't this a food blog?`` ah yes it is and I promise I will tell all about the incredible food and drinks that we indulged in while on our perfect little vacation but first... the beach! I'm talking white sand that will make me reminisce every time I run my hands in pastry flour. So soft, so warm! And that turquoise water... no jokes there's no filter on that picture up there, it really is that beautiful shade of blue! We spent hours on end literally just floating in that perfect water letting the waves take us where they wanted (no worries they were pretty calm and didn't take us very far!) The sun's rays were a blessing that I plan on dreaming about endlessly when the brutal winter weather hits us in the next few months and the shade of the palm trees was always a welcome guest on our beach chairs! Ahh, I miss it already all so much!

While on the beautiful island we took the time to learn a bit of spanish and naturally the first line that comes to mind is ``Una cervesa por favor?```am I right?! In the DR their beer or cervesa I should say, of choice is Presidente. A very light, best served ice cold beer that sits very well with the 42 degree celsius weather if I might say. This beer is found literally everywhere on the island and became our favorite palate cleanser in between Mai Tai`s and Pina Coladas and on our hotel room balcony accompanied by a dominican cigar.

As for food... We ate a whole lot of delicious meals during our stay at the Grand Paradise (who's name could not be more accurate if I might say!) From our first meal at the buffet which was so fresh and flavorful I could almost not believe it (but at the same time just assumed that it was because we hadn't eaten since 4 am... I let the next meal prove me wrong and it just confirmed that the food really was incredible!) To our first reserved meal at the japanese style restaurant where our chef cooked the freshest most delicious meat and vegetebles (even fried rice!) right in front of our eyes (all jokes aside that beef was my very first in a long time and it actually brought tears to my eyes... it was that good!) ,to every breakfast filled with fresh fruit and the most beautiful eggs and crêpes... and the coffee I mean holy moly that coffee! We had a coffee machine set up in our room with little packets of fresh Santo Domingo coffee and every morning while Mike slept in I took the time to enjoy mine on the balcony while taking in the views listening to light music and just being so grateful for this incredible life and the oportunity to enjoy every experience with the most incredible man. Sigh... I am one lucky lady...

My favorite day in the midst all of the amazing days if I'm being fully honest here (and I think Mike would absolutely agree with this too!) was last Thursday when we hopped on some dune buggies with some of the sweetest people I've ever had the chance to meet and headed out through Samana greeting all the lovely locals and their adorable children on the way and headed to Playa Rincon which also happens to be the 4th most beautiful beach in the world according to Trip advisor. After a torrential rain fall that left us all soakingwet, we drove through some dunes filled with water and sand getting all sorts of nice and messy and gathering some really intense belly laughs along the way before heading out to my new favorite place on earth... El Monte Azul... I get all dreamy just thinking about this incredible place!

I mean the view! COME ON! This little restaurant owned by the lovely Pierre and Vanina is perched on top of a mountain overlooking the ocean and it is hands down the most beautiful place I have ever seen! This very sweet couple definitely knew what they were doing when they bought this place and set up shop with all of their adorable cats and dogs (hence Julie's favorite place on earth) but not only is this place seriously easy on the eyes... but the food ay ay ay! Mi papilas gustativas! My heart cannot begin to express how much I loved this place! And as a lover of all things romance and weddings... can I say perfect venue?! No hints here... maybe... just genuine love for everything weddings...

Prior to leaving the hotel we were given the choice of Chicken, fish or lobster at our own cost. Mike and I both picked the fish which was fresh out of the water picked that day by our host himself and then lightly battered and cooked to perfection and served with a light fish and queso spread, but I couldn't help but salivate over this plate of chicken which was so perfectly grilled on charcoal and served with this incredible saffron sauce. The aromas still haunt me and leave my all heart eyes for everything El Monte Azul. All of this was accompanied by some light white rice, homemade bread and you guessed it.... An ice cold Presidente!

Again... this view!! I'm honestly obsessed!

We had the privilege of enjoying this meal with some pretty wonderful people. Also I did not know this but there are a lot of Germans that travel to the DR. I had no idea until we landed at our hotel and the main language overheard was not spanish but... German! Anyways everyone on this lovely little excursion was an absolute pleasure, It's not every day that you get to sit down and have a family style dinner with a bunch of strangers from all over the world but this group was absolutely wonderful. From our very own Canadian roots, to the father and son New Yorkers and across the pond to Spain and Germany it was a wonderful day filled with adventure and laughter and I wouldn't have traded it for anything in the world!

After all of this I can honestly say that Samana, you have changed my perspective on beach vacations. I used to think it was just for snowbirds and partiers but my oh my. From the beaches to the views, the wildlife, the food, the rum and mamajuana (more on those two in my next post!) the gracious hosts and the ever so welcoming entertainers and locals we cannot wait to return to this perfect little island! Samana, you were a very welcome slice of paradise and we will miss you! Till Next time...

Stay Sweet!