Bringing Back Cocktail Hour - Coral Coast, Fiji

Line 'em Up!

We caught the attention of several vacationing Australians, the hotel's owner, and Mateo, the friendly bartender at the Talanoa Bar, when we politely asked that he "please line up shots of Fiji's local liquors along with their bottles".  The place was quiet as Mateo raised an inquisitive eyebrow and poured the colorful libations into tiny stemware.  Is this not traditionally requested in Fiji?  Who cares?!  We were on island-time and knew that our Bring Back Cocktail Hour sponsor was ready to see what we would do with her contribution to "Include an Appetizer".

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsor Yvonne, we not only sampled the local gin, vodka, rum (white and dark) and the whiskey, but also enjoyed a traditional dish of Coconut Pancake Rolls before dinner.  This appetizer consists of fresh local fish sauteed with garlic, onion and lime juice, topped with a delicate mornay sauce, then wrapped in a thin coconut pancake.  One word - Delish!

Our gratitude goes out to Yvonne for helping us Bring Back Cocktail Hour while also providing an appetizer capable of absorbing our selection of island favorites.  The entire experience will never be forgotten.