After many years of careful research and lots of testing and sampling, here is a list of my favorite restaurants and cafes. Many of them have websites, which are linked, and you'll find culinary variety and fun at each of these fine establishments. Tell them I sent you!

HAWAII:

• CHEZ PAUL - Olowalu Village; Chef Patrick Calarec. My favorite fine French restaurant - great service, wonderful food, fine wines, and Creme Brulee to die for! Laurento, our waiter from Paris, said he logged onto the website. So, Bon Jour, Laurento! See you next year...
   

• I'O - Lahaina - On the beach, Sunset. Chef James McDonald, also cooks for "Pacific 'O" and the "Feast at Lele." The Feast, served under palm trees over-looking the beach at Sunset, features a royal tour of the cuisine of Polynesia with music and dance. Best of all, your food is served family-style at each party's table. Much more civilized that the feeding frenzy of most luaus.

• Longi's - Lahaina - Large, live lobsters; chocolate soufflé; and great service. Valet parking available. My second favorite spot - ask for Jonathan.

• Mama's Fish House - Kuau Cove, North Shore of Maui - Great view, ambiance, and food. Go here to celebrate when money is no object!

• Cafe Portofino - Marriott's Kaua'i Beach Club, 3610 Rice Street, Lihue, HI  96766. Giuseppe Avocadi serves terrific Italian food at his new restaurant and Jovanni plays the harp every night, making one of the most romantic venues in the world!

• Hali Maile General Store - A wonderful restaurant where even chef Bev Gannon sits down to eat! Eclectic American with Asian overtones. Don't miss the ribs!! Afterwards, drive on to Makawao and visit Sherri Reeve's Gallery for a colorful end to your upcountry visit.

• La Mer - Halekulani Hotel; 2199 Kalia Rd., Honolulu, HI 96815 - 808.923.2311 - Hawaii's only AAA Five Diamond restaurant. It offers beautiful views from the beach at Waikiki, impeccable service, and wonderful food. Where else do they give you a glass of champagne to enjoy while you peruse the menu?!

For Maui Adventures:

• Try champagne and stars on top of the Ka'Anapali Hyatt Regency on Saturday and Sunday nights at 11:00pm. We saw Mars through Eddie Mahoney's large telescope.

• SkyTrek to Hana - we flew Blue Hawaiian helicopters to Hana and took a van from Temptations Tours, back. Ask for Kelli, a knowledgeable guide and driver. He can talk and handle to road to Hana's zillion curves at the same time!

• For Whale Watching - Capt. David and the Wahine Ra, docked in Lattaina harbor. Only 6 passengers - a luxury boat. The captain has an affinity for whales. See Gabe for bookings right on the dock, or call 808-661-3256. This is a DON'T MISS experience!!

• Ulualena - Lahaina - from the creators of Cirque du Soleil - Music, dancing; the myths and history of the creation of Hawaii.

SOUTHERN U.S.

• THE ROASTED GARLIC - ALPHARETTA, GA - go to the Main Street location (it's the original) and ask for Gene.

• LA VIELLE MAISON - BOCA RATON, FL

• RAINTREE RESTAURANT - ST. AUGUSTINE, FL

• LA PARISIENNE - ST. AUGUSTINE, FL.

• HORIZONS - FERNANDINA BEACH, FL.

• NAZZARO'S ITALIAN CUISINE - ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA.

• J MACS - ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA

• FOURTH OF MAY - ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA

• REDFERN CAFE - ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA

• ROSLYN'S - ABERDEEN, NC

• MARIPOSA - CLARKSVILLE, VA

• VENUTI'S - FREDERICK, MD

NEW YORK CITY

• PIERRE AU TUNNEL

• JUBILEE

• LE PERIGORD

• MAGNIFICO

• CATERINA'S

• THE VIEW ON TOP OF THE MARRIOTT MARQUIS FOR DRINKS

• IL VIOLINO

NEW ENGLAND

• LA COLINA VERT - FAIRFIELD, CONN.

• HEMINGWAY'S - KILLINGTON, VT

• CUCINA DI GERRARDO - ST. JOHNSBURY, VT

• BERNARDINI'S RESTAURANT - CALAIS, MAINE

CANADA - NEW BRUNSWICK

• AUBERGINE, RIVERSIDE- ALBERT.  RANDY AND JEAN HAMEL OWNERS.  (Jean writes wonderful children's book in French!)

• THE LIGHTHOUSE AT CAPE ENRAGE — FISH CHOWDER & BLUEBERRY BISCUITS, LUNCH.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

• SHAW'S RESORT - BRACKLEY BEACH, SPECIAL SUNDAY BUFFET

• DALVAY BY THE SEA INN & RESTAURANT - GRAND TRACADIE

• LUCY MAUD DINING ROOM AT THE CULINARY INSTITUTE OF CANADA - CHARLOTTETOWN

• SIRENELLA RISTORANTE - CHARLOTTETOWN

• WINDOWS ON THE WATER CAFE - MONTAGUE

NOVA SCOTIA

• QUARTERDECK BEACHSIDE GRILL - SUMMERVILLE

• CHEZ PATRICK BISTRO - SHELBURNE

• DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT - LUNENBURG

• PRIVATEER INN - LIVERPOOL

• HADDON HALL INN - CHESTER

• THE INNLET CAFE - MAHONE BAY