Why do we love historic Kapa‘a town so much? Is it because of its amazing restaurants? Maybe because of the town’s artsy feel? Do you too miss the majestic Roxy Theatre, demolished after Hurricane ‘Iniki? Whatever your reasons, there’s plenty
Why do we love historic Kapa‘a town so much? Is it because of its amazing restaurants? Maybe because of the town’s artsy feel? Do you too miss the majestic Roxy Theatre, demolished after Hurricane ‘Iniki?
Whatever your reasons, there’s plenty to make you feel attached to old Kapa‘a town. The drink menu at The Eastside restaurant is just one more thing.
Carlos Garcia, the bola-head captain behind the bar, mixes some of Kaua‘i’s most-famous drinks. The “Jabong Martini,” a specialty drink crafted with fresh jabong fruit, is so deliciously mischievous that you won’t even taste the alcohol.
The suave Carlos is always on top of his game. It’s common to see hordes of beautiful single girls stopping by just to have a drink and talk story with the Kaua‘i-born-and-raised all-around surfer. “May I have one more?” they often sing to him.
True story: Carlos once met three models, a Russian, a Kazakhstani (for real) and an Española. Days later, they were partying at his house wearing skimpy police, race-car driver and nurse outfits. OK, it was Halloween, but whatever, I want to see you pull that off.
Jabong Martini
1 1/2 ounce of 42 Below Vodka
Lemon/lime/OJ mix
Fresh squeezed jabong juice
Lemon twist
Suavidad
Throw the vodka and the juices in a shaker full of ice. Shake it, smoothly but sternly. Suave is the motion. Strain into a martini glass and garnish it with a lemon twist.
