Nestled in the rich blue of the Pacific Ocean, Kauai is a paradise unlike any other on Earth and throughout this rich island one need not look far to discover its many hidden gems, one of these being the restaurant Voyager Lanai Dining.
Although I heard many good things about the restaurant at Courtyard Kauai at Coconut Beach, I knew I needed to see it for myself. So on a warm evening I decided to sail to over to Kapaa and take my taste buds on a voyage.
While I expected luxury; I was captivated by the warm amber lighting and cream colored walls of the restaurant. The atmosphere seems to envelop me in comfort.
It took almost no time at all for me to be seated and as I sat at a table on the open terrace of the restaurant, the Hawaiian music that played made my experience all the more enjoyable.
The sight of the ocean in the distance and the dark night sky above also made for a visual treat.
However, what truly made my evening pleasant was the kindness and efficient behavior of the waiter who assisted me.
After placing sweet rolls before me with butter, he explained the specials and gave me time to peruse the menu.
Being that this was my first time visiting the restaurant, I was unsure of what to try.
Descriptions of the marinated grilled chicken and Mongolian pork chop were deliciously written but I found the perfect dish at the bottom of the menu: the Lobster Gnocchi.
As I read the dishes features I couldn’t help but laugh as I remembered my dad teasing me about how much I liked lobster, which is something I’ll probably never outgrow.
My waiter returned promptly and after I placed my order it didn’t take long for the food to be placed before me.
I thought I was in heaven from the sight and smell of the gnocchi.
Cheesy pasta shells floated softly in a sea of rich cream sauce with chunks of North Atlantic lobster tail accompanying them. Resting atop the dish in the center of the plate were strips of cheddar cheese, basil and fresh slices of tomato.
I just knew the dish would taste as wonderful as it smelled and I wasn’t disappointed. The soft and thick texture of the pasta shells were complimented beautifully by the savory cheese sauce and only made better the succulent and salty lobster tail.
The basil and tomatoes also offered a peppery and sweet aromatic flavor which served to further enhance the meal.
I had never tried anything like it and told myself that I would need to come back again.
I was ecstatic as I finished dinner but I wasn’t done with the menu just yet, especially since one of the dessert items was a chocolate lava cake.
My waiter once again brought the new dish out to me quickly and I was greeted by a beautiful sight. A moat of hot chocolate sauce surrounded the soft, porous bunt shaped cake and oozed out of the dessert’s center. The powdered sugar caramelized on top of the pasty also served to make the dessert look like a mountain in winter.
As I took my first bite the powered sugar and the dark chocolate combined beautifully to create a delicious bittersweet taste.
The spongy texture of the cake also gave the pastry a highly smooth finish.
Although I my plate was soon cleared of the dessert, I couldn’t say the same about dinner. It was in that moment that I cursed my small stomach.
But then, my waiter once again pleasantly surprised me with his proficient manner as he offered to box up my remaining gnocchi.
Upon handing me the bill for dinner, the waiter also made note of the restaurant’s kamaina policy and gave me a discount on the feast.
As I walked out of the restaurant, dinner in tow, I headed home and couldn’t help but smile as a warmth and happiness spread through me.
The Voyager Lanai Dining had offered more than I expected and I told myself that I needed to go again soon.
For individuals, couples and families who are looking for an inviting and relaxing atmosphere and great cuisine I recommend sailing over to the Courtyard Kauai at Coconut Beach in Kapaa.
There you’ll find Kauai’s gem the Voyager Lanai Dining; a perfect spot to enjoy a great meal with family and friends.
