DINING AT DORAL

Believe it or not, I haven't been to Doral since I arrived in January. The "Windows" restaurant has been converted into a brand new eatery called "Mes Azul" (Blue Table). It is in the same general location, but the area has been opened up considerably ... very bright ... new dark wood, wide planked floors - just beautiful. Lunch is buffet only; but just about anything you would want for a midday feast ... choice of pastas - at a "create-your-own" station with a variety of sauces, meats, sea foods, veggies, etc. - stations with different cheeses, fruits, soups, salad-makings, short ribs, two or three chicken choices, antipasto, etc. etc. and, naturally, desserts. Very enjoyable! Paul dropped by once or twice, but had a meeting with execs; so he couldn't dine with us. We sat at a table that overlooked the practice putting green and could have glimpsed the Blue Monster 18th hole of the golf course, but some stands were still up from the previous week end's golf tourney (Ernie Els won!). Not used to the "table attention" ... whenever we left the table, our napkin was refolded, our water glass refilled (whether it needed it or not), the table "cleaned" as if no one had been there ... such elegance for a Hoosier native!!

After lunch, we looked around the adjoining area. A brand new bar-lounge is right off the new restaurant ... dark woods, choice of black leather/wooden chairs at long bar-height, long tables or softer upholstered chairs next to little round tables ... the bar was circular - nice and big. The back-drop area behind the bar, housing some of the liquor bottles, was reminiscent of a Frank Lloyd Wright window ... two-thirds of the wall, dimly lit; the various-sized glass portions in deep colors of amber and deep reds. This was all new since last year ... very cozy, inviting and looked like a fun place to meet for libations. There was also an outer "sun porch" type lounge that was bright, more open, mostly softer-type seating with a view of the golf course and flowered pathways. Really nice!!

We looked around the shops, walked through the newly revised spa area ... it is now maintained by Pritiken and has been redone ... hopped into the car and headed home. After all, St. Patrick's Day is coming up ... tonight we relax with wine ... tomorrow it's green beer ... until then ...

Marma