Watching Whales in Hawaii

I’ve just returned from Hawaii, where whale season is in full effect (it lasts from December to April). As it is right now, the whales spend half the year feeding in the nutrient-rich waters of Alaska, and then migrate down to Hawaii in the winter months to breed, give birth, and nurse their calves.

This trip, I participated in an island-wide whale census which was sponsored by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). On the morning of January 31, on the island of Oahu, several volunteers took to dozens of look-out posts to count the big critters from 8am until noon. I joined the volunteers atop Diamond Head, near Waikiki, and it wasn’t long before I heard one of the other volunteers yell “blow, three o’clock,” and sure enough, when I looked to the right, there was the telltale sign of a whale blowing out from the top of the water.

The blows look like little plumes, almost like mini-waterfalls, which distinguishes them from the white caps around them. If you spot one of these blows, then it means you’re looking in the right spot to see more exciting actions like tail flops, breaches, and even occasionally whales that jump out of the water. We spotted a mama whale and her calf, for example, who were clearly playing in the waves. Calves are good for whale watchers because they come up for air more often than the adults; usually once every three to five minutes. Adults, on the other hand, can stay submerged for more than 40 minutes at a time!

If you want to go to Hawaii right now, airfares are low and many of the hotels are offering Hawaii vacation deals like free nights, free breakfast, and much more. If you act fast, you could even get there right in time for the Pro Bowl--it's the last year it will be held in Hawaii before it moves on to Florida. Aloha!

Hungry and Wonky: Where to Eat in Washington, D.C. During the Inauguration

To my mind, D.C. is bar none the prettiest major city in America and one of my absolute favorite places to visit. But the dining scene is so bad, Obama should consider appointing a Gourmet Czar to investigate the problem.

Cough, sputter, fists shaking…

Look, don’t blame me. You know I’d never besmirch the sterling reputation of a Southern city without just cause. The crumminess of the D.C. food scene is a matter of well-documented fact and certainly something I have experienced first hand. I’d elaborate on some of my more hair-raising dining adventures in D.C., which include my waiter throwing things at another waiter, but I don’t want to be sued. (Businesses are now suing people who write negative reviews on the popular website Yelp.com. So much for freedom of speech?)

BUT that doesn't mean you're going to starve. There are some awesome places in the District to tuck into a little chow. Here are my top five recommendations, suitable for stacked Republican wallets and shoestring Democrat budgets.

Best place to commemorate M.L.K. Day: Ben’s Chili Bowl
Dine where African American luminaries like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and even Martin Luther King Jr., hung out and get misty-eyed at this favorite lunch counter that survived against all odds. Order Bill Cosby’s Original Chili Half-Smoke for less than five bucks and taste history.

Best break-the-bank indulgence: Michel Richard’s Citronelle
Arguably the crown jewel of Washington’s fine-dining scene, Citronelle dishes up trompe l'oeil French morsels. Don’t miss Richard's signature dish, "the virtual egg.” This starter looks like a hard-boiled egg but is actually comprised of mozzarella and yellow tomato.

Best burger on a budget: Ray’s Hell Burger
This newcomer is making waves in the official stomping grounds of the over-hyped Five Guys Burgers with its purist approach to an all-American classic. The mantra is: no fries, no ambiance, just great burgers made of steak-quality beef. Carnivores can adorn their selections with inventive toppings like epoisse, foie gras, and cognac-sauteed mushrooms, in addition to the old standbys.

Best Southern/Belgian food: Marvin
The Washington Post has reviewed a whopping 44 restaurants that serve Southern/Soul food but this upstart, named after D.C. native Marvin Gaye, is quickly rising to the top of the heap. Though Marvin also offers Belgian food and brews, the Southern fare is mighty satisfying. Get the chicken and waffles, take in the view from the rooftop deck, and remember there ain’t nothing like the real thing, baby.

Best bar food: Dr. Granville Moore’s
This relatively new gastropub is located in the up-and-coming H Street Corridor and has the feel of a Manhattan speakeasy. Don’t miss the Moules Mariniere, voted the best mussels in the District by CityPaper, and be sure to dive headfirst into their exhaustive Belgian beer selection.


Want more advice?
Download a foodie Washington, D.C. iPhone App
Find out which restaurants are serving the candidates' hometown fare
Plan your own Obama Boozerama with the best of the Baracktails

Wish you were heading to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration? Well, technically it’s not too late, thanks to the modern miracle of last-minute packages. In fact if you’re willing to leave in just a few hours, a Flight + Hotel package from Dallas will only set you back approximately $450. I guess procrastination actually does pay--sorry, Mom!