What new bourbon are we pumped about? Which hiking trail are we exploring? Why is the next supercar so cool? The Manual is dedicated to helping men live a more engaged life. Each week, our editors and guests get together for a round-table discussion about what’s new, exciting, and unique in the men’s lifestyle world. So pop open your favorite brew, step into your man cave, and start streaming.
For this week’s episode of Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Manual Podcast, the round-table — Associate Editor of Lifestyle, Chase McPeak; Food and Drink Editor, Sam Slaughter; and the ever affable host and MC, Greg Nibler — discusses great things to do, places to stay, where to eat, and what to drink on Hawaii island.
First, Chase gives everyone a rundown of the volcano situation (it’s totally not a big deal), emphasizes the need to have a rental car while on the island, and gives advice on some great places to trek to for a hike: South Point, as well as the Kohala Coast and Pololu Valley. If you’re planning a vacation, you’ll need a place to stay. Chase recommends The Fairmont Orchid resort — it’s the best hotel for snorkeling on the island. He also recounts a story of nearly stepping on a sea turtle he thought was a rock, an indication of the crazy nature you’ll see everyone on the island.
When in Hawaii you’ve got to eat, right? Chase articulates the need to stop at road-side stands for super fresh fruits and produce, as well as shave ice and coconuts right off the tree. Greg recounts the time he saw a woman machete open a coconut without even looking. All agree that’s a woman you don’t want to mess with. The food discussion wraps up with a call to visit Hilo’s Farmers Market and to book reservations at the best restaurant on the island: Manta at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (which incidentally was built by a Rockefeller).
But what is food without drink? Sam, booze aficionado that he is, comes in hard with the history and background of Sailor Jerry Rum and the real Sailor Jerry, Norman Collins. He gives us a breakdown grogs, which are combination fruit juices (which you must add rum to) and tells the tale of Kohana Brewing’s latest evolution in the sustainability fight, which is, as one can imagine, of huge importance when living on an island with finite resources.
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