Well…. Hello…. Wow. My very first blog. I never thought people read these…… guess I’m going to find out hey!
My topic for this blog, is Fiji’s reopening (YEAH, ITS ACTUALLY HAPPENING!) and our commitment to you, via our Nationally accredited program CFC (Care Fiji Commitment) that we welcome you, perhaps not with open arms this time physically, but that we want to welcome you with metaphorical open arms, with our Big Bula Spirit, in the same friendly way we always have, with our warm Bula smiles waiting to make your holiday that bit extra special!
I’m sure you are all well across the fact that come Dec 1, Fiji opens for Quarantine Free travel for Vaccinated travelers. The simple requirements of your trip are a negative test on departure of your origin. Then 48 hours after your arrival, after you are free to use the resorts facilities, you do a rapid test. After those results, you are free to roam most of Fiji (I believe we are asking that you try and steer clear of the lower vaccinated areas.
All of us here in the islands have been excitedly preparing for your arrival. Crafters have been busy crafting, bakers busy baking, chefs retraining, we have all been busy retraining (after 20 months off work we are all on Fiji time!). For The Projects this means some cleaning, some training, some polishing and importantly some restocking of your favorite brands, as well as some new brands! Over the next few posts, I'll be introducing these brands back to you, as well as showcasing our new ones.
What I wanted to introduce now, was the innovation and amazing resilience that Fiji showed during the pandemic, by giving you a detailed list of WHATS NEW TO EAT in Nadi, which is perhaps my favorite topic, certainly one that has kept me sane during our long closure. Excitingly the list is long….. which is great. We do want to make a special mention too for most of your old favorite haunts are still alive and kicking, they have just been waiting for your return. The covid break has also made way for a host of new venues, eateries, business that we can’t wait to share with you! Here is a list of our favourites
THE PROJECTS TOP FAVE PICKS OF NEW FOOD IN THE NADI AREA, to help you kick start your trip off supporting local business, and getting out there to find the updated best of the best….
KANU GASTROPUB
Kicking off this list is our ALL time fave Kanu, the only thing that kept us sane during COVID. Owned by ex Malamala Beach club chef Lance Seeto, this place is foodies’ heaven. His Asian fusion has stepped up a level here, mixed with our local ingredients array, to create absolute taste sensations for your mouth. This is a MUST dine for your trip.
VASAQA PRODUCTIONS.
If you love smoked meat, with a side of meat, with gorgeous meat. Then this is your place. They also cater for many other meal types too, but specialize in their amazing meats. Found at the newly Furbished Namaka Markets, they are a go to for lunch
COFFEE HUB.
This hidden gem on the back Rd (in the old Rejuvenation center) is growing from strength to strength. Not only one large café in Nadi with a to die for cake range, they have since gone on to open new locations at Lautoka and Ba.
SAILORS BEACH
This renovated backpackers on Wailoaloa beach has the look and feel of a Mediterranean holiday in the Greek Iles. The cocktail list is amazing, as well as the new food menu being mouth watering amazing, their new specialty being amazing seafood. Also an FYI, its Wailoaloa’s newest accommodation too, so check them out for rooms too if you are looking to stay.
CANTINA
Sadly we all saw the closure of hard rock café, watching that giant guitar be lowered to the ground was a sad day………… until we realized they reopened an AMAZING Mexican restaurant in its place! Fresh margaritas, great happy hour specials, amazing tacos and burritos, halleluiah we were happy again (also is the same great owners that used to manage Hard Rock, so they know how to do a perfect happy hour, and run a busy restaurant so wait times aren’t too long)
LULU BAR
One of your favorite port bar and restaurants got itself a fancy new makeover, as well as a fancy new menu. Think slipper lobster, think iced champagne. This new fit out is all class, while still showing that amazing port outlook
BYBLOS
One of the new Raddison restaurants, formally the fish and chip area gone all fancy. A love project of the current GM, Charles who wanted to bring the tastes of his home to Fiji. This restaurant offers up delightful Lebanese Cuisine, using the freshest ingredients that Fiji has to offer.
SPCC. South Pacific Coffee Company
If you are a coffee connoisseur, then this is the place for you. Also located on the back rd (near the LTA) SPCC roasts their own Fijian and overseas blend beans. While you wait for your coffee and cake you can watch the roasting plant out the back, and smell the amazing smells of the beans as they turn golden brown.
SPECIAL MENTIONS here for businesses that you have all known and loved, who are still ready to serve you on your next holiday:
Cardos, hasn’t gone anywhere, same great prices same AMAZING steaks, great live music, same great owner (he told me to write that!)
Tuis Place, moved a couple of doors down but still serving amazing traditional cuisine
Bulaccino, our one consistent during Covid, still serving us up amazing farm to plate delicacies 7 days a week.
Eds’ Bar/ Birdrock, same great café with some AWESOME new menu items, such as Kaarage Chicken, ohhh and did I mention a fancy new back bar, feels like you are in downtown Manhattan
Vuda Marina. Still the most beautiful place to have a sundowner on the west coast of Viti Levu