On my way to Portland this week I stopped for a few days in Oahu, Hawaii, to brush up on my surf skills. But while the surfing time was excellent, the highlight of the trip for me wasn't at the beach - it was at the Diamond Head Cove Health Bar.
There are no mai-tai cocktails here; instead the focus is on delicious fresh smoothies, cups of traditional Awa, and the magical nourishing powers of Acai fruit bowls.
As a surfer and committed disciple of the way of the smoothie, I instantly recognised this place as my Mecca. The bar menu is designed to fit around the requirements of your surfing day. Start with a pre-surf breakfast of Da Cove Bowl, chased by a strawberry & banana Zowie smoothie, then Surf, followed by an energising between-surf lunch of Fish Salad with Acai Smoothie, then Surf, and finally relax in the evening with a restorative post-surf smoothie, listening to the live ukelele music.
The Health Bar is tiny, accommodating a total of about 10 local customers, 2 bar staff and 2 labradors, all chilling out to the sounds of the ukelele band tucked happily in the corner.
Memoriam to Marcus Marcos, at his Health Bar
This oasis of life is the legacy of former owner Marcus Marcos, who died of cancer last December, aged 49. His portrait and accompanying memoriam are proudly displayed on the bar, and the walls feature photos of Marcus enjoying Oahu with his family & dogs.
Described as "a true ambassador of Aloha", Marcus lived his life to the full: surfing, fishing and canoe-paddling while creating his very successful Health Bar business, as a passionate statement of organic nutrition & healthy living.
