My Top 10 Hawaii Spots

1. The Kahala Mandarin Hotel: This hotel is located on the east end of Oahu near Diamond Head. Kirk and I pulled up to this quaint hotel to be greeted by a wonderful, friendly staff who gave us a lei and a hot towel. Our room overlooked the ocean with a nice balcony. We could also see the dolphin lagoon where dolphins, a stingray, turtles, and fish swam around. Our room had a huge bed, separate shower and tub, and even a toto washlet toilet. We were also greeted by fresh fruit and chocolate covered macadamia nuts. Kirk arranged for a daily buffet breakfast where we enjoyed malasadas, fresh hawaiian gold papaya, and japanese breakfast items to name a few things. This was the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in and we felt so welcome. If you ever visit Hawaii and want to stay somewhere near Waikiki, but somewhere quiet....definitely check out the Kahala.

2. Boots and Kimo Restaurant: This was the first time I've been to this place but have definitely heard lots of people rave around the food. They are famous for their Macadamia Nut sauce which blankets fluffy pancakes. They were so darn good...that mac sauce was to die for. It was somewhat frothy and very creamy. I turned my head for a second and Kirk gobbled up most of it. My recommendation is to get your own!

3. Side Street Inn: Apparently this is where all the great chefs on Oahu go to eat after work. This place also has a full bar which adds to the appeal. But seriously the food is great here. Definitely get the Korean short ribs and the lop chong fried rice. It was some serious grubbing here. Having a larger group would be better. I still regret not ordering the oxtail soup along with the other two dishes. Kirk insisted it would be too much food...but you know I'm only in Hawaii every so often so I should've splurged!

4. Lanikai Beach: I was watching the travel channel once day and they talked about the top 10 beaches of Hawaii. Lanikai beach was number one....and for good reason. The sand was very white and the waters very blue. You could see these two islands (not sure what they were called) in the distance. It was picturesque...it would've been more tolerable had it not been so windy that the sand kept being blown in our faces...ugh!

5. Turtle Beach: On the north shore of Oahu inbetween Giovanni's Shrimp Truck and Turtle Bay Resort is this small little stretch where there are lots of Honu....or green sea turtles. Look out for a area of beach where there are a lot of cars parked on the south side of the street and turtle crossing signs. This time I didn't see too many, but last time I was the here the turtles just swam up onto the shore (the picture is from last time since it was so much better). I love turtles, so I really love watching them swim. I didn't great pictures :( this time, but I still love this place!

6. Waiola Shaved Ice: This shaved ice place is much better than Matsumoto's in my opinion. It doesn't have the history, but to me its got the better texture. I like finely shaved ice....Waiola's is just that. The ice is powdery fine. The other thing I love about this place is that they also have snacks like li hing powder covered sour belts. They are homemade and delicious....I didn't see those anywhere else on the island.

7. Puka Dog: This is a hot dog place in Kauai in Poipu. Just think of a nice polish dog stuffed into a bun pouch along with flavored sauces like Mango relish....lilikoi relish, etc. Kauai is definitely not known for their food...but Puka dog will definitely make your taste buds happy. They have good shaved ice in the back too for after lunch dessert.

8. Na Pali Coast: In Kauai, there is only two ways to reach this beautiful and breathtaking coastline...boat or a 22mile roundtrip hike. Kirk and I opted for the boat ride....although must take dramamine and wear chinese magnet bracelets next time. I was ok until the seas got angry and started throwing the boat around. The coastline is a beautiful side with natural caves, stretches of sand, and beautiful coral. We even saw turtles and whales swimming about. Apparently you can also see dolphins jumping in the water too. We took the Capt'n Andy's boat tour (about 130 per person)...well worth it, if not for the hot hot buffed out sailing crew, then for the comfortable seats, toilet on board, and lunch spread. Although, I didn't even get to eat or drink except for some saltine crackers....ugh. I still enjoyed it though.

9. North Shore: I love driving to the north shore along the coast of Hawaii. You basically are driving next to the ocean the entire time. It's also fun to stop at the pockets of places such as Matsumoto Shave Ice, Giovanni's Shrimp Truck, Turtle beach, and Dole Pineapple Plantation. We stopped at all the places for a quick look and quick bite. It was so relaxing taking the car for a long drive.

10. Leonards Malasadas: This was my first time at Leonards known for their malasadas...a Filipino style doughnut. Like Krispy Kreme's famous doughnuts or Cafe Du Monde's beignets, Leonards has made a mark with their version of a doughnut. Crispy on the outside but much more of a doughy chewy consistency inside....the reason I fell in love with this style of doughnut. They serve them filled with flavors like chocolate and haupia (coconut). Kirk didn't care for the coconut (see picture below), but we both loved the plain one....hot and fresh from the fryer.

Chibi's Fabulous Fifth Birthday Party

Angie made these Chibi cupcakes...I was laughing hysterically when she unveiled them. They were a good likeness to Chibi. Someone put a lot of work into those puppies. The bone cake is a dog cake from 3 Dog Bakery.

My brother and I....he is middle aged now. You would never know because he still acts like a baby.

In celebration of his birthday his favorite food, steaks, were served, along with my mom's potato salad, sugar snap peas, baked potato, and rice.

I was put in charge of decorations. I made this sign, plus some name cards and confetti for the table. Party planner, Angie was quite demanding that the decorations be fabulous.

Chibi gets his special bone. Take a look at how much meat is on there...the bone was pure white when he was finished with it. Angie went to check on him during dinner and he growled at her. We've never heard him growl at us....I guess he really wanted to protect that bone.

The party people with the guest of honor at the head of the table.

Chibi poses for a pre dinner shot

At this point, everyone is stuffed from all the food. Chibi and genki included...but they still had room for doggie cake.

Uncle Kirk gave Chibi this awesome dog seat for the car. It elevates him so that he can see out the window. He also got a monkey toy and winter jacket.

Wow...that is some fancy wrapping. Angie gave Chibi a fancy harness and leash...apparently all the A-list dogs have that kind of leash.

This is from his cousin Genki Nakamori...all his favorites: cucumber, dried japanese fish, and biscuits.

Melt in Your Mouth Tonkatsu: Kagura Restaurant

Today Kirk's best friend Ken and his family introduced us to this awesome tonkatsu restaurant in Torrance. Located on Cabrillo and Carson, this little place is a total find in the south bay. Ken, who is a great cook, foodie, and Japanese food connoisseur has great taste in Japanese cuisine. He also told us about this place with white soba noodles. Anyhow, this restaurant's specialty is tonkatsu which is deep fried pork cutlet. I have lots of memories of this japanese dish as my mom would always make it. She would serve it on a perfectly thinly shredded bed of cabbage with that yummy tonkatsu sauce. Kagura definitely knows how to make their tonkatsu. I had the millefeuille black pork tonkatsu dinner set. It comes with a cabbage salad, chawan mushi (a delicate savory egg custard), pork miso soup, rice, and a bunch of little side dishes (sweet bean, mayo tuna, glass noodle salad, and pickles). The rice, soup, and cabbage are all you can eat as well for those bigger appetites. They also give you a Japanese version of a mortar and pestle called a suribachi and surikogi. Inside you have to grind up sesame seeds and can add tonkatsu sauce to this for dipping. My mille-feuille (french for thousand leaf and pronounced "meel-fwee") tonkatsu was thinly sliced pieces of kurobuta pork rolled up lightly breaded, and perfectly fried. It literally melted in my mouth upon biting into it. Extremely succulent...the perfect amount of fattyness in the meat. It was delicious and makes my mouth water just writing about it. The mille-feuille tonkatsu is something I've never seen before and I would recommend to all you tonkatsu lovers, this is a must try restaurant. I'd be down to eat there anytime.

Japanese mortar (suribachi) and pestle (surikogi)

Cabbage salad and chawan mushi

Mille-feuille black pork (kurobuta) Tonkatsu

Kirk's Chicken Tonkatsu with Daikon Oroshi

Kagura Tokyo Tonkatsu
1652 Cabrillo Ave.
Torrance, CA 90503
www.littletokyorestaurant.com
310-787-0227 (reservations)

Welcome to My New Home: Housewarming Party

I finally had the chance to open up my new home to all my friends and family. It was nice having everyone over to see what I've been doing to the new place. Surprisingly we fit over 40+ people (including 8 babies) in the house. It was a little crowded but everyone found a little nook to hang out in. I made a bunch of food as I love feeding people. There was crab wontons, chocolate cake, rainbow jello, shrimp salad, spinach dip, pulled pork sandwiches, chinese chicken salad, mac and cheese, pigs in a blanket, and mushroom tarts. And that was just the food I made! My super wonderful friends and family made: apple dip, chicken teriyaki, chinese noodles, chili, artichoke dip, beef ribs, and sushi. It was a smorgasborg for yummy food.

I must thank a few people without whom, this party would not have been the success that it was. First, my SW, Joni and her family Dean and Evan for the numerous dishes they made. Joni made her famous noodle salad, apple dip, and decorated the most creative cake I've ever seen. She made an exact replica of my house using paper...so cute and creative. Please see the picture for that. I saved the house and it is not sitting in my craft room as inspiration. Joni also came early with Dean to help set up and Joni took all the photos for the party. She is quite the photographer and can be hired for events! Second, Joni's parents, Jon and Chiyo. Despite a long night at the casinos, Jon made his famous chili and Chiyo made her yummy artichoke dip. Both were gone at the end of the night! It makes me so happy to have become friends with them over the years. Third, Angie, my sister, for making the very alcoholic white sangria. Those who sampled it probably got a nice buzz off of the fruit. She also came over very early helping out with the ice, making drinks, rolling pigs in a blanket, etc. She even did a sweep of the house cleaning and straightening up whatever I didn't get to. Fourth, my parents, who always come through for me whenever I need them and even when I don't ask them to. My dad is as my friend says the silent helper. You never hear him as he flits around collecting trash, taking it out, putting out chairs for people, etc. Even after the party was over, he was busily trying to fix a leak in my window. My mom made the beautifully presented and tasty sushi platter, chicken teriyaki, and beef short ribs. She was so worried that people didn't see that food on the table. I assured her that everyone loved it. I must say, I have the best family. They are always so supportive and helpful. And last, Kirk, my boyfriend and other half. Even after working 80 hours in days and working on saturday, came over sat night to help out. He woke up early to get coffee and helped with all the day of cooking on sunday. He was such a great co-host mingling with everyone and making sure all the food was out. He is the best boyfriend a girl can ask for.
Thanks to everyone who came to the party as well...and for all the thoughtful gifts. My house will continue to look beautiful thanks to all the plants, giftcards, and decorations I received. I can't wait until the next Ocean houseparty!!!

My 33rd Birthday

This year I turned 33 years old! It was just a regular old day speckled with calls, emails, and facebook messages from friends and family. Poor Kirk had to work that day so he couldn't join me and my running buddies for a run then dinner at the new Tofuya. We enjoyed an all you can eat dinner at the korean bbq restaurant on sawtelle and national. I think I like the OG location which is on sawtelle and la grange. Then on the weekend, my mom made her famous potroast dinner which I always request each year. This year, Kirk joined in and got to sample her fall off the bone meat. Angie bought cupcakes from Famous Cupcakes. It was good, but still not as good as Sprinkles. I must say every year has been good to me. So far, the aging process has been good although on the inside, I kind of feel the age. I'm hoping to continue to age like a fine wine :)

Valentine's Day with Kirk at Quality Seafood

I had a lovely weekend with Kirk this past Valentine's Day. Saturday I cooked Julia Child's Boeuf Bourguinon and some homemade chocolate cake. We spent all day sunday lounging and walking around. We decided to go to the pier to walk around. There we ate at Quality Seafood. I usually eat the steamed seafood, but today we went for the fried goodies. I had this plate of all fried items, shrimp, fries, scallops, clams, and fish. It was alright. I felt so greasy....definitely over did it. Kirk had a whole fried fish, which he pretty much demolished. Afterwards, we walked off the food and this cute little old lady and her dog were sitting on a bench. She commented to us "what a sweet couple you guys are.".....we are :)

A kiss from me

Kiss for the fishyUgg...put a fork in me and the fish...we're done

Heart attack on a plate