Babes Bakery

Nat gifted our family a bunch of treats from Babes Bakery! 

Cinnamon Roll

Everything Sourdough Focaccia

Cookies

Cheesecake

I tried everything, and my fave was the Cheesecake.  I love cheesecake, and this cheesecake was silky smooth with the perfect amount of tang.

Thank you, Nat!


Babes Bakery
3036 Waialae Avenue
808-744-0168

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Visit Hong Kong: Belly Boys Burgers

Belly Boys Burgers is a shop that satisfied our craving for American diner food while in Hong Kong.

They are currently temporarily closed in search of a new space, but hopefully they find a space and re-open soon, because we really enjoyed our dining experience there.  

The service was great, and in addition to burgers, they have shakes, sides, and more!

Belly's Smash Burger

Fries

Cajun Sweet Potato Fries

Cheesy Chicken Burger

Wings

Tater Tots

I wasn't very hungry, so I just ordered Tater Tots, which were topped with cheese and bacon bits.  The tots were perfectly crispy and I loved the toppings.  

Everything we ordered was devoured, and I do hope they re-open soon - it was a great eatery!

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Made to Order Lei from Island Boy Shop

Women's lei

I have been obsessed with the style of lei that uses flower blocking made popular by Jill Harunaga of Stamen + Style. She retails her lei and hosts lei workshops out of Island Boy Shop in Kaimuki, of which also creates equally beautiful lei. I had admired Island Boy's work for quite some time and when the special occasion arose, I took the opportunity of ordering the guest of honor's lei from them. 

I especially appreciated the ease of ordering from their website. I chose the women's lei which is a made to order lei using their seasonal best flowers. You can also upgrade to several variations ranging in price as follows: premium, luxe, unique crafted, hapai, and premium hapai. In the notes section, I indicated the date I wanted to pick up and I paid for the lei on-line. In minutes I got a text confirming my order. Pick up was simple as they are open daily from 10am to 6pm. 

I absolutely love the lei and will definitely shop here again!  

Island Boy Shop
3464 Waialae

Honolulu, Hawaii

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Crumbl

When Crumbl opened up in Kapolei a couple of years ago, I was given a coupon for a free 4-pack of cookies.  

I love cookies - but I am all for just the straightforward ones - even a simple chocolate chip.  I'm not too fond of the stuffed, iced, or highly embellished cookies - although I will try them.  

Because Crumbl offers more of the fancier cookies, I was hesitant to try them, but was happy to see they offered classic cookies.

Milk Chocolate Chip

Chocolate Cake Batter

Original M&M PB Chocolate

Classic Pink Sugar

The cookies are large and sharable, and more cakey than I liked (just like @deniset73 warned me). 

My kids enjoyed them, although I thought they were just okay, but if you love fancy cookies, you'll love Crumbl.

If I do go back, I definitely will try the Minis instead.

Crumbl

4480 Kapolei Pkwy Ste 277

Kapolei, HI 96707

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Visit Maui: Ocean Organic Vodka

On a hiking trip to Maui last month, I researched things to do. Our group had already visited the many Maui greats like Alii Kula Lavender Farms, Maui Alpaca, MauiWine, etc. so we were looking for something new to try. I came upon Ocean Organic Vodka that offered a guided tasting experience that included a brief tour of the farm and distillery. They also had a cafe that was open for lunch and dinner.

 

Only a short drive away from Kahului, Ocean Organic Vodka is situated on the foothills of Haleakala. The grounds of the 80-acres estate are stunning and I hear is one of the best locations on island to enjoy the sunset. 

On our visit, the plan was to have lunch followed by the tasting. Tastings are offered every half hour from 11:30am to 5pm and include a lineup of 5 spirits for $18 and for an additional $10 you can add on Brum, a limited release aged Rum.

Things didn't go as planned for me as I was excited to try their signature espresso martini during lunch. It ultimately proved too strong for this lightweight and I had to skip the tasting, but my friends loved it and had a great time. I would definitely return to enjoy the tasting and to have a meal here again since the food was very delicious.   

  

Ocean Organic Espresso Martini

Kimchee-Hoo flatbread pizza - gluten free crust is also available

Thai Curry Chicken Tacos

Brum Bacon Deviled Eggs

Kula Vanilla Bread Pudding (21+ only)

Daily live music from 4:30pm to 7pm.

Ocean Organic Vodka
4051 Omaopio Road Kula, HI 96790
808-877-0009 | 866-776-2326

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Mauna Lani Culinary Classic

The 2nd Annual Mauna Lani Culinary Classic took place over labor day weekend at the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection. I was fortunate to have experienced it as a participant through Naʻau, and was also able to enjoy a few events as a guest thanks to the generosity of the coordinators.

The Mauna Lani Culinary Classic, a partnership between Blue Ribbon Restaurants and the Malaʻai Culinary Garden at Waimea Middle School, spanned 4 days, with events featuring acclaimed chefs from Hawaiʻi and elsewhere around the world.

We participated in the Pāʻina Mauna Lani Lūʻau, which was one of the most authentic luau experiences in terms of food. There was dried fish, fern salad, squid lūʻau, pipi kaula, and so much more.

Poke Chip (Chef Brian Hirata)

Squid Lūʻau (Chef Brian Hirata)

A few events I attended as guest included Chef Demo: The Perfect Chicken, Chefs on the Beach, and The Culinary Classic Dinner.

Chefs Jonathan Waxman and Tiffany Derry

Chef Jonathan's chicken dish

Chef Tiffany's chicken dish

Grilled Big Island Goat Cheese (Chef Allan Nagun)

Hawaiian Garlic Butter Shrimp Dumplings (Chef Lee Anne Wong)

Pork and Beans (Chef Tiffany Derry)

It was a fabulous weekend of amazing food, drinks, and fun!

You can view more content here and here.

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$5 Bentos from Mama's Bento

Dealages alert! I had heard that the former owner of Mama Woo's in Moiliili was selling $5 bentos on the grounds of a church on Keeaumoku next to McDonald's, and so of course I had to check this out, because I used to love going to Mama Woo's when she was running it, and it's not the same under the new owners.

I came on a Friday at around 12:15 PM and there were a lot of bentos for sale. Prices start at $5 and go up to $10 for a combo like this one: 

The loco moco sells for $7.

 I tried these two $5 bentos:

Would I return? Certainly! These $5 bentos were way better than the $5 Bento Box that you see around town. 

They have lots to choose from and it's so convenient - just grab n go. Cash and credit cards are accepted. 

There is lots of parking on the church grounds - you can enter through the narrow driveway just past Domino's Pizza (if you're heading makai on Keeaumoku), or you can park in the back off of Sheridan Street). 

 

Their table is located in the shade, and they are here Mondays - Fridays from 11 am - 2 pm. The address for this location is 915 Sheridan Street.

According to their business card, they also have locations at 959 Queen Street (M-F, 11-2) and Queen's POB 3 Parking Lot (Mondays 10:30-1).

They also do catering! 

Check out their Instagram page (@mamas.bento.hi) to see some of their offerings and menus!

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