Visit Texas: Whataburger

Our flight to Austin landed late, and we were all famished.  We decided to head to a Whataburger to grab a bite since it was close to our hotel.  Whataburger is a Texas institution!  When I posted in IG story, just about everyone knew I was in Texas, although Whataburger can be found in other states.

Well, turns out that a lot of people had the same idea at 11:30pm at night.  We braved the drive-thru, which turned out to be nearly a 45-minute wait, but it was totally worth it because the food hit the spot (the employees were super friendly as well!). 

We ordered burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, onion rings, and a Dr. Pepper Shake (don't forget to ask for the Limited Batch Spicy Ketchup!).

I thought the chicken sandwich was a little dry, but it was satisfying, and someone told me you can order gravy (I'd try that next time).  Everyone else devoured their burgers, and I was very thankful that Whataburger is open for 24 hours.

Whataburger
1501 S I-35 Frontage Rd

Round Rock, TX 78664

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Il Gelato Cafe - Kahala Mall

I've been to other Il Gelato Cafe locations (Pearl Highlands and Haleiwa), but I recently went to the Kahala Mall location for the first time!

There was a nice variety of flavors to choose from, but I ended up with my fave - Hawaiian Sea Salt Caramel.  I loved the sweet and salt combo, especially the ribbons of caramel!

It was the perfect treat to end an eventful night.

Even though kid sizes are not listed on the menu, they do offer them, so if you're craving just a scoop, be sure to ask for the kid size!

Il Gelato Cafe
Kahala Mall
4211 Waialae Ave

Honolulu, HI 96816

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Visit San Antonio: Tony G's Soul Food

We were looking online for a non-touristy spot to eat lunch at while in San Antonio, and stumbled upon Tony G's Soul Food.

Most of us ordered lunch combos, which come with 2 sides and cornbread or Texas toast. 

Kool-Aid

Drinks are not included in the combos, but my kids wanted to try Kool-Aid for the first time!

Corn Bread

Big Momma's Meatloaf with Brown Gravy + Steamed Rice + Mac and Cheese

Southern Fried Chicken + Cajun Fries + Fried Okra

TG's Bowl of Gumbo

TG's Ol' Fashioned Burger

Everything was so delicious, and the portions were very generous.  

I had the Fried Chicken which was very good.  The chicken was cooked perfectly, with juicy meat and crispy skin.  The Cajun Fries and Fried Okra were both so addicting!

Service was great, and Tony G's was a great impromptu find!

Tony G's Soul Food
915 S Hackberry

San Antonio, TX 78210

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Crumbl Cookies in Kapolei

Crumbl Cookies opened their highly anticipated first location in the islands a couple months ago in the Kapolei Commons.  Locally owned and operated, the cookie shop serves up their extra large cookies every day except Sunday from 8am.  Their cookie menu changes weekly and offers 4-5 different specialty flavors, but you'll always find their Milk Chocolate Chip in the cookie line-up.

My daughter, Lauren, favors Crumbl's chilled cookies, but I am not a fan of the texture.  She also really likes cookie dough and I do not so maybe that is the correlation.  I like the served warm cookies much better, but they are also hit or miss for me.  At the same time, I enjoy trying them all to see what I like.  This time, I really enjoyed their Maple Cinnamon Roll and the Buckeye Brownie that was topped with buckeye peanut butter and melted semi-sweet chocolate.  YUM!

To skip the long lines, you can download their app and order ahead for pick up.  We picked up mid-week in the evening and got through the line in no time.  You can purchase single cookies and they also come in their signature pink boxes of 4, 6, or 12.  They also offer a mini size for catering orders.  

Crumbl might not be for you if you don't like soft, super sweet cookies, but they sure are fun to try and fun to gift.  I just wish the Kapolei location served their ice cream, Crumbl cream, which is the real star of the show.

Crumbl Cookies
4450 Kapolei Parkway, Suite 277
Kapolei, HI 96707

  

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Liliha Bakery - Ala Moana Center

I recently met my former bosses at Liliha Bakery in Ala Moana Center.  Although I have been by a few times to pick up treats, I haven't dined in since they first opened in early 2019. 

Grilled Corn Bread & Jelly

Cobb Salad

I ordered the Cobb Salad, which came with the famous Grilled Corn Bread and "atomic" Jelly.  The salad was huge and just so delicious!  It came with all of my faves - bacon, avocado, egg, tomatoes, and grilled chicken.  I had leftovers for dinner!

Coco and Chocolate Cream Puffs

I couldn't leave without getting some of the signature Coco Puffs!  I just love the chantilly topping and chocolate cream center!

The service was a bit on the slow side, but I'd definitely return and have the Cobb Salad again (and get more Coco Puffs to go!).

Liliha Bakery

Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd

Honolulu, HI 96814

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Visit Austin: Round Rock Donuts

A friend of mine had mentioned Round Rock Donuts is a must-stop, and since it was right near the hotel we were staying at, we thought we may as well go and try the popular glazed donuts and kolaches.

We got there and I was shocked to see a large number of people at the shop, and a very long line of cars for a drive-thru.  I did not want to stand outside in the chilly weather, so we waited in the comfort of the car.  It took 26 minutes to get our donuts, but the process was very efficient, as employees would come to the car to take your order via touch screen (look up the menu online on their website), and you could pay via the mobile terminal as well. 

By the time you drive up to the window, your order of fresh, hot baked goods will be ready!

We ordered: Round Rock Glazed Donuts, Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles, Strawberry Iced with Sprinkles, Strawberry Kolaches, and Sausage Kolaches with Cheese.

Everyone ate up the donuts and the kolaches (I enjoyed the sausage kolaches the most).

Definitely give Round Rock Donuts a try for sweet and savory treats!

Round Rock Donuts
106 W Liberty Ave

Round Rock, TX 78664

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Visit Texas: H-E-B

A must-visit in Texas is H-E-B.  That's right, the grocery store (plus so much more), with numerous locations throughout Texas (headquartered in San Antonio) as well as Mexico. 

We stopped by to get omiyage, and found H-E-B has an abundance of branded snacks that are perfect for gift-giving!  

 They have a great bakery section as well!

I also bought some ice cream to indulge in while in Texas.  I loved the state-specific and regional flavors!

The amount of omiyage options were overwhelming, but I left with a nice haul!

Definitely stop by H-E-B to get some Texas goodies to bring back home!

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