Naʻau Invasive Species Tasting Menu

All month long we're doing an Invasive Species Tasting Menu at Naʻau (a 3-course Prix Fixe Menu is also available).  It's been very interesting learning about all of these invasive species, and I got to try some of them for the first time too!

**=Invasive Species

**WILD BOAR PROSCIUTTO

**KUWARE SIDA SALAD

VIETNAMESE **PRAWN TOAST

**VENISON TARTARE

**SAMOAN CRAB SAIMIN 

**TAAPE "FAUX LOBSTER"

KOJI CURED **VENISON

**KIAWE CAKE

 

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Airport Eats: Stinger Rays Tropical Bar and Grill

For an airport eatery, I think Stinger Rays Tropical Bar and Grill is pretty good in terms of food, although pretty pricey. 

Crispy Chicken BLT

The Bacon on my chicken sandwich was pretty flaccid, but other than that, everything else was good.

Truffle Fries

I upgraded to Truffle Fries, but the server forgot to note it in the order, and ended up giving me a bigger portion of Truffle Fries.

Cheeseburger

Stinger Rays can get pretty crowded, but with such limited food options in Terminal 1, I think it's one of the better ones where you can sit down, enjoy some food, and relax before a flight.

Yes, it's expensive, but it could be a much better alternative to what you get on a plane (or what you have to pay for on the plane).


Stinger Rays Tropical Bar and Grill
300 Rodgers Blvd

Honolulu, HI 96819

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Visit Washington: Muchas Gracias Mexican Food

There is not much open late or early in Vancouver, WA when it comes to fast food, but Muchas Gracias Mexican Food is a fast food chain in the Pacific Northwest that opens early and closes late.  The one we went to is open 24 hours, and we picked up food to eat at the airport before our morning flight.

The Mexi-Fries were basically tater tots with sour cream and cheese. I love tots so I loved these.

Mexi-Fries

I had the Bacon Breakfast Burrito, which I didn't really care for. It was enormous and stuffed with eggs, potatoes, and bacon, but the potatoes were undercooked and underseasoned.

Bacon Breakfast Burrito

My friend had the Carnitas Plate, which he thought was good for a Mexican fast food joint. 

It was a huge plate with refried beans, salsa, guacamole, Mexican rice, lettuce, pico de gallo, and corn tortillas (not pictured).

Muchas Gracias Mexican Food

116 NE 117th Ave

Vancouver, WA 98684

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Visit Big Island: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection - Dining

If you're staying at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, staying nearby, or just passing through, the property has a nice variety of dining options.

If you're kamaʻāina, show your ID to get 15% off at HāLani, Hā Bar, The Market, and Surf Shack!

HāLani offers a breakfast buffet or a la carte options.

The Island Buffet includes typical breakfast buffet fare, such as eggs, pancakes, pastries, salads, lox and bagels, and parfaits. 

Acai Bowl

Each buffet comes with an acai bowl.  You can order a variety of fresh juices off the menu for an energizing boost!

Prosciutto and Pesto Toast

I was pretty impressed with the Prosciutto and Pesto Toast.  It was also topped with mushrooms and lots of grated Parmesan.  The toast had a nice saltiness, and was so filling!

Beef Short Ribs Loco Moco

The short ribs were so tender and I love that they didn't skimp on the gravy!

Pork Carnita Hash

For grab-and-go breakfast or lunch options, you can go to The Market.

They offer refreshing smoothies, breakfast bowls, breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, and even cookies!

The Surf Shack offers casual eats to eat poolside or on the beach.

Fish Tacos

Chicken Sandwich

For an elevated dinner, you can dine at the CanoeHouse, or if you prefer to relax in the comfort of your room, you can order room service.

Chicken Tenders

Furikake Parker House Rolls

There are so many great dining options at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection!

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr

Waimea, HI 96743
 

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Delicious Italian Dishes at La Ciccia

Kinoko Pasta 

Wow, how did I not dine here before?! So thankful that my friend chose La Ciccia to celebrate his birthday dinner or I would still be missing out on some great pasta! Located on King Street, a few doors from Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera, La Ciccia is an Italian fusion restaurant serving lunch and dinner. Judging by the amount of people walking in for take-out, La Ciccia is very popular and also a great place for a group celebration. 

Clams Casino

Calamari

Lasagna

Kinoko Pasta

Shrimp and Scallop Scampi

With generous portions at reasonable prices and great service, it's definitely a win-win when you dine here. I love that they have all your traditional Italian favorites, but you can also opt for non-traditional like a mentaiko or natto pasta! 

La Ciccia

2700 S. King St.

Honolulu, HI

808-773-8688

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Visit Portland: Samo's Bistro

We were looking for a place to eat nearby the office we had a meeting at, and a Google Maps search brought us to Samo's Bistro.  

Samo's Bistro is a restaurant / grocery store offering both Greek and American eats.

I wasn't really hungry so I just ordered Zucchini Fries, which were good, although a bit underseasoned.

I couldn't resist the display of treats, however, so I also ended up getting a Chocolate Cake.

It was moist and chocolaty - just what my sweet tooth was craving.  

My friend had the Falafel Sandwich, which he thought was pretty tasty, although not as crispy on the outside as he would have preferred.

Falafel Sandwich

Samo's Bistro
7215 NE Prescott St

Portland, OR 97218

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Visit Portland: Cafe Rowan

I love brunch, and I was excited to try Portland brunch spot Cafe Rowan.

I am #TeamSavory when it comes to brunch, so I ordered the The Rowan.

The Rowan

The Rowan consisted of a fried egg, pepper bacon, smoked cheddar, and housemade blueberry jam.   

I didn't know how I would feel about the blueberry jam on a savory sandwich, but I liked the contrasting touch of sweetness.  It was a great, satisfying sandwich!  

Bananas Foster French Toast

There is only one sweet on the menu, and I wasn't planning on ordering the Bananas Foster French Toast until I saw the server walk it to another table. 

It was really delicious. The brioche was nice and soft. I thought the miso flavor was faint in the miso caramel sauce, but I really loved the bananas and the cinnamon sugar walnut crumble.

I'm not a coffee drinker so the coffee maple syrup was too strong for my liking, but overall it was so yummy.

The Morty

My friend had The Morty - a special of the day. 

If you love brunch as much as I do, give Cafe Rowan a try! 

Cafe Rowan

4437 SE Cesar Estrada Chavez Blvd

Portland, OR 97202

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