Halekulani Heavenly Indulgence Festive Package + HALEKULANI BAKERY POP-UP EVENTS

 

Photo courtesy of Halekulani

Experience gracious hospitality at our “House Befitting Heaven.” Plan a stay this holiday  season with our new Halekulani Heavenly Indulgence festive package, where guests stay four nights and receive the fifth  night with our compliments. More time to play. More time to enjoy. More time on us.  

Reservations must be booked by December 15, 2022, for stays from November 27 through December 20, 2022, or January  3 through March 31, 2023. Minimum five-night stay required, subject to availability at time of booking, and not  combinable with any other promotions. 

For more information on Halekulani Heavenly Indulgence or to make a reservation, please visit www.halekulani.com and  use promotional code FIFTHNIGHT at time of booking, or call (844) 873-9424. 

Photo courtesy of Halekulani

Get ready to indulge in sweetness overload and give your tastebuds a treat. Halekulani announces three  pop-up events in celebration of Halekulani Bakery’s upcoming reopening. The series kicks off on Dec. 4 at the Halekulani Gatehouse  from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., offering guests a taste of the delectable treats, as well as drip coffees including a preview of a new roast.  

Each Sunday, the property will serve specialty menu items for guests to fall in love with: 

Dec. 4: Éclair, Fruit Tart, Banana Bread, and Vegan Muffin 

Dec. 11: Pabana, Chocolate Croissant, Mango Blueberry Muffin, Epi, and Baguettes 

Dec. 18: Salted Caramel Croissant, Everything Croissant, Macadamia Nut Sticky Bun, and Jumbo Chocolate Chunk Cookie. 

Items can be purchased individually and all together while on sale during the pop-up events or a la carte. Items are limited on a first  come; first served basis. Halekulani Bakery will officially reopen on Dec. 22. For more information, please visit www.halekulani.com or  call (844) 873-9424.

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Visit Italy: Agriturismo Su Leunaxiu

Our lodging in Sardinia was at Agriturismo Su Leunaxiu.

This working farm, which grows olives, grapes, and so much more, offers charming rooms for a quaint and cozy stay. 

I have no photos of the room, as we arrived at the farm around 9pm at night after 24 hours of traveling and I was exhausted - however the rooms were small, but nice, with a tv, mini fridge, air conditioning, and a small bathroom with a standup shower.

Our host arranged for this welcome spread

They serve a nice breakfast spread each morning of authentic Sardinian eats, and you can peruse the grounds, which has gorgeous blooms, a mini museum, and even donkeys!

If you would like dinner on property, you have to request it in advance, otherwise, if you're looking for something to eat, you'll have to drive into town, as there are no businesses nearby the farm. 

The staff was very friendly, and despite the language barrier, we got by okay whenever we needed something (coffee, water, etc.).   Amenities are pretty much non-existent on property (eg no place to buy snacks, after a certain time the staff goes home; if you need toilet paper, towels, etc. after hours - you have to wait until the next day).  We communicated via whatsapp, so if there was an emergency, I'm sure someone would have responded, but the farm is a no-frills place that offers rest and relaxation (when you arrive, your keys are already in the door).

Agriturismo Su Leunaxiu is a nice place to stay for some peace and quiet, away from it all.

Agriturismo Su Leunaxiu
Strada Statale 387 Km 15 - 09040 Solèminis (CA)
+39 070 749233

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Visit Kaua`i: Konohiki Seafoods

A few years ago I went to Konohiki Seafoods, where they offer poke, bentos, and their famous ginger chicken, made from the secret Hanamaulu Chicken recipe. 

Pork Won Tons

Ginger Chicken, Shrimp, Sushi Bento

Ginger Chicken, Shrimp, Cone Sushi Bento

We went mid-morning to grab some lunch, and there was a steady line of people picking up grab-and-go eats and ordering poke and chicken.

I was a little turned off how one local came in and just cut the food line, grabbed most of the bentos at the other end of the table leaving almost nothing for the rest of us patiently waiting in line, and even cut the line to pay for his food, but thankfully there were a still a few bentos left by the time we reached the table (but if he did grab every single one, I discovered you could "create your own" bento with chicken and sushi they had in the display cases).

Despite that lack of courtesy we observed, we enjoyed the food and it really hit the spot.  The chicken is a popular go-to, so if you can't decide on what to get, get the chicken (but please don't cut in line)!

Konohiki Seafoods was the perfect spot for mid-morning eats.

Konohiki Seafoods
3-4301 Kuhio Hwy #102
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 245-1707

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Visit Michigan: Grand Traverse Pie Company

Grand Traverse Pie Company was nearby our hotel in Michigan, so we decided to pick up a couple of pies one night for dessert.

Michigan ABC Crumb

Michigan ABC stands for Apples, Blueberries, and Cherries.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb

If you love crumb pies, you'll love these pies at Grand Traverse Pie Company.  I'm more of a cream pie gal (which they do offer), but I love that they use local fruit in these pies so we had to try the pies with the local fruit vs the cream pies.  The filling was luscious tart, while the crust and topping is so buttery and delish!

This Michigan chain of eateries sells a number of different pies as well as desserts, and is also a full-service restaurant.

Grand Traverse Pie Company
5303 S Westnedge Ave

Portage, MI 49002
(269) 903-4991

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Visit Hilo: Tacos Jalisco

Tacos Jalisco is a food truck in Hilo that I've been wanting to try for some time now.  They don't take phone orders on certain days, so on the day we went, we had to order at the truck and wait for our food (fortunately the wait was not that long).

Fish Taco

Nachos

I got the nachos, which was topped with refried beans, cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream, and you can add your choice of meat for extra.

It was so flavorful - some of the best nachos I've had in a long time.  I had to restrain myself from eating the entire plate in one sitting.

Tres Tacos

My friend had the Fish Taco and the Tres Tacos.  He ordered the Tres Tacos with carnitas and carne asada - he liked these tacos much better than he did the fish taco.

Tacos Jalisco is a great option for Mexican food!

Tacos Jalisco
277 Kekuanaoa St

Hilo, HI 96720

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Pint + Jigger at the Ala Moana Hotel

I finally got the chance to check out the new Pint + Jigger located in the lobby of the newly renovated Ala Moana hotel.  Pint + Jigger is a local favorite offering craft beer and craft cocktails and well known for their extensive whiskey collection as well as their famous Scotch Egg.  Pint + Jigger is also home to Harry’s Hardware Emporium, a 1920’s themed speakeasy.

My friends and I came for an early Sunday dinner and had a great time.  Service was attentive and the drinks and food were delicious.  Pint + Jigger is a casual restaurant and great for large and small groups alike.  

The Hulk BLT

Fried green tomatoes, bacon, lettuce, and remoulade on sourdough bread w/fries. 

The PINT + JIGGER Stout Burger

Served with beer cheese, garlic aioli, lettuce, pickle, and french fries

“Scotch Egg”*

Soft-boiled egg wrapped in pork rillettes, breaded

and deep fried

Blackened Fish Sliders

Blackened fish, topped with a spicy avocado cilantro slaw, and a pickle chip

Large dining area

Entrance to hidden speakeasy

Pint + Jigger, Ala Moana Hotel lobby

808-744-9593

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Visit Detroit: Detroit Cookie Company

After buying some Detroit Cookie Company cookies online last year, I was hooked!  Who knew I'd end up at the shop a year later!

8 Mile Mix

I tried the 8 Mile Mix, which had M&M's, Reese's PB cups, and pretzels.

Such a great combo, and I enjoyed the saltiness and crunchiness from the pretzels.

Princess Unicorn

Double Chocolate Coffee Toffee

Cap'n Berry O

Cap'n Berry O consisted of Cap'n Crunch Berries, sprinkles, and OREOs.

The T.S.

The T.S. included bits of chocolate fudge cake, M&M's, and chocolate chips.

Mad Mix

Mad Mix was a sweet and salty mix of Butterfinger and Better Made Sweet BBQ potato chips.

The cookies are chewy and nicely sized, and I really liked the various flavors, although the vast selection made it quite difficult to choose!  

If you can't make it to Detroit, order online!


Detroit Cookie Company
23421 Woodward Ave

Ferndale, MI 48220

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