Visit DC: Washington Monument

While we were in DC last summer, the Washington Monument was unfortunately closed, and remains closed, to modernize the elevator (it is expected to open this Spring).

Although we did not get to go inside this landmark honoring George Washington, we still went nearby to get some photos.

Hopefully the next time we visit DC we'll get to inside!

Washington Monument
2 15th St NW

Washington, DC 20024

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Mariposa

It's been several years since I dined at Mariposa at Neiman Marcus for a sit-down meal (I've attended events there in recent years).  I had to run some errands at Ala Moana Center, so I asked a friend, who works at the mall, if she wanted to meet me for lunch there. 

The Mariposa Burger

Sweet Potatoes Fries

Old Pali Road Bar

Lunch started off with the irresistible popovers.

I ordered the Braised Pork Belly Dip Sandwich.  It reminded me of a Vietnamese-style sandwich, stuffed with soy-braised kurobuta pork belly, pickled vegetables, and cilantro.  It was served with a Maui onion-tonkotsu broth and hurricane fries.  The sandwich was really flavorful.  I loved the thin slices of pork and the pickled veggies.  The hurricane fries were addicting.

My friend had The Mariposa Burger, which is served with Sweet Potato Fries.  She thought the burger was a tad bit dry.

For dessert, we split the Old Pali Road Bar - Oatmeal cookie crust, caramelized macadamia nuts chocolate mousse, malted milk cream, and marshmallow fluff.  It was heavenly! 

Service was excellent, and I hope I don't wait too long to return!

Neiman Marcus
1450 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96814 
808.951.3420

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Visit New Jersey: The Original Kohr Brothers Frozen Custard

While on the Ocean City Boardwalk in New Jersey, we knew a must-stop was for The Original Kohr Brothers Frozen Custard.

This popular frozen confection, sold throughout Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia, is the perfect boardwalk treat!

I opted for a Vanilla + Orange Sherbet Swirl.  It was so yummy - loved the vanilla + orange combo (I love all things creamsicle-ish!).

The Frozen Custard is light and creamy, with less fat and sugar than ice cream. 

There are several Kohr Brothers shops along the boardwalk, so there is no excuse not to make a stop!

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Prima

My middle son was craving pizza, so we decided to go to Prima, so he could satisfy his craving, and I could satisfy my cauliflower craving (I saw on their IG a post of a cauliflower dish!).  

Roasted Cauliflower

The Roasted Cauliflower was seasoned with old bay, lemon, and herbs, and topped with bonito flakes.  It was tender and flavorful (with the exception of a few parts that were overcooked).

During the day Prima offers great specials from 11a - 5p: Any sandwich + House Salad for $9.99, or Any pizza + House Salad for $14.99.

House Salad

Spicy Meatball

Salsiccia

Caprese Sandwich

We ended up ordering one sandwich special and two pizza specials for the fam to share.

The House Salad had an Asian twist with the sprinkling of furikake on top.

Both pizzas were good, but I preferred the Salsiccia one the best - garlic cream, mozzarella, piquillo pepper, crimini, parsley, Italian sausage, and pecorino romano.

The Spicy Meatball was actually not too spicy, so the kids were able to eat that one up with no issues.

Service was good and so were the pizzas. 

Prima
108 Hekili St #107, Kailua, HI 96734
(808) 888-8933

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Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi’s G.I.R.L. Entrepreneurs Take a Bite Out of Cookie Season

Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi’s G.I.R.L (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker and Leader) entrepreneurs are taking a bite out of this year’s 2019 cookie season! Beginning Feb. 22 through March 31, Girl Scouts will be selling cookies at various locations across the state.  

“The Girl Scout Cookie Program is an essential part of the overall Girl Scout experience as girls learn important life skills such goal setting, problem solving and money management while participating in the world’s largest girl-led business,” said Shari Chang, CEO of Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi. “Every year, our girls sell cookies door-to-door, at cookie booths or online with Digital Cookie, in which all earnings are used to support troop activities and service projects benefitting their local communities. When you buy a box of Girl Scout Cookies, you’re helping fund life-changing experiences for girls as they continue to grow into our leaders of tomorrow.”  

Eager fans can pre-order these delicious treats now through February from their favorite Girl Scout and through Digital Cookie, the online ordering platform. Pre-orders are scheduled for delivery at the end of February. 

Flavors available include:

• Thin Mints – Crisp wafers covered in a chocolaty coating and made with natural oil of peppermint. 
• Samoas – Crisp cookies, coated in caramel and sprinkled with toasted coconut, and striped with a dark chocolaty coating.
• Tagalongs – Crisp cookies layered with peanut butter and covered with a chocolaty coating.
• Trefoils – Delicate-tasting shortbread.
• Do-si-dos – Crunchy oatmeal sandwich cookie with creamy peanut butter filling.
• Savannah Smiles – Crisp, zesty lemon wedge cookies dusted with powdered sugar.
• Toffee Tastic – Rich, butter cookies packed with golden toffee bits. 
• S’Mores - Crunchy graham cracker sandwich cookies with creamy chocolate and marshmallow filling

The Girl Scout Cookie is so much more than just a seasonal snack, it’s the basis for the Girl Scout Cookie Program, which teaches girls the “5 Skills” of goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. As young G.I.R.L. entrepreneurs, the program encourages Girl Scouts to embark on new adventures, learn from failures and persevere to become young ladies of courage, confidence and character. 

To learn more about the Girl Scout Cookie Program and to find Girl Scouts selling cookies near you, visit www.gshawaii.org. Also, be sure to download the newly enhanced official Girl Scout Cookie Finder app, free for your mobile device or tablet.

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Kapolei Commons Unveils Family-Focused Event Calendar

Kapolei Commons, West Oahu’s premier shopping center owned by local partners The MacNaughton Group, Kobayashi Group and California based Craig Realty Group, today announced a   family-friendly event lineup for 2019 to be held on the second Saturday of each month. Each free, keiki-centric celebration will feature a variety of entertainment, workshops, art, food, beverages and interactive activities on The Lawn at Kapolei Commons located just outside of the Regal Kapolei Theater.

EVENT LINEUP:
January 19 from 5 – 9pm                       Family Fit Fest
February 9 from 5 – 9pm                       Movie on the Lawn “Family Date Night”
March 9 from 10am – 1pm                    Touch a Truck
March 23 from 5 – 9pm                         Art + Flea Pop Up Market
April 13 from 5 – 9pm                            Color Fest
May 4 from 5 – 9pm                              Quatro de Mayo
June 8 from 5 – 9pm                             Family Dance Party “Bubble Bash”
July 13 from 5 – 9pm                            Movie on the Lawn “Independence Day”
August 10 from 5 – 9pm                       Hot August Nights
September 14 from 5 – 9pm                 Movie on the Lawn “Superhero Addition”
October 12 from 5 – 9pm                      Fall Fest
November 9 from 5 – 9pm                    Family Dance Party “Light up the Night”
December (date TBD)                           Pop Up Holiday Gift Market
All events subject to change.

Headliners for January’s Family Fit Fest include a nighttime, light up hula hoop exercise class with Hooptown Hotties, a keiki obstacle course provided by UFC Gym Waikele, a Fit Flow yoga class from CorePower Yoga’s Max Hannemann along with healthy food booths, a massage booth and fitness product vendors.  

“Our 2019 event schedule truly represents our vision for Kapolei Commons – a destination that gathers friends and family to enjoy local cuisine, art, shopping and entertainment,” said Patrick Kobayashi, President and CEO of Kobayashi Group. “Our events celebrate the family-centric lifestyle of West Oahu and Kapolei Commons is the perfect setting for this event.”

Kapolei Commons features local, one-of-a-kind experiences that personify O‘ahuʻs West Side combining the areas’ outdoor and family-focused lifestyle with the energy of West Oahu’s culture.

“We really look forward to these monthly events,” said Rick Nakashima , Co-Owner, Ruby Tuesday and GyuKaku. “We are excited to be part of the family-focused initiatives and to celebrate the West Side community in a unique way.” 

The 2019 event calendar creates a robust roster of free community outings at Kapolei Commons.  Visit www.thekapoleicommons.com for more information and event schedules.  

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Lunch at PAI Honolulu

I was excited when PAI Honolulu started lunch service, and I over the holiday season I joined Nat and Nadia for lunch there.

Kabocha Risotto

Smoked Brisket Sandwich

90-Day Dry-Aged Beef Burger

Almond Biscotti

Sticky Cake

I had the Kabocho Risotto.  I love risotto, and Melissa Chang would often tell me I need to try the risotto.  It was so creamy and delish! I wanted more!

Nat and Nadia both liked their meals. The burger included cheese, red onion, cucumber pickle, roasted shallot mayo, and garlic butter.

The brisket sandwich consisted of Southern spice-rubbed 12-hour slow cooked brisket, cabbage slaw, green papaya, and mayo vinegar.

I loved the Almond Biscotti.  They are not hard and crunchy, but instead chewy and delightful.  They taste just like almond cookies!

The Sticky Cake was yummy too.  It was served with a tofu ice cream.

Service was great, and I can't wait to return to try out the new dinner menu items!

PAI HONOLULU
55 MERCHANT STREET
(808) 744-2531

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