Visit Philadelphia: Liberty Bell Center

Our first stop while in Downtown Philly was to see the Liberty Bell.

We went to the Liberty Bell Center approximately 30 minutes before opening time, and there was a class of students already in a line.

Promptly at opening time, the doors open and everyone goes through a security and bag check. 

At the Liberty Bell Center are exhibits, as a well as a short video, but we bypassed all of that and went straight to the Liberty Bell to take a look and get photos. 

We did take some time to look at the exhibits after we got our photos, but we were really just there to see the Liberty Bell and its famous crack (which I was astonished to discover was actually the "repair job"). 

It was neat to see the original Liberty Bell - a symbol with a message to "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof."

There are no tickets required to enter, and the security line moves fairly quickly, so if all you want to do is snap a pic of the Liberty Bell (like we did), don't let a long line deter you!

Liberty Bell Center
N 6th St & Market St

Philadelphia, PA 19106

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Pa`ina Fridays at La Hiki Kitchen

New every Friday at La Hiki Kitchen at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is Pa`ina Fridays.

It's the perfect way to end the week - with fantastic food, live entertainment, and in a gorgeous setting.

The evening begins with a lei greeting and a Bacardi Rum Mai Tai!

Bacardi Rum Mai Tai

Next is a delicious House Pipikaula, and a choice of Portuguese Bean Soup or Long Rice (since my husband and I were dining, we chose one of each).

House Pipikaula

Portuguese Bean Soup

Long Rice

I enjoyed the Portuguese Bean Soup.  So hearty and flavorful!

Throughout the evening you can have your fill of North Shore Garlic Shrimp, Whole Kalua Pig, and Poke.

North Shore Garlic Shrimp

Poke, Kalua Pig

At the Poke Station, you can have it customized to your liking!

Next up is a platter of Day-Boat Mac Nut Butter Mahi Mahi, Huli Huli Chicken, Teriyaki Pineapple Beef, Opakapaka Lau Lau, Lomi Lomi Salmon, Macaroni & Okinawan Potato Salad, and Sticky Coconut Rice, along with Lava Ash Roasted Root Vegetable.

My faves were the chicken, beef, and macaroni salad.  I didn't really care for the coconut rice (reminded me more of Thai food than Hawaiian), but there sure was a lot of food on that platter!

And then there were desserts!

Coconut Haupia

Banana Lumpia

The Coconut Haupia was layered with rum marinated tropical fruit.  It was light and refreshing.

I really liked the Banana Lumpia, which was accompanied by candied macadamia nuts and Hawaiian Gianguia ice cream.

Throughout the evening we were entertained with fantastic live music and hula dancing, and it was just a lovely way to cap off a busy week.

La Hiki is still tweaking the new menu, so although there were a few minor hiccups (e.g. forgetting the ice cream on the lumpia) the staff was very friendly and always apologetic for any oversights.

Yes, it's pricey at $95 per person ($35 for kids), but the quality and amount of food you get, the fantastic entertainment, and the spectacular setting all make it worth it.  

La Hiki Kitchen
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
92-1001 Olani St

Kapolei, HI 96707
(844) 387-0308

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Visit New Jersey: Ice Cream at George's Candy

While walking along the Ocean City Boardwalk in New Jersey, our first stop was George's Candy for ice cream and shakes!

Seagull Droppings

With over 30 flavors of homemade ice cream to choose from, I went for Seagull Droppings, one of the most popular!

Any of the ice creams can also be made into a shake!

Chocolate Fudge Madness Shake

Fudge Brownie Shake

Of course, you'll find lots of homemade candies and other confections at George's Candy, and also a restaurant offering breakfast, but don't overlook the ice cream!  It's delicious!

George's Candy
700 Boardwalk

Ocean City, NJ 08226
(609) 398-4444

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Happy Hour at PAI

One of my favorite things on the new PAI Happy Hour menu is the Furikake Tater Tots.  I just love tots!

So I planned a get-together with some foodie friends to go to PAI so I could eat more of those yummy tots.

And then I saw an Instagram post for Baller Tots, and I knew I had to order them!

Baller Tots

These housemade tots, topped with Australian Black Winter Truffles and caviar, will blow away just about anyone who loves tots.  Or truffles. 

It's an off-menu item, made for the Chef's parents, but if truffles are not your thing (and if not, why not?), then you can still order the Furikake Tater Tots (we ordered both).  They are so good!!!

Furikake Tater Tots

Other Happy Hour items:

Katsu Adobo Head Cheese Bao Bun

Broccoli & White Cheddar Dip in a House-Baked Sourdough Bread Bowl

Smoked Saba Cabbage Salad

PAI 55

I love the Headcheese Bao!

We also ordered dishes off of the regular menu:

Savory Bites Sampler: Mushroom Puff, Deviled Egg, Beef Tartare, Salmon Toast

Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras

Chicken-Fried Oyster Mushroom

The Chicken-Fried Oyster Mushrooms are amazing!

We were treated to a trio of desserts:

If you visit PAI during Happy Hour (T-Sa 4:30pm - 6:30pm), be sure to ask for the Baller Tots!

Lunch is launching soon!  Can't wait!

PAI Honolulu
55 Merchant St Suite 110

Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 744-2531

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Visit Delaware: Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats

Dogfish Head Beer is brewed in Delaware, so it made sense for us to give it a try while we were visiting the state.

We went to Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats for a glass of beer and some quick bites

Palo Santo Marron

Pretzel Bites

Fried Pickle Spears

The Salted Pretzel Bites with 90 Minute IPA Cheddar Sauce & Honey Mustard, as well as the Fried Pickle Spears made with a Namaste White Beer Batter, paired perfectly with beer.  I'd have to say the Fried Pickles were my favorite of the two, but they were both really delicious. 

Just next door is a retail shop so you can buy even more Dogfish Head Beer!

Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats
320 Rehoboth Ave.
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
302-226-BREW

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Visit Alexandria: Virtue Feed & Grain

Old Town Alexandria is home to an abundance of fabulous restaurants, such as Virtue Feed & Grain.

Featuring a modern American tavern menu, this kid-friendly restaurant offers delicious eats and drinks in what was once an old feed house!

Passion-8

I was thrilled to find a cocktail that included 151! The Passion-8 consisted of Bacardi 8, Gosling's 151 rum, honey, black pepper, and passion fruit.

Scotch Eggs

The Scotch Eggs were amazing.  The eggs were enveloped in chicken chorizo and served with a chipotle-lime sauce, all of which gave a nice, smokey flavor.

Prime Rib French Dip

My husband loved the Prime Rib French Dip, proclaiming it as the Best French Dip he's ever had!

Kids meals are also available!

Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Grilled Chicken Strip

Food and service were both fab.  Definitely make a visit to Virtue Feed & Grain if you're in Old Town Alexandria!

Virtue Feed & Grain
106 S Union St

Alexandria, VA 22314
(571) 970-3669

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Recently Opened at SALT at Our Kaka`ako - Pioneer Saloon

I've been wanting to try Pioneer Saloon for such a long time, but two things deterred me - the driving distance, and the lack of parking.

So imagine my excitement when I was searching online for new restaurants for a meet-up with a friend of mine, and I stumbled upon SALT at Our Kaka`ako's page and saw that Pioneer Saloon just opened up!

Furikake Ahi Katsu

Chili Tomato Fried Chicken

There were so many items on the menu that sounded so delicious, but I finally decided upon the Chili Tomato Fried Chicken.  Boneless pieces of fried chicken were dipped in a tasty chili tomato sauce.  I enjoyed it!  My friend enjoyed her Furikake Ahi Katsu as well, but commented that she thought it would be a little more rare.

All plates come with a choice of rice and a side of the daily salad.

The restaurant is small, with a limited number of tables and some counter seating, but outdoor seating is also available.

Service was prompt and friendly, and I can't wait to try more food!

Pioneer Saloon

SALT at Our Kaka`ako
685 Auahi St

(808) 600-5612

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