Visit California: Highlights of What We Ate At Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park

When you visit Disneyland, it's not just about the characters and rides .. it's about the FOOD!

Before my most recent trip to Disneyland, I followed a couple of accounts on Instagram that were dedicated to food from the various Disney attractions, and took notes on the food items that I wanted to try, and where to find them.  The account that I got most of my ideas from was @code_word_disney.  If you are heading to a Disney park soon, I highly recommend you follow this account and other Disney food bloggers on Instagram.  

While I did not get to try everything that I had on my list, I did get to a few of them, and they did not disappoint!  Here they are:

1. Hand Dipped Corn Dog from the Little Red Cart:  each corn dog comes with choice of apple slices or chips. I would never eat a corn dog anywhere else but at Disneyland. 

2. Mickey-shaped Beignets: comes in a 3-pack or 6-pack. Eat them while they're hot n fresh. 

3. Turkey Leg from the Turkey Leg cart on Main Street: we picked up one of these bad boys while waiting for the Electric Parade to start.  They're massive and easily shareable.  Good source of protein to balance out the carbs from the beignets, churros, etc.!

4. Fried Chicken Sandwich from Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland. We didn't discover this on Instagram, but the hubby loves fried chicken, so he just had to try it. It was a nice change to the deli sandwiches that he was eating at the other places.

5. Pineapple DOLE WHIP® from the Tiki Juice Bar in Adventure Land. What I really wanted was the Mango Pineapple DOLE WHIP® swirl, but I went to the wrong place and discovered that the place that I did go to (Tiki Juice Bar) only served the Pineapple flavor, not the Mango. Not wanting to stand in another line (the twins were dying for something cool!), I bought this it hit the spot. When you think about it, it's funny how we're from Hawaii and ended up eating DOLE WHIP® in California.  We rarely if ever eat DOLE WHIP® here at home!

6. Jolly Combo (Toasted Cheese Sandwich with Tomato Soup) from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe on Main Street: I saved the best for last and ate this as my last meal at Disneyland. Eat this at night when its cooler - the hot soup will keep you warm!

7. Sally's Summer Churro from Cozy Cone Motel in Disney California Adventure Park, Cars Land: this churro is a seasonal offering, therefore it may not be available when you visit the park, but I'm sure no matter what the seasonal offering will be when you get there, it'll be just as good. I normally like plain churros rolled in cinnamon and sugar, but since this churro was the same price as the plain churro with dipping sauce on the menu, I ordered it. 

8. Jack-Jack Cookie Num Num from Disney California Adventure Park, Pixar Pier: my husband's niece told us to try this, so we did. Best chocolate chip cookie ever. All that was missing was a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.  

 9. Yummy Cheesy Macaroni from various locations: one of the twins ate mac n cheese wherever we went. He said it was the best mac n cheese ever. I'm glad he liked it, but the portions were so small and he would always complain that he was still hungry.  Disneyland, if you're reading this, can you please offer your Yummy Cheesy Macaroni in two sizes? Thank you!! :D

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Visit Maui: Kihei Caffe

I asked my friend for hole-in-the-wall eatery suggestions on Maui, and one place on her list was Kihei Caffe.

Corned Beef Sandwich

Caesar Salad

The eatery is indeed small.  You order at the counter, then find a seat at the limited number of tables outside.

We were there as Flossie was heading to Maui, and just as we finished up lunch, it started to pour.  Thankfully, we were under an umbrella so we were shielded from most of the rain. 

The food was good and satisfying.  If I return, I'd want to try their breakfasts, which is served all day. 


Kihei Caffe
1945 S Kihei Rd

Kihei, HI 96753

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Visit Kansas City: Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue

Kansas City is known for their barbecue, and Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue is a must-visit to get your fill.

Beef Burnt Ends

Gumbo

Kansas City Combo

The Kansas City Combo comes with your choice of two or three meats ($15.50 for 2, $19.50 for 3).  We tried Brisket, Pulled Pork, and Pork Spare Ribs.  Other options included Burnt Ends, Barbecue Chicken, Lamb Ribs, and Beef ribs.

The Pulled Pork was my fave!

However, everything I ate was just so flavorful.  I especially loved the gumbo, which had hints of smokiness and a little bit of kick from the sausage.

Kids meals are just $6.99 each and include an entree, side, and a drink!

Grilled Ham & Cheese

Hot Dog

Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue was packed, and it's no wonder - the barbecue is really good!

Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue
The Freight House
101 W 22nd St., #300
Kansas City, MO 64108

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Visit California: King's Fish House

One of the best meals I had on a recent trip to Southern California was at King's Fish House in Carlsbad, CA.  We found it while browsing the Yelp app for restaurants near our hotel.  

We were seated outside, which was great, as it was less noisy and had a more spacious feel - families.  

Right after I took my seat, I immediately ordered a glass of Reisling, which was much-needed!

While we were waiting for our food, our server delivered a warm loaf of complimentary bread and butter. It was so hard not scarf it down being that we were famished!

The kid's macaroni with cheese came quickly and our boys loved it. It was a very generous serving for $5.95.

Our starters arrived next - King's Crab Cakes and a bowl of claim chowder. 

Both starters were DELICIOUS! The claim chowder had a good consistency - not too thin, not too thick. 

The crab cakes were one of the best I've ever had - loaded with pieces of real crab, not a lot of fillers .. crispy on the outside, moist on the inside.  

For my entree I splurged with the lobster roll.  They offered it two different ways - with mayo or butter.  I'm not a fan of mayo, so I opted for the butter (which is called the "Connecticut" version) and it was worth every dollar.  

The hubby ordered the Beer Battered Fish and Chips.  

He had the option of ordering two or three pieces .. good thing he ordered just two pieces - just look at the size of each piece. 

Is was definitely sufficient in size for one person (especially after our two starters). 

If you're in the Carlsbad area and yearning for seafood, this place is for you!

King's Fish House

5625 Paseo Del Norte

(760) 431-3474

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Visit Maui: Tin Roof

After my first visit to Tin Roof, I knew the next time I visit I would share, because the Kau Kau Tins are enormous!

Dry Mein

Dime Bag

Mochiko Chicken Kau Kau Tin

I liked the Mochiko Chicken, especially the gochujang aioli.

The Dry Mein was really tasty.  My friend hit the nail on the head when he said that it tasted like the fried noodles from the manapua man food truck from back when we were kids.

The Dime Bag is a $.50 bag of seasonings that change periodically.  Use it to top off any of Tin Roof's dishes, or eat it straight out of the bag, like my friend did.

Tin Roof Maui
360 Papa Pl Suite Y

Kahului, HI 96732
(808) 868-0753

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Visit South Dakota: Falls Park

Falls Park in South Dakota is home to the Falls of Big Sioux River.  The Falls are the main attractions of this 123-acre park, which can be seen up close, or from afar from an observation tower.

The Falls are quite powerful, with an average of 7,400 gallons of water gushing down each second.  People walk along the rocks, and it's quite scary, because one slip and it could be tragic.

The park has numerous trails for walking, a cafe, gift shop, and restrooms..

Falls Park
131 E Falls Park Dr

Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605) 367-7430

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Visit Big Island: Kapehu Falls Retreat House

If you are traveling to the East side of the Big Island with a large group, the Kapehu Falls Retreat House is a fantastic lodging option.

Located on the Hamakua Coast, the 20-acre property is rich in history (with ties to the monarchy of the Kingdom of Hawaii), boasts two waterfalls, a swimming hole, two streams, and even an orchard.

Kapehu Falls seamlessly intertwines a relaxed ambience with modern comforts and conveniences in the 4-bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home, which includes a fully-equipped modern kitchen, wrap-around lanai, spacious living area, and hot tub.

I appreciated how the home was tastefully decorated, with a nice mix of tropical designs and fresh hues, and did not give in to the kitsch that I so often see in rental homes.

The views from the lanai were just gorgeous! 

I stayed in a detached studio suite, which included a sofa-bed, large work desk, and a bathroom.

I enjoyed having my own space away from the house, but the studio suite did get quite hot during the day.

There is no air conditioning at all in the house or studio suite, but there are ceiling fans and portable fans, and plenty of windows allow for cool breezes to pass through.

Wild pigs do roam the area (I was startled by one during my morning jog), so keeping all the gates closed around the property is a must, and you do need to be careful about fire ants (one member in our party became a victim), but I absolutely love that you have your own little private oasis at Kapehu Falls.  

The owners, who are based off-island, were very accommodating and helpful during the entire booking process.  Although the property was not completely ready until hours after check-in, the property manager tirelessly worked to get everything cleaned and in working order - all by himself.

When you compare the rate of one night at the Kapehu Falls Retreat House to one night at a nearby hotel for a single room, and add in all the taxes and fees, there's no doubt as to where the better value is.

Whether you're on a family vacay or business retreat, the Kapehu Falls Retreat House offers an ideal escape.

For more information and availability, click here.

Mahalo to Kapehu Falls for the discount.

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