Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery's Pumpkin Crunch

Every year we go to the in-laws for Thanksgiving lunch. This year I volunteered to bring a pumpkin crunch dessert from Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery, one of my favorite bakeries on Oahu. I had never tried their pumpkin crunch before, but I had complete confidence in Pipeline Bakeshop, as I have never eaten something there that I didn't like!

Pre-ordering was highly recommended, and we had the option of picking it up the day before Thanksgiving or the day of. Since I didn't have anything to do on Thanksgiving morning, I opted to pick it up on Thanksgiving morning so that the boys and I could go on a little adventure into town before the family lunch gathering.

The pumpkin crunch turned out to be a huge hit, despite everyone being rather full from the Thanksgiving meal! The butter pecan crust really stands out - it was so so buttery and crunchy.

If you want to try this pumpkin crunch, you're in luck, because they sell it by the square all year round in their shop!

Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery

3632 Waialae Avenue

(808) 738-8200

Read More

Visit Santa Fe: Tecolote Cafe

While in Santa Fe, we stopped at Tecolote Cafe, which is known for their breakfasts and Blue Corn Pancakes.

Bakery Basket

Kids Single Cake with Bacon

Kids Burrito

Kids French Toast with Bacon

Billy's Omelette

Frito Pie

Atole Pinion Pancakes

I decided to get a Frito Pie, a popular New Mexican dish.  The bowl of Fritos, beef, green chile, tomatoes, lettuce, and beans sure was yummy!

Billy's Omelette was stuffed with spinach and bacon, and covered in a Hollandaise sauce.

A Bakery Basket of freshly-baked goods is served with select meals.  

We read that a must-try is the Atole Pinion (Blue Corn) Pancakes.  I thought it was good, and definitely worth sharing.

A kids menu with very reasonably-priced meals is available - nothing more than $6, drinks included.

Service was not so great.  Although friendly, our server was very distracted while taking our orders (he kept looking off in the distance at another table), and we kept having to repeat our orders.  We also didn't get a bread basket / tortilla that was supposed to accompany one of our meals, even though we asked another server for it as well.  

The food was satisfying at Tecolote Cafe, unfortunately the service was not..

Tecolote Cafe
1616 St Michaels Dr

Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 988-1362

Read More

Celebrate the Holidays at Newly Opened Deck. in Queen Kapiolani Hotel

Whether guests have made plans to sneak away for a romantic dinner for two or drafting a posh dinner party for ten, the vibrant and delectable four-course Christmas Eve prix fixe menu will elevate the occasion. The meal starts at $75 and includes a soup, appetizer, one of three choices for the main dish, and a dessert. Inspired by tropical hues and Christmas motifs, the menu resembles a work of art featuring:

Appetizer
Steamed king crab in aioli sauce over a bruschetta with a spread of guacamole, mango pico de gallo, and sliced root vegetables

Soup
Cauliflower and brie cheese pottage with black truffle slices

Entree (Choice of one)

• Grilled beef loin with fond de veau, basil and pomegranate sauce
• Grilled lobster marinated in Thai-style lemongrass sauce
• Surf & Turf (a combination of the two options listed above for an additional $10)

Dessert
Warm choux with marinated strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and vanilla ice cream.

The Christmas Eve Prix Fixe Course is available only on Monday, December 24, during dinner. Guests may also request an optional wine pairing at $20. Varied main dish options may affect the price.

Christmas and New Year’s Day Buffet
Enjoy the air of magic on Christmas Day (and New Year’s Day) with an equally enchanting buffet. The buffet will be available on Tuesday, December 25, and on Tuesday, January 1, from 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM. Ideal for the whole family, the holiday buffet is $55 for Adults, $40 for Seniors over 65, and free for children under 10. The bar will also open from 7:30 – 10:00 PM for night owls looking for a nightcap.

New Year’s Eve All Day Champagne
Kick off the countdown to 2019 at Deck. with All-Day Champagne specials, a glass of champagne is $5. Mimosa Sets will also be available with an additional $9 for carafes of juice (Lilikoi, Guava, and Orange). There will also be $3 beer by the glass for those that prefer a malt top instead.

Read More

Special Activities at Halekulani – December 2018

NEW TABLESIDE COCKTAIL SERVICE AT ORCHIDS:

Orchids has just launched its new Specialty Cocktail menu focusing on Mediterranean and Italian Classic cocktails emphasizing local spirits, house-made syrups and cordials.  A new tableside cocktail service includes an “Aperol Spritz” and Negroni Cart where guests are able to “build their own” cocktails with a choice from a large selection of Amari and Italian Bitters, local citrus, and house infused mixers. 

SpaHalekulani Living Well Series – December 15: 

December: Hope, Gratitude and Acceptance:  Make the most of the transition of learning and letting go. Embracing what is to come, by employing a positive and productive perspective towards the past, present and future.

This presentation starts at 9:00 am and will be followed by a “bonus round” workshop to empowering participants to apply the information into everyday life.  Lectures are $25 for attendees and include valet parking and spa gift. 

EASE THE STRESS OF THE HOLIDAYS WITH SPAHALEKULANI’S EXPRESS TREATMENTS:

Head, Neck & Shoulder Relief – this soothing upper body massage relaxes and destresses using Elemental Herbology’s Muscle Melt Balm with natural ingredients such as Turmeric and Ginger.  This 40 minute treatment is at a special price of $125. 

Holiday Leg & Foot Recovery – Revive tired legs and feet with this restorative treatment which includes a Peppermint Green Clay Masque and a Bergamot Foot Rub.  Perfect for a post-marathon treatment or after a long day of holiday shopping.  This 40 minute treatment is at a special price of $125.

Please call SpaHalekulani at 808-931-5322 for more information or to make a reservation for the December Living Well Series or to book an appointment.

 

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS AT HALEKULANI:  December 24 and December 25

Limited seats are available for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Brunch and dinner buffets at Orchids.  On both days, brunch will be served from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm and the dinner buffet will be served from 5:00 – 8:30 pm.  La Mer will offer its regular menu plus a special Christmas Prix Fixe menu. 

RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT HALEKULANI:  December 31

Say farewell to 2018 in style at Orchids or La Mer as both will offer a special dinner menu.  Dining patrons will have access to the New Year’s “Swing Under the Stars” festival at our Kawehewehe Lawn from 9:30 pm – 12:30 am featuring entertainment by the Tommy James Orchestra and the Paradise Sisters.  Limited seating still available.

PORTFOLIO 2018 ARTISTS IN THE HALEKULANI GALLERY

FRIENDS OF HAWAII STATE ART MUSEUM EXHIBIT (FHiSAM)

Halekulani is pleased to present six acclaimed Hawaii artists selected for their recognition on the global stage of Contemporary Art and partnered for the 2018 Portfolio, a limited edition set of their works for FHiSAM.  The works in this gallery were created especially for this event:  Ashley Bickerton, Kaili Chun, Yvonne Cheng, Paul Pfeiffer, Garnett Puett, and Lawrence Seward.

House Without A Key lineup for December:

Sundays: 

5:30 – 8:30 pm                   Pu’uhonua Trio

6:00 – 8:00 pm                   Debbie Nakanelua (hula dancer)

Mondays: 

5:30 – 8:30 pm                   Delima Ohana

6:00 – 8:00 pm                   Jeanne Kapela (hula dancer)

Tuesdays and Wednesdays:

5:30 – 8:30 pm                   Pa’ahana

6:00 – 8:00 pm                   Brook Lee (hula dancer)

Thursdays:

5:30 – 8:30 pm                   Eric Lee Trio

6:00 – 8:00 pm                   Brook Lee (hula dancer)

Fridays and Saturdays:

5:30 – 8:30 pm                   Kapalama

6:00 – 8:00 pm                   Kanoe Miller (hula dancer)

Lewers Lounge lineup for November:

Sundays and Mondays:

8:30 pm – 12:00 am                         Tommy James (piano)

Tuesdays:

8:30 pm – 12:00 am                         Dan Del Negro (piano / singer) & Rocky Holmes (flute, saxophone, clarinet)

Wednesdays & Thursdays:

8:30 pm – 12:00 am                         Maggie Herron (piano / singer) & Rocky Holmes (flute, saxophone, clarinet)

Fridays & Saturdays:

8:30 pm – 12:30 am                         Maggie Herron (piano / singer) & Dean Taba (bass)

Read More

Visit Big Island: Brown's Deli at Fairmont Orchid

When hunger struck while we were at the pool at the Fairmont Orchid, we stopped in Brown's Deli for some grab-and-go eats.

Open 6:30am to 5:00pm daily, guests can pick up muffins, pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and more.

My kids wanted something to snack on mid-day, so they chose:

Chocolate Chip Cookie

SPAM Musubi

Blue Hawaiian Shave Ice

The Chocolate Chip Cookie was delish, with huge chunks of chocolate, and the Shave Ice was enormous!  It was the perfect treat to beat the heat.

My middle son loves SPAM Musubis, and he was so happy to see them being offered at Brown's Deli.

Whether you're craving something sweet or savory, or hot or cold, stop in Brown's Deli to see what they offer!


Brown's Deli
Fairmont Orchid
1 North Kaniku Drive
Kohala Coast

Read More

Daiso Hawaii Now Open!

Daiso is now open in Hawaii!  Yesterday I attended the Grand Opening festivities of Daiso's first Hawaii location in Pearl City.

A popular stop in Japan for omiyage items, Daiso is known for their inexpensive, yet cute and practical products (I personally love buying snacks at Daiso).  I was so excited to hear Daiso was opening up in Pearl City.

Hundreds of guests lined up to be one of the first to get their hands on snacks, beauty products, housewares, craft items, toys, and more! 

Most of the items in the store are only $1.50 each, with select products priced as marked.  You're able to buy a bunch of items without breaking the bank!

It's the perfect place to stop for party favors and stocking stuffers!  You can find everything from chopsticks holders and sponges, to nail polish and musubi makers.

Part of the fun of shopping at Daiso is scouring the aisles for cool finds.

And the most popular item?  Customers were snatching up the Daiso Hawaii reusable bags (two designs available) by the dozens!

About Daiso Hawaii:
Daiso, Japan’s famous value store, held a highly anticipated grand opening at Pearl City Shopping Center today, welcoming hundreds of shoppers to its first Hawaii location.

HouseMart, the parent company of Daiso, Ben Franklin Crafts and Ace Hardware, hosted a grand opening event attended by corporate VIPs, local dignitaries and community leaders before officially opening the doors to the new store. The program featured a lively taiko performance by Taiko Center of the Pacific; speeches by co-owner Wayne Kamitaki and Consul General of Japan Koichi Ito; and a blessing ceremony performed by Reverend Bryan Yanagihara of Koboji Shingon Mission in Honolulu.

Shoppers lined up to be the first to explore the 5,000-square-foot retail space, filled with household goods, décor, cosmetics, stationery, toys, accessories, foods and more. Daiso treated the first 100 shoppers with goodie bags of store products, and held prize drawings to give away a 40” flat screen TV, Samsung tablet and gift cards.

“Since announcing our plans to open the first Daiso in Hawaii, we’ve been met with nothing but positive feedback and excitement from the community,” said Milton Fujii, director of imports for HouseMart. “We’re grateful that Hawaii residents are welcoming Daiso as a long-awaited shopping venture and invite everyone to experience the brand’s unique, quality items at affordable prices.”

Known for offering variety, quality and value, Daiso develops 99 percent of its merchandise inhouse and creates 500 new products every month. The majority of its items are affordably priced at $1.50.

Read More

Fairmont Orchid Honors Hokulea Voyage with Chocolate Display

Fairmont Orchid is paying homage to Hawaii’s iconic Hokulea voyage with its chocolate canoe on display in the resort’s lobby from now until Jan. 2, 2019.

Crafted by the Fairmont Orchid Pastry Team led by Chef Daniel Sampson, the 13-foot long, 9 foot tall chocolate vessel is made of 140 pounds of chocolate, 80 pounds of gingerbread and 45 pounds of royal icing. The canoe is also a nod to the Disney movie Moana, in which the people of Polynesia lost their sailing tradition until a young heroine from the village took to the seas to reclaim the ancient art of wayfinding. In much the same way, our voyaging tradition in Hawaii was on the verge of extinction until it came to life in Hokulea--a double-hulled sailing canoe that traveled the world to deliver a message of hope and cultural revival.

The iconic canoe set sail on its maiden voyage in 1976 to Tahiti, making it the first time in 600 years that a Polynesian voyaging canoe sailed across the ocean. Then in the summer of 2014, Hokulea circumnavigated the globe for three years, covering 46,000 miles and 26 countries. While paying homage to the seafaring techniques of her ancestors, she also charts the course for future generations as she delivers a message of caring for the earth. 

Read More