Ho`omaluhia Botanical Gardens

A friend of mine would often mention how she liked to take her son to Ho`omaluhia Botanical Gardens to feed the ducks, so one day DH and I finally took the boys to check it out.

The grounds are large, and it was a bit of a walk to get down to the ducks.  For some reason I just pictured ducks in a pond that was fenced off, and we'd just throw food to them, but the ducks just roam around freely.

We brought our own bread to feed the ducks, and as soon as they saw the bread they followed the boys everywhere.

At first the boys were a bit overwhelmed being surrounded by all of the ducks, but they did have fun.

You can also go fishing and camping, and it's a really nice place to just relax or have a family picnic.

For more information on Ho`omaluhia Botanical Gardens, click here.

Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens:45-680 Luluku Road, Kaneohe, 233-7323

Kaneohe on Dwellable

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Mele Kalikimaka!

Honolulu City Lights 2011.

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3660 on the Rise

3660 on the Rise is a popular Pacific Rim restaurant that has been in business for over 15 years. While the restaurant lacks any sort of view, the food quality, taste and presentation makes up for it.

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Hawaii Ranchers Local Beef Tasting Party

Being married to someone who works in the business of food and hospitality has its benefits, one of which is getting invites to tasting events such as the one held at Tiki's Grill and Bar in the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel.

This event was put on by The Hawaii Ranchers, a co-op of Big Island Ranchers who raise their cattle in open pastures, without the use of hormones or antibiotics. For this event, their high quality beef was showcased in a 7 course menu prepared by Tiki's executive Chef Ronnie Nasuti.

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Fook Yuen

Last night I had the privilege of having dinner with a group of Chinese people that I met through social media. The food was outstanding as was the company.

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@zaratez Mexicatessen Pop Up

Pop up restaurants are still thriving! Soon after Zaratez Mexicatessen announced that they were going to pop up at Prima In Kailua on December 11, the event sold out. But thanks to a friend, we got in on the first seating at 5pm.

It was a night full of great Mexican food, beer, margaritas, and laughs!

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Little Village Noodle House

When a dear friend came to the islands for a visit, a bunch of us decided to go to dinner one night. The original spot we wanted to go to was busy, so after checking out recent reviews fellow blogger @nanigurl posted, we decided to go to Little Village Noodle House.

We were served this after we put in our order (not sure what it is - I didn't even eat it).

The Eggplant with Garlic Sauce - it was really good.

Honey Walnut Shrimp (I almost forgot to take a picture - took the photo half-way through dinner, so that's why the plate doesn't look full).

I don't eat shrimp so I didn't try this, but the other girls thought it was good.

The Lettuce Wraps - they were good.

The Minute Chicken Fried Noodle - this was my favorite of all the dishes.

Everyone commented how the food was really tasty.

They don't serve alcohol, but you can bring your own.

They do offer complimentary parking in a little lot behind the restaurant, and fortunately there was someone assisting and directing the cars because it's a pretty small lot.

I'm glad I got a chance to try out one of the many restaurants @nanigurl has reviews on My Island Views.  Now I know why Little Village Noodle House is one of her favorites!

Little Village Noodle House: 1113 Smith Street, Honolulu, HI 96817, 808-545-3008

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Restaurant Epic

The girls recently went to Restaurant Epic for R's bridal shower dinner.

We ordered the Baby Spinach Salad, which we all shared.

It was good!

I ordered the Chicken 'n Biscuits.

It's basically fried chicken on biscuits covered in a Thai curry sauce.  I don't usually care for Thai curry, but this dish was DELICIOUS!  I would absolutely order this again.

I also ordered a side of Poutine.

The other girls never heard of Poutine before so they all tried some.

It was pretty good.  I didn't eat very much though, only because I was so full from the Chicken 'n Biscuits!

Three of the girls ordered the Crab & Bacon Pasta Carbonara.

They all commented how it was pretty good, but a little too rich.

One of the girls ordered Miso Glazed Wild Salmon.

Of course we had to order dessert (which we all shared).

The Swiss Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream.

The Chocolate Decadence Cake (our server gave the guest of honor this complimentary dessert).

The Baked Stuffed French Toast.

The desserts were pretty good--my favorite was the Chocolate Decadence.

Overall we had a nice time, and although I thought the service was a bit slow, our server was nice and friendly and I thought the food was good.

You can park in the parking garage, which is right across the street, for $8, or you can valet park for $8 (Restaurant Epic and Indigo share valet parking).

Also, the area can seem a little scary, especially at night (and we were there Halloween weekend so imagine seeing people dressed up as monsters and devils!).

However, it was a really nice restaurant that served innovative, delicious menu items and I'm glad we had a chance to try it!

Restaurant Epic: 1131 Nuuanu Avenue,  Honolulu, HI 96817,(808) 587-7877

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