Hawaii Mom Blog: June 2013

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June 27, 2013

Aloha Crepes & Snowflakes

After dinner at Shiro's, we walked several doors down to Aloha Crepes & Snowflakes for dessert.
Crepe with Chocolate Bar, Chocolate Syrup, Nutella, Brownies, and Powdered Sugar

Strawberry Snowflakes with Azuki Beans, Mochi Balls, Condensed Milk

Chocolate Snowflakes with Mochi, Chocolate Syrup, and Condensed Milk
Our family shared the two Snowflakes.  The 5 of us could not finish both small-size Snowflakes - there was just so much!

And I couldn't leave without getting a crepe - so I bought one to go, and we indulged in it for dessert the next night.

The crepe was sooooo decadent and chocolatey.

I definitely want to try other crepe and snowflake varieties.

What a great place for dessert!

Aloha Crepes & Snowflakes
98-020 Kamehameha Hwy
Aiea, HI 96701
Aloha Crepes on Urbanspoon (808) 483-4448
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June 25, 2013

Shiro's Saimin Haven - Aiea

 Our family recently went to dinner at  Shiro's Saimin Haven in Aiea.

Wun Tun Min

Keiki Corn Dog with Fries

Keiki Cheese Pizza

Keiki Chicken Nuggets with Fries - yes, frozen dinosaur chicken nuggets, but my son still loved them.

Side Order Fries with Gravy - always need to have gravy with my fries whenever possible.

Chicken Katsu - some gigantic pieces of katsu that DH enjoyed.
I had the Wun Tun Min and the side order of Fries with Gravy.  YUM!

As usual - the service was quick and friendly and the food was good.

I can't wait to go back!

Shiro's Saimin Haven
98-020 Kamehameha Highway, Aiea, HI  96701
(808) 488-8824
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June 24, 2013

Red Ribbon Bakeshop - Waipahu

While waiting for my food at Jollibee on a recent visit, I went to browse the desserts at Red Ribbon Bakeshop, which is located in the same space as Jollibee.



While browsing, I noticed numerous people grabbing bags of Butter Mamon.  I had no idea what it was, but I decided to buy a bag so our family could try some.
 
According to the Red Ribbon Bakeshop website, Butter Mamon is "The perfect blend of white chiffon and 100% butter that delicately melts in your mouth."  It reminded me angel food cake - it was really light and delicious.

Next time I think I'll try one of the other scrumptious-looking desserts!

Red Ribbon Bakeshop
94-300 Farrington Hwy
Waipahu, HI 96797
(808) 676-2114

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June 21, 2013

Kimukatsu

A lot of places in Hawaii offer tonkatsu (deep fried breaded pork cutlet).  Kimukatsu in Waikiki sets itself apart from the rest by making theirs out of 25 thinly sliced layers of pork.  The pork is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.  It's certain to please any tonkatsu-lover.

Not a fan of dining in Waikiki?  Not to worry because you can also find them at Shirokiya in the Ala Moana Shopping Center on the second floor.

Kimukatsu
320 Lewers Street
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 922-1129




It's hard to count the layers, but I have no doubt that there are 25 layers in there!


Their tonkatsu meals come with a bottomless bowl of shredded cabbage.


Side order Agedashi Tofu
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Monsters University - In Theaters Now!

Disclosure: We received complimentary tickets to attend an advance screening.

FINALLY - after months and months of waiting, our family had a chance to see the highly anticipated Monsters University in 3D! 

Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan are an inseparable pair, but that wasn’t always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn't stand each other. “Monsters University” unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends.

Screaming with laughter and fun, “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon (“Cars,” “Mater and the Ghostlight,” “Tracy”) and produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”). 


As the movie opens, we watch a young Mike visiting the Monsters, Inc. facility on a school field trip, during which he becomes inspired to be a Scarer.

He eventually enrolls into Monsters University where he meets Sulley, and they seek to outdo each other when it comes to scaring.  Unfortunately, they both end up getting kicked out of the School of Scaring, and they try to earn their way back in by reluctantly teaming up with the fraternity members of Oozma Kappa to try and win the Scare Games.

Just when it seems as if Mike and Sulley are back into the School of Scaring, things go wrong again, but Mike and Sulley persevere and do what it takes to turn their dreams of becoming Scarers into reality.

As expected, Disney•Pixar once again delivered a fantastic movie.

Monsters University's diversity of monsters with their eccentric abilities and characteristics made the movie really fun to watch.  There was a lot of humor throughout the movie, however, I did think Mike was a lot funnier and wittier in Monsters, Inc., but he was still a scene-stealer in Monsters University.

All of my kids enjoyed it, and they got a kick out of seeing familiar characters from Monsters, Inc.

In addition to the amazing animation, what I really enjoyed was the storyline and the lessons taught in the movie about never giving up and overcoming failure.

Disney•Pixar's magic is evident in Monsters University, and it's a movie that the entire family will enjoy.

Monsters University is in theaters now!

You can also check out the Monsters University website to get a little more insight into campus life!




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June 20, 2013

Jollibee - Waipahu

For Christmas we received some gift cards to Jollibee, so we finally decided to use some of them to pick up  lunch recently.
World-Famous Gravy and Banana Ketchup
Bucket of Chickenjoy
3-Piece Chicken Strips with Fries

Side Order Mashed Potatoes

Amazing Aloha Burger

Jollibee is supposed to be known for their fried chicken and gravy, and I thought the fried chicken was really good - super crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside.  I tried pouring some of the gravy on top, but I didn't really care for the gravy.  I thought the chicken was good without it.

My husband enjoyed the Aloha Burger, and my kids loved the Chicken Strips.

Although I thought the prices for the fried chicken were on the high side, the food was good, and if I'm in the area again and craving fried chicken, I'd definitely make a stop there.

Jollibee
94-300 Farrington Hwy, Ste C04
Waipahu, HI 96797
(808) 671-7448

Jollibee on Urbanspoon
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June 19, 2013

Blue Man Group - at the Blaisdell Concert Hall through June 23

Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets for the Blue Man Group.



I've heard about the Blue Man Group before, but I really had no idea what I was in store for while watching them perform live at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall last night.

From the little I did know about the Blue Man Group, I expected to see a colorful and innovative show featuring the Blue Men, and that's exactly what I saw - and SO much more.

The Blue Man Group show is a treat for the eyes and ears - full of colors, sounds, lights, and unusual props used in ways to captivate the audience and get them to laugh A LOT - all without the Blue Men uttering a single word.   

The show combined music (showcasing the Blue Men using all sorts of unusual "instruments"), comedy (I had no idea it was going to be so funny from start to finish), and lots of technology and visual effects to create a show that was total entertainment. 

I really enjoyed the audience involvement throughout the show.  Whether it was giving an audience member a special piece of "art," having people brought on stage for certain skits, or encouraging the audience to dance, there was a lot of audience participation which made the show even that much more fun.

The "ultimate party" at the end was the highlight for me - the Blue Man Group sure knows how to party!

I also loved how they tailored certain elements to Hawaii - a nice way to acknowledge the local audience.

The Blue Man Group show is very family-friendly.  I saw many, many kids, and throughout almost the entire show there was a little boy sitting near us who kept giggling.  There are, however, a few parts where the humor is intended for adults, but overall the Blue Man Group is a show the entire family can enjoy.

During the Blue Man Group show there is no intermission.  The show was a little over an hour-and-a-half long, but the time sure went by quickly because it was just so engaging.  I highly suggest you arrive on time, as the laughs start even before the Blue Man Group get on stage (and also, the Blue Man Group may just make it known to the ENTIRE Concert Hall that you're late).

There is a poncho section (the first couple of rows) where you may get splashed on with certain materials used during the performances, but no matter where you sit, I'm sure you'll enjoy the show as much as I did.

Tickets are on sale now at the Blaisdell Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.com, at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Walmart Stores and by calling (800) 745-3000. Blue Man Group is presented in Honolulu by Broadway In Hawaii. 
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June 18, 2013

Waikele Country Club Restaurant

I recently met up with some of the girls for lunch at Waikele Country Club Restaurant.
Side Order of Curly Fries

Hamburger Steak

Teishoku

Fried Rice

Chicken Katsu Curry
Because I had a very early dinner that same day, I only ate the curly fries.  It was a side order for $5.50, and it was a HUGE plate of fries.  Even after sharing some with a friend, I still couldn't finish it, and another friend took home the leftovers.

All of the food looked really good.

Our server was super sweet - even offering to give everyone separate checks!

Even though I didn't eat very much on this visit, I still think it's a good place to go to for lunch or dinner.

Waikele Country Club Restaurant
94-200 Paioa Pl # 2
Waipahu, HI 96797
(808) 676-1199 Waikele Country Club on Urbanspoon
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June 17, 2013

Pa`ina Cafe - Ward Warehouse

Last week, before catching a movie, my husband and I went to get a quick bite at Pa`ina Cafe in Ward Warehouse.

Small Pa`ina Bowl - Rice, spicy tuna, nori, and their special "teri glaze blend"

Dee's BLT+T (bacon, lettuce, tomato, turkey)
My husband liked the Pa`ina Bowl - it was the perfect amount of food before a night at the movies.

My sandwich was good - nothing extraordinary, but it was satisfying.

The service was quick and friendly, and it was a convenient place for a quick meal before the movies.

Pa`ina Cafe
1200 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu, HI  96814
(808) 356-2829 Paina Cafe on Urbanspoon
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June 16, 2013

Every Kid's A Winner at Chuck E. Cheese's

We recently took the kids to the Honolulu Chuck E. Cheese's.
They are currently running a promotion through September 1 (or while supplies last) in which each kid receives an instant-win game piece that can be redeemed with a cashier, and kids can win tokens, tickets or time in the ticket blaster.

My kids ended up winning some tokens and tickets, which they quickly used up.

They of course had a blast at Chuck E. Cheese's, and we all loved the food (their pizza and breadsticks are so good!).

I'm sure it won't be too long before we're back again!

Chuck E. Cheese's
1199 Dillingham Boulevard  
Honolulu, HI 96817
808-851-7400
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June 14, 2013

Amuse Wine Bar - Happy Hour

Last Wednesday I met some friends at Amuse Wine Bar for Happy Hour.
Pulled Pork Bao Buns

STAGE BBQ Spiced Fries

Steamed Mini Char Siu Manapuas

Every Monday through Wednesday from 5pm-8pm there's also a promo where you can get a $50 Wine Card for $30 (or $28 if you already have a Wine Card).

The service was lacking, however I thought the food was good, and I enjoyed the live entertainment.

It was a great way to spend a Wednesday evening!

Amuse Wine Bar
1250 Kapiolani Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96814
2nd Floor, Honolulu Design Center
808.237.5428 Amuse Wine Bar on Urbanspoon
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June 13, 2013

50th State Fair

Last week Thursday we took the kids to the 50th State Fair since it was a discount night - $2 admission (kids under 40" free) and 2 coupons for all rides.

We arrived at the fair just before 6pm and the line to get in was unbelievably long, but thankfully it moved quickly.

The kids stuck to the "kiddie" rides and had a blast. 

We indulged in some cotton candy and malasadas, and also watched the pig race.



Despite the crazy long lines for everything (entrance, coupon purchase, rides, etc.), we had an enjoyable time at the 50th State Fair!


The 2013 50th State Fair runs through June 30.

Click here for more information on admission, discount days, and more.
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