Hy's Steak House

My colleagues (from my other job working with the social media experts at AdStreamz) and I recently celebrated Christmas at Hy's Steak House.  It was my first time there, so I was excited to finally dine there!

Cheese Bread

The cheese bread sure was delicious (first basket is complimentary).  It was nice and toasty on the outside, and soft on the inside.

I started off with onion soup gratinee.  It was very good - one of the best onion soups I've had anywhere.

Onion Soup Gratinee

Although Hy's is known for its steaks (of course), I don't eat steak, and I also don't eat a lot of seafood, but I do eat chicken, and I ordered the one chicken entree on the menu - the herb roasted chicken.

Herb Roasted Chicken

It was a beautiful piece of chicken that was pan-roasted in herbs, garlic, and shallots. It was served atop a variety of veggies, and finished with an herb butter jus.  The chicken was just full of flavor and very juicy.  

Our party of 9 sat in the middle of the dining room, where there was a lot of traffic, so it was difficult for me to take photos of everyone's dishes, but I did take a photo of the 32 oz Tomahawk Wagyu that was shared between two people.  It was gigantic!  And impossible for the two people to finish!

Tomahawk Wagyu

In addition to steaks, Hy's is known for its specialty flambes.

The dessert is prepared tableside, and it's not uncommon to see guests recording the entire preparation.

Cherry's Jubilee

I, however, opted for the flourless chocolate decadence cake.

"Sweet Thoughts" Chocolate Decadence Cake

It was so rich and chocolatey.  I savored each and every bite!

I thought the service was welcoming and attentive, and I really enjoyed the food there.

I had a great dinner with some of the best colleagues around!

And huge thanks to @melissa808 for sharing her Hy's Steak House winnings from last year!

Hy's Steak House
2440 Kuhio Ave

Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 922-5555

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Top 10: Reasons Why the Grand Wailea is One of My Favorite Resorts

After our recent vacation at the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, it became one of my all-time favorite resorts that our family has stayed it.

Here are the top 10 reasons why it is one of my favorite resorts:

1. The Napua Club Royal Suite - 1,950 square feet of luxurious accommodations

2. Napua Club Amenities - Guests of the Napua Tower are offered complimentary eats and drink throughout the day and night.

3. Pools - Nine pools on six different levels equals hours of fun!

4. The Rock - Kids can play games, watch movies, and so much more!

5. No-filter-needed sunsets

6. Kid-friendly - The Grand Wailea offers games, coloring sheets, and even DVDs, making even the littlest guests feel welcome!

7. Grand Wailea Shops - We didn't need to leave the property to shop, as we found souvenirs, toys, and even gelato at the Grand Wailea shops 

8. Picturesque views - The Grand Wailea has no shortage of photo ops!  

9. Great food - In addition to the great complimentary food offered to Napua Tower guests, the Grand Wailea has several dining options.  The Nutella Cheesecake at Bistro Molokini was divine!

10. Tranquility - Despite how large the resort is, you can find places of peace and quiet, far from other guests, to just relax and reflect.

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Bacon Onion Cheddar Dip

The big game is just a few days away, and if you find yourself needing a last-minute recipe for game day (or even for when unexpected guests pop up), this Bacon Onion Cheddar Dip will fit the bill.

Bacon Onion Cheddar Dip

Ingredients:

• 2 c sour cream
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 c shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
• 1/2 c bacon bits, plus extra for garnish
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional)

Directions:

• Mix all ingredients and chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Garnish with cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and green onions (optional).

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Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery

Whenever Dara and I plan a lunch outing, we always make sure ice cream is involved.  Our most recent ice cream date brought us to Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery, where the ice cream is housemade.

I chose PB & C - peanut butter & chocolate is my favorite combo, and this ice cream did not disappoint!

PB & C

Creamy chocolate ice cream and peanut butter - so good!

Dara got M&M Overload, which was really loaded with a lot of M&M's.

M&M Overload

Dara also got a Lilikoi Cream Cheese Bar to go.

Lilikoi Cream Cheese Bars

The employees were super friendly and helpful.  It's funny, because one of the employees mentioned that usually people come for the malasadas and other baked goods, and they'll return to try the ice cream.

Next time I'll definitely try some of the malasadas and baked goods - along with ice cream!

Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery
3632 Waialae Ave

Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 738-8200

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What's New at Wanderlust O'ahu in February!



Photo by KT13944 for Wanderlust Festival

As you may know, Wanderlust, producer of the largest yoga lifestyle events in the world, is returning to Turtle Bay Resort to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Wanderlust O’ahu. Headlined by yoga superstars Eoin Finn, Janet Stone, Gerry Lopez, Nicki Doane and Noah Maze, the four-day festival, taking place February 23 – 26, 2017, gives attendees new ways to enjoy Hawaii’s best yoga party and choose their own adventure from a variety of activities including live music, meditation, surfing, paddle boarding, eco-kayaking, explorative hikes, running treks and fine dining. 

So, what’s new and not-to-be-missed at Wanderlust O’ahu 2017?:

• FitFlow: Coming to Wanderlust Oahu for the first time, FitFlow is a total-body experience combining yoga with high intensity interval training HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). Join Briohny Smyth and MacKenzie Miller as they lead beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes throughout the weekend.
• Tennis Clinics: Join tennis experts Rajeev Daat and Jade Griffin to learn how to perfect your game. These clinics are a great opportunity to build solid technique and to learn new skills, with some of the best teachers on the North Shore.

• Soulscape Classes— This yoga practice accompanied by our DJs powerful, exclusive playlists is designed to dissolve hardened boundaries and unwind the tension. Classes devoted entirely to the music of Moby and Coldplay are on this year’s roster.
• Speakeasy Talks: Get inspired by our lecture program featuring today's thought leaders: Keegan Kuhn, co-director of the award-winning documentary film "Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret" will discuss compassionate and practical ecology; Katie Wilcox, founder and CEO of Healthy Is The New Skinny, and Natural Model Management will provide a toolkit for ditching diet culture and redefining beauty, Christa Whittmier will share the natural therapies that worked for her to beat cancer—and how anyone can live each day to the fullest.

• Wanderlust Concert Series: Revel in a wide variety of musical performers in myriad settings, from the epic main stage at the Kuilima Point Lawn overlooking the ocean to intimate pop-up shows throughout the festival. Experience live performances featuring the sounds of Griz, Allen Stone, Eric Krasno, Mike Love, Ron Artis II, Son Little, DJ Drez, DJ Taz Rashid, Jesse Blake, Paul Izak, DJ Melody Jay, Tavana and more. 

• Japanese Shibori Dyeing: Learn folded, tied, and bound resist techniques to create your own beautiful indigo-dyed scarf. All natural plant based indigo will be used for the workshop.
• Meditation Experiences: Coming to Wanderlust Oahu for the first time is the internationally esteemed master, Davidji. In our seaside meditation venue known as “The Quiet Place,” relax to the sound of ocean waves for meditation sessions unlike any other.
• Wanderlust Pool Party: Swim and shimmy to the sweet beats of the renowned DJ Drez and Christa Whittmier at The Point Pool Bar while watching dramatic sunsets and surfers catching the last waves of the day.
• Believe in Your Gut Yoga:  Hosted by Tropicana Probiotics Learn how to reinforce your mind-body connection while boosting gut health, creating movement in and around your organs to help detoxify the system and build core strength.
• adidas x Wanderlust Co-Branded Collection: The 42 piece line, including, tanks, tights, graphic tees, hoodies and more will be available on site at Wanderlust Oahu. With a color palette inspired by the active calm found in yoga practice, the line features meditative neutrals like grey and cream alongside pops of coral.  
  
• Sunday Brunch: In addition to our Beachside BBQ and our Sea-To-Table Dinner, this year we add brunch to Wanderlust’s one-of-a-kind food experiences. There’s no better way to rejuvenate after a long weekend of asana, dance and outdoor recreation than a Sunday brunch, prepared by our Executive Chef Kevin Callaghan and served family style at beautiful Kawela Bay. Including libations, live music from Ron Artis II and Thunderstorm, and the serene landscape that is Turtle Bay.  

Attendees will enjoy unique experiences curated by a number of Wanderlust partners including:

• adidas, will host a one-of-a kind, immersive onsite activation to engage in attendee-led experiences, enabling them to embed more sport into their day and create their best selves at all US-based events. Curated adidas apparel also will be sold at each event.
• Aveda, will present the Beauty Bar, a space for relaxation and rejuvenation. Stop by for quick yogi-friendly hairstyles from their experts, experience Aveda’s wellness rituals of renewal, and find aromas that help bring balance to the body through Aveda’s selection of naturally-derived (from plants, non-petroleum minerals or water) products that help connect beauty, environment and well-being.
• Tropicana Probiotics will inspire attendees to believe in their guts by participating in gut health-focused yoga flows and sampling all-new probiotic products at the Kula Marketplace. Yoga classes will explore core work and twists to reinforce the mind-body connection and care for the center of our bodies: the gut.

About Turtle Bay Resort

Located on Oahu’s breathtaking North Shore known for legendary surf, the 850-acre Turtle Bay Resort offers 30 percent more space for adventure than all of Waikiki. Following the completion of a $52 million multi-phased renovation in 2016, the resort now showcases 410 refreshed, all ocean-view guest rooms and suites plus 42 newly-designed oceanfront beach cottages, as well as an upgraded lobby and cultural gallery, seven restaurants and bars, an 11,000-square-foot spa and expanded fitness center with new wellness programming, an elevated beach experience and two swimming pools. This expansive beach resort features dynamic ocean and land adventures through its on-property helicopter pad, horse stables, tennis courts, two golf courses, 15 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, daily fitness and wellness classes, off-road Segway tours, surf school, water adventures including eco-kayaking, and much more . For more information, please visit www.turtlebayresort.com.

About Wanderlust:

Wanderlust Holdings, LLC is a global yoga lifestyle company. It encompasses Wanderlust Festival, the largest multi-day yoga and music festivals in the world; Wanderlust 108, a one-day “mindful triathlon” taking place in urban parks across the world; Wanderlust Hollywood, a 10,000 square foot community center in Los Angeles, CA; Wanderlust Media, a fully integrated multi-platform digital interface; Wanderlust Yoga, a re-imagination of the yoga studio experience; and the Wanderlust Teacher Training, a yoga teacher training program inspired by the Wanderlust festival experience. The company was founded in 2009 as a joint venture between Velour Music Group, C3 Presents and Starr Hill Presents. For more information, please visit http://wanderlust.com

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Chicken Tortilla Casserole

One of my Pantry Challenge dinners this month was a Chicken Tortilla Casserole.

I simply took some flour tortillas and cut them into fourths, layering them in the bottom of a 9x13 pan (I used 3 small tortillas total for the bottom layer).

I then spread some refried beans onto the tortillas, and then some chicken that I cooked in taco seasoning.  I sprinkled on some cheddar cheese, then repeated the tortillas, refried beans, chicken, and cheese layers.

I topped off the casserole with bottom-of-the-bag tortilla chips, more cheddar cheese, and olives.

I baked for 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

I didn't have any sour cream, but I did have guacamole, which was a great finishing touch, along with some chopped green onions.

This recipe is a great way to use up pantry items - and all those broken chips in the bottom of the bag!

Chicken Tortilla Casserole

Ingredients:

• 6 small flour tortillas cut into fourths
• 1 16 oz can of refried beans
• 1 pound chicken, cubed and cooked according to directions with 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 1 1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 c tortilla chips, crushed
• 1/4 c sliced olives
• guacamole and green onions to garnish (optional)

Directions:

• Layer half of the flour tortillas on the bottom of a 9x13 pan.
• Spread with half of the refried beans
• Top with half of the chicken and half cup of the cheddar cheese.
• Repeat tortillas, beans, chicken, and cheese layers.
• Top with crushed tortilla chips, remaining cheddar cheese, and olives
• Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.
• Serve with guacamole and green onions.

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Visit Maui: Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop

On our way to our hotel in Ka`anapali, we decided to stop by Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop for lunch, and of course - pie!

Since we were eating at a pie shop, I thought I should try one of the Hand Held Pies for lunch, so I chose the Savory Mushroom.

Savory Mushroom Hand Held Pie

It was $7.75 for a little pie that included Hamakua mushrooms, shallots, and Parmigiano cheese.

Inside the Savory Mushroom Hand Held Pie

It was really tasty, and I loved the flaky crust, but it did not do much to satisfy my hunger. Thank goodness I also ordered fries, which were especially yummy when dipped in the accompanying aioli.

Hand Cut Fries

Roast Pork

My husband liked his Roast Pork sandwich, which included garlic sauteed choy sum and provolone.

A "kids at heart" menu is offered, but two of my kids opted for items off the regular menu.

Kids Hot Dog

Baked Mac n Cheese

Upcountry Dog

The Upcountry Dog consisted of housemade potato bun, Hawaiian Portuguese sausage, pickled onions, and mustard.

My oldest son really enjoyed the Mac n Cheese, which had several different types of cheeses and was topped with a Parmesan panko crust.

For dessert, the kids chose MacNut Chocolate and Banana Cream.  

MacNut Chocolate

Banana Cream

The pies are pricey at $8.75 each for a 5-inch pie (mini pies are also offered at $4.75), but they were very good.  My favorite of the two was the Banana Cream.

Although I thought the prices were pretty high for the food, everything was delicious, and all of the employees were very friendly.

Leoda's Kitchen & Pie Shop
820 Olawalu Village Road

Lahaina, HI 96761
(808) 662-3600

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LEGO Engineering Workshop by Play-Well TEKnologies

Walking Pokémon robots the children created.

My son, Cade, has always expressed an interest in LEGOs and can sit quietly for long periods of time building using just his imagination.  Cade is very active otherwise so I want to encourage this imaginative (and calm) thinking.  I was looking into robotic type classes when Play-Well Teknologies offered for us to experience one of their LEGO Engineering workshops.  Through the workshop, the kids would have lots of fun and learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) concepts using LEGO.       

These 90 minute workshops can also double as birthday parties and are designed primarily for  children in Kindergarten through 6th grade.  Our party attendees consisted of both boys and girls ranging in ages from 6-12.  Because both my children like trading Pokémon cards, we chose a Pokémon themed project.  Other popular themes include Minecraft, Ninjago, Star Wars, and more!   

Our instructor, Salia, arrived promptly and chatted with Cade while setting up.  The children are encouraged to have free play with the LEGO before the party begins.  After most of the kids arrived, Salia sat with them and explained some simple, but important rules like respecting each other, the LEGO, the room, and the instructor.  Then, she showed them the project: how to build a walker for each of their customized Pokémon. 

First, she showed them the finished project and then broke it apart to show them how to build it step by step.  The children were eager to start!  I liked that the project was quite impressive when finished, yet it was simple enough for our youngest participants to successfully build.  Also, Salia was wonderful with the kids; engaging them and ready to help whoever needed some additional guidance.

I made the mistake of underestimating what kids can do because I was very impressed with the Pokémon all of the kids created using LEGO.  It's amazing what kids can create when given the opportunity and encouragement.

What made the party even more fun was when Salia brought out battle stages she had created so the kids could battle their Pokémon robots.  All of the children had so much fun and this experience gave me the confidence to enroll Cade in a future "Intro to STEM with LEGO" class offered by Play-Well Teknologies!  Play-Well host camps, classes, and workshops all over the island at schools and YMCAs.  Find a program near you here!   

Creating during free play.

Very eager to begin.

The children choose their favorite pokemon to build. 

Our instructor, Salia, goes over how to build the project step by step.

Cade building his own walker. 

The children start building their Pokémon.

Finishing touches on his Pikachu.

Our instructor is ready to help if the kids need it.

The kids loved this project!

Time to battle!

Very fun from start to finish!



The kids rate the party TWO THUMBS UP!


Thank you to Play-Well Teknologies for sponsoring this workshop.  All opinions are entirely my own.

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Visit Maui: Olowalu General Store

While heading back to the airport from our hotel in Lahaina, we decided to make a stop at Olowalu General Store to pick up some SPAM Musubis for lunch.

They offer a variety of musubis - regular, teriyaki, and even some with fried rice.

Teriyaki SPAM Musubi

SPAM Musubi

Yummy!

The musubis were still nice and hot by the time we got to the airport to eat them.

Olowalu General Store also offers shave ice, groceries, and lots of made in Hawaii items.

I couldn't resist picking up a few made in Maui chocolate bars.

Olowalu General Store is a great stop to pick up a quick bite, or for gifts to take home for friends and family!

Olowalu General Store
820 Olowalu Village Rd

Lahaina, HI 96761
(808) 667-2883

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