Restaurant XO Launches New Seven-Course Tasting Menu

 Okay, the truth is I've never been to Restaurant XO before. I had heard about them -- especially since the restaurant is located in the same parking lot as my old hairstylist -- but after having a baby and moving to Pearl City and a global pandemic the opportunity just never arose.Until they hosted a media/influencer event this week launching...

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Visit Hilo: Hiro's Place

Hiro's Place is a convenient spot in Hilo for plate lunches and grab-and-go bentos. On my most recent visit, we picked up some small bento packs for a trip to the mountain.  They were the perfect size!  The fried chicken was tasty, and the musubi was stuffed with SPAM and egg.They have bigger bentos for those with larger appetites,...

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Sweet Little Mochi

Sweet Little Mochi 4 packI've been the lucky recipient of mochi from Sweet Little Mochi twice now and I am a huge fan!  The mochi is incredibly soft with the yummiest of fillings! The mochi is made the very same day as pick up!  Now that's fresh!  Also, the owner/baker says you can even refrigerate her mochi and it was stay soft. I've...

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Pandemic Cooking - Cream Cheese Pasta

I’m still trying to use up cream cheese that I overbought, and I decided to turn it in pasta sauce.It’s the easiest, and turned out so tasty. The kids loved it, even with spinach!  They said it reminded them of mac n' cheese!Just heat in a sauce pan on medium-high heat 1/4 c olive oil, 1 8 oz block of cream cheese, and 3 T garlic powder until...

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Muki Dogs

I'm not vegan or a vegetarian, and I don't particularly seek out vegan or plant-based products (I have yet to try the Beyond Burger that was trending last year). But when Yelp Hawaii organized an event at Muki Dog for Yelp elites, I signed up, because I was very curious to try a vegan hot dog, and, I just love hot dog carts! It reminds me of New York...

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Detroit Cookie Co.

I came across an Instagram post for Detroit Cookie Co., and it turned into an impulse buy.I immediately went to the website and ordered 2 dozen of the DCC Top Selling Bundle, which includes popular favorites.  I received the following flavors:Blueberry Chip DonutBirthday CakeBro CookieBanana PuddingUltimate Peanut ButterChocolate ChunkBrowned...

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Papa Dumpz

My craving for dim sum was satisfied thanks to Papa Dumpz, a family owned and operated business that operates primarily by social media (Instagram: @papa_dumpz).  jian dui, fried shrimpPreorders are accepted via DM on Instagram, and meet ups are in town on Tuesdays and Sundays.pork & chive, har gao, shumaiThey have a limited menu of steamed...

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12th Ave Grill & DeliCafe

During the pandemic, 12th Ave Grill renovated part of their restaurant and turned it into a deli, resulting in the new 12th Ave Grill & DeliCafe, featuring sandwiches, brunch items, and more. Kim Chee Loco MocoThe Kim Chee Loco Moco consisted of a Maui Cattle Co. chopped steak patty, egg, crispy onions, and gravy, all atop rice mixed with...

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The Maui Cookie Lady

Last year, I was fortunate to have met Mitzi, The Maui Cookie Lady, while on a day trip to Maui.   The Maui Cookie Lady is known for her huge cookies, made with all sorts ingredients and in fun flavor combos.She has garnered worldwide attention and celebrity cookie-maker status, and was featured in O Magazine over the holidays.From the day...

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Nagoya Ramen

Although I've had food from Nagoya Ramen before, and I knew that they offered baked goods, it wasn't until just recently I decided to try the pastries.It was actually Val's mention of the addicting Azuki Loaf, and Nat's post on the baked goods that finally convinced me to try the baked goods.EnsemadaHot Dog RollAzuki LoafEgg TartThe Azuki Loaf was...

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Tamago Sandwich

Crustless tamago (egg) sandwiches are popular convenience store eats in Japan, and I've been seeing them all over social media lately!Since my youngest loves eggs, I decided to make Tamago Sandwiches for lunch one day.First, I made 2 soft-boiled eggs (place in boiling water for 7 minutes, then immediately place in ice cold water), and 4 hard-boiled...

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Our Kama'aina Staycation at the Prince Waikiki + Special Rates Starting at $169 until February 19, 2021

All smiles as our staycation begins at the Prince Waikiki!Since travel is not an option for my family, a staycation is the next best thing.  After all, we are so lucky to live in Hawaii where we have an amazing selection of hotels.  Now's a great time to take advantage of can't beat rates just for kama'aina (Hawaii residents). I have...

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