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 their new seven-course tasting menu.

This looks like a LOT of food and it is. The restaurant's "XO Favorites Family Style Tasting Menu" is $60 per person, but what makes this tasting menu unique (I think) is that you are also able to make substitutions from a long list of options. 

App: Korean Style Hot & Sticky Chicken Skins

Veg: Beet Lotus, Chimichurri, Shiso, Quinoa

Starch: Sewee Potato Au Gratin, Portuguese Sausage Suace

Protein: Adobo Fried Chicken, Braised Peppercorns

Protein: Pork Taco Box, Pickles, Mole, House PIta

Protein: Scallops, XO Spiced King Trumpet, Herb Creme

Dessert: Fluffle of Brown Butter-Bunny-Butter Mochi

Pork Taco Box, Pickles, Mole, House PIta

I didn't get to try every single thing but the favorites from what I did sample were the Adobo Fried Chicken (the chicken is perfectly cooked, moist and the sauce is heavennnnn). Melissa started pouring it all over my chicken and I thought it was too much but that sauce alone was probably the best thing I ate. :) 

I also really enjoyed the Brown Butter-Bunny-Butter Mochi, which is surprising since I am not a dessert person. Not only was it adorable and so Instagrammable but it wasn't too sweet and would be the perfect light ending to a very filling meal.

Brown Butter-Bunny-Butter Mochi (top left)

Restaurant XO

3434 Waialae Ave

Honolulu, HI 96816

(808) 732-3838

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, but these mini and snack packs were ideal!

Hiro's Place
50 E Puainako St # 108

Hilo, HI 96720 

Sweet Little Mochi

Sweet Little Mochi 4 pack

I'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 never put this to the test because we have never had any leftover!

If you love mochi, head to her IG and you will find that she has a Girl's Day Sale with preorders starting TODAY, February 25th at 3pm.  She also offers mochi party platters of stuffed mochi and chichi dango that can be customized with the flavors she offers.  Pickups are in Ewa, but stay tuned to her IG for the occasional pop-up!   

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 it’s a smooth consistency.

Throw in cooked pasta (I cooked a 16 oz box of Tri-Color Rotini - that’s the only pasta I had on hand), 2 cups of spinach, and 1 c chopped bacon.

Heat until spinach is cooked down and pasta is coated with the cream cheese sauce.

Easy & delicious!

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 City, where there are hot dog carts on almost ever corner. What I would give to be able to visit NYC again! 

But back to Muki Dogs. It's a one man show, owned and operated by a fella from Guam named Gene.

Everything on his cart is plant-based - from the buns to the dogs to the toppings (relish, Sriracha mayo, ketchup, mustard, and Spanish crumble). 

I asked for "the works" which includes everything.

In less than five minutes, my hot dog was ready. 

I zipped back to my office and practically inhaled it.  It was so good!  Granted, it doesn't taste like a beef hot dog.  It's not supposed to! But it was flavorful, thanks to all the toppings that are included in 'the works'. 

And being that this was my first time trying a Beyond Meat product, I must say, it's a pretty satisfying meat substitute. 

Thank you Yelp Hawaii and Muki Dogs for the complimentary Muki dog and Yelp Swag!

__________________________

Muki Dogs
3631 Waialae Ave
Hours: Tuesday - Sautrday 10 am - 3 pm

 

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 Donut
• Birthday Cake
• Bro Cookie
• Banana Pudding
• Ultimate Peanut Butter
• Chocolate Chunk
• Browned Butter Pecan
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Circus Snack
• Mad Mix
• Oatmeal Raisin
• The T.S.

I love cookies, and I love to try all kinds of flavors of cookies, but I went straight for the Chocolate Chunk.  I'm always on the lookout for a good chocolate chip cookie, and this cookie from Detroit Cookie Co., made with milk, semi-sweet, and dark chocolate, was really yummy.  

The cookies are on the chewier side (which I prefer), and they are nicely sized.  They really satisfied my cookie cravings!

If I ever make it to Detroit, I hope to visit Detroit Cookie Co. to try the cookies freshly-baked!

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 shrimp

Preorders are accepted via DM on Instagram, and meet ups are in town on Tuesdays and Sundays.

pork & chive, har gao, shumai

They have a limited menu of steamed and deep fried dim sum items, including traditional favorites like shumai, har gao, pork & chive dumplings, custard buns, fried shrimp dumplings, and jian duis (custard and red bean).

I placed an order for pick up on a Sunday and they arrived promptly at the time promised. The dim sum was nicely presented and the taste was outstanding. 

shumai with goji berry

I like really like the wrappers that they use for the steamed dim sum - they're on the thinner side, but just thick enough to hold the fillings.  Each piece of dim sum is filled with a generous portion of filling.

pork & chive

The fried shrimp was still crispy when I got home, 45 minutes later.

The custard jian dui was calling my name and it did not disappoint.

 Let the buyer beware - I do not know where Papa Dumpz prepares their dim sum (i.e. whether they utilize a DOH-inspected kitchen).  Therefore, order and consume at your own risk. I will say that I do plan to order from them again!

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 Moco

The Kim Chee Loco Moco consisted of a Maui Cattle Co. chopped steak patty, egg, crispy onions, and gravy, all atop rice mixed with Kim Chee.  The Kim Chee was not too prevalent in this dish, but it was good overall.

Garlic-Lime Fried Chicken Sandwich

The Garlic-Lime Fried Chicken Sandwich was tasty, but I thought the piece of chicken in the sandwich was really small.

Maui Cattle Co. Burger

Meatloaf Melt

The Meatloaf Melt was served on Bacon Bread!

Pastrami French Toast

The Pastrami French Toast was a fab combo.  Pastrami and kale were sandwiched in between Savory Parmesan French Toast.  I thought it was such a great idea!

Chocolate Chip Cookie

We finished off lunch with something sweet - a delish Chocolate Chip Cookie!

I'm glad I finally got to try the DeliCafe!

12th Ave Grill & DeliCafe
1120 12th Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 732-9469

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 that I met her, she proved to be extremely generous, and she bestowed that generosity once again with a delicious gift!

I received a delivery the other day - a box of The Maui Cookie Lady cookies in 9 varieties:

Grown-Up Samoa’s w/ Maui Brewing Companies Coconut Porter (Seasonal) Red Velvet (Seasonal) Birthday Cake Batter Cookie Butterscotch Kisses When Brownie Met Strawberry Tropical Monkey (Seasonal) Da Half Baked Peanut Butter Perfection ButterRum Triple Chunker (The Original)

The cookies are enormous, and definitely sharable.

Da Half Baked is my favorite.  This best-selling cookie is basically a huge chocolate chip cookie stuffed with Snickers, Reese's, and OREO, and dabbed with Malt.

This cookie is so enormous - I cut it into fourths!

The kids loved the cookies, and their faves included the Birthday Cake Batter (who can resist all the sprinkles!), and when Brownie Met Strawberry.

The Maui Cookie Lady recently opened up her very own retail shop, and I can't wait to visit!

Thank you, Mitzi!

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.

Ensemada

Hot Dog Roll

Azuki Loaf

Egg Tart

The Azuki Loaf was light, fluffy, and full of azuki swirls.  I'm not a huge fan of azuki, but I still thought it was good.  The boys loved it!

I loved the Ensemada and all of its sugary goodness.  

The Egg Tarts were good (my kids loved these as well), and the kids loved the Hot Dog Rolls.

Nagoya Ramen has a nice variety of baked treats, and I can't wait to try other items!

Nagoya Ramen
95-221 Kipapa Dr
Ste C-15
Mililani, HI 96789
(808) 625-9999

 

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 eggs (place in boiling water for 4 more minutes, or 11 minutes total, then immediately place in ice cold water). 

I chopped up the 4 hard boiled eggs and mixed it with 4 T mayo (adjust this to your preference), and a dash of salt.

I then took 2 slices of bread (crusts removed), sliced one of the 2 soft-boiled eggs in half vertically, and placed yolk side down on each slice of bread.

Next, I spread on the egg mixture on each slice, topped off with another slice of crustless bread each, and cut each sandwich in half.

Easy and delish!
 

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 never stayed at the Prince Waikiki, but its convenient location between Waikiki and Ala Moana appealed to me.  I liked that I could take my car in and out of the free self parking and not feel confined to Waikiki. Their signature pool deck was definitely another draw with its saltwater pool, ocean view, and perfect sunsets.  What sealed the deal for me was the availability of room service from their anchor restaurant, 100 Sails.  How I missed room service!

Check in was a breeze and the service was exceptional.  Currently, the daily resort charge is waived for kama'aina but includes daily self parking for one car, complimentary cup of Honolulu Coffee Company coffee, 1 eco shopping bag per room per stay with sanitization kits and masks, daily 15% off in-room dining, and other discounts including 10% certain spa services and 20% off golf at Hawaii Prince Golf Club.

The spacious and beautiful lobby of the Prince Waikiki.

Library located at the Mezzanine Level with computers available for guest use.

Complimentary cup of Honolulu Coffee Company coffee per day.

Our jaws dropped when we walked into the gorgeous ocean front suite.  The first thing you will notice is the beautiful ocean and yacht harbor view from the floor to ceiling windows.  What's even more impressive is that the windows open so that you can enjoy the fresh Hawaii air.  The suite is spacious with a living room that includes a dining table, comfy sofa, and love seat.  The one bedroom suite comes with either a king size bed or two queen size beds and a bathroom with both a full sized shower and tub.  

The floor to ceiling windows brighten the spacious ocean front suite.


Dining table with harbor and ocean view is the perfect setting for in-room dining!
Take advantage of the 15% off in-room dining amenity!

So much space that the kids can really spread out.


The two Queen bed option is perfect for families.

Room amenities include LCD Smart TV, large in-room safe, 

mini refrigerator, coffee maker, and hot tea kettle.

There was just so much space that the kids quickly spread out and entered full vacay mode.  We enjoyed the room for awhile and then got changed to check out the pool deck on the 5th floor.  Although the pools were busy, we easily found chairs on the deck.  You can also reserve a cabana if you need additional space.  It was really nice to see that guests were keeping with the social distancing rules.  The pool hours are from 6am to 10pm which really accommodates all guests. 

Cade enjoying the salt water pool. Open from 6am to 10pm.

I'm loving the beautiful adult's only infinity pool!

Plenty lounge chairs are available for use and there are also cabanas for guest rental. 

Enjoy a refreshing beverage and meal from the Hinana Bar on the Muliwai Deck.

Before leaving the room for dinner, we were able to enjoy a gorgeous sunset together.  The Prince Waikiki truly has one of the best sunset views on the island!  

Amazed at the gorgeous sunset views and love that the windows open to let in the natural breeze.

Sun setting over the harbor.

The next morning, I left before sunrise and made sure I activated the blackout remote control blinds and went for a quick hike.  When I got back, the kids were just getting up, but unwilling to leave their cozy beds.  What did finally get them out of bed was room service for breakfast!  With the amenity of 15% off in-room dining, it was a no brainer to enjoy breakfast in the room.  

One of our favorite things about staycation is breakfast in bed!
We enjoyed an acai bowl, avocado toast, and omelet from 100 Sails restaurant delivered to our room.

Even with just one night, we had an amazing stay at the Prince Waikiki.  The kids lamented that they didn't want to leave which proved to me they indeed needed a quick break from their distance learning. Our stay at the Prince Waikiki gave us the time to get away from dishes and homework and reconnect and recharge.  It was so rewarding to hear how much fun the kids had and I loved every minute myself! 

Hawaii residents can take advantage of rates starting from $169 (plus tax) per night if you book by February 19, 2021 for travel through May 31, 2021.  Which is just in time to celebrate the last day of public school and the Memorial Day weekend!  

Thank you to Prince Waikiki for our complimentary suite upgrade!