Lunch at Rigo

 It had been a while since my last lunch at Rigo, so I was excited to return and see what was new. One thing I noticed right away was that the parking lot is now valet only. After seeing how busy the restaurant was on a weekday afternoon—and how small the parking lot is, I can see why they have valet parking only.

I met up with a couple of friends, and one of them insisted that we order the crostini to start. It featured toasted bread topped with prosciutto, fresh papaya, mascarpone cheese, and macadamia blossom honey. 

I'll admit, I was skeptical. Two of us at the table aren't even fans of papaya. But after one bite, I was happily proven wrong. The sweetness of the papaya paired beautifully with the salty prosciutto and creamy mascarpone.  I never would have thought to order this.

Before our entrées arrived, each of the lunch specials came with a fresh salad to start. Crisp, fresh, and lightly dressed.

For our entrées, we ordered different dishes from the July Specials menu: Shrimp & Shiso Cream, Lamb Ragù Puttanesca, and the Seafood Caldoso. 

Every dish was nicely plated and packed with flavor. I really appreciate how the pasta was prepared al dente!

To finish, we each ordered the gelato/sorbet, where you get to choose two flavors. I went with vanilla and raspberry, and the combination was light, refreshing, and the perfect ending to our lunch.

This visit left me wondering why I'd waited so long to return. Hopefully, it won't be nearly as long before my next meal at Rigo.

RIGO

885 KAPAHULU AVENUE

808-735-9760

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Visit Anchorage: The New Peanut Farm

The New Peanut Farm was right near our hotel, so we decided to visit for dinner one evening. 

It's a seat-yourself establishment, and we almost didn't eat there, because it took a good 20 minutes for our server to come by.  

Once she did come, however, she was friendly.

Chicken Wings

Alaskan Halibut and Salmon Combo

Corn Fritters

Fried Pickles

Southwest Eggrolls

Yukon Burger

I wasn't very hungry so I just munched on some of the apps, which were pretty standard, but good.

The overall dining experience, however, left much to be desired.  Other than not having a server come by upon seating for some time, after we got our food, we still did not have any silverware or napkins, so we had to wave down another server.

The table and floor were sticky, and it took a while for us to get our check too.

The New Peanut Farm
5227 Old Seward Hwy

Anchorage, AK 99518

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Diamond Head Chocolate

A couple of decades ago, someone gave me chocolate-covered graham crackers from Honolulu Chocolate Company, which later re-branded to Diamond Head Chocolate, and I was a fan ever since. 

I had no idea they opened up a location in Waikele a few years ago, so I recently visited. 

It's a chocolate-lover's dream - OREOs, fortune cookies, bark, berries, wafo rolls, and more are covered in chocolate to satisfy your chocolate cravings. 

They have pre-packed treats as well as a display of chocolates and other goodies you can buy by the piece (like the chocolate-covered graham crackers). 

Stop in for omiyage or for the perfect chocolaty treat!

Diamond Head Chocolate
94-798 Lumiaina St #416
Waipahu HI 96797

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A Night with Michael Mina

One of my favorite restaurants on the island is Mina's Fish House at the Four Seasons Oahu, where Chef Michael Mina initiated the concept of the Fish Sommelier.

On Friday, the media was invited to A Night with Michael Mina, where guests indulged in a thoughtfully-crafted tasting menu highlighting local seafood and dishes with internationally-inspired elements.

Sesame Sweet Soy Poke

Burrata & Stone Fruit

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Kataifi-Wrapped Kauai Prawns

Several dishes were served family-style - the poke, burrata, scallops, and prawns.  I thought the poke was seasoned perfectly, with a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, salty, and spicy components.  

Everyone commented on just how enormous the burrata was.  It was creamy, and indulgent, and I couldn't stop eating it with the pita croutons.

I love scallops and I love bacon, and together they are great match!

The kataifi offered a delicate, yet crunchy contrast to the tender prawns.  

Caviar Parfait

Kona Lobster Agnolotti

Everyone could choose their own entree, and I chose the agnolotti.  I loved the stuffed pasta, and I would've been happy with just the pasta, but the addition of the lobster, Parmesan, and truffle really elevated the dish, adding levels of umami.

Lobster Pot Pie

Lobster Pot Pie assembled

Kona Kanpachi

Hawayej-Spiced NY Striploin

The tasting menu ended with two delightful desserts.  The shave ice was so refreshing, and the Chocolate Caramel Crunch was reminiscent of a nostalgic candy bar - so delicious! 

Pina Colada Shave Ice

Chocolate Caramel Crunch

At the end of the night, we were gifted with a copy of his most recent cookbook, My Egypt, which dives into Chef Michael's roots.

Although this special event was one-night only, the daily dinner menu still offers guests amazing line-to-table delicacies and signature seafood dishes.

Mina's Fish House
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
92-1001 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707
(808) 679-0079

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Marujuu Hawaii

Gem and I recently met for lunch, as a birthday do-over. I suggested Marujuu because I'd been wanting to try their Japanese-style Hamburg steak and there is parking and it's located near the freeway. 

The funny part? Marujuu specializes in hamburg, but Gem (the birthday girl) doesn't actually eat hamburg!

Fortunately, the menu has other options. She ordered the fried chicken and French fries, while I went with the restaurant's signature hamburg steak with the signature onion sauce.

Shortly after we ordered, our server brought out soup and let us know that both the soup and rice come with unlimited refills - bonus!

When my hamburg arrived on its sizzling platter, it smelled incredible. 

The onion sauce paired perfectly with the juicy hamburger steak, and I can definitely see why it's their signature dish. Gem also enjoyed her crispy fried chicken and fries, so we both left happy despite ordering completely different meals.

The service was warm and attentive throughout our meal

I'd happily return—especially with my boys, who I know would love the sizzling Hamburg steaks, fried chicken, and unlimited rice.

 MARUJUU HAWAII

1145 12TH AVENUE

(808) 260-4967

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Here is the Story of . . . Ono Kettle Pop

We started a new series at Hawaii Mom Blog - Here is the Story of . . .

Because everyone has a story to tell.  

Impromptu, informal, random encounters with people sharing pieces of their stories.

We feature anyone who wants to share - the makers, the doers, the dreamers . . . 

Here is the first in our series - Ono Kettle Pop!

You can follow us on IG, Facebook, and YouTube! 

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Mililani Restaurant

Mililani Restaurant is another neighborhood restaurant that has been around for decades (since 1979).

Fried Saimin

Portuguese Sausage Fried Rice

Their Fried Saimin and Portuguese Sausage Fried Rice are my go-tos, and I noticed they had something new - Ginger Chicken Fried Rice, with their staple ginger chicken sauce, so we ordered that too.

The plates were heaping with food!

Ginger Chicken Fried Rice

I've tried other dishes before, but the Fried Saimin and the Fried Rice are the classics that never disappoints.

Mililani Restaurant
95-221 Kipapa Dr
Mililani, HI 96789
(808) 625-2000

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