Okata Bento

For years I've seen @parkrat's posts on Okata Bento, and I finally made it to this Kaimuki mainstay.

I put in my order for 5 plates, and the woman behind me had 5 items too, so you may have to be prepared to wait, because foods are cooked to order and it's a one-man show (a man who arrived after us ended up having to leave).  

The food was tasty, and prices are very reasonable!  The bentos come with rice, mahi, luncheon meat, eggrolls, takuan, fishcake, and cabbage. 

Chicken Katsu + Chicken Teriyaki Bento

Char Siu Chicken Bento

Gyudon

Cash only!

Okata Bento
3616 Waialae Ave

Honolulu, HI 96816

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Trash from the Past Collectors Cottage

Stepping into Trash from the Past Collectors Cottage was such a treat.

(I found out about them thanks to @imjessburner's post).

It was a walk down memory lane that got me reminiscing about different people, places, and moments in my life.

We talked story with one of the owners (a fellow PC grad), and learned how they converted a house to become a home to an impressive collection of memorabilia, antiques, vintage clothing, old books, and more.

Every time I went into a room, I walked out with more stuff to buy.

Just perusing the items was a lot of fun too — it was like being in a museum.

Go check them out and see what kinds of treasures you'll find!

Trash from the Past Collectors Cottage
43A South Kamehameha Hwy
Wahiawa, HI 96786

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Big Island Candies' New Autumn-Inspired Shortbread

Photo courtesy Big Island Candies

Hawai`i-based confectioner Big Island Candies is launching two new, autumn-inspired creations: the Apple Shortbread and the White Dipped Caramel Apple Shortbread. Both will be introduced on Friday, September 4. The cookies will be packaged together as a limited-edition 19-piece combo until the end of December, or while supplies last. These apple-inspired confections will debut ahead of Big Island Candies’ other holiday favorites, offering an early taste of the season.

The new Apple Shortbread delivers a distinctly fall flavor, balancing sweet and tart apple notes, complemented by a whisper of cinnamon. The caramel white dipped version augments the fruit flavor of the cookie with gooey, creamy textures. The 9-ounce Apple Shortbread Assorted Combo will feature ten Apple Shortbreads and nine White Dipped Caramel Apple Shortbreads. The combo box retails for $24.25 at the Ala Moana Center store and $23.00 online, via mail order, and at the Hilo Flagship Store and Factory.

“There’s something about this time of the year when apple, caramel, even something deliciously creamy, just go well together,” says Sherrie Holi, President and Chief Operating Officer at Big Island Candies. “As our customers look ahead to spending time together with family and friends, we hope these flavors will add even more comfort and joy to the season.”

Big Island Candies operates two retail locations in Hawai`i: its Hilo Flagship Store and Factory at 585 Hinano Street, and its Honolulu store on the street level of Ala Moana Center at 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., near the Center Court. For store hours, please call the Hilo flagship store and factory at (808) 935-8890 or the Ala Moana store at (808) 946-9213. To get the latest updates on Big Island Candies, follow @bigislandcandies on Instagram and Facebook or visit the website at www.bigislandcandies.com.

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Petite Sweets

During our Wahiawa crawl we came upon Petite Sweets, and of course I had to check it out.

Petite Sweets started out doing pop-ups and markets, and last year they opened up their own shop.

I love learning about the stories of people who pursue their passions and put in the effort to make their dreams come true.

It's no surprise that I left with Chantilly Brownies, because I love chantilly!

Petite Sweets
43 S Kamehameha Hwy
Wahiawa, HI 96786

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Tango Contemporary Cafe

I haven't been to Tango Contemporary Cafe in years (13 years to be exact), so I was eager to go for brunch with @livinghilostyle aka the Titanium Queen aka "the First Lady of Hilo."

Salmon and Bagel

Braised Beef Loco Moco

Brunch was great! I had the Loco Moco - the beef was so tender, and I loved the jus instead of the typical gravy.

Service was great too.  I need to visit Tango more often!
 

Tango Contemporary Cafe

1288 Ala Moana Blvd

Honolulu, HI 96814

(808) 593-7288

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Visit Alaska: Begich, Boggs Visitor Center

Because the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel allows you to travel through only during specific times, we had some time to kill before we waited in line, so we went to the nearby Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. 

We often stop at Visitor Centers while we travel on long road trips just to use the restroom and see if there are any magnets or keychains we can buy for our collection.  We also like to see if there are any cool exhibits, and the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center had many cool things to see - it's one of the the biggest and nicest Visitor Centers we've visited yet!  

There were so many exhibits, interactive stations, and even a theater!

It was like a mini museum!

I highly recommend a stop if you're in the area.  We learned a lot in the short time we were there!

Begich, Boggs Visitor Center
Portage Lake Loop

Girdwood, AK 99587

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Tonkatsu Izakaya Atmark

 My first visit to Tonkatsu Izakaya Atmark was a birthday treat from my sister-in-law, who chose the restaurant for a special night out. There were seven of us, and we were excited to see what this popular little spot was all about.

When we arrived, the restaurant was completely full. It’s a very small and lively space, so it can get pretty loud. 

The menu can be a little overwhelming at first because there are so many choices—from izakaya-style dishes and à la carte items to teishoku-style meals. With seven people, we decided to order an assortment so we could try a little bit of everything.

Everything we ordered was excellent, both in presentation and taste. It was fun being able to sample so many different dishes

One thing I highly recommend adding is the curry sauce. It's available as an add-on, and it's delicious.

And don't skip dessert. The honey toast was a yummy way to end our meal.

Good to Know Before You Go

Reservations are a must. The restaurant is very small and popular, so I wouldn't recommend showing up without one.

Parking can be tricky. There is a small parking lot shared with several other restaurants, and it fills up quickly. Be prepared with a backup plan in case there isn't a parking spot available when you arrive.

Don't forget the curry sauce!

And if you have room for dessert, get the honey toast!

TONKATSU IZAKAYA ATMARK

1232 WAIMANU STREET

HONOLULU, HI

808-736-0034

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