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July 17, 2026

Visit Anchorage: Simon & Seafort's

 I wanted to eat Alaskan Black Cod, and Simon & Seafort's had it on the menu.

Pan Seared Black Cod
You can opt for a variety of Alaskan Catch - black cod, wild king salmon, copper river sockeye salmon, and halibut, to be prepared grilled, baked, pan seared, or blackened.  The fish is topped with a beurre blanc and is accompanied by an herb couscous and veggies.  Everything on the plate was delicious - the cod was so tender and mild.  
Wild King Salmon
The menu also offers fish prepared in a variety of other ways if you prefer.
Oven-Roasted Chicken Dijon

Surf & Turf
The Surf & Turf included char-grilled sirloin and garlic shrimp, along with mashed potatoes and asparagus.
Grilled Honey Chipotle Shrimp

The food, view, and service were all great!

Simon & Seafort's
420 L St,
Anchorage, AK 99501
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July 16, 2026

Mina's Fish House Culinary Experiences with Chef Michael Mina on July 31

I love Mina's Fish House, and on July 31, guests are invited to celebrate our ocean's bounty in two different experiences with Chef Michael Mina. Press release details below!

Mina’s Fish House, Chef Michael Mina’s signature oceanfront restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, announces a special culinary experience featuring Chef Mina on July 31, 2026.

This event offers guests two opportunities to experience Chef Mina’s culinary expertise alongside the award-winning chef—an immersive daytime workshop and an evening dining experience featuring Mina’s Fish House signature Fish Sommeliers.

During the day, guests are invited to participate in a poke-making demonstration and hands-on workshop hosted by Chef Mina from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The interactive session will showcase Chef Mina's approach to Hawaii's beloved dish. Participants will learn techniques, flavour pairings and preparation methods, leaving with the knowledge to recreate the signature flavours at home. The workshop is priced at USD 75 per person.

In the evening, Mina's Fish House will offer a special tasting menu by Chef Mina alongside a curated à la carte experience priced at USD 140 per person. The evening highlights the restaurant's seafood-driven cuisine led by the Fish Sommeliers, complemented by Chef Mina's culinary perspective. Guests will have the opportunity to engage with Chef Mina in an intimate oceanfront setting.

“I am always so inspired every time I am in Ko Olina,” says Chef Mina. “From going out and fishing with our Fish Sommeliers to utilizing the most beautiful and fresh ingredients, it is a chef’s dream to cook and create here. This is an incredibly special property, and I’m looking forward to spending time with the team and guests in an intimate setting.”

Set along the pristine shores of Ko Olina, Mina’s Fish House is renowned for its commitment to sustainably sourced seafood and its connection to local fishermen, creating a dining experience deeply rooted in Hawaii’s rich culinary heritage. The restaurant also features the unique Fish Sommelier program, offering expert guidance on daily catches and enhancing the guest experience through thoughtful pairings and storytelling.

Whether guests are looking to refine their culinary skills during the daytime workshop or savour an unforgettable evening by the ocean, this exclusive event with Chef Michael Mina promises a celebration of flavour, craftsmanship, and island-inspired hospitality.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit fourseasons.com/oahu or call (808) 679-0079.

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MNO: Upstairs at Pier 38, Thirty-Eight, and Pitch Sports Bar


Sometimes all you need is a night out with good friends, good food, and lots of laughter. That's exactly what we had during our latest moms' night out!

We kicked off the evening at Upstairs at Pier 38, where we enjoyed beautiful harbor views while easing into the night with a few appetizers. We ordered the Angry Ahi Tartare, which, despite its name, wasn't spicy at all. It was fresh, flavorful, and a great dish to share. We also enjoyed the Spanish Octopus and an order of Pommes Frites—both perfect for grazing while catching up after a busy week.







Our second stop was Thirty-Eight, a restaurant my friends had never been to before. I had visited shortly after they first opened, so I was excited to introduce them to it. We shared the Shrimp Toast, Ahi Carpaccio, Braised Short Ribs, and Choy Sum, and every dish was delicious. I was a little disappointed to discover that the Ahi Poke Crackers were no longer on the menu—they were one of my favorites from my first visit.





By the time we wrapped up dinner, it was already after 10 p.m. We had talked about making a late-night stop at Nico's, but they had already closed for the evening. Thankfully, our designated driver was game for one more adventure, so we made an impromptu stop at Pitch Sports Bar. We ended the night with a final round of drinks and an order of crispy tater tots—the perfect late-night snack to cap off the evening.



From waterfront appetizers to a memorable dinner and a fun late-night stop, it was one of those evenings that reminded me how important it is to make time for friends. I already can't wait until our next moms' night out!





Our Moms' Night Out Stops:

• Upstairs at Pier 38 – 1129 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 
• Thirty-Eight – 1129 N Nimitz Hwy, Suite B, Honolulu, HI 
• Pitch Sports Bar – 685 Auahi Street, Honolulu, HI 



 

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Seven Brothers Mom's Bakery

I finally made the trek to Seven Brothers Mom's Bakery!

Chocolate Chip with Sea Salt
The Chocolate Chip Sea Salt cookie was yummy!  It was soft and chewy, with huge chunks of chocolate throughout.
Cinnamon Roll

Coconut & Chocolate Chip Mac Nut

BOM Brownies

PB Chunk

Mom's Banana Bread
The banana bread was great.  I liked the addition of the coconut for added sweetness and texture.
The bakery also offers gelato and shakes!
OREO Storm

Nutella Goddess

We all loved the treats we got.  It was totally worth the drive!

Show your local ID for a kamaʻāina discount!

Seven Brothers Mom's Bakery
56-565 Kamehameha Hwy
Kahuku, HI 96731


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July 15, 2026

Visit Anchorage: Kinley's Restaurant

We had a delightful dining experience at Kinley's Restaurant.

Side Caesar

Calamari Steak

Blackened Chicken Bacon Ranch

Lemon Ricotta Ravioli

Ahi Tacos

Coconut Crusted Rockfish

Tenderloin Burger

I had the ravioli, and I enjoyed it.  It was made with fresh Alaska pasta, and topped with a basil and sunflower seed pesto, focaccia crumbles, and shaved pecorino-romano.  The dish was well balanced in flavors and textures, and the sauteed veggies were a nice accompaniment.  

I thought it was great that you could order from the bar menu if preferred (one of my kids ordered a burger; another ordered a chicken sandwich).

Service was exceptional!  

Kinley's Restaurant
3230 Seward Hwy
Anchorage, AK 99503



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July 14, 2026

Tadashi


I met @deniset73 at Tadashi in Pearl Kai Center.  It's been decades since I went to Tadashi - it was often a spot I'd go to when I used to work at the airport.

Things have changed, however, since then.  It seems like they are still operating as they did during the pandemic, with tables spaced out very far apart, and a bunch of tables / chairs pushed up against the wall in the back.  You also have 90 minutes to dine.  

Soba, Tsukemono, Miso Soup

We both ordered teishoku, which comes with soba, tsukemono, miso foup, and rice. 
Butterfish Misoyaki

I had the Teriyaki Chicken & Tempura Special Combination Teishoku.

I was very surprised by the huge portion of teriyaki chicken, which also came with a side salad.  The sauce was good, but the chicken was a bit on the tougher side.  The tempura was good, although I thought the batter could've been crisper.

The service was attentive and the food was fine.  There seemed to be lots of regulars dining, and it was nice to see all locals. 

Denise did her research, and read that if you pay by cash, you get a 7% discount, so she had cash handy!

We were done with dinner in less than an hour!

Tadashi
98-199 Kamehameha Hwy
Aiea, HI 96701
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July 13, 2026

Mango Mango Dessert Deals on National Mango Day, July 22

To celebrate National Mango Day on Wednesday, July 22, visit Mango Mango to get a Mango Green Tea with Lychee or a Mango Bubble Milk Tea for just $5!

This promotion is valid at both the Ala Moana Center and Pearlridge Center locations.

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