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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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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Sunnyside

We did a mini crawl through Wahiawa, and a visit to Wahiawa wouldn't be complete without a stop at Sunnyside!

I'm not a huge pie person, but I am very fond of Sunnyside's pies because my former boss used to bring them to the office frequently.

I eventually learned about the "Fried Rice Special," and Sunny Side became a spot we'd go to or get take-out from for breakfast at times.

The Fried Rice is still very popular, frequently selling out, and also popular are the Liver & Onions, and Blueberry Cream Pie (call it in and they can hold a slice for you on the side).

Although we didn't get any of those things when we ended our mini Wahiawa crawl at Sunnyside, what we got was still good:

Lechon Kawali

I had the Lechon Kawali.  It was such an enormous serving - I had so much leftovers!

Loco Moco

Chocolate Cream Pie

Pear-Peach Pie

I had the Pear-Peach Pie to finish the meal - the crust was buttery and flaky.  So good!

Sunnyside
1017 Kilani Ave

Wahiawa, HI 96786

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Shige's Saimin Stand

When it comes to comfort food, a nice bowl of saimin always hits the spot, and Shige's Saimin Stand in Wahiawa is a go-to.

Won Ton Mein

Beef Stick

I usually get the Won Ton Mein and a Beef Stick on the side.  The perfect combo!

Saimin

Cheeseburger Deluxe

Udon

The food always soothes your soul!

And the staff is always the friendliest.

We love Shige's!

Shige's Saimin Stand
70 Kukui St # 108
Wahiawa, HI 96786-1849
(808) 621-3621

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Taqueria El Ranchero

It's been a while since we've had food from Taqueria El Ranchero, but it's still just as good as I remembered.  

Taco Grande

You pick your choice of meat and beans for the tacos. 

Chicken Fajitas

The Chicken Fajitas were delish.  The chicken was seasoned well and really juicy.  It was mixed with bell peppers, zucchini, and onions.  It was accompanied by tortillas, Mexican rice, and your choice of beans to make for a very satisfying meal!

Tip - there is an online order option using DoorDash for pick-up, but the prices are inflated, so call-in your order instead.  

Taqueria El Ranchero
823 California Ave
Wahiawa, HI 96786
(808) 621-9000

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Recently Opened in Wahiawa - Cha Cha's Indian Curry

I did a Google search for Wahiawa restaurants and discovered Cha Cha's Indian Curry recently opened up, so we decided to get take-out.

Naan

Veggie Samosas

The Samosas were not as crisped as I had hoped - they were a little mushy in parts, but the filling was plentiful and seasoned just right.

Everyone in our family had different favorites.  My favorite was the Chicken Curry.  It was an onion, tomato, garlic, ginger sauce that had a nice balance of acidity and fat.  The aromatic spices only added to the deliciousness of the curry.

Chicken Curry

Chicken Biryani

One of my kids loved the Chicken Biryani, which was a rice casserole that included spiced chicken.

Butter Chicken

The Butter Chicken had a noticeable sweetness, more than others that I've tried elsewhere, but it was still a pleasing dish.

Chana Masala

Rice

Overall I thought the food was great!  Cha Cha's is another welcomed new addition to Wahiawa!

Cha Cha's Indian Curry
935 California Ave.

Wahiawa, HI 96786

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Kilani Bakery Brownie Bombs

Kilani Bakery is still going strong in Wahiawa.  Opened in 1959, this beloved bakery is known for their brownies, but they offer all sorts of other sweet treats!

Boston Cream & Chocolate Long Johns

Brownie Bombs

A couple of years ago they introduced the Brownie Bombs - bites of their famous brownies with a chocolate cream and topped with chantilly.  So indulgent!  

I need to back to try all their chantilly creations - I love chantilly! 

Kilani Bakery
704 Kilani Ave
Wahiawa, HI 96786
(808) 621-5662
 

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Sub Shack

Since we were in the area, we decided to get lunch from the recently opened Sub Shack.  

Banzai Italian

The Banzai Italian consisted of ham, salami, pepperoni, red onion, and provolone.

Surfer's Paradise

The Surfer's Paradise had roast beef, bacon, pepperoni, avocado spread, red onion, and provolone.  

Trestles Trio

The Trestles Trio included roast beef, turkey, ham, red onion, and provolone. 

Sandwiches are made on Hawaiian sweet rolls.  You can add complimentary items to your sandwich (or make it a lettuce wrap!), such as pickles, cucumbers, papaya seed dressing, and Dijon, as well as add on ingredients for a fee (bacon, banana peppers, extra meat, etc.). 

We all loved the sandwiches - they were huge, neatly assembled, and so satisfying.  

Sub Shack is a welcome addition to Wahiawa!

Sub Shack
78 Wilikina Dr

Wahiawa, HI 96786

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La Tonita

La Tonita is a Mexican restaurant in Wahiawa that we decided to get take-out from one day. 

Steak Burrito

Mamalon Burrito

The Mamalon Burrito was filled with steak, chicken, rice, beans, lettuce, and cheese.  It's supposed to be topped with red and green sauce, but it was not, nor was it packed separately, and again, no pico de gallo inside as stated on the menu. 

Street Tacos

Chicken Chimichanga

I had the Chimichanga.  They forgot the pico de gallo as stated on the menu (I didn't realize it until I opened the box since we did take-out), but I liked the accompanying red sauce.  The Chimichanga was fried nicely to a crisp, and I did think it was unusual it was cut into thirds (I'm guessing to fit in the box, but then why not just cut in half?).  I did think the chicken in the Chimichanga was underseasoned, but the beans and rice were tasty.

Despite the missing elements, I would still give this place another try.  I love Mexican food and I appreciated the efforts behind the dishes. 

Perhaps dining in would be better the next time! 

La Tonita
1718 Wilikina Dr

Wahiawa, HI 96786

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Ribs & Broth

Ribs & Broth is a restaurant in Wahiawa that specializes in barbecue and Vietnamese food (they also have another location in Waikiki).

Salmon Spicy Garlic

BBQ Pork Belly

Garlic Shrimp

Spring Rolls

Chicken Gyoza

The Gyoza and the Spring Rolls were both nice and crunchy, and the fillings for each (minced pork, carrot, onion, long rice, & taro in the spring rolls) were tasty. 

Entrees come with salad and rice noodles.  

Prices are on the higher side, but everyone in the family enjoyed the food and thought the dishes were good.

Ribs & Broth

935 California Ave

Wahiawa, HI 96786

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