Halekulani Bakery

Disclosure: Coupons for complimentary croissants and drinks were provided.

I never pass up the opportunity to visit a bakery, so of course I made sure to stop in at Halekulani Bakery while staycationing at Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani!

Clockwise from top center:

• Prosciutto Goat Cheese Fig Jam Danish
• Chocolate Haupia Brioche Bun
• Salted Caramel Croissant
• Big Island Macadamia Nut Chocolate Croissant
• Valrhona Chocolate Croissant
• Curry Pan

Although I have the biggest sweet tooth, I am #TeamSavory when it comes to pastries, so I loved the savory, salty, & sweet combo of the danish, but I really enjoyed the mac nut croissant as well. as well.

I also got a Caramelia Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie, because I can't resist a giant chocolate chip cookie.

The bakery also offers sandwiches, drinks, and of course — the Halekulani Signature Coconut Cake.

Don't be deterred by a long line. Apparently a lot of people need their morning caffeine (fun fact: I never had coffee before), so we were greeted by a pretty long line before 7am, but thank goodness it moved really quickly!

If you go later in the day the lines are shorter or nonexistent, but you run the risk of a smaller pastry selection, as a lot of the treats sell out in just a couple hours.

Halekulani Bakery
2233 Helumoa Rd

Honolulu, HI 96815

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Visit Catalina Island: Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co.

Our first stop on Catalina Island was to Catalina Coffee & Cookie. Co. for some refreshing drinks and sweet treats. 

Mango Strawberry Smoothie, Matcha Latte, Peach Strawberry Smoothie

The cookie was huge, soft, and chewy.

Best Brownie Ever

I personally wouldn't consider the brownie the "Best Ever," but it was really good - chewy and moist.

Order online to minimize the wait time!

Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co.
Metropole Market Place

205 Crescent Avenue
Avalon, CA 90704

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Visit Maui: Pau Bakery

I always love going to bakeries, so when my Maui foodie friend, Julie, mentioned Pau Bakery, I made sure to stop by during my recent Maui trip. 

In addition to typical bakery offerings, like cinnamon rolls, cookies, and muffins, they offer locally-inspired treats, as well as a nice variety of empanadas and alfajores.  

Ham & Cheese Empanada

The empanadas are nicely sized and are quite filling.  I enjoyed the golden, crisp crust.  

Chocolate Chip Cookie

The cookie was good.  I've had better at places, but it was still a decent cookie.

Smoked Salmon Toast

My friend enjoyed the Smoked Salmon Toast (minus the sprouts).

Whether you're craving sweet or savory, check out Pau Bakery!

Pau Bakery
3636 Lower Honoapiilani Rd

Lahaina, HI 96761

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Liliha Bakery - Nimitz

Liliha Bakery continues to be a popular spot for locals, with now 5 locations throughout the island.  I recently went to the Liliha Bakery at Nimitz for breakfast.

Butter Rolls & Jelly

Butter Rolls & the famous Liliha Jelly were served with our meals.

Oxtail Soup

My friend had the Oxtail Soup.  He said it was a nice portion, and the oxtail was simmered well, but there was no shiitake, and too much star anise. 

Country Style Omelette

I had the Country Style Omelette with Bacon, and subbed the rice with Fried Potatoes (for extra).  They sure did not skimp on the omelette fillings!  It was filled with tomatoes, onion, spinach, and bacon. 

Chantilly Cake

I couldn't resist the signature Chantilly Cake!  

Kouign Amann

I decided to try the Chocolate-Covered Kouign Amann.  It was okay, but I loved the Chantilly Cake so much more.

Service was excellent, and it was nice to see a local spot so busy!

Liliha Bakery - Nimitz
580 N Nimitz Hwy, 
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 537-2488

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Halloween Treats from Artizen by MW

You still have time to get Halloween Treats from Artizen by MW!

I pre-ordered my treats, but there were plenty of goodies in stock when I went to pick up my order. 

Trick or Treat Mystery Bag

My Trick or Treat Mystery Bag had truffles!

Halloween Decorated Shortbread Cookies

Bat OREOs

Mummy Snack Crunch

Black Truffle Caramel Truffles

Order online and schedule for pick-up through 10/31!

Happy Halloween!

Artizen by MW
888 Kapiolani Blvd
(808) 524-0499

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Visit Kawagoe: Pan Dokoro Pantaro

We arrived early in Kawagoe, and I Googled a place to get breakfast.  To my pleasant surprise, a bakery, Pan Dokoro Pantaro, was nearby that was about to open in a few minutes.

Cheese Boule

Caramelized Onion and Egg Sausage

An Butter France

This was a French bread soaked in syrup with almond cream.

Sausage Croissant

Croque Monsieur

I had the Croque Monsieur, which was satisfying.  I love savories for breakfast!

Onion Fromage

We enjoyed everything we got!

Pan Dokoro Pantaro was a great find!

Pan Dokoro Pantaro

1-4-3 KANEMAN BLD. 101

Kawagoe, Saitama 3500043

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Visit Las Vegas: Dominique Ansel Marche

July Cronuts

I am still a huge fan of Dominque Ansel cronuts, so I knew I had to try the new Dominique Ansel Marche when I visited Las Vegas last month. Located in the Paris Hotel, the restaurant is the James Beard Award-winning pastry chef’s second location in Las Vegas. Besides a dizzying selection of pastries, the café offers salads, sandwiches, pizza, and rotisserie. The best part is they also serve handmade crepes made to order!

There are a variety of sweet and savory crepes to choose from. I had the chicken crepe that was filled with rotisserie chicken, sauce verte, brie and pecorino cheese, and topped with frisee and spring lettuces. The salad paired really well with the chicken and the sweet crepe. I enjoyed every bite! Of course, I had to try their flavor of the month cronut which was Blackberry Jam and Cheesecake Ganache and it did not disappoint. The cronut flavors are always so exceptional, and I find it amazing the flavors never repeat! Definitely worth a stop if you find yourself at Paris Hotel or Caesars Palace.       
 

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A Few Hours in Leeward and Central Oahu: Our Favorite Spots

We had a few hours to kill on the west side of the island and realized it had been way too long since we spent time in Leeward and Central Oʻahu. So, naturally, we made a mini food tour of our favorite local spots.

First stop: Island Vintage in Kapolei
No trip out this way is complete without a visit to Island Vintage for a caffeine boost and an acai bowl. Their bowls are always refreshing, and the coffee? Strong as ever! It was the perfect start to the day.

Next: Kilani Bakery in Wahiawā
We couldn’t leave without picking up a box of goodies from Kilani. The donuts were our target, but of course, we had to grab their famous brownies too (not pictured because they were devoured almost immediately). 

Final stop: Tanika's for local grinds
We wrapped things up with a plate of okazuya items from Tanioka's, and wow—we forgot how good this place is. Their boneless butterfish bowl - a combination of butterfish (choose between three different flavors) and your choice of poke, was spot-on. Flavorful, generous portions, and exactly what we needed to end our quick tour on a high note.

I'm already wanting to go back to this side of the island to hit more of our favorite spots!

____________________________________________________________________

ISLAND VINTAGE COFFEE AND WINE BAR KAPOLEI, 4450 KAPOLEI PKWY.

KILANI BAKERY, 704 KILANI AVENUE

TANIOKA'S SEAFOODS AND CATERING, 94-903 FARRINGTON HIGHWAY

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Liliha Bakery - Pearl City

I often go to Liliha Bakery to pick up treats, especially the popular Coco Puffs!  I went to the Pearl Highlands location, and it sure was crowded - both the dine-in and the bakery take-out! 

I absolutely love chantilly, so the chantilly-topped Coco Puffs are always a must.

We also got a Guava Roll, and some pre-packaged goodies that are perfect for omiyage - Chocolate Chip Cookies Brownies, and Oatmeal Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies.  

They also have a nice selection of savories which are perfect for a quick bite.

Next time I'll try more things (along with the Coco Puffs).

Liliha Bakery

1000 Kamehameha Hwy #210

Pearl City, HI 96782

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Ocean Side Bakery

I finally got to try Ocean Side Bakery, and I am in love!  It's a very small bakery with a window for ordering - no dine-in tables available, although there are a couple of small tables outside if you want to dine on the sidewalk, but I should warn you that the area isn't the greatest for enjoying these pastries. You're better off taking them home and enjoying them with a hot cup of coffee.

Here's what I bought home today:

Creme Brûlée Cinnabun

Basque Brownie

Bag of chocolate chip cookies

I'm a total cinnamon roll enthusiast, and this one did not let me down! It’s the perfect fusion of two of my favorite desserts – crème brûlée and cinnamon roll. Honestly, I'm still daydreaming about that Cinnabun. The Basque Brownie was decadently rich, but absolutely delicious. I could only handle a third at a time, but that just meant I got to savor it for longer!

The cookie was my least favorite of the three, but my co-workers devoured them!

 Ocean Side is currently open Tuesday - Friday 7 am - 2 pm, and Saturday 8 am - 2 pm.

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OCEAN SIDE BAKERY

1176 Smith Street

808-931-9680

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Visit Maui: Jaws Country Store

We made a stop at Jaws Country Store to see what they offered.

They had baked goods and banana bread, so of course I had to try some (when I asked who made the baked goods, the employee said she doesn't remember the person's name, but it was baked at someone's home).

The banana bread was good.  I liked the flavor, although it was not as moist as I had hoped.  The chocolate chip cookie was okay, but a bit on the dry side.

You'll also find omiyage in the store, and a cafe right around the corner.  Next time I hope to try the cafe!

Kamaʻaina get 15% off!

Jaws Country Store

4320 Hana Hwy

Haiku, HI 96708
 

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The Local General Store

I finally made it to The Local General Store!

The Breakfast Danish

The Breakfast Danish is their play on "Shakshuka" - and it is so clever!  It had a bit of heat, and the jammy egg was just perfect!

Small Kine Farm Keiki Mushrooms, Bechamel, Gruyere

I loved this savory and I could've eaten several!  The mushrooms and cheese had so much umami - I just couldn't get enough of it - I wish I ordered more. 

Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie

I enjoyed the cookie, and my family devoured the Croissant Cinnamon Roll and the Pumpkin Crunch Croissant.

Croissant Cinnamon Roll

Pumpkin Crunch Croissant

Every single item we ordered was just perfectly executed and the skill that went into each creation did not go unnoticed.  

I look forward to visiting and trying out even more amazing treats!

The Local General Store
3458 Waialae Ave

Honolulu, HI 96816

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