Introducing the Cattleya Wine Bar at Orchids at the Halekulani

 
Grab your girlfriends, your co-workers, or your significant other and bring them to the new Cattleya Wine Bar at Orchids in Waikiki's Halekulani hotel for the perfect girls' night out, pau hana, or date night.  With both communal and private tables, the Cattleya Wine Bar is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a global selection of wines by the bottle or glass.  The featured wines are complemented with a light tapas style menu that is influenced by Orchids' Mediterranean theme.  You can experience Waikiki's best kept secret Monday through Saturday from 11:30am to 9pm and on Sundays from 4:30pm to 9pm.  

Gem and I were invited to experience Cattleya and I have to admit I was looking forward to it ALL WEEK.  The Halekulani is one of my favorite hotels in Waikiki and I always enjoy the beautiful ocean views from Orchids.  We started with a sparkling rose from Franciacorta, Italy - an ideal selection as we toasted to the beginning of the weekend.  From the tapas menu we had the Hamachi Crudo, Charcuterie Plate, Bruschetta, Ahi Tostada, Kona Lobster and Kahuku Shrimp Gyoza, and the Truffle-Parmesan Fries.  We also enjoyed a couple of handmade pasta dishes off the Orchids' dinner menu.  The dishes were flavorful and top notch.  We loved the gyoza so much we got a second order.  

The highlight of the evening was trying a unique red - the Jeaune by Chateau Musar; an unoaked blend of Cinsault, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon from the vineyards of Bekaa Valley, Lebanon.  Cattleya's extensive selection of wines by the glass allows a novice like me to expand my palate as I had never had the opportunity to taste of wine from Lebanon before.  The Cattleya Wine Bar also offers the Coravin system which gives guests the ease of tasting world class wines without committing to entire bottle.  Featured selections were from Kenzo Estate, one of my favorite wineries in Napa Valley.

A huge thank you to Bonnie at Halekulani for the delicious dinner and wines at the Cattleya wine bar.  We had an amazing time with real laughs and talk - the best way to enjoy an evening. 

Gorgeous setting for light tapas and wine.

Charcuterie Plate - cacciatorini salami, mortadella, speck parmesan and fontina, smoked gouda dip, olives, baby carrots

Bruschetta - roasted Tuscan bread, kamuela tomato basil, garlic, fresh oregano, extra virgin olive oil 

Ahi Tostada - sushi grade ahi, tabasco-lemon dressing avocado puree, wonton tostada

Kona Lobster and Kahuku Shrimp Gyoza - spicy ponzu sauce

Risotto ai Funghi Porcini - Porcini Mushroom, Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Basil,
Mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese, White Truffle Oil

Lasagnette - Fresh Chef Pasta, Kahuku Prawns, Scallops, Avocado, Lightly Spiced

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The Brilliant Ox

When @WeHeartHawaii suggested that we try The Brilliant Ox for lunch, I was skeptical at first, since a few of my friends gave it unfavorable reviews. However, the food looked so good on social media that I just had to try it.

You need not worry about coming here for lunch without a reservation, because only a couple of tables were occupied at 11:30 am. 

We decided to order family style so that we could try a few dishes on the menu.  

Okinawan Sweet Potato Croquettes - the lap cheong jam is what makes this dish outstanding! 

The Mochiko Chicken Thighs were okay, but nothing special. If you like yuzu, you'll want to get it with the yuzu-black pepper sauce. 

The Brilliant Ox Burger was delicious - two four-ounce burgers with american cheese melted between the two patties. 

It was messy but oh-so-good!

 I would love to return to try the Brilliant Ox Fries and Teriyaki Beef Shortribs. Anyone care to join me? :)

THE BRILLIANT OX
1450 Ala Moana Blvd. (Hookipa Terrace, 3rd Floor)
(808) 377-4803

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New Eats: L1 Hurricane Popcorn

L1 Hurricane Popcorn opened last week in Pearlridge Center, and guess what they specialize in? hurricane popcorn!  For those who don't know what hurricane popcorn is, it's a combination of popcorn, butter, furikake, and mochi crunch. It's ridiculously popular in Hawaii, and highly addicting. Most snack shops in Hawaii that make fresh popcorn will have this on their menu.  

At L1 Hurricane Popcorn, popcorn is popped fresh all day long.  The scent will make your mouth water.

There are 3 sizes to choose from.  The small is enough for two people to share in one sitting.  But if you're feeding more people or you want to save some for later, order the medium or large.

Hurricane popcorn is their best seller (and name-sake), but you can also get your popcorn plain, with one flavor, or choose another flavor combination.  Flavors include: butter, furikake, lihing powder, white cheddar, yellow cheddar, Parmesan, and sour cream & onion.

They also sell "frosted" (a.k.a. colored) popcorn, but these are pre-made, not fresh.

You can also order popcorn leis ....

or mini bags for your next special occasion or party.

L1 Hurricane Popcorn also sells roasted almonds, macadamia nuts, or pecans.

L1 Hurricane Popcorn is conveniently located on the lower level of Pearlridge Downtown.  Is it mere coincidence that they're located in the same building as the movie theater? :)

L1 Hurricane Popcorn
98-1005 Moanalua Road (Pearlridge, Downtown, next to Longs)

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