Amazing Tasting Menu at Azure Restaurant

Chilled Lobster

When I think of Azure, the iconic Royal Hawaiian’s signature restaurant, the ocean front view and fresh seafood instantly come to mind.  Azure is one of Honolulu’s best fine dining experiences and perfect to bring visitors and celebrate special occasions.  Recently Gem was invited as a guest of the restaurant and I was lucky enough to be her plus one!  

Five course tasting menu

Azure’s Chef de Cuisine Shingo Katsura, who started his culinary career in California, introduced his tasting menu this year.  The five course menu, inspired by his culinary journey and Japanese roots, provides a sampling of all his favorite flavors.  I couldn’t wait to try it.  The first course was a beautifully plated Ahi Poke Toast served with squid ink tonnato, pickled mango, and crispy bonito.  The fresh ahi was delicious and paired so nicely on the buttered toast.  

The second course was the Chilled Twin Bridges Asparagus Bisque which was poured at the table.  I’m usually not that excited about chilled soups, but the asparagus bisque turned out to be very refreshing on this particular warm summer evening.  I enjoyed the bisque with its asparagus, citrus, and ginger flavors.

The third course was my favorite, Pan-Seared Onaga served with squash noodles, Kauai prawn, and Vietnamese herb pho broth.  Since the onaga was pan seared, the skin was crispy and very tasty.  The fragrant pho broth was a definite highlight.

The fourth course was three generous pieces of Snake River Farms Wagyu Ribeye served with pommes puree, truffle creamed kale, Alii mushroom, pickled shallot and sauce Bordelaise.  The wagyu ribeye was divine and cooked perfectly that it just disappeared in my mouth.  I found this dish very comforting and loved all the savory flavors.

The last course was of course dessert – a beautiful White Chocolate Mousse with bananas foster filling, honey comb, and toasted honey marshmallow.  A sweet ending to such a pleasurable and satisfying meal.  

The five course tasting menu is reasonably priced at $105 without wine and $145 with wine.  The five new world wine pairings were handpicked by certified sommelier Micah Suderman.

Thank you Chef Shingo Katsura and Azure for hosting our fabulous dinner! Gratuities were paid on our own.         

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Royal Hawaiian Bakery

One of the things I was really looking forward to during our staycation at The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, was making a visit to the Royal Hawaiian Bakery.

You do not need to be staying at the resort to visit the bakery (parking of 4 hours or less is complimentary at the Sheraton Waikiki Parking Garage with a $20 minimum purchase at the Royal Hawaiian Bakery), but guests of the hotel do get a card to redeem for a personalized amenity at the bakery.

Shortly after checking in, we went straight to the bakery to redeem our card.

Guests who redeem a card get a bag in which they can fill up with a variety of baked goods from a designated case.

The display of mouth-watering treats was a little hard to choose from, but thankfully we could stuff the bag to the brim with muffins, danishes, and scones.

Apricot Danish

Lavender Scone

In addition to the complimentary sweets, we also bought a few other goodies:

Chocolate Croissant

Ham & Cheese Croissant

Pink Palace Snow Ball

I also tried the Cinnamon Kouign-Amann.

Cinnamon Kouign-Amann

My faves were the kougin-amann, the snow ball (if you love coconut, you'll love the pretty Pink Palace Snow Ball), and the lavender scone.

Fresh fruit, drinks, and boxed goods are also available for purchase.

The bakery is open from 7am to 4pm daily, so if you go later in the day, you may encounter a few empty trays, but no matter when you go, I'm sure it won't be difficult to find something scrumptious to indulge in!

Royal Hawaiian Bakery
2259 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
808-923-7311

Mahalo to the Royal Hawaiian Bakery for hosting our stay.

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Visit Waikiki: Royal Hawaiian Bakery

Our loot!

When my family staycationed at the Royal Hawaiian Resort

last year, we were treated to the most delicious "Only at The Royal" signature pink haupia cake.  I am convinced that Executive Pastry Chef Carolyn Portuondo is the reason why it is so amazing.  Chef Portuondo has extensive patisserie experience and also owned her own retail bakery in Las Vegas.  Her cakes and pastry skills have earned her numerous accolades as well as features in prominent magazines. 

Earlier this month, The Royal Hawaiian Resort celebrated its 90th Anniversary with the grand opening of the Royal Hawaiian Bakery - the first of its kind in any hotel on island.  The bakery is located on the resort's Coconut Lanai and is open daily from 7am to 4pm and offers a variety of baked goods as well as drinks and prepackaged items that would make perfect gifts. 

When my daughter and I dropped by the bakery, we were disappointed to find out they were sold out of the Royal Hawaiian signature pink snowballs (the pink haupia cake mentioned earlier).  Well, I was disappointed.  She quickly pointed out that both the chocolate croissant and the custard brioche braid would make fine substitutions.  Still sad, I agreed and picked up a scone and the cinnamon kougin amann. 

The pastries were delicious!  My daughter's favorite was the custard brioche.  She didn't stop raving about it.  I liked the texture of the scone, but my favorite was the cinnamon kouign amann.  My husband thought it was the best in town! 

I look forward to returning and getting my hands on one of those snowballs or I may just have to order a custom-created cake by Chef Portuondo.  Mother's Day is coming up, after all!   

A variety of delicious pastries await!

Prepackaged goodies make the perfect gift or souvenir!

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Surf Lanai Breakfast Buffet

Pink Palace Pancakes!

Already a fan of breakfast at the Surf Lanai of The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, I was super excited when they introduced a daily breakfast buffet.  The buffet includes fresh fruits, breads and bagels, smoked salmon, and most excitingly - an assortment of pastries from the Royal Bakeshop!  My family could not get enough of the strawberry breakfast cake and cinnamon rolls.      

Hot buffet items included miso soup, scrambled eggs, breakfast sandwiches and meats, a waffle bar and hash browns.  In addition to all that food, you also get to choose an entrée selection that includes crab omelets, Pink Palace Pancakes, and the Royal Loco Moco.

Clockwise: Kids size Royal Loco Moco; Kids size Kalua Pork Style Hash; Crab Omelet; Classic Eggs Benedict.

The breakfast buffet is offered daily from 6:30am to 11am.  Adults are $38 and children ages 6-12 are $18.  In addition to the fabulous buffet, you'll also have a great view of the ocean as well as amazing service! 

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Top 10: Reasons I Chose to Staycation at The Royal Hawaiian, a LuxuryCollection Resort

Photo Courtesy of Starwood Waikiki

It’s only January and I’ve already been daydreaming about a staycation.  Not for the entire weekend, but just a quick little family getaway so that we can reconnect and play together.  My first choice?  The (gorgeous) Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort and here are my Top Ten reasons why:

Photo Courtesy of Starwood Waikiki

1. Historic and iconic. Opened in 1927, one of the first hotels established in Waikiki, The Royal Hawaiian is known as The Pink Palace of the Pacific.  Equally rich in history and culture, The Royal Hawaiian is easily recognized as one of the most luxurious and famous hotels in Hawaii.

Photo Courtesy of Starwood Waikiki

2.  Location.  Located in Waikiki near the beach, shops, and restaurants, The Royal Hawaiian is also just tucked away enough for you to be able to escape the hustle and bustle if you desire.

3. Swimming at the Helumoa Playground. Shared with the guests of the Sheraton Waikiki, the Helumoa Playground features two fresh water swimming pools, a 15-foot high by 70-foot long water slide, two large whirlpool spas with sweeping views of Waikiki Beach, and an interactive fountain area for kids! I just know my two water babies are gonna love it! 

Photo Courtesy of Starwood Waikiki

4.  The Rooms!  When you stay in one of The Royal Hawaiian's 528 rooms, you will get spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean or lush tranquil gardens.  The best part is the freshly baked banana bread that greets you upon your arrival.  

Photo Courtesy of Starwood Waikiki

5.  The Beach.  Guests of The Royal Hawaiian have access to a pristine stretch of private beach.  As a parent of young children, it is definitely a perk to have your kids play safely in a secluded space.  

6.  Kid Friendly Dining.  Did you know kids under the age of 5 eat free when ordering off the kids menu and with a paying adult?  Talk about family friendly!

Photo Courtesy of Starwood Waikiki

7.  Specialty Mai Tais at the Famous Mai Tai Bar.  Situated on the beach, the legendary Mai Tai bar offers guests a haven to relax to live music while enjoying a refreshing cocktail.  The Mai Tai bar offers lunch and dinner menus and I am excited to play tourist and sip on one of their four varieties of specialty Mai Tais! 

Photo Courtesy of Starwood Waikiki

8.  Breakfast at the Surf Lanai.  I can't think of a better way to enjoy breakfast than right on the beach overlooking a charming sea of pink umbrellas.  I've studied the menu and the Royal Loco Moco with port wine braised short ribs is calling my name.  Another that jumped off the menu at me is the Banana Bread French toast with macadamia nuts, bananas foster and Koloa rum. Wow! Very exciting! 

Photo Courtesy of Starwood Waikiki

9.   Massage in an outdoor cabana at the Abhasa Spa.  Where else in Honolulu can you receive luxurious spa treatments in a serene tropical garden setting in your own private cabana? Nowhere else.  I cannot wait to relax and rejuvenate with the abhasa harmony massage - a Hawaiian inspired Lomi Lomi massage infused with Japanese Shiatsu.  

Photo Courtesy of Starwood Waikiki

10. A Luxury Collection Resort. The Luxury Collection is a selection of hotels and resorts noteworthy for their history, art, architecture, furnishings, and amenities. Today, The Luxury Collection is an ensemble of more than 75 of the world's finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries. That's pretty amazing! 


Read more about The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort here.    

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