Straight Outta Husk Mexican Food

Finally, the stars aligned and I was in the area when Straight Outta Husk was open at the Aiea Palama Market! Straight Outta Husk serves traditional Mexican dishes made from scratch for lunch and dinner from Thursday to Saturday. 

Their menu features burritos, tacos, tortas, quesadillas, nachos, enchiladas, as well as elote, tamales, pozole, and desserts. They also have vegan and vegetarian options available. For my first time, I ordered the birria burrito - 13 inch flour tortilla with slow cooked beef, rice, beans, onion, cilantro, and cheese served with salsa and lime. It was enormous and so tasty! 

Birria Burrito

Service was great and friendly. They have a seating area inside to sit down and enjoy your food. Definitely will be back!

Straight Outta Husk
98-020 Kamehameha Hwy 
Aiea, HI 96701

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Aloha Phone Repair by TCA Wireless to the Rescue

This photo is actually pre-broken phone, but I thought it was fitting.

While we were in Alaska - mid Aurora Borealis sighting, my daughter's phone goes dark. All that is visible are colorful horizontal lines. We tried forcing restart several times, but nothing. In case you can't picture the situation, Lauren was in high level panic mode while I was trying to enjoy the northern lights and it just made for a bad situation. For the next three days while we were on our trip, there was a lot of whining, bargaining and manifesting a fixed phone.   

Well, the phone didn't fix itself so I did a quick search on Yelp for a phone repair shop nearby. Aloha Phone Repair by TCA wireless in Pearl City had really great reviews so we drove down. They are located near the back entrance of Don Quiote and open daily from 11am to 7pm. Giovanni greeted us and took a quick look at the phone and determined the screen needed to be replaced. He gave us an estimate, I signed the paperwork, and he went right to work. The whole process took about 20 minutes and he let us stay to watch him work. I was happy that he warned my 16 year old that any drop could damage the phone. When he turned the phone on and the screen lit up, it would be an understatement to say Lauren was over the moon thanks to her new hero, Giovanni from TCA Wireless.  

Lauren has had her phone for about 4 years now so I really thought the phone was a goner so I'm happy we checked out TCA wireless first. It was a great experience!

Aloha Phone Repair by TCA Wireless

850 Kamehameha Hwy Ste 8 Pearl City, HI 96782

(808) 454-1212

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Visit Hilo: Kai(n) - Kai Cuisine

I've tried Kai(n) - Kai Cuisine pastas before (eg at Moon & Turtle), so I was eager to actually visit the shop.

They offer a variety of dried pastas, and if you don't know what to order, the friendly owner will provide recommendations and more details on each pasta.  

They make all pastas in-house, and it's definitely worth it to pay for quality, locally-made pastas vs the store-bought, commercially made boxes you'll find in the grocery stores.  

If you can't make it to their shop, you can find Kai(n) - Kai Cuisine pastas at local grocers and farms, such as OK Farms and Waimea Butcher Shop.  

Kai(n) - Kai Cuisine
346 Kilauea Ave
Hilo, HI 96720

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Mr Donuts and Bakery New Location in Wahiawa

Mr Donuts and Bakery has opened up shop in Wahiawa close to Walgreens.  They are open Monday through Sunday from 6am to 3pm to accommodate all of your fresh donut needs!

Donuts start at $2.07 and go up to $4.74 for signature donuts (less if you are ordering by the dozen) depending on if you are paying cash or card.  They also offer baked goods like muffins, croissants, and butter rolls. 

At first I was a little surprised that my twist was over $4 as it is a "fancy" donut, but look at the size of it!  It's about the size of two donuts. 

Support local businesses and visit Mr Donuts and Bakery next time you are craving a donut! 

MR DONUTS AND BAKERY

95 S Kamehameha Hwy #103

Wahiawa, HI

808-699-8860 

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Last Chance for Choco le'a Mother's Day Special

Take a Break Bundle

Hawaii Mom Blog was gifted a beautifully wrapped Mother's Day Special from our friends at Choco le'a. You still have time to pick one up (link here) before Mother's Day this Sunday! The carefully thought out gift includes 7 items, 5 of which are exclusive to the bundle. The best part is that this bundle isn't just for moms. Choco le'a advises to give someone (or yourself) a sweet break this Mother's Day / Teacher or Nurse Appreciation / Graduation / For anyone who needs to "Take a Break" special this Mental Health Awareness month!

Here's what's inside!

4pc Tea Truffle Box (Earl Grey, Jasmine, Oolong, Chamomile)

4pc Coffee Truffle Box (Vanilla Latte, Dark Chocolate Espresso, 

Vietnamese Coffee with Condensed Milk, & Caramel Mocha)

Bundle Exclusive: 2pc Plantation Tea Truffle Box 

(New locally made plantation iced tea ganache enrobed in signature dark chocolate)

Also included are Bundle Exclusives: Dark Chocolate Golden Jewel Bear (hollow, but heavy!), 

Coupon For a Trip To The Chocolate Shop for a 2pc Dark Chocolate Covered Oreos, Ali`i Coffee Company's Custom Freshly Ground Coffee Bag, and Hawaiian Tea Chest's Nanea Tea Bag (for stress & anxiety).  

I absolutely love every item in this bundle and I am especially excited to try the chocolate bear! I think it will be perfectly paired with the Ali'i coffee and I will be enjoying both on Mother's Day. I have already hidden the truffles under the broccoli in the refrigerator, but pretty much everyone in the house knows not to eat Mom's Choco le'a truffles. A big mahalo to Choco le'a and wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day! 

Choco le`a

2909 Lowrey Ave Honolulu, HI

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MacBaby Cookie Company

A special kit through Yelp. She also offered through her IG account for sale.

I learned about MacBaby Cookie Company through a Virtual Yelp Elite Event that I thought sounded really interesting.  Yelpers were able to pick up a cookie kit for a fee and then log in on zoom to attend the baking class.  I met Belia, the owner and baker extraordinaire, when I picked up the kit at Pizza Press in Pearl City.  Her variety of eye catching macaroon cookies are also sold at Pizza Press.  

Selection of cookies at Pizza Press

Right off, I could tell she was a warm and friendly person, but when she showed me she stuck in a little bottle of rose in the kit for pairing purposes, I became a fan for life!  I like her style!  The kit we received had everything to make her coconut macaroons and authentic Italian cannolis.  If you are lucky enough to be a Hawaii resident, you can DM her on IG @justcannolishawaii to order her cannolis because she won't ship those perfect babies in fear of the shell breaking.  For everyone else, you can order her MacBaby Coconut Macaroons that come in over 50+ flavors. You can follow her MacBaby account @macbabycookies to order her handmade macaroons and she's also on Etsy and Gold Belly!

Cannoli shells and filling were provided. I just piped in. You can order them ready made.

Both the cannolis and macaroons are delicious! As proof, my family of 4 wiped out 5 cannolis and 15 macaroons in one night!  Belia has been baking the coconut macaroons for 30 years now and fills all the business orders with her son.  Definitely give her a follow and check out her amazing creations!      

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Media Tasting at The Counter Honolulu - Now Locally Owned

Old School Cheeseburger

It was great news to hear Jon Muranaka, a University of Hawaii graduate, is the new owner of The Counter Honolulu.  Located at Kahala Mall, The Counter has been the place to get your burger fix for years and now with enhanced cleaning protocols, The Counter is ensuring their guests are able to enjoy their meal safely.  You can dine in, but they also offer a variety of delivery and take out options available, including easy online ordering and curbside pick-up.  You can even get that chocolate mint milkshake you've been craving to go!

I was invited to a media tasting and although the burger menu is filled with their delicious signature burgers and endless combinations of the custom burger, I was craving classic so I went with the Old School Cheeseburger.  The milkshake choices are just as fun and plentiful as their burger selection, but I just love the classic vanilla.  If I come for dinner, I might just make my milkshake into a boozy one!  Best idea ever! 

Only at the Honolulu location will you find the Loco Moco and the Teriyaki Burger and Muranaka says more new local items are in the works!  If you're not in the mood for a burger, The Counter also serves up sandwiches, salads, and very popular chilis - beef or turkey.  One thing I was not expecting was their veggie starter choices:  Buffalo Cauliflower or Sweet Sriracha Brussels Sprouts.  We went with the brussels sprouts and paired them with the Fifty-Fifty shoestring fries and sweet potato fries. YUM!

Sweet Sriracha Brussels Sprouts

If you dine in November or December, be sure to check out The Counter's seasonal Jalapeno Cowboy Burger!      

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Ice Cream Pies by HB Baking

 

My current obsession: HB Baking's ice cream slices. They're $7 each and available for pick up at Keiki 2 Keiki every Saturday from 12 pm - 5 pm (must DM @hbbaking75 to pre-order).

The first time I placed an order, I tried the Strawberry Shortcake, which consisted of strawberry and birthday cake ice cream on a sugar cookie crust, topped with fruity pebbles (all of my favorites!!). I was instantly hooked after my first bite!

The second time around, I ordered another slice of the Strawberry Shortcake (since I liked it so much the first time around), and a slice of the Matcha Cookies and Cream, since my neighbor recommended it.  This one was amazing too! It came with cookies & cream and green tea ice cream on a chocolate cookie crust, topped with white chocolate corn flakes. 

You can also buy an entire pie of one flavor, or a pie consisting of 2, 4, or all 6 flavors. Each pie comes with 6 slices.

What's great about these ice cream pies and slices is that you can store it in your freezer and enjoy it any time you want, and you can enjoy as much of it as you want. I have been trying to eat half a slice at a time to keep my calorie intake in check, but I have to tell you, it's really hard to just eat half a slice in one sitting!

Follow @hbbaking75 to see what's on the menu for the upcoming Saturday pick-up and send a DM to place your order! 

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Miro Bento from Miro Kaimuki

As Chris Kajioka noted on his Instagram post, it's "not the food we do at Miro but the food we like to eat."  

Indeed it is! And there is something magical about eating a meal out of a white cardboard box.  Only someone from Hawaii would understand this.

Chris Kajioka does it again with this $14 "Miro Bento" which consists of 12 items commonly found at okazuyas: furikake musubi, potato salad, yakisoba, beef cheek curry croquette, pipikaula, ahi patty ginger scallion, hot dog, Japanese egg, salted cabbage, lemon pepper mochiko chicken, shoyu pork belly, and butter mochi.  If you're like me and like to get a taste of many items, instead of a pile of two or three items, this bento is for you.

Pick-up times are from 12-5 pm Wednesdays - Saturdays, and you must pre-order at least one day in advance of your desired pick up date.

The Miro Bento box is just one of many items available on the take-out menu at Miro Kaimuki.  I also picked up a bag of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip cookies which was the perfect way to end my meal!

To view the menu or place an order online, click here.

MIRO KAIMUKI

3446 Waialae Avenue

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Support Local Businesses

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES!

Small businesses across the board are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Hawaii's small businesses are getting hit especially hard since much of Hawaii's economy as a whole is largely dependent on tourism, which is virtually flat because of government restrictions on incoming visitors (i.e. 14 day mandatory quarantine).  Therefore, it is up to us to support our local businesses by buying their products or ordering a meal from them.  Here's a list of my favorite local businesses that I have been supporting during this pandemic:

Anna Miller's Restaurant

The Kuki Man

Aloha Bakehouse & Cafe

Flyin' Ahi Food Truck

Paalaa Kai Market

Hawaiian Pie Company

 J & S Lumpia Spot

Mililani Restaurant

Waiola Shave Ice

Side Street Inn

Matsumoto Shave Ice

Paalaa Kai Bakery

Ethel's Grill

Paradise Ciders

The Food Company

Chocolate + Vanilla

Sweet Revenge

Nene Goose Bakery

Pig and the Lady

Gochi Grill

Poke for the People Express

W & M Burger

Zia's Caffe

Garibaldi's

Kin Wah Chop Suey

Anu Island Soft Serve

Zippy's

Jay's Cafe

Waialua General Store

ONO2GUYS

Diamond Head Market & Grill

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