Visit Waimea: Yong's Kal Bi

A bunch of people told me I should try Yong's Kal Bi in Waimea for great Korean food, and I finally had a chance to get take-out while in the area for work.

Bi-Bim-Noodle

The Bi-Bim-Noodle was full of noodles and veggies.  I upgraded to Garlic Pork Belly for an additional $3.  I wish they gave more pork, because it was really delicious and added flavor to the dish.  The dish itself was just filling and refreshing. 

Organic Maitake Mushroom, Garlic Chive & Onion Pancake

The pancake was loaded with mushrooms, garlic chives, and onions, and the pancake and both the sauce were very tasty, but I felt the pancake could've been crispier.  

Next time I hope to dine in!

Order online to minimize wait time!

Yong's Kal Bi
65-1158 Mamalahoa Hwy

# 4, Waimea, HI 96743

Read More

Visit Waimea: Kuya JnL

I saw Chef Jay Kanekoa share an IG story about Kuya JnL, so we gave it a try when we were in Waimea.  

Chicken Inasal

My friend enjoyed the Chicken Inasal.  He asked if it was made with 7-Up, and the employee said "Sprite," which signified to my friend that the dish was as authentic he could find on the Big Island.  He liked the dish!

Pork & Peas

I had the Pork & Peas.  The pork was tender, but I thought the sauce was a little too sweet and more tomato-forward than I'm used to.  I did, however, appreciate the generous serving.  It was an overall good dish!

Pancit Bihon

The Pancit Bihon reminded me of my grandparents.  I loved the pieces of pork belly which added nice smokiness to the dish.  My friend loved this dish too.

Kuya JnL is a must for great Filipino food in Waimea!

Kuya JnL
67-1185 Mamalahoa Hwy
Waimea, HI 96743

Read More

Visit Waimea: Jam Pot

Jam Pot specializes in Jamaican Patties, which are pastries filled with various types of seasoned proteins or veggies.

Mild Beef

Curry Chicken

The Curry Chicken had a bit of a kick, and I thought it was seasoned nicely.  The pastry was flaky and added a nice texture to the patty.  

It was my first time trying a Jamaican Patty, and I thought it could easily make a meal in itself.

Jam Pot also offers a variety of grab and go meals in a refrigerated case, as well as teas. 

The tea was 50% off because it was 2 days past the "Best By" date, but even without the discount, I thought it was still a reasonable price ($6 pre-discount).  My friend love the tea, which had mamaki, amongst other ingredients.


Jam Pot
65-1158 Mamalahoa Hwy
Waimea, HI 96743

Read More

Visit Waimea: Sandwich Isle Bread Company

I recently visited Sandwich Isle Bread Company and got: 

Lavosh

Bacon, Cheddar, & Chive Scone

Ham & Havarti Croissant

The croissant was buttery and flaky!

Double Chocolate Cookie

They had all sorts of sweet and savory treats to satisfy your cravings!

Sandwich Isle Bread Company
65-1158 Mamalahoa Highway Ste 7
Kamuela, Hi 96743
(808) 731-6712

Read More

Visit Waimea: Patisserie Nanako

It's been a while since I've been to Patisserie Nanako.  The last time I was there, they had sold out early, so I made sure to get there early enough this time around.

When I got there at around 11am, there was a line of about 6 people inside and 2 outside, but I waited patiently.  

From top left clockwise: Macadamia Nut Carrot Cake, Peanut Butter Crunch Bar, Cream Cheese Lemon Pan, Cream Pan

The Peanut Butter Crunch Bar has been a go-to from the beginning.  Definitely a must if you love PB & chocolate!

The Macadamia Nut Carrot Cake was absolutely delicious.  The carrot cake itself was so moist, and the frosting was just perfect - rich, creamy, with the right amount of sweetness.

For the quality of the products, the prices are super reasonable.

Patisserie Nanako is definitely the best bakery on the Big Island, in my opinion!

Patisserie Nanako

64-1067 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd Ste A5
Waimea, HI 96743
(808) 491-2290

Read More

Visit Big Island: ‘Ikena Landing

I was at The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort for an event, and had breakfast at the on-property ‘Ikena Landing.

They have both a breakfast buffet and a la carte options.

Complimentary Banana Nut Muffins

The Moku Nui Breakfast Buffet included fruits, cereals, meats, eggs, lox and bagels, fish, and more.  

‘Ikena Omelet

I skipped the buffet and ordered off the menu.  I had the ‘Ikena Omelet, which included 4 fillings of choice.  I opted for bacon, spinach, mushroom, and cheddar.  It came with hashbrowns, and they were actually cheesy!  At first I thought they were undercooked (the menu didn't mention cheesy hashbrowns), but upon closer examination and tasting, it was indeed cheesy.  It was pretty good! 

Turmeric, Carrot, Honeydew Melon Juice

They have fresh juices too!

The views are pretty, but beware of the many birds around that'll swoop in on your food if you're not careful!

Although I didn't think the breakfast options were anything spectacular, I thought the service was indeed spectacular, and I was quite impressed with how accommodating and friendly the servers were.  

‘IIkena Landing
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
62-100 Kaunaʻoa Dr
Waimea, HI 96743
 

Read More

Visit Kaua‘i: Waimea Light Parade



We had no plans to watch the Waimea Light Parade, but after realizing we could walk to it from our lodging without having the hassles of looking for a parking spot, we made an impromptu decision to watch it.

And we made it just in time, as the parade just started when we got to Waimea Valley Canyon Drive.

The parade was full of trucks, cars, boats, mules, and people - all decked out in lights, with lots and lots of people passing out and throwing candies.

What I found endearing about the parade is earlier that morning, I saw so many chairs of people who already staked their viewing spots.  That's how popular the parade is!

We stood for the entire parade behind people who were seated at the main road. The parade was about 40 minutes long and a lot of fun to watch!

It was heartwarming to see the community come together - business, organizaitons, community leaders - and celebrate the season to the delight of many.

 

Read More

Visit Hawai`i Island: FORC

FORC Restaurant is one of my favorite restaurants on the Big Island. With Chef Allen Hess at the helm, FORC offers local dishes with a focus on Paniolo culture.

Maluhia Farms Butterleaf

The Butterleaf was an actual intact butterleaf!  It was quite the presentation, although a little challenging to cut up and serve.  

Mushroom Ali`i Poke

The Mushroom Ali`i Poke was my fave dish.  I love mushrooms, and I appreciated this vegan twist on a tako poke.  

Peppercorn Clams

Fresh Baked Portuguese Bread

The Fresh Baked Portuguese Bread is amazing on its own, or order the Peppercorn Clams so you can dip the bread in the broth!

Portuguese Chicken Leg

Goat Tacos

I had the Goat Tacos before, but on this visit, the Goat Tacos were so much better.  I loved how flavorful it was.

FORC Steak

Hoio Salad

Waipio Poi

The Waipio Poi was served with housemade bacon, for a delish twist on "kalua pork and poi."

Chef's Hawaiian Meal

The Chef's Hawaiian Meal is essentially a laulau of the day.  The protein varies based on availability and changes weekly.  They'll serve oxtail or turkey tail laulau, and on the night we went, we had chicken and pork belly laulau.  What a dish!  

Miso Lamb

Panna Creme Brulee

The Panna Creme Brulee is a hybrid Panna Cotta and Creme Brulee dish. 

Chocolate Tart

I'm a chocoholic by nature, so I loved the decadent Chocolate Tart.

FORC is a great place to dine to get a taste of local dishes with a Filipino and Portuguese twist.  Go with friends so you can try out as much of the menu as possible!

FORC Restaurant
65-1214 Lindsey Rd

Waimea, HI 96743

Read More

The Fish & The Hog

It was our last night in Waikoloa and we had no dinner plans, so I suggested take-out from The Fish & The Hog so that I could try their onion rings that Gem believes to be the best on the Big Island (read her post here). 

The Fish & The Hog is located in Waimea, which is about a 30 minute drive from where we were staying in Waikoloa. Luckily the in-laws did not mind taking a drive up to Waimea, which is much different than the resort area. They said the restaurant was small and busy, so it's a good thing we decided to get take-out instead of dining in.

Three of us ordered the Smoked Brisket French Dip. The sandwich was stuffed with a generous portion of smoked beef brisket. We asked for the onion rings instead of fries because we all wanted to try their beer battered onion rings - they did not disappoint!  I'm so glad each sandwich came with its own serving of onions rings so that we didn't have to share with one another!

Our niece who is on a gluten-free diet, ordered the smoked brisket street tacos. These tacos are made with corn tortillas. I was actually quite envious as I love tacos and these looked good!

We also each ordered the French Onion Soup. This alone could have been my meal. 

Son #1 ordered the Keiki Mac 'N Cheese: their version is rich, creamy, and cheesy. My son normally devours keiki portions of mac n cheese with ease, but he couldn't finish this!

Son #2 ordered the Keiki Cheese Quesadilla with choice of side (my son chose french fries for his side). 

If I ever return to Waimea, I would definitely want to revisit The Fish & The Hog as a dine-in customer, as I'll bet the food is even better when it's fresh from the kitchen.

____________________________

THE FISH & THE HOG
64-957 MAMALAHOA HWY
808-885-6268

Read More