Posts filed under 'Local grindz'
There's a little European-style bakery in the quaint Mānoa community called Fendu Boulangerie. A boulangerie is a place that sells bread; fresh-baked bread made of all sorts of ingredients. Fendu, however, breaks that mold by also selling brick-oven pizzas, gourmet sandwiches and petite pastries.
But it's still the delicious aroma of baking bread that usually attracts customers to the small shop. The scent hitches a ride from the gentle trade-wind breezes that sweep through the marketplace and help broadcast the savoriness of Fendu Boulangerie.
Each day of the week, there's a different bread special. My absolute favorite would have to be the raisin and walnut bread. It's moist on the inside, crunchy on the outside and just the perfect amount of sweetness.
Like most European-style bakeries, the walls of Fendu boast baskets of fresh-baked bread and pastries. Bakers work busily in the back kitchen, rolling pizza dough and delicately decorating a dessert item. A display case of danishes, croissants, cakes and pies also entice customers deciding on their meal of choice.
While the food is always great, be prepared to wait for your order. It seems I wait at least 10 minutes for a sandwich to be made; pizzas take even longer. So if you're looking for a quick to-go item, I'd stick with the pastries.
FENDU BOULANGERIE / Manoa Marketplace 2752 Woodlawn Dr., Ste 5-119, Honolulu, HI 96822 (Map) / Opens Mon-Sat 730am-7pm, Sun 730am-3pm / 808-988-4310
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
May 16th, 2013
Warning: This post will make your mouth water.
A shortstack of red velvet pancakes and a side of bacon and eggs. Hungry yet?
Cinnamon's Restaurant puts a unique twist on pancakes. Serving more than just an original short stack, the eatery entices hungry customers with pancakes inspired by actual cakes, like red velvet, carrot and guava chiffon. And ever since putting the two together, these menu items have been literally selling like hot cakes!
Cinnamon's has been part of the Kailua community for more than 25 years. The local business prides itself on a baked-from-scratch menu unlike any other restaurant in town. I like that there's something on the menu for any day's craving. Of course, pancakes are a must, but there are also local favorites, like loco mocos and fried rice, and ones with a local twist, like French toast with fresh-baked Hawaiian sweetbread.
Although they're in high demand, liliko‘i pancakes are not a regular menu item.
If you're lucky, they'll be serving liliko‘i pancakes – a specialty item that only comes around a few times a year, depending on the season. The mothers were surely in luck this past Sunday because liliko‘i pancakes made the Mother's Day menu. We ordered a few short stacks for the table to share. Definitely my new favorite, but it's still a toss up between that and the red velvet.
Although Cinnamon's is about a 30-minute drive from Waikīkī, it's no surprise to see tourists eating at this restaurant. It's best to make reservations, though, because it can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends.
CINNAMON'S RESTAURANT / 315 Uluniu St., Kailua, HI 96734 (Map) / Opens Mon-Sun 7am-2pm / www.cinnamonsrestaurant.com / 808-261-8724
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
May 13th, 2013
Morning Glass Coffee + Cafe changed my mind about coffee with foam. Instead of tacking on the usual “no whip, no foam” request to my order, I look forward to the fabled foam at this small Mānoa coffee joint.
The light and creamy mixture of foam puts to shame the half-a-cup-of-fluff stuff you get at corporate coffee companies. That’s because Morning Glass baristas steep each cuppa joe individually and use those superior Stumptown beans that give it a quality rich taste.
Ironically, though, the owner of Morning Glass used to work for Starbucks back in the day. As in, before Starbucks became the huge coffee chain it is today. He even helped to open some on the mainland. But it’s back to basics of good and true coffee for this humbled coffee cafe, which no doubt keeps me coming back whenever I’m in need of a caffeine fix.
Morning Glass has gotten so popular that weekend mornings would scare away any newcomer. Several times, we pulled up to the small parking lot, only to turn the other way. Each time, a pack of customers poured out onto the sidewalk – waiting their turn to order or to get a seat inside. The shop is so small that it maybe fits six tables, maybe. Since I’m on the subject of downsides, the customer service seems to be lacking a bit. I’d presume a shot of espresso would fix that in no time.
I’ve found that showing up right after the breakfast or lunch rush is best. The crowd’s not nearly as overwhelming, plus, you can actually hang out and enjoy the cool, open-aired seating area.
In addition to awesome coffee, Morning Glass offers a menu not typical of the average coffee house. Scones, coffee cakes, quiches and hearty sandwiches make this place stand out from the rest. Oh, and the broad range of coffee lovers from across the island – Japanese tourists, college-aged hipsters, local bruddahs and me! There’s a cup of coffee to fit all walks of life.
MORNING GLASS COFFEE + CAFE / 2955 E. Manoa Rd., Honolulu, HI 96822 (Map) / Opens Mon-Sat 7am-4pm, Sun 7am-1pm / 808-673-0065 / Free parking in lot or on street
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
May 7th, 2013
Wholesale Unlimited is where the locals go for Hawai‘i snacks. It's the modern-day version of a crack seed store that sells prepackaged goodies instead of those fresh-out-of-the-jar ones that the old-school crack seeds are known for. From chocolate-covered things to snacks covered in ling hing mui, Wholesale Unlimited is packed with all kinds of Hawai‘i flavors.
It's not surprising that this haven of local snacks remains unknown to most tourists. The name of the store is somewhat ambiguous and could sell pretty much anything at "wholesale" prices. I'm guessing the only way a tourist would know about this place is to find it by accident or have a local tell them about it. The shops – located only on O‘ahu – aren't necessarily in the most touristy of places.
The closest ones would be in Downtown Honolulu or near Ala Moana Shopping Center – both about a 10 to 15 minute drive from Waikīki. From the outside, the stores don't look like much. A plain white sign with black text and a yellow sunflower logo is not very telling of all the yummy goodness waiting inside.
Upon entering the store, customers are greeted with wall-to-wall snacks. Even the aisles are a goodies galore; the shelves lined from top to bottom with every flavor imaginable – sweet, salty, sour and spicy. The adventurous type will go for the hot arare, a Japanese rice cracker, or the dried fruits covered in li hing powder. (Most locals wouldn't consider li hing an "adventurous food," but to tourists, it could take some getting used to the sweet-salty kick). Those not as bold, like me, stick to the chocolate-covered gummy bears and locally-made cookies.
These local dressings are easy to pack in your suitcase.
We always go to Wholesale Unlimited before a trip. The prepackaged sweets are great snacks for the plane ride. If we know we're meeting up with old friends or family members, we get a few flavors of Hawai‘i to share with them as well. Tourists could do the same when returning home from a trip to Hawai‘i. I'd recommend bringing the snacks as a carry-on, however. Because they're mostly in packages, snacks – like cookies – may get crushed in a check-in bag.
Of course, those snacks won't last forever. Order your favorite flavors online and have them shipped to your home.
WHOLESALE UNLIMITED / Downtown Honolulu 1046 Bishop St., Honolulu, HI 96813 (Map) / Opens Mon-Sun 830am-430pm / www.cybersnacks.net
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
March 31st, 2013
In Hawai‘i, that sinfully-sweet treat we get on Valentine's will no longer be limited to a day but rather, an entire month! February marks "Hawaii-Grown Cacao Month" – meaning, things just got a whole lot more chocolatey in the islands.
Throughout the month, chocolatiers celebrate by sharing the taste of chocolate with others. Factory and farm tours, all-day tastings and chocolate-truffle-making classes sweeten up the islands during the monthlong chocolate roadshow. It ends with a sugary bang, too, as a festival of 30 local vendors features everything from chocolate liqueur to chocolate bacon.
Cacao pods have been finding a comfy spot in Hawaiian soil.
How did Hawai‘i score such a sweet deal, getting an entire month dedicated to all things chocolate? Because it's the only state in the nation that can grow cacao. Thanks to the perfectly tropical climate, cacao has become an emerging industry for the state and at the perfect time, too. The worldwide chocolate biz has been experiencing a renaissance, where the smaller guys are finding a place next to big whips, like Hershey's and Nestle.
Although still in its early stages, the cacao industry has a lot of opportunity to grow in Hawai‘i. Many experts are comparing it to the success of local coffee crops, which have captured the caffeine cravings of java enthusiasts around the globe. In fact, both coffee and cacao can only be grown commercially in Hawai‘i and nowhere else in the nation. That's a huge step ahead for the local cacao growers, who are hoping to see their crops blossom into an equally profitable market.
From the pod to our tummies. Chocolate-covered mac nuts are synonymous with a Hawaiian vacation.
There are so many reasons to support cacao in Hawai‘i. Not only is it a revenue-producing crop, but it's an environmentally-sustainable one as well. With so many uses, nothing ever goes to waste. It also enhances other locally-grown crops on the market. Couple it with apple bananas and pineapples, for instance, and you've got a win-win. Actually, make that a triple win. Consumers' taste buds get to bask in the sweet glory of it all.
Plus, who doesn't like chocolate!? It's everywhere – in desserts, in holiday traditions and even in health and beauty products. Even those who don't like chocolate may find it difficult to resist its sweet temptations. And with February in Hawai‘i dedicated to choc, it's only a matter of time before they, too, convert to the dark side.
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
February 26th, 2013
It didn’t take long during my first few grocery store trips to notice that the cracker/cookie aisle was dominated by Diamond Bakery Co. goodies. Move over Nabisco, you might have met your match! Despite starting in 1921, the O‘ahu company continues to play an important role in Hawai‘i's taste palate due to high demand for authentic, old-fashioned treats.
Back then, Honolulu was full of recently-docked sailors, who introduced their version of "sea biscuits." That's when Diamond Bakery Co. started producing its ever-famous line called Saloon Pilot Crackers. Today, their products include saltines, graham crackers (with Maui sugar), locally-favored cookies and animal crackers. And I eat them all. I have to rave over the saltines, though. Twice as thick and rich as those from that "other brand," this cracker holds up to any soup or topping and has that homemade taste, too.
My newest craving, however, is the Pilot Biscuits. I tried these for the first time recently and was so impressed with their texture, heft and the fact that the flavor is perfect for either a sweet or savory topping. All products come very nicely packaged in sealed, small, pre-portioned packs – ensuring freshness that lasts through the life of the box.
Now, I know you must be thirsty with all this talk of crackers, so I’ll introduce you to a fairly new Hawai‘i exclusive that I was thrilled to see here – canned teas by Japanese maker Ito En. Being from the South, I couldn’t help but miss that sweetness of teas that I am so accustomed to. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw their green (with ginseng) and black tea offerings that are “lightly sweetened” (40 calories). It’s part of the company's plan to develop new products here, and I’m thrilled. Even though I usually drink black teas, this green one is my favorite. You can find these in most convenient and drug stores, and by the case in Costco for less than $1 a can.
There is also a version with milk, which might be perfect for some (but not me).
I know most visitors head straight out to get some snacks and drinks upon arrival. If you try these, I bet you’ll love them enough to sneak a few in your suitcase. In fact, I can't think of a better island-made gift for family back home than tea and biscuits.
Posted by Katherine Finch Follow me on Twitter @kfinches
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
February 25th, 2013
The island flavors just weren't enough for the Top Chef judges, who recently booted off Maui's Sheldon Simeon. He was part of the Bravo show's tenth season, wowing judges Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck from the start.
When it came down to the finals, however, the 30-year-old chef fell short of impressing them. The challenge was to create a three-course meal for an L.A. restaurant owned by one of the judges. Simeon went head-to-head with California chef Brooke Williamson.
Simeon, who's the executive chef at Maui's Star Noodle restaurant, whipped up a sashimi with prawns dish, roasted quail, pine nut puree and garam masala. Dessert included chocolate mousse with apple and fennel. Unfortunately, the judges said his lineup of dishes were muted and far from the usual vibrant flavors he's known for.
The one great thing that came out of the three-month competition, though, was when Simeon won the "Restaurant Wars" segment. They were tasked with creating a restaurant. He based it off of his grandpa's Filipino dishes and won $10,000 and a car.
Despite not becoming Top Chef, there's no doubt that Maui will still welcome him with opened arms. It's always big news in Hawai‘i when a local ends up on TV or in Hollywood. And although thousands of miles away, they know they're always able to count on the unconditional support from the islands.
Photo Courtesy: Bravo TV
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
February 22nd, 2013
For a glorified breakfast, go to Cooland on Ke‘eaumoku Street – a dessert shop known for its waffle ice cream ala mode. While it's as much a mouthful as it is to say, the sweet treat hits the spot no matter what time of day it is.
We went there at night, but from what I've been told, customers come here for breakfast, too. Instead of topping it with ice cream, they top off their waffles with bananas and fruits. A breakfast for champs and semi-healthy way to start the day, I guess, but I'm still partial to the ice cream!
Turns out, this new spot is actually similar to the nearby Frost City. Both serve Taiwanese-style shave ice; however, Cooland has a few more options to satisfying your sweet tooth. They serve acai bowls, icee drinks, bubble teas and local li hing snacks. I saw halo halo on the menu, too, which is a popular Filipino dessert made with shave ice, evaporated milk and ume ice cream. This mix of Asian-influenced desserts fits right into its current spot because just a few steps away is an Asian foods market.
Cooland's a convenient pit-stop after a day of shopping at Ala Moana. It's also very cheap. Almost everything on the menu is under $10, so if you're looking for an affordable date night spot, Cooland could be the perfect option. Of course, with a small price comes small portions. The waffle dessert wasn't the most filling nor was the scoop of Mud Pie ice cream we also ordered. But it was the right amount for us. Next time, though, I want to try the halo halo. It looked peculiarly delicious.
COOLAND / 815 Ke‘eaumoku St., Honolulu, HI 96814 (Map) / Opens Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-8pm / 808-953-2233
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
February 22nd, 2013
It's my stomach that lets me know when the Punahou Carnival's coming up. It rumbles at just the thought of all the local favorites that'll be cooking up in my part of town. Malasadas, teri burgers and Portuguese bean soup top the list of most popular menu items, but for me, it's the fried noodles that keep me coming back every year.
Fried anything sounds so bad for you but oh man! This dish is definitely worth the splurge on calories – even if just for that one weekend in February. The tasty conglomeration of noodles, veggies and meats has been a mainstay among Hawai‘i's local food selection for decades.
I'm guessing it came from the plantation days, when immigrants contributed their recipes from home to the melting pot of the Pacific. Now, there's a local twist to most of those recipes, and at the carnival, that "twist" to the fried noodles has got to be in the sauce! Really makes it a stand out from other places serving this same dish; that's for sure.
I know I'm not the only one who waits all year to eat the Punahou fried noodles because no matter what time of day, the line's always long. It's so good that most customers will start shoveling down noodles even before leaving the line. Not to mention, the double-fisting that's going on; getting one bowl just isn't enough.
The food is definitely one of the special aspects of Hawai‘i's carnivals. Unlike the typical carnival foods – like pizza and hot dogs – local carnivals offer a wide variety to choose from. It's the perfect chance for visitors to try all the local favorites while supporting local businesses, schools and events.
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
February 16th, 2013
Consider yourself lucky if you get to eat poke on your next Hawai‘i vacation. There's been an ahi shortage recently that boosted prices of the popular lu‘au appetizer. The fresh fish, that's usually cubed and seasoned, now costs about $16 a pound, as compared to $8 when there wasn't a gap in the food chain.
For tourists, this could mean paying more for the poke menu item at restaurants and possibly more for a lu‘au ticket. Poke is a must for any lu‘au, as the traditional feast represents an important chunk of the Hawaiian culture: food. Not having poke at a lu‘au is like not having pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving.
The price depends heavily on how the poke's prepared. I went to Foodland the other day to compare prices of poke. It's about $14.99 per pound for ahi limu poke, which is poke with a seaweed seasoning. The most expensive poke ($17.99 per pound) was the spicy flavored one. At this rate, it's going to be up there with escargot – becoming a really expensive island delicacy.
You won't only find poke at lu‘au festivities but also at parties serving platters of pupu (appetizers). This year, our Super Bowl Sunday spread was missing this particular fish dish, as sort of our protest to the ridiculously high poke prices. Luckily, however, one of our neighbors saved the day when he dropped off some homemade poke! Even his family refused to buy poke from the store.
If you do get the chance to try it, though, I wouldn't pass up the opportunity. It may take a little more out of your wallets, but it'll be worth it in the end, as it's yet another way to experience Hawai‘i with your taste buds!
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
February 11th, 2013
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