Archive by Author | Jenny

Liliha Bakery – Liliha, HI

Oct11

I still haven’t checked out the Nimitz location and I’m not sure if I plan to anytime soon. I guess I’m gonna try to stay loyal to the original. I hardly get to eat at their diner but when I do, it’s always so nice. They just serve very simple comfort food. Nothing fancy but something about it is just so nice. One night, after running a ton of errands, I had very little options of what I could eat for dinner. I stumbled upon Liliha Bakery and they had just enough seats for us! It was fate. I didn’t get too many pictures but I will share my meal here!

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Famous Butter Rolls with their own jelly. This is the famous neon jelly I see in all the pictures. I don’t know if I was starving or what…but this tasted SO GOOD. I don’t even usually like jelly/jam but this was so ono. The freshly toasted buttery roll with the sweet (but not crazy sweet) jelly, I am salivating as we speak. I want to return back just to order a bunch of these to gobble down at home.

141011-02Here is what I got for dinner. Meat loaf with gravy, rice and tomato salad. Um, for those who go to Liliha Bakery – do they just throw a glob of mayonnaise onto the salad? Hahaha I know it wasn’t ranch but I’m a bit afraid to think it really was just a glob of mayonnaise (it was huh?).

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How was the meat loaf? I thought it was all right. Tasted very home cooked – nothing spectacular but edible. Do you know what I mean? I would definitely come back again! Wish I knew when their slow times for the diner was…

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St. Louis Drive In – Kaimuki, HI

Oct9

I’m happy to report that St. Louis Drive In has a green pass sign on their window. Does it make the place look any cleaner? Umm…I’ll let you be the judge…hehe. I gotta say, some of the best food comes from not so shiny places…unless I get sick – I’m fine with them. I didn’t have much options for food one day so I decided to clog my arteries all in one place. I ordered two plates from St. Louis for my day’s meals. Oh boy…I can say both had gravy so you already know what kind of food I went for…

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Loco Moco for breakfast. One burger patty, eggs over easy, gravy and rice. I think I missed the breakfast run so this was being served as a lunch plate, hence the mac salad.

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Onto my second meal…lol. This was roast pork with gravy. What can I say about this? Don’t get it. First thing, the pork slices are super fatty. I enjoy a bit of fat on meat but this was a bit ridiculous. And…a few slices were SUPER salty. Like so salty that it was bitter and I had to spit it out. I think this is the second time I’ve tried their roast pork and both times were duds. It’s really too bad.

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Flowers

Oct7

Hey y’all. Did you guys get the big downfall about an hour ago? Felt like it came outta nowhere yeah?? Today was Monday and it was pretty busy. I went into work on both Saturday and Sunday to get some work done and the no air conditioning did me more bad than good. I got nothing done! And look at me here tonight. I’ve done no homework tonight. I’ve mainly been prepping my old iPhone to give to my Dad. I’m a bit afraid of what he will do to it but it is time for him to move up and away from the flip phones. I had class tonight and we started watching a really interesting documentary, I was sad that class was over before the documentary ended! Who ever says they were sad class ended yeah?

Anyway, as I mentioned – last week was the anniversary of my mom’s passing. I drove out to Kaneohe in the morning and bought her some nice flowers. It was a nice trip and it was nice visiting her and putting out the flowers. I forgot about the wetness of Kaneohe and walked around in slippers, big mistake. I got back to work at a pretty good time, I didn’t have traffic both ways! Well, I hope you folks have a great week!

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Cafe Miro – Waialae, HI

Oct6

What is up with Halloween costumes? I really wanted to find some costumes for Frozen but they only make them for kids! Okay, I know it was a kid movie but the characters are all women! Then finally I see adult costumes for Frozen and…umm…they’re adult costumes if you get my drift. Why? Let’s not even get into how all womens halloween costumes are so…ADULT. Anyway, so I’ll have to change my course and do something else. I might shoot for Minnie Mouse. Did you know Disney only makes kids costumes? I think they are missing a major market!

This weekend was hot yah? When is the autumn coming for us? I want rain and cold weather! Cold weather for Hawaii anyway. Next week is gonna be killer. I might just turn into a hermit because of what I have due coming up! Things should loosen up after October, a bit! This is gonna be a graphic heavy post. Cafe Miro is one of my favorite restaurant in Hawaii. A bit of a hidden gem and so great. The food and service, can’t be beat. It’s a cute little Japanese French restaurant. Let’s get to the food!

141006-01Here is the complimentary amuse-bouche (they change it up). It was a cold paprika soup. The flavor was good – tasted like fresh bell pepper. Was it the favorite of the night? No. Would I order it if it were on the menu, no. But if you like cold soups and bell pepper, this is perfect for you.

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Chef’s Appetizer Tasting Plate – this comes with the Prix Fixe Menu (3 Course). You all have to try this appetizer! It’s legit!

141006-03Devilled Egg with an olive and prosciutto on top – this was alright. Not great, not the best.

141006-04Crab Croquette. This was good! Look at all the flakes of crab in there, it’s served on top of a tomato marinara type sauce. It was good but not my favorite of the dish.

141006-05You had me at herb butter sauce, Oyster. It was good, I wish oysters didn’t shrink when cooked! I love oysters.

141006-06This is why I need to post quicker because I totally forgot what this dish is. It’s a cold one and gelatinous. Shrimp based gelatin on the bottom, a cauliflower (I believe?) puree layer (thankfully it didn’t taste like cauliflower) and an edamame on top. This was one real interesting dish. You know what the shrimp gelatin reminded me of? The flavor of shrimp chips – the ones that look like small crinkle fries. I don’t think I appreciated it that night as much as I do now….because I would love to try it again!

141006-07LOBSTER. Okay, so the prix fixe menus all come with appetizers but you are able to upgrade your appetizer by paying a bit extra. Kristian went for the Roasted Spiny Lobster Tail with Nantua Sauce which cost $8.oo extra, I’d say it was worth the extra $8! He loved it.

141006-08Rib Eye Steak with Red Wine Mustard Sauce with Maui Onions. This was Kristian’s dish, I’m starting to wonder if he substituted the sauce because he loves teriyaki sauce. Please do let me know Kristian if you see this. He was head over hills for this steak! I got to taste a bit and yeah, I would be too!

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141006-10Roasted Rack of Lamb with Shiitake Mushroom and Mint Sauce – oh my gosh. It was so good! Sorry for those who don’t like rare meat, I enjoy seeing blood in mine! You are welcome to add a 3rd chop if you want to for either $7 or $8. I was fine with the normal portion. Was perfect!

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And of course, you end the meal with dessert! We decided to try two different ones just for fun. This is the assorted cheese and walnut raisin bread. It was okay, I wouldn’t get it again.

141006-12I would get this one again! Kona Coffee Ice Cream, Creme Brulee, Japanese Cheesecake – WHO WOULDN’T WANT THIS??

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Ono Korean BBQ – Kalihi, HI

Oct1

How did I not know about this new Korean BBQ joint opening up in K-town?? I was on the hunt for dinner one night and found this place last week. It’s called Ono Korean BBQ and they opened up in Palama Supermarket’s old location. That shopping center is really opening up some great food joints with more to come. I saw a sign for a new Chinese dim sum take-out place coming soon. Anyway, Ono Korean BBQ is a lot like Yummy’s in terms of take-out plates. They have a very clean store with nice seats and tables. They also have more soup options even though I still went for the Yuk Gae Jang. The prices are a bit higher than Yummy’s but I believe they give great portions and the quality is there. I only had a soup this time but I do plan to return soon and will share more then.

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Yuk Gae Jang – $10.99 (with rice and 4 vegetables, you can get the soup on its own for cheaper)
Although it is bright red, it was not spicy at all. They even asked if I wanted it spicy and I said yes, lol.

141001-02It’s the little touches that count. I appreciate them wrapping up the soup container in it’s own bag to prevent spillage.

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141001-04From left to right:
Mayonnaise Potatoes – The potatoes are cooked great. The seasoning is sweeter and not as garlicky as I would like. I wouldn’t get it again.
Choy Sum – Definite favorite of the 4. Cooked perfectly and tastes great.
Bean Sprouts – Nothing special, a bit bland.
Cucumber Kimchee – I didn’t like this initially but grew to like it. It is marinated with slivers of onion and carrots.

141001-05The soup – one of the best I have had. I was never a fan of yuk gae jang before but this one was great. Also, they give you so much stuff! Very generous portions.

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Happy Monday!

Sep29

Can’t think of a better way to start Monday morning than with donuts! I’ve been having a hankering for Krispy Kreme donuts lately. Blame it on the hormones. I even had a chance to grab some last week but resisted but that was mostly because my co-worker talked me away from it (how’s her yeah? J/K.). Anyway, I’ve been seeing these donuts pop up all around Social Media and I just had to try it! They are Floresta Nature Doughnuts and they are sold in the Ranch 99 Food Court. They are actually housed within Kansai Yamato which is a local mochi company. Okay, I can say this because I am Chinese…they get some grumpy Chinese ladies working there. I am actually surprised that this Japanese confectionary has all these Chinese ladies. English is not their first language and customer service is definitely not their priority. It is very true, you can stand around in front of the shop for a while before they acknowledge you. When they do, don’t expect stellar service. If you can get past all that, give their stuff a try. These donuts are PRICEY. At least $2 each, but I keep hearing how they’re better for you…and well it helps that they’re so cute! I don’t quite know the different flavors of these donuts…they are pretty creative. The “ears” on the donuts are actually almonds! I didn’t know the coating of the donuts were HARD, I figured they were some kind of soft frosting. How are they? Well, they taste like healthier donuts. They’re not bad but not great, nothing I would go back for especially for the price. So why don’t we just look at how cute they are…look but no buy (next time anyway).

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Where’s the Rain?

Sep28

As I was finishing up my laundry today, it started to pour and I loved it! I do love rain, when I’m not getting soaked in it. I looked at my phone and it read rain all day. It is totally clear and sunny now. That’s Hawaii for you. I do hope we get more rainy days soon, mainly so it won’t be so HOT. I had a pretty okay week. It was busy but am glad for the rest. This week is the death anniversary of my mother so I plan to take some time off to visit her. Gosh, death anniversary sounds so terrible. Isn’t there another word for it? It wouldn’t be memorial day right? Anyway, I just wanted to share a mish mash of pictures today. Hope you folks have had a good weekend so far!

140928-01I love cute plant arrangements like this. When my kitchen is done, I would like to place something similar to this on my window sill. Perhaps herbs as well! By the way, this is from Mr. Tea Cafe. I tried their bubble tea with 100% sweetness, I was not happy at all. I cannot recommend this place even though they have cute plants! The balls were hard, the drink was not sweet enough…Thang II is still the best in Hawaii.

140928-02Our Campus Center had an open house and I got to try some of their catering options! See the neon stuff on the left? That’s actually mashed potatoes infused with beet. I’m assuming beet puree. How was it? Ehh…a bit weird. You could totally taste the beet in the mashed potato…I liked that they tried it but I think it could be done better. The asparagus was good and the salmon was great!

140928-03This was some kind of moroccan chicken with lemon. Strong lemon taste. It was good though! I just wish their catering prices weren’t so high…

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La Tour Cafe – Kalihi, HI

Sep24

It’s a vicious cycle. I work hard all week. Go to school and attempt to study all week. The weekend comes. I am dead tired and try to sleep it off but inevitably, the weekend ends (all too quick) and I am back at work again. For you state workers out there, our next holiday is in NOVEMBER. Gosh. I should really take some vacation days here and there before I crash and burn forreal.

I hope you are all doing well. I can keep apologizing but I’m sure you folks are used to it and tired of it by now. So all I can do is ask for your patience and to keep checking in! I’ll try to update at least once a week…hopefully more. This post focuses on a visit I had to La Tour Cafe recently. It was a pretty good meal! They are much better than I remembered so I should return sooner rather than later. I had what my friend called rabbit food. I didn’t feel like something too heavy and well…I got hungry pretty soon after. Haha…anyway, check it out!

140924-01La Tour Burger
My friend’s lunch. Not bad. The sauce on the side definitely makes the burger better. Not sure if the sauce is for the fries or the burger. The sauce does not go well with the fries..haha

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Sorry for the blurry picture, here is the inside of the burger!

140924-02Pomme Frites – comes with the burger

140924-04Crispy Goat Cheese and Beets
Breaded Goat cheese, fresh beets, spring greens & our tomato balsamic vinaigrette.

140924-05Raisin bread slices with the salad. A bit of a weird combo for me, I didn’t eat the bread.

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140924-07Crispy Goat Cheese! I love goat cheese, especially with beets! Great salad! I would recommend it!

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ALOOOOHA

Sep19

This aloha friday couldn’t have come fast enough. It’s been a pretty junk week for me…real junk. I also had a class presentation tonight and I woke up feeling sick. I think I did okay for the presentation. I got my major points out – I felt nervous but got through it fine I think. Just glad it’s over. Now I gotta think of my other presentations. I think my next one for this class will be more of an activity so I won’t have to talk the whole time. Yes! I hope you folks had a good week though. I’ll share a nice and serene picture I took a few weeks back.

140919-01Nice yeah? Filter and nice font later. This is shot from Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail.

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You didn’t think I would leave you without some food pics right? Another dish I tried from 711 recently. Not too shabby!

140918-02I didn’t know this was there…but look! A sheet of plastic on top! I think it’s to help the cream sauce from burning when you heat it up. That’s just my guess…I hope it doesn’t give me cancer!

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How was it? Pretty good! This picture makes it look kind of lumpy huh? It wasn’t…the noodles were still pretty firm and the sauce was nicely preserved!

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Spicy Cold Soba – Yajima-Ya

Sep17

This food truck is great. The last time I came here, I tried their mushroom chicken and thought it was good but a bit salty (Previous Yajima-Ya Post). During my recent visit, it was hot as all heck and I needed something cold to cool me down. I tried their spicy cold soba and I gotta say, there’s no turning back now. It was exactly what I was looking for!

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Umm…droool. I am so wanting a bowl as I write this post. Can you see the ingredients in this? The mixed vegetables (great!), kimchee (ah weak sauce in terms of spice), kakiage (actual chunks of shrimp!), oh so soft thin slices of beef. I think it was beef, was pretty sure. Super soft and flavorful…ahh…

140917-02They packed the tsuyu separate which is great. Mine leaked but I blame it more on how we transported back more than anything else. We didn’t have AC at work for half the day today and this bowl of deliciousness would have really hit the spot. Look, I got a green onion hooked onto my chopstick. I don’t know how I do it, but I manage it every time…lol. Have a good one folks.

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