This would probably the longest post I'll ever write but it was hard to leave anything out from my 10-day Hawaiian vacation. This vacation was like chicken soup for my soul after suffering weeks of homesick-ness. I had the best time as always!! My vacation was filled with beaches, fam, my girls, the bf, friends, food, fun, football, hella babies, and a wedding.
My first stop off the plane was none other than Zippys! This spot has been a local favorite for years and it never fails. Also, it's open 24 hours a day everyday of week so it's the place to be after a night of drinking and dancing!! I had to get my grind on with the Zip Pac (a bento - derived from the Japanese culture - that comes with the tastiest fried chicken, fried mahi mahi, teri beef, spam, and furikake sprinkled over white rice). I devoured this meal in minutes!!
Friends. Some of us have them. I have the best of them.
The best thing to do in Hawaii other than EAT ... getting sun-kissed next to a clear blue ocean hearing nothing but the water slowly hitting the shore. Tranquility at its finest.
Back to FOOD. On this vakay, I discovered Pa'ina Cafe. It was originally on the other side of town but now it's only a few steps from in4mation at Ward. They're known for their poke bowls. Lemme say that again... POKE BOWLS. The was probably the most simple and greatest food invention since the Zip Pac! You can order a pre-made Hawaiian Poke Bowl which comes with rice, kalua pork, lomi salmon, and poke. Or you have the option to create your own! Here's how: 1. Pick your bowl size (small or large). 2. Pick your rice (white or brown). 3. Pick your sauce (hot or mild). 4. Choose your poke (shoyu ahi, spicy shoyu ahi, and my fave spicy tuna). 5. Pick your toppings (kimchee, natto, takuan, fukujinzuke, shredded nori, pickled onions, green onions, and my faves seaweed salad, furikake, and teagu). Tada! That's it! 5 easy steps to a party in your mouth!! And let's just say, I've been to this party more than twice on this vacation.
I was honored to witness my two great friends make a vow.
Weddings = High School friends + College friends = A Big Ass Reunion
Had lunch with and old friend, Kel at Goma Tei Ramen Restaurant. This restaurant is fairly new and located at Ward Centers. I've also heard news that they've opened another location at Ala Moana Shopping Center. They're known for their tan tan ramen, a slightly thick soup made with a spicy sesame seed flavor. I usually order the Char Siu Tan Tan Ramen and it never fails. It's ramen is on a whole other level. Check out these positive reviews and tips of Goma Tei on Yelp or Ono Kine Grindz.
Enjoyed dinner with a couple high school friends that I still keep in touch with. Phuket Thai. Yes, the name of this restaurant is hilarious but the food is no joke. They've won numerous awards across the board for being the best! I was fortunate that this was the first Thai restaurant I've ever ate in 1999. It's been my fave ever since.
Another dinner with some of my other girls. Being friends with these lovely ladies were the only good thing that came outta dating my ex (aside from learning that I deserve a man and not a boy). It was definitely a gossip girl night. We ate a local favorite, Ryan's Grill, which features pacific fusion entrees. This is like the Elephant Bar or BJs of Hawaii. I can't leave out that they have a full bar with almost every kind of beer. Some nights, they have live local bands that provide awesome entertainment while eating your mango papaya salsa over steamed pacific halibut and drinking your lava flow.
I love saimin more than ramen. What's the difference? Ramen is strictly a Japanese style noodle soup. Saimin was born in Hawaii during the years of when plantation workers arrived to the islands. It's noodle soup inspired by the Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino. As you can see in saimin, we add spam, char siu, egg, and green onions. Sometimes we also add buk choy, steamed wontons, or shirmp tempura like how Zippy's do it. Shiro's Saimin Haven, in ghetto part of Pearl City I like tos ay, is my favorite saimin cafe! It's a cheap mom and pop restaurant. They have more than just 100 choices of saimin. They also have sides like teri beef sticks, shumai, and plate lunches. A great post-hungover meal ... or not.
This is what I miss the most at 7-Eleven. Only on the islands!! A great snack to pick up on the way to the beach or after a drunk night out. Jack-n-the-Box who?!
More food. Had dinner with some of my other high school friends at Casablanca in Kailua. My first ever Moroccan ecperience of my life. It was so interesting eating with your hands on authentic Moroccan dishes all while sitting on a huge bean bag. Of course I had lamb, which was good. But by the main entrie I was already full eating the appetizers and bread. It was well worth our money. Plus, this spot is BYOB.
In Chinatown, I had a few drinks and listened to great music at Manifest Hawaii. A low key underground venue where only the best Djs spin. The vibe is pretty chill with only a small space for a dance floor if needed. The art work is amazing against the brick wall.
Pre-beach brunch with my loves at Boots & Kimos. A must try while you're headed to Kailua Beach, Kalamas, or Lanikai. Banana mac nut pancakes. I DIE.
The lovely Windward side.
Laying out with the BF at my favorite beach, Lanikai. Velvet sands, warm calm waters, and a spectacular view. Photos can never do any justice on its beauty.
Just around the corner from Ala Moana, Taiyo Ramen Noodle has been one of my fave hole in the wall, late night eateries since 1998. They've also received positive tips and reviews on Yelp so you know it's not a disappointment. I cannot not be in the Hawaii without indulging their famous kim chee fried rice with a side of extra kim chee!
Just one of the boys at Mai Tai's. Live local Hawaiian bands, good music, $5 pitchers, tasty pupus, no cover, no dresscode, good vibes, and having fun with some of my favorite guys.
Tailgated at Aloha Stadium for the UH Football game against Fresno State. Party in the parking lot, BBQ everything, poke, and Heineken. Had up close end zone seats. Twas fun even in the rain! Lost the game real bad. Quarterback sucked.
Partied so hard with my girls that I couldn't get outta bed the next morning for Romy's Shrimp. Oh, just like he good 'ol days! haha. And only in Hawaii, hurricane popcorn & pretzels are served with your bottle at the club! haha
Making my rounds to visit the little ones. Boy, we're getting old.
Had dinner with my main at my favorite Filipino Restaurant, used to be called Elena. Ever since I was young, every special occasion my family and I had was held at Elena. Besides the walls and it's owners, it has never changed. The usual family menu: Sari sari (mixed veggie soup), pancit bihon, lechon kawali, and squid. mmMMmmMmm
Last meal of my Hawaiian vacation was their award winning tasty chicken from The Alley, which is a restaurant in a bowling alley. Yep, a bowling alley!! It's secret recipe will get you hooked.
Friends. Some of us have them. I have the best of them.
The best thing to do in Hawaii other than EAT ... getting sun-kissed next to a clear blue ocean hearing nothing but the water slowly hitting the shore. Tranquility at its finest.
Back to FOOD. On this vakay, I discovered Pa'ina Cafe. It was originally on the other side of town but now it's only a few steps from in4mation at Ward. They're known for their poke bowls. Lemme say that again... POKE BOWLS. The was probably the most simple and greatest food invention since the Zip Pac! You can order a pre-made Hawaiian Poke Bowl which comes with rice, kalua pork, lomi salmon, and poke. Or you have the option to create your own! Here's how: 1. Pick your bowl size (small or large). 2. Pick your rice (white or brown). 3. Pick your sauce (hot or mild). 4. Choose your poke (shoyu ahi, spicy shoyu ahi, and my fave spicy tuna). 5. Pick your toppings (kimchee, natto, takuan, fukujinzuke, shredded nori, pickled onions, green onions, and my faves seaweed salad, furikake, and teagu). Tada! That's it! 5 easy steps to a party in your mouth!! And let's just say, I've been to this party more than twice on this vacation.
I was honored to witness my two great friends make a vow.
Weddings = High School friends + College friends = A Big Ass Reunion
Had lunch with and old friend, Kel at Goma Tei Ramen Restaurant. This restaurant is fairly new and located at Ward Centers. I've also heard news that they've opened another location at Ala Moana Shopping Center. They're known for their tan tan ramen, a slightly thick soup made with a spicy sesame seed flavor. I usually order the Char Siu Tan Tan Ramen and it never fails. It's ramen is on a whole other level. Check out these positive reviews and tips of Goma Tei on Yelp or Ono Kine Grindz.
Enjoyed dinner with a couple high school friends that I still keep in touch with. Phuket Thai. Yes, the name of this restaurant is hilarious but the food is no joke. They've won numerous awards across the board for being the best! I was fortunate that this was the first Thai restaurant I've ever ate in 1999. It's been my fave ever since.
Another dinner with some of my other girls. Being friends with these lovely ladies were the only good thing that came outta dating my ex (aside from learning that I deserve a man and not a boy). It was definitely a gossip girl night. We ate a local favorite, Ryan's Grill, which features pacific fusion entrees. This is like the Elephant Bar or BJs of Hawaii. I can't leave out that they have a full bar with almost every kind of beer. Some nights, they have live local bands that provide awesome entertainment while eating your mango papaya salsa over steamed pacific halibut and drinking your lava flow.
I love saimin more than ramen. What's the difference? Ramen is strictly a Japanese style noodle soup. Saimin was born in Hawaii during the years of when plantation workers arrived to the islands. It's noodle soup inspired by the Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino. As you can see in saimin, we add spam, char siu, egg, and green onions. Sometimes we also add buk choy, steamed wontons, or shirmp tempura like how Zippy's do it. Shiro's Saimin Haven, in ghetto part of Pearl City I like tos ay, is my favorite saimin cafe! It's a cheap mom and pop restaurant. They have more than just 100 choices of saimin. They also have sides like teri beef sticks, shumai, and plate lunches. A great post-hungover meal ... or not.
This is what I miss the most at 7-Eleven. Only on the islands!! A great snack to pick up on the way to the beach or after a drunk night out. Jack-n-the-Box who?!
More food. Had dinner with some of my other high school friends at Casablanca in Kailua. My first ever Moroccan ecperience of my life. It was so interesting eating with your hands on authentic Moroccan dishes all while sitting on a huge bean bag. Of course I had lamb, which was good. But by the main entrie I was already full eating the appetizers and bread. It was well worth our money. Plus, this spot is BYOB.
In Chinatown, I had a few drinks and listened to great music at Manifest Hawaii. A low key underground venue where only the best Djs spin. The vibe is pretty chill with only a small space for a dance floor if needed. The art work is amazing against the brick wall.
Pre-beach brunch with my loves at Boots & Kimos. A must try while you're headed to Kailua Beach, Kalamas, or Lanikai. Banana mac nut pancakes. I DIE.
The lovely Windward side.
Laying out with the BF at my favorite beach, Lanikai. Velvet sands, warm calm waters, and a spectacular view. Photos can never do any justice on its beauty.
Just around the corner from Ala Moana, Taiyo Ramen Noodle has been one of my fave hole in the wall, late night eateries since 1998. They've also received positive tips and reviews on Yelp so you know it's not a disappointment. I cannot not be in the Hawaii without indulging their famous kim chee fried rice with a side of extra kim chee!
Just one of the boys at Mai Tai's. Live local Hawaiian bands, good music, $5 pitchers, tasty pupus, no cover, no dresscode, good vibes, and having fun with some of my favorite guys.
Tailgated at Aloha Stadium for the UH Football game against Fresno State. Party in the parking lot, BBQ everything, poke, and Heineken. Had up close end zone seats. Twas fun even in the rain! Lost the game real bad. Quarterback sucked.
Partied so hard with my girls that I couldn't get outta bed the next morning for Romy's Shrimp. Oh, just like he good 'ol days! haha. And only in Hawaii, hurricane popcorn & pretzels are served with your bottle at the club! haha
Making my rounds to visit the little ones. Boy, we're getting old.
Had dinner with my main at my favorite Filipino Restaurant, used to be called Elena. Ever since I was young, every special occasion my family and I had was held at Elena. Besides the walls and it's owners, it has never changed. The usual family menu: Sari sari (mixed veggie soup), pancit bihon, lechon kawali, and squid. mmMMmmMmm
Last meal of my Hawaiian vacation was their award winning tasty chicken from The Alley, which is a restaurant in a bowling alley. Yep, a bowling alley!! It's secret recipe will get you hooked.
10 days at home may seem long but it's always never enough time. I still wanted to eat more, see more people, and do more things. But, I'll be back in May '10 for another tropical vacation. Can't wait already.
Aloha a hui hou, Hawaii!
Aloha a hui hou, Hawaii!
