with electric love

....gailsfknawesome

Nov 1, 2009

Deadbeats @ Jazzminds

Hawaii's music culture has grown remarkably over past few years. On this past Hawaii vacation, I explored my first visit to Jazzminds Art & Cafe and it was amazing! Being a lover of Jazz music and its culture, I automatically fell in love with this underground grimy-like environment. Jazz Minds provides live Jazz entertainment 6 nights a week ranging from artist and groups performing local vocal jazz to R&B jazz to Hip Hop jazz. The exterior part of Jazzminds is pretty intimidating as it sits next to dirty strip bars along Kapi'olani Blvd. But as you walk in, it's a whole different world. The brick walls are covered with a variety of local urban paintings and pictures. There are more red love seats and wooden coffee tables than there are chairs and stools. The stage is only about a foot high with a small dance floor in front of it. Alcohol and pupus are served all night. The setting's quite intimate and you seem more attentive to the band as compared to Mai Tais. Most people are sitting or standing against the walls as the set up of the place is more like a concert than a lounge. I love it there.

I went to Jazzminds was on a Wednesday night.  Deadbeats is their weekly featured group. Deadbeats, a Hip Hop Jazz and Funk band that started in 2007, was voted for Hawaii's Best Underground Hip Hop Group in 2009. They write their own music and they do covers while adding their style to it. They are siiiick! They're become one of my new favorite bands added to my list. I'm so proud of Hawaii's music.
"The Deadbeats have opened for The Elevaters, Eric Hutchinson , Mos Def, and soon to open for Blue Scholars. They've rocked faces in various venues such as Jazzminds, Element Lounge, Indigo, Bar 35, Mercury Bar, 39 Hotel, Ong King, Nextdoor, The Loft, Pipeline Cafe, Honolulu Academy of Arts, and an occasional house party rager here and there. When it's all said and boiled down, The Deadbeats are here to entertain..."




[Thanks to rymiya for this awesome video, which was shot with a Canon 5d. Isn't it sick?!]
For more videos, check out Deadbeats' myspace music and youtube channel, DBTV. Don't sleep on this.

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Oct 13, 2009

Surfing. check.

For some people, Hawaii may seem so foreign to them. And just because we have an ocean in between the islands and the mainland, some people still think only indigenous people live out there. Whenever I tell someone I'm from Hawaii, I'm always ready for the same questions asked by so many. Here are the top 3 and their answers:

1. Oh , so you're Hawaiian! Can you speak it? -- I'm not Hawaiian. Hawaiian is its own race so I can't claim I'm Hawaiian or else I'm gonna have Hawaiian Sovereignty organizations come knocking on my door. I'm 2nd generation 100% Filipino, born and raised in Hawaii. I know a few Hawaiian words and phrases. If Pidgin counts, I'm fluent.

2. Do you live in grass huts? -- No, unless you live on the indigenous island of Ni'ihau. But on O'ahu and the rest of islands, we have houses, apartments, hotels, and buildings. I live in a house that used to be a plantation style house until we jacked it up in the early '90s. Many houses are still the plantation style houses.

3. Do you surf? -- I can finally say YES.

Up until my most recent trip to Hawaii, I never surfed. I tired and I failed. It's hard and I ain't gonna lie. Standing was the hardest part for me so I bodyboard. I'm not that great at it either but I can do it and I love it. This time, the BF and I took surfing lessons on Waikiki. I learned the proper technique of standing. After the 3rd attempt, I finally got on the board and stayed there. Riding a wave was absolutely INCREDIBLE!! It's one of the most exciting things I've ever experienced! I rode about 5 more waves in one hour. I was beat. Paddling out was the hardest. I understand why most surfers have hot bods. It's a freakin workout but all soooo worth it.

Mission accomplised! I can finally check that off my Bucket List. Can't wait 'til the next surfing session. Next time, I'm wearing a rash gaurd cuz tummy hurt like hell for days.

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Oct 12, 2009

Alohaaaaaa

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.


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!

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Sep 17, 2009

Hawaii Bound!!


I was indeed homesick. I miss my parents, my brother, my cousins, my girls, my friends, and the BF.

The cure: buying a round trip ticket to Hawaii! It's official and I've never felt sooooo damm good!! After almost a whole year, I'm going back home for a vacation!

Finally!

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Sep 8, 2009

i <3 SF.... FOOD!

So I decided to make a separate SF Vacation entry just on FOOD. Every time I go on vacation, it's the food that always makes its way into my wallet and then my hips. Nevertheless, it's all worth it considering the fact that I'd rather spend my money on food (and albums) then anything else anyway and that I can always go back to the gym and work out the quazillion acquired calories. The cuisine in San Francisco is unexplainable. It holds a sense of uniqueness as compared to other places I've visited. SF is so eclectic and yet filled with so many rich and traditional cultures. The food is not just fusions of cultures and ethnic groups like in Hawaii. It's also fusions of flavors, ingredients, textures, and even the most minute things like spices.


As soon I landed, I had Toyose's kim chee fried rice waiting for me. I was reunited with the bf, the fam, the friends, and the fried rice. I couldn't be any happier.

Outdoor lunch at our fam's place in San Leandro. 3 words: home cooked meal. 'Nuff said.

The Front Porch. The most eclectic restaurant I've been to so far. For appetizers, we ate Fried Green Tomatoes with shrimp remoulade on an okra salsa. Talk about unique! It was heavenly!
For my main dish, I had their famous "Momma Clara's fired chicken with garlic mash and gravy with sauteed green beans. Chicken was extremely soft and tasty!
I also tasted this awesome dish: Carolina low country special spicy sauteed shrimp with bacon, mushrooms, and garlic over cheesy (mashed potato like) grits! YUM! Who would've thought?!

Bi-Rite Creamery. The most eclectic ice cream I've ever tried so far. Just look at the menu! Who would've known "Roasted Bananas" or "Brown Butter Pecan" or even "Salted Caramel" would be great fkn ice cream flavors?!! [ps. I didn't like the "Honey Lavender" because it tasted like flowers. =p]

More fam parties. More home cooked Filipino food. Catered food. Barbecues. Oysters.
Need I say more?

Went to Sacramento with some friends for some "FUN in the SUNday BBQ." Of course the guys supplied the drinks and the girls supplied the food. Breakfast: Longinisa, over easy eggs, and french toasts. For appetizers, we had the usual chips and dip. Thanks to Jenah, she bought fruits and made the most refreshing dip ever and it involves only 3 simple ingredients made into one glorious party in my mouth: vanilla yogurt, honey, and brown sugar! Mix it, try it, and thank me later.

For lunch, Nessa made her famous Sushi Bake and it tasted just like Nevitte's. I can never get tired of this! Jayce and I marinated short ribs in a Korean barbecue sauce over night. Cooked it on the grill and .... wahlaah! Kalbi! The Sushi Bake went really well with the Kalbi! And there is no such thing as too much nori/furikake!
Nick's Crispy Tacos. BEST fish tacos I've ever tasted. No Joke. I ordered the Pescado Taco (Baja style battered fried fish taco) and requested for it to be done Nick's Way. OMG. I don't like guacamole but it's so good on these tacos! it's tasty, crispy, and fulfilling only after eating two!We were there during Happy Hour and scored ourselves... the cheesiet $3 nachos! I love cheese!
For dessert, I couldn't pass on the elote! They were very generous with the Mexican spices coating of cotija cheese over fresh warm corn on a cob. Spicy, salty, and sweet. Crackin'!
Hard Knox Cafe. Our meal stop prior to watching the Giants & Diamondbacks was a good choice. This sport like environment put us in the game face mood. The Authentic Soul Food is managed and ran by Asian folks from the South. Yes, you heard me right! Biscuits are amazing and I'm not a biscuit kind of person. And, they also come free with any meal! I was pretty disappointed that their off the menu special, Seafood Jambalaya, was not served that day and instead Seafood Pasta was. The waiter was kind enough to have me try the pasta version. They use the same sauce but it's just not the same. So instead, I ordered the original fried chicken with mash and corn! Crackin!! The portions were so big, I should have just shared it with someone. The bf got the bbq ribs. Meat falls right off. Sauce is sweet and salty.

Little Lucas. Now if only Hawaii and Vegas could jump ship and make a sandwich spot just as good as this. Chicken Parmesan. Crab. On dutch crunch bread that they bake themselves and each generously spread with their special made garlic sauce. Little Lucas has been a my traditional SF vacation "must eat" for the past 2 1/2 years and it never fails me. Not once.
House of Sisig. Again, should have just shared it 'cuz I was so stuffed and still have half of the plate to go. The meal also came with a side of Sinagang soup. Wonderful! Sisig was the bomb even if it's a little different from the sisig they serve in Vegas at Cafe Moda (which is crackin' too).
Namu for Abi's "surprise" Birthday Dinner. We were all virgins to Namu and decided that the best way to experience it was ordering the set group menu. It was like 10-course meal being full with the first 3. And I swear to you each dish was was 5 outta 5 stars you wouldn't be able to resist eating the rest. It was absolutely amazing! My faves were the Shitake dumplings in a dashi mushroom broth. This dish just fucked me enough for the rest of the trip. Even the broth itself was fkn good that I literally drank it!
The next best thing was the Korean beef short ribs "tacos," on a bed of rice, nori topped with daikon and kim chee salsa, kim chee remoulade, avocado and kalbi demi galze. Sounds good huh?! It was sooooo good!!!!
Last, their Niman ranch kobe style skirt steak drizzled with a korean kalbi barbecue marinade with a side of warm white rice. MmmMMMmm.

As you can see, I left San Francisco satisfying my cravings, adding more favorites, a skinner wallet, and tighter jeans. I couldn't have it any other way. THANK YOU to the greatest friends and bf for giving me a great SF foodgasm once again! Also, thanks to always hungry SF Marys who introduced me to 7x7's The Big Eat SF: 100 Things to Try Before You Die; I've already tackled 5 of them, 95 more to go!!!

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