Shirokiya Udon

Loaded with lots of crispy udon chips too!

Usually when I go to Shirokiya, I easily spend $30 on myself, alone! If you go while starving, it's even worse. Everything looks delicious, plus you have an unlimited amount of choices. Such a bad combo!

That's why, when I went back to Shirokiya last week after work, I was so pleasantly surprised to be filled up on a $6.50 Beef Udon. Not only cheap, but SO tasty. Where else in Shirokiya is anything that reasonable?! I was hooked. Instantly.

Wish I took a picture of the menu (but will go back and update this soon!), but trust me, everything was very reasonably-priced. There's also donburi (rice bowls) on the menu, and a variety of different tempura to choose from and satisfy your taste buds!

Sushi ii

A lot of you may think it's pronounced "Sushi Two," but I kid you not, it's really "Sushi eee." At least that's what my cousin, Kory, told me. You learn something new everyday, eh?

Anyway, I came here with Brian, my good friend, Kelley, and her bf. We were so excited for some good eats! I had just came back home from an 11 day trip in the Midwest and East Coast, so I couldn't wait for some delicious Japanese food and sushi!! Turns out, I will stick to my beloved Tokkuri-Tei! No place can outdo its amazing fresh fish, prices, and sushi chefs!

Now, for Sushi ii, you must make reservations. Very small place, and all tables were taken when we arrived. Park in Samsung Plaza where the restaurant is located and get validation for free parking. Samsung Plaza also houses Sikdorak and the newly-opened Raging Crab.

I would highly recommend ordering their Unagi and Toro, both of which were extremely tender and melt-in-your-mouth divine. I have to admit that their Unagi was the best I've ever tasted. How do they make it so tender? I guess it was worth the $12 for two nigiri pieces!

And that's the thing with Sushi ii- it ain't cheap! Our total bill came out to over $300 for 4 people! Kelley and her bf did order the Omakase sushi set (which was Market Price), and they couldn't even finish everything. When we thought we were finished eating, the Sushi Chef brought them another plate of nigiri. Couldn't believe it!

As for the other items we ordered, nothing stands out. I say if you are willing to spend the bucks on fresh fish, go here. But if you want a fantastic dining experience you will never forget with amazing fresh fish and every dish leaving you wanting more, then you need to go to Tokkuri-Tei instead.

Take a look at the prices! Wowza.

Hirame Carpaccio with Truffle Ponzu- This dish was worth mentioning. I recommend this as well. It's a Special! $24

Lamb Lollipops $18 for 4 pieces

Salt and Pepper Kalbi

Pork Belly Wrapped Asparagus

Our plate- One order Toro, one order Ikura and a California Roll (for Brian)

Crispy Fried Shrimp- very bland

Two orders of Unagi!

Kelley and Sean's first plate of their Omakase

Kelley and Sean's second plate of Omakase. Yep, that's Amaebi with a swipe of Crab Miso (Crab Brains)

KCC Tuesday Evening Farmer's Market Sept Edition UPDATED!

Chef Micah Rodriguez's Hui in the Pot's fresh Opah plate! $10

It seems like my parents and I have made Tuesdays at the KCC Farmer's Market a tradition. If the weather is nice (and it usually is), then it is such a nice market to go to. Fresh fruits and veggies galore, and the most beautiful, fragrant light pink-colored ginger! 

Plus, we love Chef Hardy's stand! He always has the most delicious food at the most reasonable prices. He is always the least expensive vendor there no doubt. All dishes range from $4-6. Unbelievable. And unbelievably-delicious. You will not regret it! Btw, Chef Hardy is the Chef at Michel's at the Colony Surf...what great advertising! We are already making plans to head to Michel's one day for dinner. He is at Michel's everyday except Tuesday, when he's here at the market.

I also found a new favorite. Hui in the Pot by Chef Micah Rodriguez. Now, I'm usually hesitant to buy pan-fried fish because usually it comes out dry and bland. But, not at Hui in the Pot!! I'm obsessed with their fish! Not to mention, all of their fish is FRESH, not frozen. This past Tuesday, it was a treat to have their Ginger Lemongrass-Crusted Opah with a white beur blanc sauce. Trust me here, every bite was so tender and moist, plus I couldn't get over the sweet potato mashed potatoes! Had a faint coconut milk flavor. I'm so obsessed with Hui in the Pot, I'm heading over to Blaisdell's HNL Farmer's Market today to order another Opah plate. Yes, it's that good.

Check out this weeks goods below! Original post here!

Chef Hardy's creations- Hawaiian Ahi and Abalone Poke in Abalone Shell, and 2 orders of Ahi Tartare Crunch!

$6

Taking these gems home to store some jewelry!

3 Ladles Beef Barley Soup- $6

Hamakua Mushroom Pouch- $5, with mushrooms, roasted garlic, kale, julienned carrots, caramelized onions, secret herb butter and bread! The Kale soaks up the delicious herb butter and garlic. It's AMAZING. Use the side bread to soak up the last drips of sauce when you're finished.

Hui in the Pot's Opah. Also on the menu that day, Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi for $10 as well.

Hui in the Pot's Stuffed Mushroom. Look at the cheese on that thing! $8.50

Houndstooth Is Back!

Oh! Deer heels

I have to say that I'm pretty proud of myself- nothing in this outfit is new! I picked out an old favorite from my closet and everything just came together! The best part is that each of these pieces have their own uniqueness. The Mink Pink asymmetrical tank with a textured open back is one-of-a-kind, paired with my patterned Houndstooth Oh! Deer heels makes for the ultimate black and white combination. Those heels make any outfit look put-together.

Oh, AND, don't let me forget my new blinged-out Bamboo Sky necklace (okay, one small thing in this outfit is new!)! What a standout statement piece!

Mink Pink asymmetrical tank, Forever 21 white skirt

Bamboo Sky necklace

KCC Tuesday Evening Farmer's Market- Sept Edition

Did I mention this is only $4?! So reasonable. Everything on Chef Hardy's menu ranges from $4-6 and it's all very filling. I'm impressed.

I love the new KCC Farmer's Market on Tuesday Evenings now. Check out my first post about it here. It's much more casual and less crowded than the regular Saturday market. There are less vendors here, but it's a comfortable place to stroll while picking up some fresh flowers, fruits and veggies, or to come with your family for dinner. There is something here for everyone!

While my parents and I walked around last week, we were pleasantly surprised by one of the vendors, Chef Hardy and his crew. Literally everything on his menu was delicious, and we even went back for second and thirds! We wanted to try everything on his menu! I was in love with his Ahi Tartare and had to go back to get a second order before we left. It was the perfect combination of crunch from the fried mandoo wrap, tender ahi, sweetness from the pineapple, and saltiness from the black tobiko. I hope he features it again this week!

After filling up on multiple Ahi Tartare Crunch orders, we headed over to 3 Ladles. The 3 Ladles stand specializes in soups! They almost always sell out of their Corn Chowder, so we were happy to get there early and get one to eat there and one to take home. I also tried their Creamy Mushroom Barley, which I liked more than the Corn Chowder. Very hearty and left me so full!

Can't wait to see what tomorrow has to offer! I'll keep you posted....or maybe I'll even see you there!

Ahi Tartare Crunch- AMAZING! Plus, look at the colors on that thing!!

Another one of Chef Hardy's masterpieces- Curry Fish Crepe with Mango Chutney and Waialua Watercress. I wish he sold the Mango Chutney separately. So delicious. Only $4!

Calamansi Juice- Calamansi can best be described as a cross between a mandarin orange and a kumquat. They are primarily grown in the Philippines and Malaysia!

Corn Chowder and Creamy Mushroom Barley (closest) from 3 Ladles!

Dallas, Texas

The last part of my trip was a stop in Dallas for a couple days. First time here, Dad and I were very nervous about the West Nile Virus. We had a scare while eating lunch outside the first day, but thankfully, I swatted it away and we are both alive today! I advise, if you are to travel to Texas, please take Off! mosquito repellent with 25% Deet and be sure to spray on every day!

As for my foodie eats, we enjoyed seafood and steak (and even alligator!!!) on our two nights with our business coworkers. Lots of laughs and tequila! Those Texans know how to party!

This post includes Pappadeaux's, Texas Land and Cattle Steak House in Texas, and ending with Jimbo's and The Counter both located in Honolulu.

As much fun as I had, I was extremely glad to hop on the plane, first to SFO for some Boudin's Clam Chowder in a bread bowl, and then finally home to Honolulu. This long trip only supported the fact that there is never, ever any other place like home.

Check out the first three parts of my trip here- Chicago, here- DC and Day One of NYC, and here- Day Two of NYC.

Sitting in the heat at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport waiting to be picked up.

Dinner at Pappadeaux's on our first night to start. Appetizer of Calamari at the top, Mini Shrimp and Crawfish Fondeaux, and Alligator at the bottom. Yes, I tried some Alligator! Essentially tastes like very tender and moist chicken.

More Oysters! YES!

Peach Berry Lemonade. Was there any alcohol in this?!

Lobster Bisque. I enjoyed the huge chunks of lobster throughout. SO delicious. I think it may have been my favorite of all three on this trip.

My entreé. Grilled Lobster, Grilled Shrimp and Shrimp Montagé (Crab Stuffed Shrimp) with "Dirty Rice" and Green Beans. If you can't tell, I love seafood.

Dessert, anyone?

Second night's dinner entreé at Texas Land and Cattle Steak House- 6oz Filet Mignon with Baked Potato

Fried Pickles- salty!!

Dad and I ordered cups of French Onion Soup!

HAPPY TO BE HOME! First meal off the plane after 11 long days in the Midwest and East Coast? JIMBO'S!

The Counter's Design-Your-Own-Burger. Mine included eggs, pineapple, olives, pickles and avocado with Garlic Aioli. Yum!!! Still craving Japanese/Asian food til this day. This trip was way too long away from simple comforts!

Strawberry Milkshake and Blackberry Milkshake!

Day Two of NYC

My last day in NYC was the best yet. I got all of the tourist-y things out of the way on Day One (check out the 2 videos I was excited to announce and post!). Finally a bit rested (I slept in til 10am!), I called my good friend and high school classmate, Tai, who now lives in the city, to plan our day. We started out with lunch at S'MAC, which was on my list and also a favorite of Tai's, and then traveled to the East and West Village. It was quite the day. I felt comfortable, relaxed, and so glad to be away from the overwhelming, crazy city of Midtown and Times Square. I had never enjoyed NYC before- it was just too fast for my liking. However, my feelings quickly changed once I stepped foot in the East Village. This was what the real NYC was all about! I likened it to same feeling of Haight Ashbury in San Francisco. Then, we headed to the West Village and it reminded me of the Marina. I finally felt at home in this large city. And at some points throughout the day, I could see myself living there. In the West Village of course!

Did I mention I tried fresh Oysters for the first time too? Amazingly, I fell in love with Oysters. I have Tai to thank for that!

This post will include S'MAC, Agave, Jeffrey's Grocery, The Highline, Little Branch, and Bagel Maven. All in a day's worth!

To put it simply, it was an extraordinary day.

S'MAC- Sarita's Mac N Cheese in the East Village

S'MAC Sampler! This is worth trying for sure! My faves were Parisienne and 4 Cheese. Parisienne had figs, brie and mushrooms. How can you go wrong with that?! I loved the divinely-crispy crust on all!

The best lunch ever! Mac N Cheese and a Cream Soda!

Colin Huggins- the infamous Piano guy who plays in Washington Square Park!

I adore this picture

"NO RECORDING ALLOWED."

The infamous Bird Guy (standing up). He can tell you who's the father of who and what birds are relatives of each other.

The ONLY shopping I did in NYC.

Reminds me of Carrie Bradshaw and Sex and the City.

Agave for some alcoholic refreshments

This was amazing! Sangria Margarita! Frozen Margarita topped with Sangria. Only in NYC!

Sangria Margarita and Dos Equis Margarita (Frozen Margarita topped with Dos Equis)!!

Round Two- Dos Equis Marg and a Watermelon Fresca

Next up- Jeffrey's Grocery, an oyster bar!

Framboise and Prosecco

Arrived around 445pm

Next time, I will try their popular Lobster Spaghetti!

"Before" face! First time trying fresh oysters and fresh clams.

"After" face! I'M IN LOVE! Didn't care much for the fresh clams though...

The Highline at night

A little unassuming lounge called Little Branch. It's an unmarked "Speakeasy" style place. You have to be "in the know" to know how to find this place. It's just a random door on a big street in the West Village. Open the door, walk down the stairs and enjoy the knowledgeable bartenders there to serve you. I originally ordered a Mulled Cider- Hot Apple Cider, Spices, and your choice of Rum, Whiskey or Applejack, but they were out of hot drinks that night! So disappointed, though they made my drink special and customized- Gin and muddled Blackberries! Delicious! Tai had an Old-Fashioned- Bourbon and Agnostura Bitters with a crushed sugar cube and served with a chunk of ice, orange and lemon twists in a whiskey glass.

Bagel Maven while waiting for my 4 hour Vamoose Bus Ride back to DC. Check out all the toppings you can have on a variety of bagels!! I heard many people ordering an "Everything Bagel!" Maybe I'll try that when I'm back!

3 flavors of cream cheese- Veggie, Chives and Lox N Bagels

It hit the spot! Lox N Bagels on a sesame bagel for a late lunch.

 Stay tuned for the last part of my trip up next! Dallas!