Saturday, September 29, 2018

BEEF AND KIMCHI TACOS

MID PACIFIC COUNTRY CLUB
266 KAELEPULU DRIVE
KAILUA, HI. 96734
808-262-8161

I was not really feeling Tacos after a round of golf at Mid Pac Country Club but when I saw Beef and Kimchi on the menu I just had to try them.  Wow...glad I did.  These were some of the best tacos I have ever eaten in Hawaii.  Perfect balance of flavors and a bit of heat from the Kimchi.  Really liked these and hope to get invited back to Mid Pac so I can enjoy them again.
Click links below for previous posts on Mid Pacific Country Club;

BEEF AND KIMCHI TACOS
MID PACIFIC COUNTRY CLUB
PERFECT DAY IN LANIKAI
MY GOLF BUDDY RICH MIANO

SHIRMP TEMPURA TACOS

SHRIMP TEMPURA TACOS
DINNER AT HOME

We had some large Shrimp Tempura in the freezer so I cooked them according to the instructions at 400 degrees for 7 minutes and then turned them and cooked for an additional 7 minutes.  Laid on a White Corn Tortilla with Red Cabbage mixed with Onions, Cilantro and Thai Chili Peppers.  I was out of Tomato and Jalapeños or I would have added them to the mix.  Topped the Shrimp with Tempura Sauce and added some Hot Taco Sauce.  These were absolutely delicious.  Light and very satisfying.  Will definitely make this again and again.

SHRIMP TEMPURA TACOS

JOLLIBEE CHICKEN

JOLLIBEE
555 N. KING STREET
HONOLULU, HI. 96817
808-841-1819
HOURS:  Daily 7AM - 10PM

Jollibee is a huge fast food chain in the Philippines.  In their home Country they are an equal to McDonalds or Zippy's in Hawaii.  There is one thing that Jollibee does so well and it is their Fried Chicken.  This stuff is like Crack.  Addicting....and so delicious.  One of my favorite meals but I only get to enjoy this once or twice a year it seems.  The Fried Chicken is the absolute best on the Island.  Crispy on the outside and hot and juicy on the inside.  When matched with the Pepper infused Gravy this is my Crack.  Add the Mashed Potatoes with lots of the Gravy and it is Crack x 2.  I kid you not, this is delicious.  One of those meals where you don't come up for air, don't talk and go into somewhat of a trance while eating it.  When you are done licking your fingers all you can think of is "wow" that was good and I want more.  
Click link below to view previous post on Jollibee;

JOLLIBEE FRIED CHICKEN WITH GRAVY AND MASHED POTAOTES

ROCKY ROAD, BANANAS AND STRAWBERRIES

ROCKY ROAD, BANANAS AND STRAWBERRIES
DESSERT AT HOME

Probably one of my favorite desserts in life.  Rocky Road Ice Cream is my fave and I love Bananas and Strawberries.  Perfect combination!

ROCKY ROAD ICE CREAM WITH BANANAS AND STRAWBERRIES

SAUSAGE AND CHEESE TORTELINNI

SAUSAGE AND CHEESE TORTELINNI
DINNER AT HOME

Enjoyed pre-made Sausage and Cheese Tortellini from the market.  Added Tomato and Basil Sauce and lots of Parmesan Cheese.  Entire family enjoyed this dish and my Daughter devoured them like candy. 

SAUSAGE AND CHEESE TORTELINNI WITH TOMATO SAUCE AND PARMESAN CHEESE

GRILLED KAJIKI

GRILLED KAJIKI
DINNER AT HOME

Cooked up some incredibly fresh Kajiki (Blue Marlin) with a sauce using local Mushrooms, Shallots, Garlic, White Wine and Cream.  This fish was delicious.  Perfection!

GRILLED KAJIKI WITH BROCCOLINI AND FOUR CHEESE MASHED POTATOES

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

BIG MAC LUNCH AT THE OFFICE

BIG MAC LUNCH AT THE OFFICE
HONOLULU, HAWAII

I really did not want a Big Mac on this day but my employees said it was Big Mac Monday.  If you buy one Big Mac you get one free.  Great deal I thought so I told them to get me one.  They brought back two Big Macs for me.  I actually thought someone else would split the cost and take the second burger but no, they gave me both.  I ate one and of course loved it.  Love Big Macs.  I placed the other one in a bag and left in on my desk.  Forgot about it and came in the next day and saw it.  Not wanting to throw it away, I asked the guys in my office if they wanted it and said it had sat on my desk all night.  Two people wanted it and they said you can leave a Big Mac out for months and it will still be good because of all the preservatives.  They ate it.

BIG MAC LUNCH

ROTISSERIE CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH

CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH
DINNER AT HOME

Got home a little late and had to make do what we had in the fridge.  Took what was left of a Rotisserie Chicken and made incredibly delicious Chicken Salad Sandwiches.  Added chopped Carrots, Onions, Jalapeño and Celery to Chicken and mixed with a bit of Relish and Mayo.  Always need a little  Lettuce and American Cheese to make this sandwich pop.  Tomato also good but we were out.  Seriously good Sandwich!

ROTISSERIE CHICKEN SANDWICH

Sunday, September 16, 2018

HABITANT AT NORDSTROM

HABITANT 
NORDSTROM
ALA MOANA SHOPPING CENTER
1450 ALA MOANA BLVD
HONOLULU, HI
808-953-6150
HOURS:  Monday thru Saturday 11-9 / Sunday 11-7

I hate shopping and you probably will never see me hanging out at Nordstrom strolling around looking for clothes.  You may however see me at Habitant having a cocktail and snack while my Wife and Daughter shop.  What a perfect place for Dad when the girls want to shop.  Enjoyed a few glasses here and watched some college football.  Not a bad shopping day.  When I saw just about every table ordering the Cilantro/Lime Chicken Tacos ($14), I just had to order them too.  These little mini tacos with minced Chicken with Lime are delicious.  I think the crunchy shell and crisp chilled lettuce make these exceptional.  Love them and highly recommend you try them when shopping at Nordstrom.  The small menu includes a variety of small plates including Pizza and Calamari that the customers were really enjoying.  Everyone including me also enjoying the complimentary Pistachio
served with your drinks.  Like this place and want to shop at Nordstrom more than ever!
Click link below to view previous post on Habitant;

BUBBLY AND PISTACHIOS 
CHICKEN TACOS WITH LIME AND CILANTRO


IKE'S LOVE AND SANDWICHES

IKE'S LOVE AND SANDWICHES
THE LANAI AT ALA MOANA SHOPPING CENTER
1450 ALA MOANA BLVD
HONOLULU, HI
808-951-6383

I was so happy when I found out that Ike's Sandwiches from San Francisco was opening in the Ala Moana Shopping Center.  We visit San Francisco and always try to make it to Ike's to stand in line for a great sandwich.  On one visit we ordered the $20 Kryptonite Sandwich in San Francisco which is $40 at Ala Moana. The giant sub lasted two days and we loved it.  Ike's is located in The Lanai which is across from Macy's.  The small shop had one gal on the register and two guys making sandwiches in back.  The gal was smiling and friendly and she made recommendations which was nice.  Our sandwiches came out in a few minutes and I was rushing to have my first bite.  I ordered the Alan Wong ($12) on Dutch Crunch Bread and with everything including Onion, Jalapeño and Pickles. The sandwich is filled with Ham, Roast Beef, Turkey, Pastrami, Provolone and God Father Sauce.  My first bite was heaven.  Loved it and then after a few more bites I thought this was just an "ok" sandwich.  Good but not as I remember in San Francisco.  The bread seemed a little different to me.  I did not even finish half of one half of the sandwich.  I tried a bite of the Dirty Reuben ($12) with everything plus the Onions, Jalapeños and Pickles. This sandwich included Roast Beef, Purple Slaw, Dirty Dressing and American Cheese. Not bad but I thought the Alan Wong was tastier.  My Wife polished off half of the Dirty Reuben and seemed to like it.  Our Onion Rings ($4.94) were a bit burnt but still tasted ok.  I got them with a side of BBQ Sauce but the BBQ Sauce is way too overpowering so I abandoned it.  Mixed feelings about Ike's Ala Moana.  I really need to go back on another day and eat here again before I make any conclusions or recommendations.  One thing is that I think the price is fair for size, quality and location.  
Click link below to view post on Ike's San Francisco;

IKE'S LOVE AND SANDWICHES

THE LANAI AT ALA MOANA SHOPPING CENTER
IKE'S LOVE AND SANDWICHES
SMALL KITCHEN CRANKING OUT BIG SANDWICHES
IKE'S SANDWICH MENU
IKE'S SANDWICH MENU VEGGIES
ALAN WONG AND DIRTY REUBEN AT IKE'S
ALAN WONG LEFT - DIRTY REUBEN RIGHT
ALAN WONG SANDWICH
DIRTY REUBEN
ONION RINGS

PORTUGUESE SAUSAGE, EGGS AND RICE

PORTUGUESE SAUSAGE, EGGS AND RICE
BREAKFAST AT HOME

Already feeling lonely thinking about my Daughter going away to college.  I am going to miss making her weekend breakfasts and just hanging out with my BFF.  She likes her eggs crunchy on the ends so thats the way I make them.  Wonder if she will be able to get this Hawaii staple breakfast somewhere on the Mainland next year.  

PORTUGUESE SAUSAGE, EGGS AND RICE

Thursday, September 13, 2018

MEGS DRIVE INN

MEGS DRIVE INN
743 WAIAKAMILO ROAD
HONOLULU, HI  96817
808-845-3943
HOURS: Monday thru Saturday 5:30 AM - 8:30 PM / Closed Sunday

Megs is within walking distance to my office and I usually stick to the Chef Salad here because they do not serve up the healthiest of foods.  Thursday's they serve a delicious Steamed Fish with a Soy, Ginger and Green Onion Sauce.  It is so light and delicious.  Really good with all Greens in place of Rice.  Price is around $10.  Highly recommend.
Click link below to view previous post on Megs Drive Inn;
https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2017/10/megs-drive-inn.html

STEAMED FISH WITH SOY, GINGER AND GREEN ONION

SHRIMP SCAMPI WITH WILD BASMATI RICE

SHRIMP SCAMPI WITH BASMATI RICE
DINNER AT HOME

This simple dish was delicious and had both of my girls going back for seconds.  Cooked the Shrimp in Garlic, Butter, White Wine and Lemon Juice.  Cooked up some Wild Basmati Rice that we purchased at Trader Joes on the Mainland.  Simply delicious!

SHRIMP SCAMPI WITH WILD BASMATI RICE

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

NATHAN'S HOT DOG

NATHAN'S HOT DOG
LUNCH AT HOME

I love Nathan's Hot Dogs and have actually been to the original Nathan's on Coney Island.  Had a few dogs left over from our Labor Day BBQ so I cooked one up for lunch.  Topped with Mustard, Relish and lots of Onions.  So good!  Used my 20 year old McDonald's plate which is my favorite plate in the World.
Click link below to view post on the Real Nathans on Coney Island;

NATHAN'S HOT DOG

GRILLED OPAH

 GRILLED OPAH
DINNER AT HOME

When I saw these nice pieces of super fresh Opah at the market, I had to grab some.  The fish was bright pink and looked oh so good.  Simply grilled the fish and topped with a few Garlic Shrimp.  Poured a little of the Garlic Butter from the Shrimp over the Opah and served with Basmati Rice.
Opah is a meaty fish that has a very mild taste.  Just needs to be cooked through (not overdone) and topped with a light sauce.  Simply delicious and so easy.

OPAH WITH GARLIC SHIRMP AND BASMATI RICE

FRESH HAWAIIAN OPAH


Sunday, September 9, 2018

COOLING CANCER GOLF TOURNAMENT 2018

COOLING CANCER GOLF TOURNAMENT 2018
HOAKALEI COUNTRY CLUB

So blessed to be able to organize and conduct a golf tournament each year that raises money for cancer research.  Now in our 6th year, the Cooling Cancer Golf Tournament has raised over $250,000 for the University of Hawaii Cancer Center.  Nothing makes me happier than giving checks to the Cancer Center.  Just wish the expenses for this tournament were less so we could give back more.  This is an incredible golf tournament put on by some very special people, volunteers and sponsors.  The local support grows each year and the tournament now sells out in just weeks several months ahead of the event date.  Truly one of the best golf tournaments in all Hawaii and may be the best.
My sincere thanks to everyone associated with this tournament and the hundreds of people who participated and work to make this a great success.

COOLING CANCER GOLF TOURNAMENT