Monday, August 31, 2020

GRILLED MARLIN WITH CHERRY, SUN DRIED TOMATO AND GARLIC SAUCE

GRILLED MARLIN WITH CHERRY, SUN DRIED TOMATO AND GARLIC SAUCE
DINNER AT HOME 

Fresh Marlin was on sale for $6.99 per pound so I grabbed a pound and made this delicious restaurant quality meal for under $15 for three.  Marlin is a meaty and firm fish that really needs a sauce.  I sautéed lots of Garlic and Shallots then added Sun Dried Tomato Paste and Sun Dried Tomatoes.  Stirred it all for about a minute and then added Cherry Tomatoes that I had cut in half.  I let the Cherry Tomatoes cook for a few minutes then added white wine.  Reduced and then added a little lemon juice and butter.  Salt and Pepper to taste.  Simple and delicious!

GRILLED MARLIN WITH CHERRY, SUN DRIED TOMATO AND GARLIC SAUCE
SEARED AHI AND GRILLED MARLIN ON THE LANAI


SEARED AHI SASHIMI

 SEARED AHI SASHIMI
APPETIZER AT HOME

I love seared Ahi and enjoy making it at home.  I dust the entire Sashimi Block in Cajun spices and then sear it in Olive Oil for about 30 seconds on each side.  For the sauce I mix Dijon Mustard, Soy Sauce, Wasabi, Honey and a dash of Sesame Oil.  One of my favorite appetizers ever!

SEARED AHI SASHIMI

Sunday, August 30, 2020

SQUID INK PASTA WITH LOBSTER, SCALLOPS AND SHRIMP

SQUID INK PASTA WITH LOBSTER, SCALLOPS AND SHRIMP
DINNER AT HOME

This dinner was perfect.  Loved the food and eating on our lanai with my girls.  It does not get better than this in life.  Sitting with the family on a warm Hawaii night and eating food we prepared is what I love most.  For this dish I sautéed Garlic and Shallots in Olive Oil and then added Tomato Paste and some chopped up Sun Dried Tomatoes.  Added Cherry Tomatoes and some white wine, lemon juice and butter.  Let the sauce reduce and then added some of the pasta water.  I had cooked the Lobster, Scallops and Shrimp and set aside.  Made sure that I did not over cook the seafood because I placed it in the sauce to coat.  Added the Pasta and boom....a great Seafood and Pasta dinner!
Click the link below to get this recipe but remember I always improvise with my own touches;

SQUID INK PASTA WITH LOSTER, SCALLOPS AND SHRIMP
DINNER ON THE LANAI.  IT DOES NOT GET BETTER THAN THIS


CAPRESE SALAD

 CAPRESE SALAD
APPETIZER AT HOME

Keli loves Mozzarella Cheese and I love Tomatoes so I made a Caprese Salad for our Italian dinner appetizer.  The Basil came from our garden which is nice.  Poured some aged Balsamic Glaze over everything.  Delicious!

CAPRESE SALAD


SALMON AND HOLLANDAISE SAUCE

SALMON WITH HOLLANDAISE SAUCE
LUNCH FOR CONTRACTORS AT HOME

Shirley always cooks lunch for contractors when they are working in our home.  She says that it saves time and money because they don't have to leave for lunch.  I offer to get them McDonalds or a plate lunch but she insists on cooking them a good meal.  On this day she made the contractors one of our families favorite dinners.  Salmon with Hollandaise Sauce.  Shirley has perfected making homemade Hollandaise and it is delicious.  Don't think the contractors were expecting a lunch like this but it seemed like they loved it.  Cannot wait to see what is for lunch today.

SALMON WITH HOLLANDAISE SAUCE 
FOUR CONTRACTOR AND FOUR PLATES OF SALMON

Saturday, August 29, 2020

YOUNG'S FISH MARKET HAWAIIAN PLATE

YOUNG'S FISHMARKET
CITY SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER
1286 KALANI STREET
HONOLULU, HI 96817
808-841-4885
HOURS:  Monday thru Friday 9:30AM - 7PM / Saturday 8AM - 4PM / Closed Sunday
www.youngsfishmarket.com
www.yelp.com/biz/youngs-fish-market-honolulu
www.facebook.com/yfmhonolulu/
www.instagram.com/youngsfishmarket/?hl=en

My Daughter worked at my office over the summer break.  This was her last day working as she is going back to her studies.  We ordered Young's Fish Market Hawaiian Plates for the entire office to send her off Hawaiian style.  The Combination Plate ($19.25) includes Laulau, Kalua Pig, Lomi Salmon, Pipikaula, Sweet Potato, Poi and Rice.  What I like about Young's is that it is high quality and authentic.  They don't scrimp on quality, cooking techniques or portions.  This is the real deal for Hawaiian Food.  

YOUNG'S FISH MARKET COMBINATION HAWAIIAN PLATE 
KELI IS READY FOR HAWAIIAN FOOD 
GREAT HAWAIIAN FOOD
HAWAIIAN PLATES FOR THE ENTIRE OFFICE


SAKURA TAPPENYAKI SUSHI

SAKURA TAPPENYAKI SUSHI
KA MAKANA ALI'I
91-5431 KAPOLEI PARKWAY
KAPOLEI, HI 96707
808-670-2888
HOURS:  Monday thru Thursday 11AM - 2:30PM /4:30PM - 9:30PM 
                 Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11AM - 3PM / 4:30PM - 9:30PM

Felt really weird eating at a Sushi Bar the day before another COVID-19 lockdown in Hawaii.
I was in Kapolei visiting a customer and we decided to visit Sakura Teppenyaki Sushi in the Ka Makana Ali'i Shopping Center.  As we entered, we were asked if we had traveled out of State and our temperatures were taken.  Wearing masks we approached the Sushi Bar and took our seats.  The menu here is extensive with something for everyone.  What caught my eye was the Sushi lunch specials which included your choice of three Sushi Rolls for $12.  Prices here are fair and our lunch for four people with two orders of Steak, Miso Soup, Salad, Teriyaki Chicken and an bunch of Sushi was just under $100.  We ordered a lot more than what is shown here.  For some reason, I just did not feel like taking pictures.  Guess I am rusty from not eating out.  Food was great here.  Loved the Filet Mignon Sushi which was presented to my friend who dines here often by the Sushi Chef.  Will definitely go back here again.

SAKURA SUSHI

SAKURA TEPPENYAKI AND SUSHI IN KAPOLEI
FILET MIGNON SUSHI WAS MY FAVORITE



Friday, August 28, 2020

VANILLA BEAN ICE CREAM WITH BERRIES

VANILLA BEAN ICE CREAM WITH BERRIES
DESSERT AT HOME

Unexpected surprise when my Wife brought me this dessert.  I usually only eat Rocky Road Ice Cream at night.  This Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with fresh Raspberries, Blueberries, Strawberry and Mint was amazing and refreshing.  Nice change from Rocky Road and the fresh mint from our garden really added a nice fragrant pop to everything.

VANILLA BEAN ICE CREAM WITH BERRIES

SHREDDED CHICKEN AND BEAN TOSTADA WITH AVOCADO

 CHICKEN AND BEAN TOSTADA WITH AVOCADO
DINNER AT HOME

This was one of the best Tostadas of my life.  Loved it.  I started with a base of Spicy Refried Beans and then layered seasoned Shredded Chicken over the beans.  For the Chicken, I grilled Chicken Breasts and then shredded them by hand.  I sautéed the grilled Chicken with Onions, Bell Pepper, Garlic and Jalapeño.  Then added a can of Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilis.  Seasoned with Salt, Pepper and Flavor God Taco Tuesday Seasoning. After the Chicken and Beans, I always add Hot Sauce then top with Lettuce, Cheddar Cheese, Pico de Gallo, Avocado slices and some Cotijo Cheese.  So delicious I am having this for dinner again tonight.  Craving another one!

SHREDDED CHICKEN AND BEAN TOSTADA WITH AVOCADO

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

SHUTOME WITH WHITE WINE BUTTER SAUCE

 SHUTOME WITH WHITE WINE BUTTER SAUCE
DINNER AT HOME

Looking into the fresh fish department at our local supermarket I saw some super fresh Shutome which is Swordfish at a pretty good price.  Grilled it with a little salt, pepper and lemon/garlic seasoning.  Made a White Wine and Butter Sauce with Shallots and Garlic.  The fish was moist, meaty and so delicious.  Light flavor with no fish taste.  This was good.  Really good!

SHUTOME WITH WHITE WINE BUTTER SAUCE
A LITTLE SWORDFISH ON THE LANAI
FRESH SHUTOME

AHI AND AVOCADO TOWER WITH CAVIAR

 AHI AND AVOCADO TOWER WITH CAVIAR
APPETIZER AT HOME

Three of my favorite foods came together to make this tower of flavors.  Avocado, Ahi Sashimi and Caviar.  I added Shoyu and Wasabi to the Ahi prior to building the tower.  So good!

AHI, AVOCADO AND CAVIAR TOWER

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

MEATBALL SANDWICH

MEATBALL SANDWICH
DINNER AT HOME

Made some delicious homemade meatballs to serve with Spaghetti for dinner.  The next day I made Meatball Sandwiches which were quite honestly better than any Meatball Sandwich I have ever eaten in Hawaii.  Added the Meatballs and Marinara Sauce to a perfect Sausage Roll bun.  Topped with Provolone Cheese and put under the broiler for a few minutes.  Meatball marvelous!
Click link below to view post on how I make Spaghetti and Meatballs;

MEATBALL SANDWICH
MEATBALL MARVELOUS!


Monday, August 24, 2020

SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS

 SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
DINNER AT HOME

I have been craving some good Meat Balls so I made my own.  Used Ground Beef, Pork, Veal, Sausage, Onions, Garlic, Parsley and Parmesan Cheese.  Browned the Meatballs in Olive Oil and then set aside as it took three pan loads to cook all of them.  After I browned them all they all went into the pan with some Marinara Sauce to cook for around 15 minutes.  Meatballs came out moist and so delicious.  My new favorite Meatballs!

SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
MY MEATBALLS ARE READY TO COOK
BROWN ON ALL SIDES
AFTER BROWNING THE MEATBALLS I SET THEM ASIDE UNTIL ALL WERE DONE
PLACED ALL OF THE MEATBALLS IN MARINARA SAUCE AND SIMMERED FOR 15 MINUTES
MEATBALLS ARE DONE AND DELICIOUS
SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS ON THE LANAI

 HAD TO MAKE MEATBALL SANDWICHES THE NEXT DAY!

MOZZARELLA, TOMATO AND BASIL

 MOZZARELLA, TOMATO AND BASIL
APPETIZER AT HOME

My Daughter loves Mozzarella Cheese so I made this quick appetizer with Mozzarella Balls, Cherry Tomatoes and Basil.  Poured a little Balsamic Vinegar over everything and added some Avocado because we had to use it up.  This was light and tasty appetizer.

MOZZARELLA, TOMATO AND BASIL


Sunday, August 23, 2020

CHILI WITH CHEESE, ONIONS AND JALAPENO

CHILI WITH CHEESE, ONIONS AND JALAPENO
LUNCH AT HOME

I was craving Chili so I cooked up a batch using Ground Beef and Sausage.  Made it spicy with Roasted Jalapeño, Serrano and Anaheim Peppers.  I don't like a lot of Beans in my Chili so I only used one can of Black Beans for the entire batch. This Chili packs a punch and hits the spot.

CHILI WITH CHEESE, ONIONS AND JALAPENO
THIS BATCH OF CHILI PACKS SOME HEAT

CHICKEN CORDON BLEU WITH PEARL COUSCOUS

 CHICKEN CORDON BLEU WITH PEARL COUSCOUS
DINNER AT HOME

My girls abandoned me last night so tonight they made me dinner.  How lucky am I?  Chicken Cordon Bleu with Pearl Couscous was delicious.  The Chicken was stuffed with Black Forest Ham and Swiss Cheese.  The Couscous was infused with Tomato Basil Sauce.  All good but the star of the show were the Blistered Tomatoes which were so fresh and sweet.  I am so lucky and blessed.

CHICKEN CORDON BLEU WITH PEARL COUSCOUS
DELICIOUS DINNER ON THE LANAI
CHICKEN STUFFED WITH BLACK FOREST HAM AND SWISS CHEESE
MY GIRLS DID ALL THE COOKING
CHEF KELI MAKIN COUSCOUS

Saturday, August 22, 2020

THE DREW BURGER WITH AVOCADO

THE DREW BURGER
DINNER AT HOME

Home alone on a Friday night as my girls abandoned me.  Had to go with what we had in the fridge so I made my favorite Drew Burger and added some fresh Avocado.  This really is my favorite burger and far better than most restaurants or fast food places in Honolulu.  Closest thing to an In n' Out Burger you can get in Hawaii.  Absolutely love this burger!

THE DREW BURGER WITH AVOCADO



Friday, August 21, 2020

PUPU'S ON THE LANAI

PUPU'S ON THE LANAI
DINNER AT HOME

Had a little business meeting at home on the lanai, and since it was during the dinner hour I decided to put out some pupu's for my guests to enjoy.  Prosciutto Wrapped Melon, Kim Che Tako Poke, Ahi Shoyu Poke, Butternut Squash Ravioli with Butter and Sage Sauce plus some Kalbi Chicken Skewers.  Nice selection of flavors.

PUPU'S ON THE LANAI

ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND BEEF LASAGNA

ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND BEEF LASAGNA
DINNER AT HOME

We always keep a two-pack of the Kirkland Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna in the freezer for those nights when we need a tasty meal without doing a lot of prepping and cooking.  Entire family absolutely loves this Lasagna.  The sauce, fillings, pasta and cheese are all great.  Cannot beat this Lasagna for the flavor and price.
Click link below to view previous post and cooking instructions for Kirkland Lasagna;

THE BEST FROZEN LASAGNA EVER
LASAGNA ON THE LANAI
HEY... WHERE'S MY LASAGNA
OUR DINNER COMPANION

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

TACO TUESDAY SHRIMP TEMPURA TACOS

 TACO TUESDAY SHRIMP TEMPURA TACOS
DINNER AT HOME

Absolutely LOVE these Shrimp Tempura Tacos.  Definitely one of my favorite tacos on the planet.

SHRIMP TEMPURA TACOS
CABBAGE, WHITE SAUCE, SHRIMP, CHEESE PICO DE GALLO, HOT SAUCE AND AVOCADO 
ADDICTED TO THESE TACOS