This order at the counter style restaurant allows customers to dine in or take their food to-go.  Choose from BBQ pork burritos, crispy beef tacos, chicken mango salad, coconut flan, and much much more.  All entrees come with Spanish rice and choice of black, refried, or pinto beans and a handful of crispy tortilla chips.  The menu is large and the portions are generous.

One of the things that Maui Tacos is known for is their in-house salsa bar which includes 5 different freshly made salsas like “Hula Heat Salsa” and “Pineapple Passion Salsa” plus pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, onions, and jalapenos are also available as complimentary toppings.  With each meal you get to help yourself to unlimited salsa also available by the 1/2 pint or pint for purchase.

Maui Tacos food selection is for the healthy conscious consumer but does not skimp on flavor.  This eatery serves up healthier Mexican cuisine with fresh produce and proteins.  Maui Tacos also offers a “Healthy DinerFinder Menu,” vegetarian options, and even a gluten free menu.

What many may not know about Maui Tacos is how many current locations there are around the country and the world.  Besides Hawaii, store locations can be found in California, Texas, Utah, Idaho, Minnesota, North Carolina, Washington DC, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and locations are beginning to open now internationally.  Franchising is available all over the mainland and the world for those interested in spreading this island Mexican cuisine.

For restaurant locations, menus, nutritional information, and much more visit www.MauiTacos.com .

HULAs 35th Anniversary on Thursday July 9 2009 is a fortuitous (unofficial) kick-off for the Hawai’i Pride Festival July 16 17 18 2009. To quote the Honolulu Weekly quoting Jack Law: http://honoluluweekly.com/cover/2009/06/how-pride-i-am/ “”So what’s coming up for Hula’s? We’re having our 35th Anniversary on July 9th. The theme is called “Hula = Dance = Hula’s.” Hula’s is all about dance and we’re gonna have as many local performers and dance troupes as we can possibly get together in one day and we’re just gonna have dance number after dance number.”

HULAs is worth a visit anytime of the year. Though it can be disorientating walking through the lobby of a condo-hotel in search of the entrance, it is clearly marked and once one steps out of the elevator Lionel greets you at the door with a surly yet friendly smile his obvious strength assuring you this is a safe place, it is an easy step into a cool comforting oasis overlooking the bustling traffic flowing along Kapahulu Avenue and beyond to Queen Kapiolani Park. The view of Diamond Head is classic. General Manager Dell sets a friendly tone, all of the staff ready with smiles & wit, a congenial place to sit a spell, or to take a spin on the dance floor, the sound & lighting truly mesmerizing.

HULAs 35th anniversary is timely for the very next week is The Honolulu Pride Festival celebrating ‘The Gathering 2009,’ a celebration of LGBTQ Pride Festivities kick off Thursday July 16 2009 at ‘Fusion Waikiki’ at 2260 Prince Kuhio Avenue. “The excitement begins at Fusion Waikiki Thursday July 16th at 6pm. The Triple MMM council announces the selection of Mr. Miss & Ms Gay Pride. The candidates participating in this exciting competition have always played a pivotal role in fundraising for our community. Entertainment, food, fun and fabulous prizes will be provided.”

The fun moves to the McCoy Pavilion at Ala Moana Beach Park on Friday July 17th 2009 from 5:30 PM to 9 PM for The Ohana Gathering, “The Honolulu PFF brings you the annual Friday Night Ohana Dinner. A delicious dinner with; great live entertainment by Dean & Dean with special Hula performances by past and current candidates of the Miss Hawaii Pageant And this just added: a special high energy Las Vegas style review sure to knock your socks off! Complete dinner and show package just $45.”

However the biggest thrill is on the final day of the event is a performance by 1980s Pop Icon Tiffany, whose sultry rendition of ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ topped the charts and remains part of popular culture. Once more the action is at the McCoy Pavilion, 11:30 AM to 7PM: “The Honolulu Pride Festival Foundation brings pop superstar Tiffany to Hawaii for the19th annual Gay Pride Festival, July 18th 2009 at McCoy Pavilion. Patrick J. Miller, Jonz V. Stoneroad & Kathy Miller of the Foundation have said that this years’ festival will be “bigger & more exciting than ever.” With entertainment sure to please everyone, including: Pop Star Tiffany, the exciting conclusion to the annual Gay Pride Idol competition, Dean & Dean, Manoa Valley Theatre, Brandy Lee, and the list goes on. The Festival begins at 11:30 am, closes at 7 pm and is sure to be a day of deliciously ono food, fun and exciting, live entertainment for all ages. As it has always done, it will feature a multitude of interesting booths and activities that highlight awareness to, and the culture of, our unique community.”

For ticket information & other info scope out http://honolulupff.org/ or call 808-861-3880.

On Friday July 10 2009 Tesoro & The Korean Chamber of Commerce sponsor Sunset on Waikiki Beach with the showing of ‘A Lump of Sugar’ from 5;30 PM to 9:30 PM. A film said to be truly delightful & insightful, here is a synopsis: “Si-eun, born and raised at a ranch in Jejudo, is a child who is fond of horses. The bond is especially strong between her and the horse, Thunder, who lost its mother as a young foal. Their love for each other grows as time passes. Because Si-eun herself lost her mother as a little girl, she feels particularly attached to ThunderOne day, Thunder is sold to another ranch, and Si-eun is forced to say goodbye to her beloved horse. Two years pass. Si-eun is now living in Gwacheon, training to become a jockey. Unexpectedly, she comes face to face with Thunder, and the two instantly recognize each other. Their reunion is tearful and moving. Through Si-eun’s tender care, Thunder regains his lost abilities as a racehorse. In the end, the two enter a racing competition together. Si-eun’s lifelong dream was to race with her beloved Thunder, and Thunder wants to make this happen for her no matter what. Surrounded by a crowd of cheering onlookers, they prepare to race one last time. Will they be able to achieve a miracle?
: http://www.koreanfestivalhi.com/en/events.htm

Also on Friday there will also be an appearance by pop singer songwriter guitarist Park Sun Ju, known for her melding of jazz & blues in her singing of ballads, her most recent album ‘’Dreamer’ was released to loud acclaim in 2007. Various local artists will perform as well Friday July 10 2009.

Then a full day of fun activites Saturday July 11th 2009 at Kapiolani Park from 10AM to 9PM. There will be booths with onolicious food, cooking & cultural & craft demonstrations, entertainment encompassing music & dance and a Korean Song Contest, Korean products will be on sale and there will be a kim chee eating contest that has become a local favorite. Best of all admission is FREE, though script (tickets) are required and will be on sale for food & product and a few of the activities.

Now that the festival has grown the Stars are out! Korean Pop Stars! Singer Hwan Hee (of the chiseled profile) will be performing on Saturday, Hwan Hee is one half of the R & B duo ‘Fly to the Sky,’ their latest recording ‘Decennium’ was released earlier this year. Another K-pop star is Kwon Min, seen in the popular K-drama ‘General Hospital 2’ as well as several movies, perhaps the best known is ‘My Boyfriend is Type B.’

The Korean Festival has always been fun & exciting with lots to do, you should check it out. For more info scope out http://www.hkccweb.org/en/koreanfestival.html and http://www.koreanfestivalhi.com/en/index.htm.

Except for the front view the parking lot, there are no other windows, yet the atmosphere is still fresh, pleasant and inviting.  Jazz was playing quietly in the background.  Our table was a few steps up in a little area separated from the room by half walls.  Looking down a bit at the rest of the room there appeared to be mostly couples, some clearly romantic, in various degrees of attire from casual to somewhat formal.

I have a friend who drives to Hilo from Hawi (2 hours) just for Hilo Bay’s spinach salad. Recipes are modern fused and upgraded favorites made with fresh organic ingredients.  I had a personal vegetarian potpie that had an amazingly delicate and delicious crust just right for dipping. My friend and I shared a yummy salad with homemade baguette bread.

The menu included homemade ravioli, stuffed with artichoke hearts, garlic and cheese. There were burgers with Gorgonzola cheese, grilled pork loin and seared, crusted Ahi tuna.  Lots of vegetarian choices and everything looked almost too beautiful to eat.  Of course we did eat it and it was as delicious as it looked.

I have since discovered that this one of those best kept secrets.  Everyone I have asked who has eaten there loves it and goes back regularly. Prices are extremely reasonable and much less than restaurants of this caliber command elsewhere.

They are open for lunch and dinner with easy parking right out front.

Hours: Daily 11am-9pm; Lunch 11am-2pm, Light Lunch 2pm-5pm, Dinner 5pm-9pm.

Hilo Bay Café ~ 315 Makaala Street ~ Hilo, HI 96720 ~ Phone: (808) 935-4939

Kyra, the beagles, & I at Manana Trail June hike

Every last Saturday of the month the Hawaiian Humane Society’s Paws on the Path hiking club meets and explores Oahu’s pet friendly hiking trails.  The hikes generally average three miles long and can take about two hours to complete.  All dogs must remain on a leash throughout the hike.  Hikers are advised to bring along poop bags, water, and snacks for people and dogs.  This club is great for dog lovers and their dogs to exercise, socialize, and enjoy the beautiful trails of Oahu.

Meeting times are 8:30 am and the hike starts at 8:45 am.  Here is the list of their monthly hikes:

January - Makapu’u Light House

February – Old Pali Road

March – Maunawili Gulch Trail

April – Waimano Valley

May – Kaunala

June – Manana Trail

July – Maunawili Golf Trail

August – Likeke Trail

September – Aiea Loop Trail

October – Waimano Ridge

November – Maunawili Ditch

December – Peacock Flats

For more information call 808.356.2217 or visit www.HawaiianHumane.org .

Fireworks start at 8:30 p.m. on July 4th with the grand finale going off around 9 p.m. The fireworks are visible all throughout Honolulu and if you live on a rise with a great lanai can be sublime. The entertainment in the park will be all day but scheduled performers start at 5 p.m.

Although usually we would suggest floating out in the water to catch the show from a surfboard or a kayak (or really any other floating device), the south swell that has been pounding the shores of waikiki may make things a little tough. Staying on shore looks to be the smarter idea.

Expect huge crowds as KGMB9 is reporting more the 50,000 people are expected to be loitering (ok having fun) on magic island alone! Although I haven’t been down ala moana I can imagine that people will be staking their claim early, as they usually do. Plus, the cops are all out trying to catch people with the cell phone ban in effect so who knows, you may be able to get a great spot even with the park closed (not suggested.)

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Those of you visiting the Big Island will find many Hilo restaurants surprisingly inexpensive compared to those on the Kona/Kohala side. New Chaing Mai is one of those surprises. The recipes are traditional Thai, not heavy and greasy, made with fresh local ingredients. Brown rice is always available in addition to the jasmine and white rice.  The menu is varied enough for any Thai food critic and there is a small assortment of wine and beer selections.

After eating here at least a half dozen times, I can honestly say I have never had a dish that I didn’t enjoy.  Nine of us, each ordering something different, were all completely satisfied recently and with the generous portions we all took a bit home for the next day.

The atmosphere is light and pleasant. There is a hostel of some sort next door and a few questionable characters may be lingering outside making it appear that there is a wait for a table.  Pay no attention; these folks have always been polite and friendly as we make our way by them into the restaurant.  Seat yourself and a pleasant, low-key waitress will be over soon to help you order.  If you have never eaten Thai food, this is a good place to start.

You can safely order “hot” if you like things spicy, you will not get the volcanic hot that many Thai restaurants serve when you ask for it spicy. And finally be sure to order the fresh summer rolls and you will be very happy.

New Chiang Mai Thai Restaurant  ~  110 Kalakaua,  ~  Hilo, HI 96720  ~  Phone: (808) 969-3777

A the general excise tax on gas is back July 1st which caused prices to rise as much at least 10 cents a gallon and in some places even more due to the day to day fluctuations. A gallon a regular gas which was just over $3 on June 30th now is tough to find for less than $3.15!

In 2006 state legislature put a moratorium on the gas general excise tax while gas prices were heading higher and higher which was to be reevaluated in June 2009. But that time has come and past and with the state having a tough time balancing the budget (aka running out of money) we can most likely say goodbye to the help and hello to high prices.

And here I thought the cost of a barrel of oil was going down? Why has my gas bill been going up up up?

The Black Eyed Peas appearance at BAYFEST cements the festivals reputation as a World Class event one that will from here on out begin to draw visitors from around The World. More about BAYFEST in a future article but here & now The Black Eyed Peas are in the house.

Founded in 1995, there have been a few changes in the composition of the band but two names remain stable.  will i. am & apl. de.ap, while a third, Fergie, have become synonymous with phunky-pop.  The newest member, Taboo has equally earned a place in the hearts of a growing legion of fans. Though once ‘tagged’ as a hip-hop group The Black Eyed Peas have moved beyond easy labels and have become true musical pioneers. Their shows are lively & entertaining transcending the usual concert experience.

Tickets for The Black Eyed Peas are available through TICKETMASTER “Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, and at all Ticketmaster outlets including Macy’s and Blaisdell Box Office. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000.” One can also scope out http://www.bayfesthawaii.com/tickets.htm for both admission to BAYFEST and concert tickets which show an advanced price of $45 and a gate price of $55 for what promises to be one of the most entertaining shows Summer 2009.

(For those who are not into music, check out http://www.foodreference.com/html/a-black-eyed-0408.html)

“Koa the Mauser in collaboration with the Arts District Merchants Association and Hawaii Pet Magazine Invites ALL PETS to be part of the Pets on Parade July 18 2009 at 4PM at the beautiful Hidden Chinatown Courtyard, 1126,” next to Ramsey’s Gallery. All Pets means that Dogs must have their humans on a leash, and dogs must wear a collar with current ID. Cats are welcome, though they must be in a carrier or (a word I dislike) a cage, along with other pets, thus birds, iguanas, crickets, rats, etc are more than welcome.

What is even better is that dogs or cats or rats or etc and their humans are encouraged to make a pledge of $$$ for each block that you walk. The Parade route is 10/ten blocks through the historic heart of Honolulu, the Chinatown Arts District, and funds raised will help ‘The Hepatitis Support Network of Hawaii.’ A weaselly $1 per block times 10 will raise $10, a Pekinese $2 will net $20, a Siamese sized $5 snags $50, while a pit-bullish $10 per block will generate a $100 donation. These are suggested guidelines, though, no one is suggesting that you cannot pledge a polar bearish $1,000 per block!

Before and after Parading through Historic Honolulu with your Cherished Human, pets are encouraged to visit the Hidden Courtyard where they will find Entertainment, Treats for Pets, Refreshments for Humans, and booths exhibiting animal care tips, pet supplies, and more!

Those pets wishing a blessing will be pleased to note that the Reverend Moki Hino of St Andrews Cathedral will provide “a spiritual celebration to honor our loyal companions who love us unconditionally.”

Much of the fun will be exposing your pet to the works of art at various galleries, all of which encourage everyone to drop in more often, one reason they stay late and keep their doors open on occasions such as this, and first Fridays, to share their love for art, something pets truly appreciate (my Puma Cat’s favorite book was a collection of Cat Paintings from the New York Museum of Art).

Sign up early, contact Jackie Walden via 585-7200 or Melanie Yang via 524-1160. For mo’ info go to http://www.hawaiipetnetwork.com/events/pets-on-parade and http://artsdistricthonolulu.com/artsdistrictevents1.html …