Hawaii Mom Blog

Visit Los Angeles: 48 Hours in LA, Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Nat) — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

After our busy first day—and a red-eye flight the night before—we gave ourselves permission to sleep in. We didn't wake up until almost 9:00 a.m., which felt well deserved after not getting to bed until after 11:00 p.m. following the Forrest Frank concert. We took our time getting ready before heading out for another full day of exploring.

Our first stop was one of my favorite places in Los Angeles: the Original Farmers Market at Third & Fairfax.

No matter how many times I visit LA, I always make it a point to stop here. Growing up, my dad would bring our family whenever we visited Southern California. As a kid, I didn't appreciate it nearly as much as I do now.

This visit wasn't just about nostalgia, though. One of the vendors sells Australian apricots that my mom loves, so picking some up has become another tradition. At $44 per pound, they're definitely a splurge, but they're still less expensive than ordering them online and paying to have them shipped to Hawaii. That makes them worth bringing home.

Once the apricots were secured, it was time to eat. Of course, I couldn't leave without stopping at Bob's Coffee & Doughnuts for a fresh doughnut.

We had planned on grabbing gyros from one of the Mediterranean vendors, but the meat wasn't going to be ready for another 20 minutes, and we were too hungry to wait.

Instead, we headed to Magee's Kitchen, one of the market's original vendors.

My niece ordered the corned beef plate,

while my son and I shared a French dip sandwich.

It was simple, comforting, and exactly what we were craving.

After lunch, we took a leisurely stroll through The Grove. We weren't on a mission to shop, so it was mostly window shopping and soaking in the atmosphere. We popped into the Apple Store, where I couldn't help but admire the soaring ceilings and beautiful open design.

We also stopped by Dylan's Candy Bar to pick up a sweet gift to bring home for the family.

As we continued walking, we passed La La Land Kind Cafe. I've heard so many people rave about it and was hoping to finally give it a try, but the line was as long as one you'd expect at Disneyland! We decided to save it for another visit. There's always next time, and now I have one more reason to come back to LA.

From the Grove, we made our way to Ovation Hollywood, which is one of my favorite places to park if you're planning to explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

My niece and son were fascinated by a vending machine that sold collectible trading cards, and we even caught a peek-a-boo view of the Hollywood Sign from the shopping center.

From there, we walked along Hollywood Boulevard, taking in all the famous stars along the Walk of Fame.

Of course, I had to stop for photos of Donald Trump's star, Pink, and even Disneyland's star.

We also admired the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre, where I actually watched a movie during my college years. It's easy to forget that these aren't just tourist attractions—they're real movie theaters with incredible sound systems and the site of countless Hollywood movie premieres. Standing there, you really feel like you're in the heart of Hollywood.

While exploring, we stumbled upon Mixue and couldn't resist stopping for an inexpensive bubble tea.

It was a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up before continuing our adventures.

Next, we made a quick stop at Trader Joe's to stock up on omiyage to bring home before dropping everything off at the hotel.

Dinner was at North Italia at The Point, chosen by my niece because they offer gluten-free pasta options. She ordered the gluten-free Bolognese,

while my son and I shared the traditional Bolognese along with an order of meatballs and the garlic truffle bread.

Every dish was tasty!.

Naturally, we couldn't end the day without dessert, so we headed to Van Leeuwen Ice Cream for one last sweet treat.

On the drive back to the hotel, we made one final stop at Ralphs to try our luck with a few California scratcher tickets. We didn't win anything, but it was fun to dream for a few minutes!

Before we knew it, we were back at the hotel packing our bags for our early morning flight home. Two days in Los Angeles went by quickly, but between the shopping, great food, Hollywood sights, and time spent with my son and niece, we made memories that will last a lifetime!

Places Visited

Original Farmers Market
6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036

The Magic Nut & Candy Company (Original Farmers Market – Stall 522)
6333 W. 3rd St. #522, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Bob's Coffee & Doughnuts (Original Farmers Market)
6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Magee's Kitchen (Original Farmers Market)
6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036

The Grove
189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Apple The Grove
189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Dylan's Candy Bar – The Grove
189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036

La La Land Kind Cafe – The Grove
189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Ovation Hollywood
6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028

Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

TCL Chinese Theatre
6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028

Mixue
6801 Hollywood Blvd, Suite 143, Hollywood, CA 90028

Trader Joe's (West Hollywood location)
175 South Fairfax, Los Angeles, CA 90036

North Italia – The Point
840 S Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 110, El Segundo, CA 90245

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream – The Point
850 S Sepulveda Blvd, Suite 116, El Segundo, CA 90245

Ralphs (El Segundo location)
770 S Sepulveda Blvd, El Segundo, CA 90245

Visit Alaska: Palmer Alehouse

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

We went to Palmer Alehouse after visiting the Reindeer Farm.

Pretzel & Beer Cheese

Bacon Mac and Cheese

Steak Tacos

Raspberry Habanero Wings

Philly Burger

Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad Wrap

The food was typical bar type food. I had the wrap, and it was good! It was stuffed with chicken, tomatoes, red onion, bacon, and cheddar.

It did take a very long time for our food to come out, however. The Pretzel & Beer Cheese came out 25 minutes after we ordered, but our meals came out nearly 45 minutes after we ordered.

I did notice other tables had lengthy wait times too. I just wish there was better communication from our server.

Palmer Alehouse
320 E Dahlia Ave
Palmer, AK 99645

Visit Los Angeles: 48 Hours in LA, Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Nat) — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

There's something exciting about taking a red-eye flight.

We boarded Hawaiian Airlines the night before and landed at LAX bright and early the next morning, ready to make the most of our two days in Los Angeles.

After picking up our rental car, our first stop was one I had been looking forward to for weeks: Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee in Culver City.

The stop was inspired by my niece, who is gluten-sensitive and had heard wonderful things about their gluten-friendly options.

The moment I walked through the doors, I understood the hype. The display case was filled with the most beautiful handcrafted doughnuts, and everything looked absolutely irresistible.

I decided to try the Huckleberry, one of Sidecar's signature flavors, and wow... it completely lived up to its reputation!

The doughnut had a rich, cake-like texture that was incredibly moist, and the huckleberry glaze was both pleasing to the eye and my palate.

It was easily one of the best doughnuts I've ever had.

Of course, after satisfying our sweet tooth, we were ready for something savory. As luck would have it, there was an In-N-Out Burger just a few minutes away, so that became our second stop of the morning.

We each ordered burgers and fries, and my niece couldn't stop raving about the Animal Style fries.

If you've never tried them, they're topped with melted cheese, grilled onions, and the famous In-N-Out sauce—and it's easy to see why it's one of the world's best off-menu item.

That evening, we headed to the Intuit Dome for the Forrest Frank concert, which was the main reason for our quick trip to Los Angeles.

The venue itself was incredible—modern, clean, with state of the art technology. Forrest Frank put on an amazing show, and the positive energy from the crowd made the experience even more memorable.

One thing to note if you're attending an event at Intuit Dome: be prepared for arena prices when it comes to food and drinks. Everything was noticeably expensive, so you may want to grab a meal before heading inside.

$17.50 Veggie Burger

From incredible doughnuts and classic California burgers to an unforgettable concert, our 48 hours in Los Angeles was off to a fantastic start.

Stay tuned for Day 2, where we'll continue exploring more of LA's food scene and attractions!

📍 Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee (Culver City)
10705 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232

📍 In-N-Out Burger
9245 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034

📍 Intuit Dome
3930 W Century Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90303

Musubi Cafe Iyasume

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

I love stopping at Musubi Cafe Iyasume at Waikiki Beach Walk whenever I'm staying in Waikiki. They have a nice variety to choose from!

A musubi makes for an affordable meal, especially in Waikiki. What we got ranged in price from $2.48 (Umeboshi) to $4.98 (Eel, Avocado, Egg, SPAM). The total for everything pictured was $34.

From top L-R:

Umeboshi
Spicy Tuna Mayo
Avocado Bacon Egg SPAM
Bacon Egg SPAM
Black Pepper Cheese SPAM
Eel Avocado Egg SPAM
Teriyaki SPAM
Shrimp Avocado
Egg SPAM

Musubi Cafe Iyasume
227 Lewers St
Honolulu, HI 96815

Visit Las Vegas - Rock Shot Bingo!

noreply@blogger.com (nadiablogs) — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Jello shots for the win!

My coworker shared that she had so much fun at Rock Shot Bingo that I knew I had to add it to my Las Vegas itinerary! Definitely not you normal bingo where you keep talking to a minimum, this hour of fun is themed and includes a live DJ! Rock Shot Bingo is held on varying weekends at the five Station Casinos: Red Rock Resort, Green Valley Ranch, Palace Station, Boulder Station, and Santa Fe Station.

We attended a session at the Green Valley Ranch. Doors open an hour before the 9pm session and I highly recommend you get there early if you want your group to sit together. Each game has a $100 prize with the last coverall game prize of $1000!

There is a $35 minimum buy in per person and includes 10 Games/50 Cards. It's all electronic cards so you will need to watch your screen for BINGO because you certainly won't hear any numbers being called out. The session also includes drinks and if there is a winner on your table, the entire table gets free jello shots. We had five winners on our table which meant a lot of jello shots! Rock Shot Bingo was definitely a highlight of our Vegas trip!

Visit Anchorage: Alaska Sausage & Seafood

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

We stopped at Alaska Sausage & Seafood for omiyage.

They offer a nice selection of sausages, smoked fish, and more.

There are even samples for you to try!

They also process and pack fish and game that you may catch!

At the shop you'll find lots of European-made goods, as the original owner was from Europe.

Definitely stop in for some omiyage!

Alaska Sausage & Seafood

2914 Arctic Blvd

Anchorage, AK 99503

Visit Las Vegas: Moignet Café

noreply@blogger.com (nadiablogs) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:24:13 +0000

Moignet - Mochi Beignet

Home of the viral mochi beignet and the even tastier mango mochi, Moignet Café is a great place to get sweet treats in Las Vegas. Located in Las Vegas' Chinatown, the café offers a variety of breakfast sandwiches, lattes, and desserts.

The moignet is a blend of fresh mochi beignet dough filled with house-made mochi filling and dusted with matcha powdered sugar. You can also ask for regular powdered sugar. The moignets come in orders of 6 or 12 and you can choose to purchase sauces: yuzu, strawberry, or chocolate.

The mango mochi was definitely my favorite. It is a large piece of mango with cream wrapped in a sheet of soft mochi. 100% recommend! Service was super friendly, but expect to stand in a long line. Inside and outside seating available to enjoy your treats.

I loved the Mango Mochi!

Moignet: A Social Cafe

3500 S Wynn Rd, Las Vegas NV 89103

Free Small Tomato Bisque Promo at Aloha Salads - Town Center of Mililani

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Earlier this month I went to Aloha Salads after stumbling across Kelly Simek's Living 808 TV's promo, in which you can get a free small tomato bisque with the purchase of two entrées when you order online and use code LIVING808 (valid at the Town Center of Mililani only).

Everything was fresh and delish!

Kamuela Cobb

Pastrami Melt

Club Sub

Grilled Steak Wrap

Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Tomato Bisque

I love how Aloha Salads has been supporting local farmers and fishermen ever since they opened up their first location in Kailua 20 years ago.

Aloha Salads
Town Center of Mililani
95-1249 Meheula Pkwy Suite No A107

Mililani, HI 96789

Visit Alaska: Mirror Lake

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

On the way to Eklutna Lake, we passed a sign for Mirror Lake, so on the way back, we made a stop so we could check it out.

We saw several families picnicking and fishing, and it's a popular spot where people go paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing thanks to calm waters.

And yes, it is aptly named mirror lake.

Capturing shots with the reflections makes for stunning photos!

MOSA - Taiwanese-style Ice Cream in Waikiki!

noreply@blogger.com (nadiablogs) — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 09:08:48 +0000

MOSA has been on my radar for awhile so when we recently staycationed in Waikiki, I knew I had to make a visit. The walk up ice cream shop is is located on 2238 Lau’ula Street and is open daily from 4pm-12am making it the perfect after dinner treat.

The best seller on the menu is the Mosa wrap - up to three flavors of ice cream wrapped in a crepe and topped with peanut brittle shavings. The ice cream paired perfectly with the thin crepe and the ice cream itself was delicious. The peanut brittle shavings were tasty and gave the dessert a nice crunch.

Also on the menu are tanghulu, ice cream, and floats! Service was friendly. Lots of outdoor seating making it a great place to enjoy dessert with a group.

Peanut brittle shaved as a topping.

MOSA Wrap!

A delicious dessert!

Visit Anchorage: Simon & Seafort's

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

I wanted to eat Alaskan Black Cod, and Simon & Seafort's had it on the menu.

Pan Seared Black Cod

You can opt for a variety of Alaskan Catch - black cod, wild king salmon, copper river sockeye salmon, and halibut, to be prepared grilled, baked, pan seared, or blackened. The fish is topped with a beurre blanc and is accompanied by an herb couscous and veggies. Everything on the plate was delicious - the cod was so tender and mild.

Wild King Salmon

The menu also offers fish prepared in a variety of other ways if you prefer.

Oven-Roasted Chicken Dijon

Surf & Turf

The Surf & Turf included char-grilled sirloin and garlic shrimp, along with mashed potatoes and asparagus.

Grilled Honey Chipotle Shrimp

The food, view, and service were all great!

Simon & Seafort's
420 L St,

Anchorage, AK 99501

Mina's Fish House Culinary Experiences with Chef Michael Mina on July 31

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 20:57:57 +0000

I love Mina's Fish House, and on July 31, guests are invited to celebrate our ocean's bounty in two different experiences with Chef Michael Mina. Press release details below!

Mina’s Fish House, Chef Michael Mina’s signature oceanfront restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, announces a special culinary experience featuring Chef Mina on July 31, 2026.

This event offers guests two opportunities to experience Chef Mina’s culinary expertise alongside the award-winning chef—an immersive daytime workshop and an evening dining experience featuring Mina’s Fish House signature Fish Sommeliers.

During the day, guests are invited to participate in a poke-making demonstration and hands-on workshop hosted by Chef Mina from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The interactive session will showcase Chef Mina's approach to Hawaii's beloved dish. Participants will learn techniques, flavour pairings and preparation methods, leaving with the knowledge to recreate the signature flavours at home. The workshop is priced at USD 75 per person.

In the evening, Mina's Fish House will offer a special tasting menu by Chef Mina alongside a curated à la carte experience priced at USD 140 per person. The evening highlights the restaurant's seafood-driven cuisine led by the Fish Sommeliers, complemented by Chef Mina's culinary perspective. Guests will have the opportunity to engage with Chef Mina in an intimate oceanfront setting.

“I am always so inspired every time I am in Ko Olina,” says Chef Mina. “From going out and fishing with our Fish Sommeliers to utilizing the most beautiful and fresh ingredients, it is a chef’s dream to cook and create here. This is an incredibly special property, and I’m looking forward to spending time with the team and guests in an intimate setting.”

Set along the pristine shores of Ko Olina, Mina’s Fish House is renowned for its commitment to sustainably sourced seafood and its connection to local fishermen, creating a dining experience deeply rooted in Hawaii’s rich culinary heritage. The restaurant also features the unique Fish Sommelier program, offering expert guidance on daily catches and enhancing the guest experience through thoughtful pairings and storytelling.

Whether guests are looking to refine their culinary skills during the daytime workshop or savour an unforgettable evening by the ocean, this exclusive event with Chef Michael Mina promises a celebration of flavour, craftsmanship, and island-inspired hospitality.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit fourseasons.com/oahu or call (808) 679-0079.

MNO: Upstairs at Pier 38, Thirty-Eight, and Pitch Sports Bar

noreply@blogger.com (Nat) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Sometimes all you need is a night out with good friends, good food, and lots of laughter. That's exactly what we had during our latest moms' night out!

We kicked off the evening at Upstairs at Pier 38, where we enjoyed beautiful harbor views while easing into the night with a few appetizers. We ordered the Angry Ahi Tartare, which, despite its name, wasn't spicy at all. It was fresh, flavorful, and a great dish to share. We also enjoyed the Spanish Octopus and an order of Pommes Frites—both perfect for grazing while catching up after a busy week.

Our second stop was Thirty-Eight, a restaurant my friends had never been to before. I had visited shortly after they first opened, so I was excited to introduce them to it. We shared the Shrimp Toast, Ahi Carpaccio, Braised Short Ribs, and Choy Sum, and every dish was delicious. I was a little disappointed to discover that the Ahi Poke Crackers were no longer on the menu—they were one of my favorites from my first visit.

By the time we wrapped up dinner, it was already after 10 p.m. We had talked about making a late-night stop at Nico's, but they had already closed for the evening. Thankfully, our designated driver was game for one more adventure, so we made an impromptu stop at Pitch Sports Bar. We ended the night with a final round of drinks and an order of crispy tater tots—the perfect late-night snack to cap off the evening.

From waterfront appetizers to a memorable dinner and a fun late-night stop, it was one of those evenings that reminded me how important it is to make time for friends. I already can't wait until our next moms' night out!

Our Moms' Night Out Stops:

• Upstairs at Pier 38 – 1129 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI
• Thirty-Eight – 1129 N Nimitz Hwy, Suite B, Honolulu, HI
• Pitch Sports Bar – 685 Auahi Street, Honolulu, HI

Seven Brothers Mom's Bakery

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

I finally made the trek to Seven Brothers Mom's Bakery!

Chocolate Chip with Sea Salt

The Chocolate Chip Sea Salt cookie was yummy! It was soft and chewy, with huge chunks of chocolate throughout.

Cinnamon Roll

Coconut & Chocolate Chip Mac Nut

BOM Brownies

PB Chunk

Mom's Banana Bread

The banana bread was great. I liked the addition of the coconut for added sweetness and texture.

The bakery also offers gelato and shakes!

OREO Storm

Nutella Goddess

We all loved the treats we got. It was totally worth the drive!

Show your local ID for a kamaʻāina discount!

Seven Brothers Mom's Bakery
56-565 Kamehameha Hwy

Kahuku, HI 96731

Visit Anchorage: Kinley's Restaurant

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

We had a delightful dining experience at Kinley's Restaurant.

Side Caesar

Calamari Steak

Blackened Chicken Bacon Ranch

Lemon Ricotta Ravioli

Ahi Tacos

Coconut Crusted Rockfish

Tenderloin Burger

I had the ravioli, and I enjoyed it. It was made with fresh Alaska pasta, and topped with a basil and sunflower seed pesto, focaccia crumbles, and shaved pecorino-romano. The dish was well balanced in flavors and textures, and the sauteed veggies were a nice accompaniment.

I thought it was great that you could order from the bar menu if preferred (one of my kids ordered a burger; another ordered a chicken sandwich).

Service was exceptional!

Kinley's Restaurant
3230 Seward Hwy
Anchorage, AK 99503

Tadashi

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

I met @deniset73 at Tadashi in Pearl Kai Center. It's been decades since I went to Tadashi - it was often a spot I'd go to when I used to work at the airport.

Things have changed, however, since then. It seems like they are still operating as they did during the pandemic, with tables spaced out very far apart, and a bunch of tables / chairs pushed up against the wall in the back. You also have 90 minutes to dine.

Soba, Tsukemono, Miso Soup

We both ordered teishoku, which comes with soba, tsukemono, miso foup, and rice.

Butterfish Misoyaki

I had the Teriyaki Chicken & Tempura Special Combination Teishoku.

I was very surprised by the huge portion of teriyaki chicken, which also came with a side salad. The sauce was good, but the chicken was a bit on the tougher side. The tempura was good, although I thought the batter could've been crisper.

The service was attentive and the food was fine. There seemed to be lots of regulars dining, and it was nice to see all locals.

Denise did her research, and read that if you pay by cash, you get a 7% discount, so she had cash handy!

We were done with dinner in less than an hour!

Tadashi
98-199 Kamehameha Hwy

Aiea, HI 96701

Mango Mango Dessert Deals on National Mango Day, July 22

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 02:13:33 +0000

To celebrate National Mango Day on Wednesday, July 22, visit Mango Mango to get a Mango Green Tea with Lychee or a Mango Bubble Milk Tea for just $5!

This promotion is valid at both the Ala Moana Center and Pearlridge Center locations.

Visit Alaska: Reindeer Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

While in Alaska, we only had one thing on the itinerary (a glacier cruise), and we just went on random explorations on all the other days.

One day we found ourselves close to Palmer, so we went to the Reindeer Farm, where they not only raise reindeer, but also other rescued and adopted animals.

You go on a self-guided tour where there are educational encounters along the way, during which time you can feed some of the animals (moose, reindeer, bison, yaks, alpacas, and highland cattle).

I sure learned a lot about the animals, and feeding them was quite the experience.

On the farm you'll also find a reptile house, a play area for kids, lots of photo ops, and a fun "Who's Your Reindeer" game that my kids could not stop playing!

It was so fun getting up close to the animals, especially ones we rarely see, and feeding them.

It was a great, impromptu stop!

Reindeer Farm
5561 Bodenburg Loop

Palmer, AK 99645

Visit Alaska: Twin Peaks Treats

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Just about in the middle of nowhere, you'll find Twin Peaks Treats - a convenience store selling all sorts snacks, food, drinks, and ice cream!

We first passed it by on the way to Eklutna Lake, and on the way out, we decided to stop in, and we are so glad we did.

Mint Chocolate Chip

Colony Caramel Crunch

Coffee Toffee

Huckleberry Cheesecake

They feature Alaskan-made Big Dipper Ice Cream. I had the Huckleberry Cheesecake, and it was delish, with rich pieces of cheesecake throughout.

Twin Peaks Treats was such a great stop!

Twin Peaks Treats
37501 Eklutna Lake Rd
Chugiak, AK 99567

UH Travel Industry Management Alumni Association Celebrates 60 Years with TIM Night Revival at Oahu Country Club August 28

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 02:31:35 +0000

The University of Hawaiʻi Travel Industry Management (TIM) Alumni Association will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the TIM School with a special edition revival of TIM Night on August 28, celebrating the program’s legacy of leadership and excellence in hospitality education.

The date was intentionally selected to honor the birthday of the late Dean Chuck Gee, whose visionary leadership helped shape the TIM program. This milestone celebration will take place at Oʻahu Country Club — the original site of the inaugural TIM Night in 1971 — bringing the event full circle for alumni and industry supporters.

First established in 1971, TIM Night became the school’s signature student-produced event, offering hands-on experience in planning and executing a large-scale hospitality production attended by industry leaders. For nearly four decades, it served as a “living classroom,” blending academic learning with real-world application and helping launch countless careers in Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry.

The 60th anniversary celebration will reunite alumni, hospitality professionals, and community partners for an evening of nostalgia, connection, and celebration. Entertainment will feature a distinguished lineup of TIM alumni and invited guests, including:

Candes Meijide Gentry (UH ’98) - 1999 Miss Hawaiʻi, serving as emcee
Pastor Joe Pluta (UH ‘74) - invocation

Honoring the tradition of TIM Night, guests will be seated at themed tables (eight per table) inspired by past productions, with the option to dress according to theme or in formal attire. This immersive format celebrates the creativity and cultural storytelling that defined TIM Night for generations of students.

“TIM Night represents one of the most impactful learning experiences in the program’s history,” said Lee-Ann Choy (UH ’88), UH TIM Alumni Association President. “As we celebrate 60 years, we are proud to honor the traditions, people, and partnerships that continue to shape Hawaiʻi’s hospitality industry.”

Tickets are priced at $100 per person, with a portion of proceeds supporting the refurbishment of the Gee Technology Center. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.eventleaf.com/e/60TIMNIGHT2026.

The event is organized by the TIM Alumni Association (TIM International Inc.), a 501(c)(7) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening alumni connections and advancing the legacy of the TIM program.

Cino

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

I met some friends for dinner at Cino at Ward Village, and we ended up ordering to eat everything family-style.

Salt Roasted Baby Beet

The beets were refreshing, and I enjoyed the accompanying goat cheese, aged balsamic, mac nuts, and charred oranges, all of which added flavor and textural dimensions to the dish.

Fritto Misto

I enjoyed the Fritto Misto, which included calamari, shrimp, and various veggies.

Herb Pappardelle

The Pappardelle was my favorite dish of the night. The braised short rib was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The pasta (all pastas are housemade), was perfectly cooked.

Pork Chop

The Pork Chop was another hit of the table.

King Crab Pasta

The King Crab Pasta, with uni, turned out to be the least favorite of the night.

Cino Pinwheel

At $77, we were curious as to what made this award-winning dish, so we decided to give it a try. Made with European butter, ricotta, and truffles, this dish was indeed rich in more ways than one. It was so decadent, and full of umami.

Service was great, and we had a nice time at Cino.

Cino

987 Queen St Ste 100

Honolulu, HI 96814

Visit Anchorage: Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

A very popular spot for pizza in Anchorage is Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria.

Caesar

Avalanche

The Avalanche Pizza was topped with pepperoni, blackened chicken, bacon, red onions, parsley, cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, and barbecue sauce.

Classic

The Classic was topped with pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, mozzarella, provolone, and marinara.

Of the two, I loved the Avalanche more. It was a nice combo of savory, tangy, and sweet (from the barbecue sauce). The crust was charred nicely on both.

It was a very busy spot for pizza!

Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria

3300 Old Seward Hwy

Anchorage, AK 99503

Visit Orlando: Caribe Royale Resort

noreply@blogger.com (Nat) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

I recently spent five nights at the Royale Caribe in Orlando while attending a conference. Although this wasn't a family vacation, I couldn't help but think how perfect this resort would be for a future trip to Disney World with my family.

One thing that immediately stood out was how spacious the suites are. As you enter the room, you're greeted by a living room with a sofa and seating area, giving everyone a little extra space to spread out instead of heading straight into the bedroom. The suite also includes a mini refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker—amenities that are convenient for travelers (especially families) looking to store snacks, reheat leftovers, or enjoy a quick breakfast before heading out for the day.

The property has a relaxed resort atmosphere with plenty of amenities to keep everyone entertained. One of my favorite conveniences was having a Starbucks right on-site for my morning coffee before conference sessions.

Starbucks at the entrance

I also found myself making several stops at The Market, which offers a great selection of grab-and-go meals, hot sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and desserts.

Their Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie was AMAZING!

Italian Panini

The pool area is definitely one of the highlights. There's a fun waterslide, hot tubs, and a separate kiddie pool, making it a great place for families with children of all ages.

The two-story fitness center is spacious and well-equipped, and I really enjoyed the 1.5-mile walking and jogging trail around the property (in fact, I started my days with a 3 mile jog every morning). There are also basketball and paddle tennis courts, so there's no shortage of ways to stay active during your stay.

Another major advantage is the location. The resort is conveniently located just minutes from Walt Disney World and offers complimentary shuttle service to and from the Disney parks, making it easy to enjoy the parks without the hassle of driving or paying for parking.

Although I was in Orlando for business, I left thinking this is a resort I'd gladly return to with my family. The spacious suites, in-room amenities, family-friendly recreation, convenient dining options, and close proximity to Disney make Royale Caribe a great choice for both business travelers and vacationing families.

Lobby

The Venetian Chop House

Rum Bar

Stadium Club

Tropicale

Gift Shop

Outside

Arcade

Jacuzzi

Kiddie Splash Pool

Fitness Center

Poolside Mobile Ordering!

Tower II

CARIBE ROYALE ORLANDO

8101 WORLD CENTER DRIVE

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Mango Mango x Milk & Mocha Bear Collab

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Just in time for summer is the Mango Mango x Milk & Mocha Bear Collab!

For a limited time, you can get your hands on refreshing, sweet treats and exclusive merch!

I was invited to Mango Mango and was fortunate to have received the following:

Blue Lagoon Cove (MangoMango’s signature mango blend + coconut chia, mango, blue coconut jelly strips, and toasted coconut flakes.

Sunny-Coco Burst (coconut water, mango popping bubbles, coconut cream).

Milk & Mocha Tag-Along

Such a cute collab!

Visit Anchorage: Motley Moo

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:00:00 +0000

On our last night in Anchorage, we had ice cream at Motley Moo. The tiny shop in a somewhat inconspicuous space was packed when we arrived.

I like that they offer a single-split, allowing to you to get two flavors for a single scoop option. The split scoops were generously sized, in my opinion. I'm guessing the double scoop is huge!

Cookies & Cream + Bananas Chronister

You can't go wrong with Cookies & Cream, and the Bananas Chronister was so good. If you love Bananas Foster, you'll love this flavor. I especially loved the Bananas Foster toffee pieces throughout. The flavor is inspired by a band teacher (Mr. Chronister) and a band trip to NOLA, where Bananas Foster originated.

Cocoanutty Cow + Huckleberry Cornbread

Cocoanutty Cow is inspired by Almond Joy.

Shake

The kids got shakes with a flavor of their choosing, such as Sweet Child of Mine (donut ice cream with natural rainbow sprinkles).

The ice cream from Motley Moo did not disappoint!

Motley Moo
11900 Industry Way unit m-8
Anchorage, AK 99515