i like to eat.

i like to eat. http://piggie.posterous.com Most recent posts at i like to eat. posterous.com Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:53:00 -0800 Wailea + Cheeseburgers http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/F9zraQYxFRM/wailea-cheeseburgers http://piggie.posterous.com/wailea-cheeseburgers <p> <p>Driving around the island, we ended up at the <a href="http://www.grandwailea.com" target="_blank">Grand Wailea</a>, a humongous and extravagant resort. The resort was grand; with its waterfalls and beautiful flowers covering the entire property. There was even a little church and mini beach for kids—they didn't call it Grand for nothing.</p> <p class="p1">We were staying at the <a href="http://www.westinmaui.com" target="_blank">Westin Suites</a> (an hour away), which is nice, but this placed was incomparable! I guess I shouldn’t have expected any less, Grand Wailea IS owned by the luxurious Waldorf Astoria.</p> <p class="p1"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/foepjhAyhgwAIboAweyldvDrbaDtlxqbscJffnxIHqibHhhhHnDufboyCmkA/111111_grandWailea1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_grandwailea1" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/foepjhAyhgwAIboAweyldvDrbaDtlxqbscJffnxIHqibHhhhHnDufboyCmkA/111111_grandWailea1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/ynHkveudbcdqIjxIbteIhfiDFzxJExdCwyIEgozIfxcJIqprDcdwDAbzuAqt/111111_grandWailea2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_grandwailea2" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/ynHkveudbcdqIjxIbteIhfiDFzxJExdCwyIEgozIfxcJIqprDcdwDAbzuAqt/111111_grandWailea2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/dCddGoCoDspqtFlAhrfsfytBhxCetlthxECDjDomdmAzIwokmftBslHwGqbj/111111_grandWailea3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_grandwailea3" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/dCddGoCoDspqtFlAhrfsfytBhxCetlthxECDjDomdmAzIwokmftBslHwGqbj/111111_grandWailea3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/jzsacAzcnEuireaAnAHIlfuAuFtphctxanJuefuldiHmjzokchpgFzFyABih/111111_grandWailea5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_grandwailea5" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/jzsacAzcnEuireaAnAHIlfuAuFtphctxanJuefuldiHmjzokchpgFzFyABih/111111_grandWailea5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/GaEFnuDlwBjsomfuBobAmmwkfdbfBCmozylquzCDmhngnbApvxpbJnIzmxJz/111111_grandWailea6.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_grandwailea6" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/GaEFnuDlwBjsomfuBobAmmwkfdbfBCmozylquzCDmhngnbApvxpbJnIzmxJz/111111_grandWailea6.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/iuuqrAegpypvyrxFGwutmnfzpEowEmDnJzHgcqcsrkxrfgHnpbwvDIJhhExl/111111_grandWailea7.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_grandwailea7" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/iuuqrAegpypvyrxFGwutmnfzpEowEmDnJzHgcqcsrkxrfgHnpbwvDIJhhExl/111111_grandWailea7.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/AxHdjfgBuCinvkjsxrgHBuGcffdierrGyedBAzjfmbCcDJfyzrHmhkHhDDcu/111111_grandWailea8.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_grandwailea8" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/AxHdjfgBuCinvkjsxrgHBuGcffdierrGyedBAzjfmbCcDJfyzrHmhkHhDDcu/111111_grandWailea8.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/tbIafvuebgpxtozfodtCwbgzDDfbADtcynnrICHfaizDcEjyskhnjcoaHhrm/111111_grandWailea9.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_grandwailea9" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/tbIafvuebgpxtozfodtCwbgzDDfbADtcynnrICHfaizDcEjyskhnjcoaHhrm/111111_grandWailea9.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/BhriowHBtxwxkHkidnaxnphtqceytivkgCbHtlzgbJkhrgfuqbadkthAfGHJ/111111_grandWailea10.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_grandwailea10" height="375" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/BhriowHBtxwxkHkidnaxnphtqceytivkgCbHtlzgbJkhrgfuqbadkthAfGHJ/111111_grandWailea10.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/CkrIcznCzbpJAdgHlrsHmgIqGwGajnhtEzrGAadqvEtBBHovCfFvmwAvHiEE/111111_grandWailea11.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_grandwailea11" height="667" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/CkrIcznCzbpJAdgHlrsHmgIqGwGajnhtEzrGAadqvEtBBHovCfFvmwAvHiEE/111111_grandWailea11.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/yxJqjhhpeGBfypzgfuDcchcHitBmDbeykCJjshiosobIxzBsBuDlwsaJzDbz/111111_grandWailea12.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_grandwailea12" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/yxJqjhhpeGBfypzgfuDcchcHitBmDbeykCJjshiosobIxzBsBuDlwsaJzDbz/111111_grandWailea12.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/wailea-cheeseburgers">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> After roaming around Grand Wailea, we headed over to <a href="http://www.theshopsatwailea.com" target="_blank">The Shops at Wailea</a>, a mixture of high-end retailers and knick-knack stores.</p> <p class="p2">One of the stores I particularly enjoyed was Sand People, a shop filled with all things Hawaiian. I loved the vintage-inspired packaging.</p> <p class="p2"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/inizkzAxEHjAgdivyHiweCnFmEulGgeEaeqjnbAsFAgchedfrxJwBxIaHBmA/111111_sandPeople1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_sandpeople1" height="667" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/inizkzAxEHjAgdivyHiweCnFmEulGgeEaeqjnbAsFAgchedfrxJwBxIaHBmA/111111_sandPeople1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/erupAICtxcmHwugqletugvwrCFiJxiwGyntdaIpradpaqvpiGdDCAGmrBjtA/111111_sandPeople2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_sandpeople2" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/erupAICtxcmHwugqletugvwrCFiJxiwGyntdaIpradpaqvpiGdDCAGmrBjtA/111111_sandPeople2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/qgkoEDGahjjffvauliJiynmcsEEnqbJuaosDhtEoygfrwgAfJFmlbeionGwl/111111_sandPeople3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_sandpeople3" height="667" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/qgkoEDGahjjffvauliJiynmcsEEnqbJuaosDhtEoygfrwgAfJFmlbeionGwl/111111_sandPeople3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/pjwgdltjuuirgjvjbBCBBwrHffoutcznjbyfBtnFsylqaBFwGIHqlfmdkhss/111111_sandPeople4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_sandpeople4" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/pjwgdltjuuirgjvjbBCBBwrHffoutcznjbyfBtnFsylqaBFwGIHqlfmdkhss/111111_sandPeople4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/JabhmwExfwxHmCgdqIJCuDrEJskGkgfICvFvbAqnztosenjsyIpzFiiDHBsI/111111_sandPeople5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_sandpeople5" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/JabhmwExfwxHmCgdqIJCuDrEJskGkgfICvFvbAqnztosenjsyIpzFiiDHBsI/111111_sandPeople5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/dcvozhFCFxvabBlkretxatzfygDFJbwilDdeDCyGezhoJanfngfseckpnjHw/111111_sandPeople6.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_sandpeople6" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/dcvozhFCFxvabBlkretxatzfygDFJbwilDdeDCyGezhoJanfngfseckpnjHw/111111_sandPeople6.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/wailea-cheeseburgers">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p class="p1">The other store I liked was Ki’I Gallery, a small gallery with beautiful glass mini planet sculptures by <a href="http://www.joshsimpson.com/gallery2/v/planets/" target="_blank">Josh Simpson</a> (I want one!) and butterfly art.</p> <p class="p2"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/JrFBithdpkoshisaDwezbCxJrBHzucykglCmGmxaHFAakCFhxhuoHIqwkivz/111111_kiiGallery1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_kiigallery1" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/JrFBithdpkoshisaDwezbCxJrBHzucykglCmGmxaHFAakCFhxhuoHIqwkivz/111111_kiiGallery1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/GykhjylkftsxlICybJsDejqoxdgzcxDbfFImmsgfbkGdsxldnqFJCwfpApfD/111111_kiiGallery2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_kiigallery2" height="667" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/GykhjylkftsxlICybJsDejqoxdgzcxDbfFImmsgfbkGdsxldnqFJCwfpApfD/111111_kiiGallery2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/kewadBndrCDahqesnvcdkpwozAqknkzkqElppcdhwbJjjbmqnEbuGnGuAlJE/111111_kiiGallery3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_kiigallery3" height="667" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/kewadBndrCDahqesnvcdkpwozAqknkzkqElppcdhwbJjjbmqnEbuGnGuAlJE/111111_kiiGallery3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/wailea-cheeseburgers">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p class="p1">It was so hot and humid; we took a break and went to <a href="http://www.cheeseburgerland.com/Cheeseburgerland/Home.html" target="_blank">Cheeseburger</a> for a drink.</p> <p class="p2"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/AeCbquwfvlGgEJkudIlmIpEuvnlFzaeIlpmBlIeyjGmbzqDvcoDmqnxuzfdB/111111_cheeseburger1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_cheeseburger1" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/AeCbquwfvlGgEJkudIlmIpEuvnlFzaeIlpmBlIeyjGmbzqDvcoDmqnxuzfdB/111111_cheeseburger1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Persuaded by the excellent copywriting on the menu, we both ordered their “famous” pina colada and mai tai. Meh. Not that great, at all. Hard to <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/shave-ice-the-mai-tai" target="_blank">compare</a> when you already had the best pina colada and mai tai.</p> <p class="p2"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/HtAsJwJwviFaqzEwGmnmrBGyzkaxdbcfGsyJdrhiptHEgzEzvgBeIdfFigEn/111111_cheeseburger2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_cheeseburger2" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/HtAsJwJwviFaqzEwGmnmrBGyzkaxdbcfGsyJdrhiptHEgzEzvgBeIdfFigEn/111111_cheeseburger2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/DDdwizdcvAfxHkbtwAvmAHuCHlihmwJyrxexvsszrBAmqdgDccdqBCqHEoIv/111111_cheeseburger3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_cheeseburger3" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/DDdwizdcvAfxHkbtwAvmAHuCHlihmwJyrxexvsszrBAmqdgDccdqBCqHEoIv/111111_cheeseburger3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/wailea-cheeseburgers">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p class="p1">Also a little hungry, we figured we should order their sliders, considering the name of the restaurant was Cheeseburger.</p> <p class="p2">These greasy sliders weren’t appetizing at all. They were so bland and oily. How can this place have FIVE locations and serve sucky food? Especially when the owners are from California, the state known for its amazing food?<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/FbdjkwulqcxmifbmbtgjpccqAfkxJAvwhlcCgcgCbwgaJJonkrEihEDjkeqF/111111_cheeseburger4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_cheeseburger4" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-02-11/FbdjkwulqcxmifbmbtgjpccqAfkxJAvwhlcCgcgCbwgaJJonkrEihEDjkeqF/111111_cheeseburger4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/wailea-cheeseburgers">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/wailea-cheeseburgers#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/F9zraQYxFRM" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/wailea-cheeseburgers Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:23:00 -0800 Picture Perfect http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/Yz1uJOoUHbo/picture-perfect http://piggie.posterous.com/picture-perfect <p> <p><a href="http://www.badassmaui.com" target="_blank">Bad Ass Coffee</a> to start the day—hula pie, a sweet, dark roast coffee.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/uDEptEAJFBEroqFhfcAAjrDmBayyHEatArrdwnisGBukqhpebIJoDfGvFDHb/111111_badAss1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_badass1" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/uDEptEAJFBEroqFhfcAAjrDmBayyHEatArrdwnisGBukqhpebIJoDfGvFDHb/111111_badAss1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/tpxIEzBBnJkgGgakHlHGfydbDuFzihukwGgjpdmoCoJnHkliumdqjhuAIbkw/111111_badAss2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_badass2" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/tpxIEzBBnJkgGgakHlHGfydbDuFzihukwGgjpdmoCoJnHkliumdqjhuAIbkw/111111_badAss2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/xbvxBuykGnifmHuqvzhBveBqgIAsrjppawGdisCCgIBvnJIBxIAbgoqbccoA/111111_badAss3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_badass3" height="667" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/xbvxBuykGnifmHuqvzhBveBqgIAsrjppawGdisCCgIBvnJIBxIAbgoqbccoA/111111_badAss3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/picture-perfect">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>Known for their fresh fish, we went to <a href="http://www.fishmarketmaui.com/" target="_blank">The Fish Market</a> for some sandwiches. I wanted everything in the counter. The fish looked like it was caught that morning and the salads had good seafood to vegetable ratio (<a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/the-go-to-place-mocca" target="_blank">I love seafood salads</a>).</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/zgoFwJgbHEzCvotvIjIeucIvxCtFwkgoeleqhbbtnnAgsotbjcfHqktypilI/111111_fishMarket1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_fishmarket1" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/zgoFwJgbHEzCvotvIjIeucIvxCtFwkgoeleqhbbtnnAgsotbjcfHqktypilI/111111_fishMarket1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/zDebxsvhxecJhdGzjHmeAeavdElzukmhxddecuGtodjxqbrDspdfJgpuGlij/111111_fishMarket2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_fishmarket2" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/zDebxsvhxecJhdGzjHmeAeavdElzukmhxddecuGtodjxqbrDspdfJgpuGlij/111111_fishMarket2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/vFJydJibaojFaiccFtHEIvqaGrxsazjdHEomaGHoHgqbqIlIBhofgdjdjGxf/111111_fishMarket3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_fishmarket3" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/vFJydJibaojFaiccFtHEIvqaGrxsazjdHEomaGHoHgqbqIlIBhofgdjdjGxf/111111_fishMarket3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/osFpbfnccAzzxdovrpmulcFlhAErftgDdGfiibfchackGzcmgxniDwGesqqn/111111_fishMarket4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_fishmarket4" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/osFpbfnccAzzxdovrpmulcFlhAErftgDdGfiibfchackGzcmgxniDwGesqqn/111111_fishMarket4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/picture-perfect">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> While waiting, we got a $1 oyster shooter. It didn’t taste all that fresh and I think hot sauce is often added to mask it. I hoped this wasn’t foreshadowing our “fresh” fish.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/mBcusAEptydAmAHqhdnAxsnimtfuAbIhhorrmshkfrEaAmvewrxzszcziHBG/111111_fishMarket6.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_fishmarket6" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/mBcusAEptydAmAHqhdnAxsnimtfuAbIhhorrmshkfrEaAmvewrxzszcziHBG/111111_fishMarket6.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/jCJcdgaryHdEcatFJvnkizdlJCAaoqabbCzjdrfuvoHpEmopbFvyrIBseHrv/111111_fishMarket5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_fishmarket5" height="667" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/jCJcdgaryHdEcatFJvnkizdlJCAaoqabbCzjdrfuvoHpEmopbFvyrIBseHrv/111111_fishMarket5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/picture-perfect">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>We got our big fish sandwiches and walked across the street to the <a href="http://www.co.maui.hi.us/facilities.aspx?pagenum=45&RID=107&Page=detail" target="_blank">Honokowai Beach Park</a>. It was the perfect, beautiful and uninterrupted view of the ocean.<br /><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/EmbkHCtmhAjbCxsbdyIamgzoHDElcoxaEvcgdlvepCAdshqobxeCEtpgoAqg/111111_badAss4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_badass4" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/EmbkHCtmhAjbCxsbdyIamgzoHDElcoxaEvcgdlvepCAdshqobxeCEtpgoAqg/111111_badAss4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> I ordered the grilled fish of the day, opah. The herb bun sandwich was smothered with homemade tartar sauce, tomatoes, shoyu (soy sauce) caramelized onions, shredded lettuce and a whole lot of opah. That’s what I’m talking about. No hiding here—big, meaty, fresh chunks of opah. Delicious. This might be the first time I’ve had fresh fish in Hawaii, something I thought was easily attainable everywhere. </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/IqnuCprjerotoxjFlIfJEgvEAgFydmnodpHbBiyoxJxqgergFrJAwHaouHnv/111111_fishMarket8.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_fishmarket8" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/IqnuCprjerotoxjFlIfJEgvEAgFydmnodpHbBiyoxJxqgergFrJAwHaouHnv/111111_fishMarket8.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/BEwpurrjEkGbCcHnGnebpqDajcryjrJmrbesnwmjmAEhaaukDGGvwIHyBqAc/111111_fishMarket7.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_fishmarket7" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/BEwpurrjEkGbCcHnGnebpqDajcryjrJmrbesnwmjmAEhaaukDGGvwIHyBqAc/111111_fishMarket7.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/picture-perfect">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> <a href="http://bit.ly/5wKZ3C" target="_blank">Jason</a> got the seared ahi steak sandwich, similar to mine, but a nice, medium rare seared ahi with wasabi aioli and on an onion bun.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/nIxJrsgAieByjgkuoCzIJDJxuqGwJhpCtcxiwaAiepeflxdxpAgcJzsryblg/111111_fishMarket9.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111111_fishmarket9" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/nIxJrsgAieByjgkuoCzIJDJxuqGwJhpCtcxiwaAiepeflxdxpAgcJzsryblg/111111_fishMarket9.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>It was good, but I thought mine was way better. We were supposed to split our sandwiches, half and half, since they were so large. But, I wanted mine back (hah!) and I didn’t really care for his.</p> <p>The ahi steak was satisfying, but I thought the texture of the sandwich ended up being mushy because of the rare ahi. My opah was cooked all the way through, resulting in a meaty texture that held it’s own against the creaminess of the rest of the sandwich.</p> <p>It was quite a luxurious meal ($14 each), but the best fish sandwich I’ve had, beats McDonald’s, for sure.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/picture-perfect">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/picture-perfect#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/Yz1uJOoUHbo" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/picture-perfect Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:56:00 -0800 The Luau http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/SNWpLns3m-0/the-luau http://piggie.posterous.com/the-luau <p> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/5wKZ3C" target="_blank">Jason</a> and I went back to the <a href="http://www.westinmaui.com/" target="_blank">Westin</a> and relaxed at the beach.  We killed a chunk of time by reading, watching other beach bums, snacking and working on our tan. It was relaxing to not care about time and simply let our minds wander. </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/eijzFxsagqckgxnnDCGocbfaJyjFlgqBAagohJagCjzICvrACsBEoesdhHsf/111011_westin.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_westin" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/eijzFxsagqckgxnnDCGocbfaJyjFlgqBAagohJagCjzICvrACsBEoesdhHsf/111011_westin.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>For dinner, <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/cwDwIbulls" target="_blank">our newlywed friends</a> invited us to a luau, an informal gathering for food and entertainment. We’ve never been to one, so we were both excited to attend this Hawaiian tradition.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.oldlahainaluau.com/" target="_blank">Old Lahaina Luau</a> was held near the <a href="http://www.lahainacannerymall.com" target="_blank">Lahaina Cannery Mall</a>, a 15-minute drive from the hotel. We saw a beautiful rainbow right after we parked. It was my first time seeing a complete rainbow, both ends visibly in sight.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/HGazDEJklzkzvbmfFzeaErtDnkwcBhceEomtdpzpaIuqyIuGIInmyalceCCA/111011_rainbow.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_rainbow" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/HGazDEJklzkzvbmfFzeaErtDnkwcBhceEomtdpzpaIuqyIuGIInmyalceCCA/111011_rainbow.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/EEvyAuayFxxwuseFogsxyEIfeAvjbbrgHakawjatavhgrsCGJGoCmrEcGedw/111011_luau1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_luau1" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/EEvyAuayFxxwuseFogsxyEIfeAvjbbrgHakawjatavhgrsCGJGoCmrEcGedw/111011_luau1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/nkuzwaCyqkFyJakFnazdoIGkryoqcBlAnxEGtjsrAnDvxincBJviIqAAiJvH/111011_luau2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_luau2" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/nkuzwaCyqkFyJakFnazdoIGkryoqcBlAnxEGtjsrAnDvxincBJviIqAAiJvH/111011_luau2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/qjerIHjzzj">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>As we funneled through the door, we were immediately greeted with kukui nut necklaces and a cocktail.</p> <p>Finally, I got lei’d in Hawaii! I was surprised it didn't happen sooner. I imagined as soon as I stepped off the plane, I’d be greeted with an orchid lei—just like the movies. Sadly, nothing like that happened.</p> <p>With our mai tais in hand, a bare-chested man escorted us to our tables. The large center stage and the number of tables surprised me. We could see the ocean and the sun setting, but I was expecting a different type of luau—what I’ve seen in movies. On the beach, intimate, long table of 50 people, pig roasting in the background, dancing... Twice, my idea of Hawaii has been deceived by the movies.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/ECIzxxIIcllrdexEDyadpgmualsJnetsFxdcrpCmIsuaueyCoBgIfHrzqtHg/111011_luau4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_luau4" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/ECIzxxIIcllrdexEDyadpgmualsJnetsFxdcrpCmIsuaueyCoBgIfHrzqtHg/111011_luau4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/BGedCeaIeEHBDkBHzEbuFAdefhAfcDFHhpDdbujIeodcxpigskIxCxwvonCd/111011_luau5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_luau5" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/BGedCeaIeEHBDkBHzEbuFAdefhAfcDFHhpDdbujIeodcxpigskIxCxwvonCd/111011_luau5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/wIgFmxwkAglsJqcpoljykDFxhyIikFvthIxfxbCEIgatFsHCsabkGgqJvFGh/111011_luau3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_luau3" height="375" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/wIgFmxwkAglsJqcpoljykDFxhyIikFvthIxfxbCEIgatFsHCsabkGgqJvFGh/111011_luau3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/qjerIHjzzj">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>As the other guests arrived, we were able to walk around, take pictures and buy local handmade souvenirs.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/kfjestwgqwojmwAEeHsHhAewrkuvkJhCqsfxctgnttishexeCbbeIIItGszH/111011_luau7.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_luau7" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/kfjestwgqwojmwAEeHsHhAewrkuvkJhCqsfxctgnttishexeCbbeIIItGszH/111011_luau7.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/uvFnzjctrnIGHwGECrzfcDmEfhjflzikHJsHernJslyJeDGHuqcpehhmakys/111011_luau8.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_luau8" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/uvFnzjctrnIGHwGECrzfcDmEfhjflzikHJsHernJslyJeDGHuqcpehhmakys/111011_luau8.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/pIgoJDzwsaDGhFtHmybCpEroexqpqxceJdcGqhDfDIGzgiwjbGxABFIckect/111011_luau10.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_luau10" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/pIgoJDzwsaDGhFtHmybCpEroexqpqxceJdcGqhDfDIGzgiwjbGxABFIckect/111011_luau10.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/AJCuDlwoFrdwuJIhljvhaitIdskeDcJqBbvzjBnhDvCcBwAhbeBulGJcAEdE/111011_luau11.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_luau11" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/AJCuDlwoFrdwuJIhljvhaitIdskeDcJqBbvzjBnhDvCcBwAhbeBulGJcAEdE/111011_luau11.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/lEnppfjqJfAslipmccCsGFznccJnlirEIwGccnEBugiFJyFIDfmwlCkzbftG/111011_luau12.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_luau12" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/lEnppfjqJfAslipmccCsGFznccJnlirEIwGccnEBugiFJyFIDfmwlCkzbftG/111011_luau12.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/EtfjudAkgwdpcAaCCJgsjgrHndJnAxaCDqJcmBqbrIDpkctChkpbfCnuxJkH/111011_luau13.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_luau13" height="667" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/EtfjudAkgwdpcAaCCJgsjgrHndJnAxaCDqJcmBqbrIDpkctChkpbfCnuxJkH/111011_luau13.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/qjerIHjzzj">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>Right before dinner, we saw the big kalua pig removed from its <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalua" target="_blank">imu</a>, underground oven.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/zxJnFlaoDFjzuopwkithHpxCntxfbrmtobCswfzhIbrczgzoeEtxwGssgtgg/111011_luau14.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_luau14" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/zxJnFlaoDFjzuopwkithHpxCntxfbrmtobCswfzhIbrczgzoeEtxwGssgtgg/111011_luau14.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/lfozyhaADnoHxvDtxoowDorrgvsouHoIelFAwprzglqEpjgdcIzabewEzBtA/111011_luau15.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_luau15" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/lfozyhaADnoHxvDtxoowDorrgvsouHoIelFAwprzglqEpjgdcIzabewEzBtA/111011_luau15.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/qjerIHjzzj">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> <div class='p_embed p_video_embed'> <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/qjerIHjzzj"><img alt="" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/video.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/dhbjGtuaJgklICBedwuiqcEIrFctssfHzupnzmyBfhFpkrJlhhlGvpgBJhHl/frame_0000.png" /></a> <div class='p_embed_description'> <strong>111011_luau15_-_Computer.m4v</strong> <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/qjerIHjzzj">Watch on Posterous</a> </div> </div> </p> <p>Dinner was buffet style and offered a large assortment of dishes. I saw many familiar traditional Hawaiian dishes, considering we were at <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/onolicious" target="_blank">Helena’s a couple days prior</a>.</p> <p>I took a little bit of everything: green salad (had to get some freshness on my plate!), stir fried vegetables, lomi lomi salmon (salmon ceviche), Polynesian baked mahi mahi (too dry), kalua pua’a (not bad) fried rice, crab salad (delicious and full of mayonnaise), taro salad (taro, spinach and coconut sauce) to fresh papaya.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/IqsfktrIBGrcihGJacqbgzhCvBgtcqgwveBwGmkJcxrjcCFFgAogjeHsfitg/111011_luau16.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_luau16" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/IqsfktrIBGrcihGJacqbgzhCvBgtcqgwveBwGmkJcxrjcCFFgAogjeHsfitg/111011_luau16.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>It was all mediocre food. Even the much anticipated kalua pua’a didn’t match my expectations. It’s hard to compare, considering everything at Helena’s was so good. Cocktails were all-you-can-drink and I tried a variety, but they were all very light in alcohol. Probably a good thing, considering our livers needed to rest at least one night.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/ByqDCvFhDlfsvqinmGxzHHBkanraHsbwwIqArHncardEfdkfBJlqaDxEmwww/111011_luau9.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_luau9" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/ByqDCvFhDlfsvqinmGxzHHBkanraHsbwwIqArHncardEfdkfBJlqaDxEmwww/111011_luau9.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Soon, the entertainment at the center stage began. It was an enjoyable show of cultural dances and music.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/HJDuvikhykpBatfkABziwsEphvaqBiorCGGbbamlrcaqBHGFlcEzjhporvxd/111011_luau18.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_luau18" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/HJDuvikhykpBatfkABziwsEphvaqBiorCGGbbamlrcaqBHGFlcEzjhporvxd/111011_luau18.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> For dessert, we were offered a plate of haupia (coconut pudding), macadamia nut cake tart and luau bar (chocolate and coconut bar). Fresh fruit was a better dessert option in my opinion—sweet papaya, watermelon and honeydew, yum.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/tmwBfefkaHmmGopCBwldChyshxvtlICaoJdJvudJnqxFFJCGupIJjjAjpbkd/111011_luau17.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_luau17" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-16/tmwBfefkaHmmGopCBwldChyshxvtlICaoJdJvudJnqxFFJCGupIJjjAjpbkd/111011_luau17.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Overall, the luau was very commercialized, with hundreds of other tourists, but it was still entertaining and had decent food. Again, I imagined something way more intimate, but I think it’s essential to do any type of luau when you’re in Hawaii—at least once.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/the-luau">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/the-luau#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/SNWpLns3m-0" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/the-luau Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:14:00 -0800 Lilikoi http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/AcQhdLmFar4/94358309 http://piggie.posterous.com/94358309 <p> <p>Our new friends we met from <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/luke-yukaris-wedding" target="_blank">the wedding</a> recommended a fruit stand, directly across from the plantation, where the wedding the night before was held at. They told us to get the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passiflora_edulis" target="_blank">lilikoi</a> (passion fruit) juice and considering I love lilikoi, I couldn’t pass. Also, I’ve been eyeing this stand ever since we drove by it, so I was happy to hear a positive recommendation.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/fAnzGqkgqvqrFAvyFnnuBzeylsDwqroasplEfFmErGtlcljmpcctDopsdFhq/111011_fruitStand1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_fruitstand1" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/fAnzGqkgqvqrFAvyFnnuBzeylsDwqroasplEfFmErGtlcljmpcctDopsdFhq/111011_fruitStand1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/egafazlbFctgksodFbdehDfllwgGdkBdAaGggfqpcfoxkdgIIxBGGrJGeatk/111011_fruitStand2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_fruitstand2" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/egafazlbFctgksodFbdehDfllwgGdkBdAaGggfqpcfoxkdgIIxBGGrJGeatk/111011_fruitStand2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/ixHlxfflyt">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> There was a ton of exotic fruit: papaya, pineapple (Maui Gold as they call it, grown right behind the fruit stand), lilikoi, starfruit and giant avocados. I’ve never seen avocados THAT large!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/xpGcrqBbebjfqziedpxeFCnFqGhDGoIHCIzGkpAdfkuyxrxthJpqGGlhJfyI/111011_fruitStand3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_fruitstand3" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/xpGcrqBbebjfqziedpxeFCnFqGhDGoIHCIzGkpAdfkuyxrxthJpqGGlhJfyI/111011_fruitStand3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/giypjxnlvftHBnnoBwGEjEIBCAufwmmBsxqGalioDbIHcacteDryaivGnJvm/111011_fruitStand4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_fruitstand4" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/giypjxnlvftHBnnoBwGEjEIBCAufwmmBsxqGalioDbIHcacteDryaivGnJvm/111011_fruitStand4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/JawnkxeffFexzpeoplhDknfGFDafippFDhCHBGidIqJElefuAysyuhuAHCuf/111011_fruitStand5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_fruitstand5" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/JawnkxeffFexzpeoplhDknfGFDafippFDhCHBGidIqJElefuAysyuhuAHCuf/111011_fruitStand5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/aoAmdtJmtcpkFxqrjEsCphHqpfwdIDwDEuwGqwpufrmpdyJfhbwzEHmkmiwq/111011_fruitStand6.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_fruitstand6" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/aoAmdtJmtcpkFxqrjEsCphHqpfwdIDwDEuwGqwpufrmpdyJfhbwzEHmkmiwq/111011_fruitStand6.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/uctHhcABqbEbrDHbqxxpJkEHIvftBctadeezHeGwboblbblohCyHivyiFxss/111011_fruitStand7.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_fruitstand7" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/uctHhcABqbEbrDHbqxxpJkEHIvftBctadeezHeGwboblbblohCyHivyiFxss/111011_fruitStand7.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/ixHlxfflyt">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>I regret not getting any fresh fruit, especially pineapple. We had tried a sample and it was the best pineapple I’ve ever had. It was extremely sweet, tasted like candy. </p> <p>There was a truck, <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/olowalu-juice-stand-lahaina" target="_blank">Olowalu Juice Stand</a>, right next to the tables of fruit and I got the recommended lilikoi. It was blended with ice and fresh squeezed cane juice—simple as that.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/ngrdgcfrseGubDjxjIfzxaCpkhghHmAwCCaydGpcgqBxkDDsBJyFszpoeose/111011_fruitStand8.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_fruitstand8" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/ngrdgcfrseGubDjxjIfzxaCpkhghHmAwCCaydGpcgqBxkDDsBJyFszpoeose/111011_fruitStand8.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>It was my first time drinking fresh lilikoi. I’ve only had it mixed with <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/the-alley" target="_blank">POG</a> or in <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/malasadas" target="_blank">malasadas from Leonard’s</a> back in <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/tag/oahu" target="_blank">Oahu</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/5wKZ3C" target="_blank">Jason</a> had the first taste and he immediately said, “you’re going to like this.” I surely did. It was an explosion of tropical sweetness in my mouth, with a slight tartness. There were a lot of seeds, but that added to the already icy texture. I absolutely loved it.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/hzspBumJfJfEJABJBtfghCHAiFowfDJJittitarkvcpHcpexCxrlneklhGrG/111011_fruitStand9.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_fruitstand9" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/hzspBumJfJfEJABJBtfghCHAiFowfDJJittitarkvcpHcpexCxrlneklhGrG/111011_fruitStand9.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Anyone know if I can get fresh lilikoi juice in the Bay Area? It’s such an exotic treat!<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/tDFqcbvfxJbxwdaFtAFwslpocBJbhxiIAzBcekwCjrtIoyFFseGAFhcuyznJ/111011_fruitStand10.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_fruitstand10" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-15/tDFqcbvfxJbxwdaFtAFwslpocBJbhxiIAzBcekwCjrtIoyFFseGAFhcuyznJ/111011_fruitStand10.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/94358309">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/94358309#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/AcQhdLmFar4" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/94358309 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 06:40:00 -0800 Star Noodle http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/cW38jUNeiVQ/92497664 http://piggie.posterous.com/92497664 <p> <p>A little hung over from <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/cwDwIbulls" target="_blank">the wedding</a>, a bowl of hot ramen soup sounded like the perfect cure.</p> <p>Friends of the bride and groom told us about <a href="http://www.starnoodle.com/" target="_blank">Star Noodle</a> the night before, so I knew this was the perfect opportunity to try it.</p> <p>As soon as I saw the nameplate at the door, I could see that this restaurant appreciated design.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/BsxspEsyrhHmkCwGBefGcCnBAmzlFxmaIinyovdEoasGdgehcIGHjuecxwjJ/111011_starNoodle1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_starnoodle1" height="375" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/BsxspEsyrhHmkCwGBefGcCnBAmzlFxmaIinyovdEoasGdgehcIGHjuecxwjJ/111011_starNoodle1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>And that they did.</p> <p>From the interior decoration to the simple one page menu and its food presentation, the owner of Star Noodle had a clear, modern and hip vision.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/yjwGEFinkgiCzIolyEGvvcwduCcaFGprBelfrDHGbxDmlhDnBGGFfhfcHvdf/111011_starNoodle2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_starnoodle2" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/yjwGEFinkgiCzIolyEGvvcwduCcaFGprBelfrDHGbxDmlhDnBGGFfhfcHvdf/111011_starNoodle2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/AyvnbnlhpcdhgDFroEgsegbIohIkitAsdDggDstHkiyntfxrmhrFzbAGxCGH/111011_starNoodle3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_starnoodle3" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/AyvnbnlhpcdhgDFroEgsegbIohIkitAsdDggDstHkiyntfxrmhrFzbAGxCGH/111011_starNoodle3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/GGzpbccumw">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> Now let’s see if the food is as good as this place looks.</p> <p>We started off with the Star Kim Chee, a pickled mixture of won bok cabbage, ginger and garlic. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t over powering with spice and garlic, like most bright red kim chee’s I’ve had. The cabbage also still had a bite to it, as though it wasn’t pickled for a week or more.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/BImarIbmjqmcyCgoujepnpgcrmjFHEuFbHqqtaiBhrHaJFAqyEBCBkozbmft/111011_starNoodle4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_starnoodle4" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/BImarIbmjqmcyCgoujepnpgcrmjFHEuFbHqqtaiBhrHaJFAqyEBCBkozbmft/111011_starNoodle4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Recommended by our new friends, both <a href="http://bit.ly/5wKZ3C" target="_blank">Jason</a> and I ordered the Hapa Ramen.</p> <p>The colorful bowl was filled with roast pork, a poached egg, bamboo shoots, kamaboko (fish cake), baby bok choy, mayu (black garlic oil), spicy aka miso and pork broth.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/nFEjcloGBIhteCFiaFDlDnGCjjdAdwhxmBxituuxIDraDpvqBuhwuhdltndj/111011_starNoodle5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_starnoodle5" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/nFEjcloGBIhteCFiaFDlDnGCjjdAdwhxmBxituuxIDraDpvqBuhwuhdltndj/111011_starNoodle5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/uFsEfyqrrrkFkgaJEklzucitewlkzxzHGdddtcBthyyBBvACCIozGHDysttp/111011_starNoodle6.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_starnoodle6" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/uFsEfyqrrrkFkgaJEklzucitewlkzxzHGdddtcBthyyBBvACCIozGHDysttp/111011_starNoodle6.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/GGzpbccumw">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>It was my first time trying black garlic oil (I think), a blend of sesame, sesame oil and garlic. When I swirled the oil and broth together, the soup base quickly became extra flavorful, but a tad too oily.</p> <p>There was too much of the roast pork and it didn’t help that the meat was dry. The noodles were mediocre, slightly overcooked to my liking. Basically, I’ve had way better ramen and I didn’t like it, but this sufficed in helping a hang over. I AM in <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/tag/hawaii" target="_blank">Hawaii</a>, so I <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/shokudo" target="_blank">shouldn't expect</a> excellent ramen.</p> <p>Next recommendation was the steamed pork buns. I mistakenly thought it was one per order (<a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/the-royal-pine" target="_blank">again</a>, not looking at the price) and asked for two orders. In reality, it came with three (!) buns, accompanied by a steamer (details in the design, my friends). Needing to eat all six, they better be good!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/rrFAysCpemJFtcucnqzmDhszmenonvjyEoEphBjcsCEbCmmpGAvxvdDHgGuB/111011_starNoodle7.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_starnoodle7" height="667" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/rrFAysCpemJFtcucnqzmDhszmenonvjyEoEphBjcsCEbCmmpGAvxvdDHgGuB/111011_starNoodle7.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>These buns reminded me of a food truck back home, <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/off-the-grid-sf" target="_blank">Chairman Bao</a>, that creates something very similar. The soft and doughy white bun sandwiched pork, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoisin_sauce" target="_blank">hoisin</a> (Chinese seafood sauce), scallions, shiitake mushrooms and cucumber.<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/sgtkptjwuomtaDmazknkxbHqxoJbcawzepaBEqChvChmHafphCDzvvitaBas/111011_starNoodle9.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_starnoodle9" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/sgtkptjwuomtaDmazknkxbHqxoJbcawzepaBEqChvChmHafphCDzvvitaBas/111011_starNoodle9.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>There were a handful of small plastic squeeze bottles filled with different condiments like chili paste and mustard. I liked adding a little bit of mustard to my buns; it gave it an extra kick.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/knxdmomrCvEbuElwvHztFFzfCjxomClwklCIzHvuthcreGbwdIsIrHBsCoGf/111011_starNoodle10.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_starnoodle10" height="667" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/knxdmomrCvEbuElwvHztFFzfCjxomClwklCIzHvuthcreGbwdIsIrHBsCoGf/111011_starNoodle10.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The pork was way better than the one in the ramen, considering it was fatty enough to keep its moisture. The taste was decent, sweetness from the hoisin, saltiness of the pork and some crunch from the cucumbers. </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/bIvrJoepDpChsrltAqqunvwzqaGHyfFGyJhBCrzpkpwJjkJvsvethtEosyJb/111011_starNoodle8.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111011_starnoodle8" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/bIvrJoepDpChsrltAqqunvwzqaGHyfFGyJhBCrzpkpwJjkJvsvethtEosyJb/111011_starNoodle8.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>We ended up taking the remaining half order to-go, which became a perfect snack on the beach later in the day. Luckily, over ordering turned into a good idea.</p> <p>I was going to get a dessert (their mango pudding sounded good), but after a very mediocre meal, I didn’t want to waste my money on another mediocre dish.</p> <p>If we’re talking about design, Star Noodle obviously wins in that department in my book. But when it came down to food, nothing blew my mind. Living in the Bay Area and being surrounded by delicious food makes me a hard critic, especially when <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/the-best-ramen-hakata-ippudo" target="_blank">I’ve</a> <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/ramen-in-san-mateo" target="_blank">had</a> <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/ramen-hunt-part-1" target="_blank">so</a> <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/ramen-hunt-part-2" target="_blank">many</a> <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/ramen-hunt-part-3" target="_blank">ramen</a> <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/hello-hapa-ramen" target="_blank">bowls</a>.</p> <p>But I give Star Noodle an A for effort. If you’re in the mood for Asian food in Maui, your options are very slim, so Star Noodle is a nice choice.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/92497664">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/92497664#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/cW38jUNeiVQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/92497664 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 07:33:00 -0800 Luke + Yukari's Wedding http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/o-EhTFanT2M/luke-yukaris-wedding http://piggie.posterous.com/luke-yukaris-wedding <p> <p>The wedding was in the perfect setting, something you would see out of a movie: secluded, intimate and right next to the ocean. Oh and of course, a sunset, to seal the deal.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/CmukDboAuyGHwsafqJllbdJFFkFwaHtobaBtqkIeyuechqufupGGpmiEHhkD/110911_wedding1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding1" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/CmukDboAuyGHwsafqJllbdJFFkFwaHtobaBtqkIeyuechqufupGGpmiEHhkD/110911_wedding1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/sHtHHCgyjzuHdDCoHaFxlsCGButisByywwxaCavErssuxgvobxbAujgnoeDk/110911_wedding5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding5" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/sHtHHCgyjzuHdDCoHaFxlsCGButisByywwxaCavErssuxgvobxbAujgnoeDk/110911_wedding5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/nkgfiBhqdhltmrEjzoBwajuptifqBdmatkIykillcbkzacFidsdcBaBEuqht/110911_wedding4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding4" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/nkgfiBhqdhltmrEjzoBwajuptifqBdmatkIykillcbkzacFidsdcBaBEuqht/110911_wedding4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/wwqAFFEJeFtGlyjfxofxcpbrbpdamfensgfbJmvtnrAAInHguvEDbxlqJqph/110911_wedding2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding2" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/wwqAFFEJeFtGlyjfxofxcpbrbpdamfensgfbJmvtnrAAInHguvEDbxlqJqph/110911_wedding2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/AknlqelfoJqDFrHJotyutHsjewGBGfDdpresqzobzDtquFbqlyfgFpJqhGyJ/110911_wedding3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding3" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/AknlqelfoJqDFrHJotyutHsjewGBGfDdpresqzobzDtquFbqlyfgFpJqhGyJ/110911_wedding3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/zjlndcCsjCwCCoywGItGebIIAzbwnbnFjHphrbIDclCgielDEvbtprjjheas/110911_wedding24.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding24" height="375" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/zjlndcCsjCwCCoywGItGebIIAzbwnbnFjHphrbIDclCgielDEvbtprjjheas/110911_wedding24.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/vEFDhDgBDdpFDGgcazhHrFgegBwCIJJpChnjizldnJptayHGhfBJGAcAbqdC/110911_wedding25.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding25" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/vEFDhDgBDdpFDGgcazhHrFgegBwCIJJpChnjizldnJptayHGhfBJGAcAbqdC/110911_wedding25.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/rivxnchzHwcycDhfuqvyllzEDffDEonngmoIwGwlkeAHnzfemukEfJCDyIpf/110911_wedding17.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding17" height="667" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/rivxnchzHwcycDhfuqvyllzEDffDEonngmoIwGwlkeAHnzfemukEfJCDyIpf/110911_wedding17.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/yoxEmnBdcdmoowgcvHsyzmBoEkEmodxgIAGaIabpzFrsGlwArxpclxCDJoih/110911_wedding6.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding6" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/yoxEmnBdcdmoowgcvHsyzmBoEkEmodxgIAGaIabpzFrsGlwArxpclxCDJoih/110911_wedding6.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/cwDwIbulls">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>To keep the guests busy while the bride and groom were getting ready, we printed our thumbs and signed our names on a hand drawn tree. I thought this was a cute touch and loved the fact that they could have an artwork as their souvenir.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/frhudbAcqcAzClnrubmzypydtkGavazjqDlEzJdbgFcwzIIGuFexGEDbeCAA/110911_wedding7.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding7" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/frhudbAcqcAzClnrubmzypydtkGavazjqDlEzJdbgFcwzIIGuFexGEDbeCAA/110911_wedding7.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/jvvjFzxfzzobtsAoBGswqylsfykhesIexftEvhhJDaChenwycDxlzocyGfgu/110911_wedding8.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding8" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/jvvjFzxfzzobtsAoBGswqylsfykhesIexftEvhhJDaChenwycDxlzocyGfgu/110911_wedding8.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/cwDwIbulls">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>Everything had a pretty turquoise (<a href="http://www.tiffany.com" target="_blank">Tiffany</a> blue!) and white scheme.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/HGeuqqubtudzFjfnFjIrBHoHfdgrErJwuFkpanuuwpzwijhfrzjvjFBuozov/110911_wedding13.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding13" height="375" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/HGeuqqubtudzFjfnFjIrBHoHfdgrErJwuFkpanuuwpzwijhfrzjvjFBuozov/110911_wedding13.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/ghtejHewhiqbfFmteIforiApaoodeigmvyyAeGjckjwjJrAyazegoxuBDEDz/110911_wedding14.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding14" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/ghtejHewhiqbfFmteIforiApaoodeigmvyyAeGjckjwjJrAyazegoxuBDEDz/110911_wedding14.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/lFtiCjlmtjgqbGvrxzDIppEDkvtuqFHGlbpjxriyBzBzyozaAosIijeDebpC/110911_wedding15.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding15" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/lFtiCjlmtjgqbGvrxzDIppEDkvtuqFHGlbpjxriyBzBzyozaAosIijeDebpC/110911_wedding15.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/oBFrekolEzibaGGvpEnxDuhzkxjonbHGHEtqCuswwJfpBndaCjBCpevGeuuH/110911_wedding16.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding16" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/oBFrekolEzibaGGvpEnxDuhzkxjonbHGHEtqCuswwJfpBndaCjBCpevGeuuH/110911_wedding16.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/hHhexCyJhAwziwDIoGjBdqFBrctlweljhwprqnpbvwjhEmHberiEuGscdewf/110911_wedding9.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding9" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/hHhexCyJhAwziwDIoGjBdqFBrctlweljhwprqnpbvwjhEmHberiEuGscdewf/110911_wedding9.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/cwDwIbulls">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>As soon as the ceremony was over, the real party began with drinks and some delicious hors d’oeuvre.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/xvhsvlAwquxmIElrHxeAmtqFIrDAwvomHDzuEzdEtwvziovpIzEsdmfytHdt/110911_wedding11.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding11" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/xvhsvlAwquxmIElrHxeAmtqFIrDAwvomHDzuEzdEtwvziovpIzEsdmfytHdt/110911_wedding11.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/kEfCipyGmgFFAEAjvheHxAjeojvlrClrqEobBuhAorGhCstEqGHGkACefbog/110911_wedding22.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding22" height="667" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/kEfCipyGmgFFAEAjvheHxAjeojvlrClrqEobBuhAorGhCstEqGHGkACefbog/110911_wedding22.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/rerEauGafruJHfcwbujarhnHAjmiasukeurGmknzgDrIBkmgdvGlfgnCGobp/110911_wedding19.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding19" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/rerEauGafruJHfcwbujarhnHAjmiasukeurGmknzgDrIBkmgdvGlfgnCGobp/110911_wedding19.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/goCtpwibzyJBffffyGklkdCExqqEAidjnphEHcwswwmmJvyJsxdeiDhEhAmt/110911_wedding18.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding18" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/goCtpwibzyJBffffyGklkdCExqqEAidjnphEHcwswwmmJvyJsxdeiDhEhAmt/110911_wedding18.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/adGfsdacDGgqpaqBhqzuibArnxltzovnHlGklvmGaBcBFlpHdptAonmfvbjC/110911_wedding20.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding20" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/adGfsdacDGgqpaqBhqzuibArnxltzovnHlGklvmGaBcBFlpHdptAonmfvbjC/110911_wedding20.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/sbCyzHdJeIwsvbsBnnuhzaHvBgrDutfDianoAFGstkgngqaInklAotCvdJEv/110911_wedding21.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding21" height="667" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/sbCyzHdJeIwsvbsBnnuhzaHvBgrDutfDianoAFGstkgngqaInklAotCvdJEv/110911_wedding21.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/CqIDHCffsccDBpJIwerwIHwJrbblGyDtAoDziIafEtgsveuoinarzdqzpxGu/110911_wedding23.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding23" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/CqIDHCffsccDBpJIwerwIHwJrbblGyDtAoDziIafEtgsveuoinarzdqzpxGu/110911_wedding23.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/yqpjrBlGCocdxDdbweIyAFshivvAlAGvGJDbrqcuyvtqdyxuGfvzuvFmpsIk/110911_wedding27.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding27" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/yqpjrBlGCocdxDdbweIyAFshivvAlAGvGJDbrqcuyvtqdyxuGfvzuvFmpsIk/110911_wedding27.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/cwDwIbulls">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>Dallas, our VERY friendly bartender, made a drink that quickly became one of my favorite cocktails of Hawaii—fresh POG (passion fruit, orange and guava juice) with some vodka. It’s as easy as that!</p> <p>We had an amazing dinner (ahi for me) and danced to YMCA (why is it played at every wedding?) The night ended with a jump into the ocean (cold!) and then the Jacuzzi (warm…).</p> <p>What. A. Night.<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/tlfbvsppgnkaqApDpAhlGuqxEJthJilhnnqjshlsnJgHfkadbEdkAqsakaFc/110911_wedding26.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding26" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/tlfbvsppgnkaqApDpAhlGuqxEJthJilhnnqjshlsnJgHfkadbEdkAqsakaFc/110911_wedding26.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Congratulations Luke and Yukari!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/yHtrlHBunDhsDEHCBdoFDedrDCElmIFlzDmrCyizFEmuHhzzldgHtbbtomys/110911_wedding12.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_wedding12" height="667" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/yHtrlHBunDhsDEHCBdoFDedrDCElmIFlzDmrCyizFEmuHhzzldgHtbbtomys/110911_wedding12.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/luke-yukaris-wedding">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/luke-yukaris-wedding#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/o-EhTFanT2M" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/luke-yukaris-wedding Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:42:00 -0800 Aloha Maui http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/Tla0kLjtDZY/aloha-maui http://piggie.posterous.com/aloha-maui <p> <p>I woke up early for our flight and was lucky to see a little bit of the sunrise. There was a major downpour the night before and I was worried for our friends’ wedding. Who wants to get married in Hawaii when it's raining?!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/ewlCehyenjviCyCDmzhirketGnqJkJvIBpdmrryAegEAfpCygzwbjzteawFH/110911_hotel1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_hotel1" height="667" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/ewlCehyenjviCyCDmzhirketGnqJkJvIBpdmrryAegEAfpCygzwbjzteawFH/110911_hotel1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Soon, the sun was shining and slowly working its way through the clouds. Phew...</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/rJkvxDElxGCggrxwBhlgaqDoswaynhatemzFwbcIivldsqmeqtdebzuciJew/110911_hotel2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_hotel2" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/rJkvxDElxGCggrxwBhlgaqDoswaynhatemzFwbcIivldsqmeqtdebzuciJew/110911_hotel2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> We took a taxi to the airport and almost missed our flight to Maui (inter-island terminal, my friends!).</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/slrJofqBcmGkAsjyvxwgsycHBGGEFfmfJwujmvectDsamutltoCGCsrJDjnH/110911_oahu1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_oahu1" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/slrJofqBcmGkAsjyvxwgsycHBGGEFfmfJwujmvectDsamutltoCGCsrJDjnH/110911_oahu1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>But got there right when they were boarding the little plane.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/IHeqInEjxirryJvppkztlecaArrDhhHICvedHszHEkivGqypAdpupeGrIibf/110911_oahu2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_oahu2" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/IHeqInEjxirryJvppkztlecaArrDhhHICvedHszHEkivGqypAdpupeGrIibf/110911_oahu2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Aloha!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/CapBfrtBHivHHsbsBctAIdDytHeeAnIzHwAtkHhgvwykjyigijxohwicslEi/111311_airport.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="111311_airport" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-07/CapBfrtBHivHHsbsBctAIdDytHeeAnIzHwAtkHhgvwykjyigijxohwicslEi/111311_airport.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>As we landed, Maui immediately looked very different from <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/tag/oahu" target="_blank">Oahu</a>—fewer buildings, more land and a whole of lot ocean.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/iFczcJGAativCFplkFJGzopiAxuzIwAcyDJdFIncayhczrHksHlIcJxtoaab/110911_maui1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_maui1" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/iFczcJGAativCFplkFJGzopiAxuzIwAcyDJdFIncayhczrHksHlIcJxtoaab/110911_maui1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/ajhcFInvIJmnqliApEcliGGdtrHkApoabfttflyJybIfIatDavEyBIpkkFwC/110911_maui4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_maui4" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/ajhcFInvIJmnqliApEcliGGdtrHkApoabfttflyJybIfIatDavEyBIpkkFwC/110911_maui4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/ysetlCqmbi">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>We had 3 full hours before the wedding and we were starving. Our friend recommended <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/koiso-sushi-bar-kihei" target="_blank">Koiso Sushi</a>, but they were unfortunately closed. I didn’t have enough time to research Maui before our trip, so we didn’t have many other restaurant suggestions.</p> <p>We drove around the island, in our cool bright blue convertible (yes a <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/the-alley" target="_blank">convertible again</a>, "THE place for a convertible!"), and ended up at <a href="http://www.jawzfishtacos.com/" target="_blank">Jawz</a>. Yes, Jawz with a Z.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/DrIBvJqufICqynrEHsphxIrfJvqcDkDivqAavAmbtCCDzsHHHkkFzIBzccxB/110911_maui3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_maui3" height="667" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/DrIBvJqufICqynrEHsphxIrfJvqcDkDivqAavAmbtCCDzsHHHkkFzIBzccxB/110911_maui3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Known for their fish tacos, we ordered two, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wahoo" target="_blank">ono</a> and ahi.  The fish was barely there, considering the tacos were mostly made of cabbage, cheese and a 1000 island-like sauce. They were nothing special and I’ve definitely had <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/taco-truck-16" target="_blank">way better</a> fish tacos before.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/dctwEDBFDkBDIdbAiGEGFHdjIdgDxusHaoEamylfcCkoksuIAdhxshhBCFHH/110911_jawz1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_jawz1" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/dctwEDBFDkBDIdbAiGEGFHdjIdgDxusHaoEamylfcCkoksuIAdhxshhBCFHH/110911_jawz1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>We saw an interesting pineapple fried rice on the menu, but it ended up being not-so-interesting. I could barely taste the pineapple and the rice was overcooked.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/HvyzmecqGsbIxkfAzsxxcEaEnqArDvegFCdmnospmfDfhmgAvjCjlfbiwJrw/110911_jawz2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_jawz2" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/HvyzmecqGsbIxkfAzsxxcEaEnqArDvegFCdmnospmfDfhmgAvjCjlfbiwJrw/110911_jawz2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Maui’s food was not off to a good start, but that wasn’t our main concern. We had a wedding to get to!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/rnIHdphqwzqgxtcGBBpzkmGickfbgfeHAeghynxCwDfiCwaDkjkrclFoCgtv/110911_maui2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110911_maui2" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-06/rnIHdphqwzqgxtcGBBpzkmGickfbgfeHAeghynxCwDfiCwaDkjkrclFoCgtv/110911_maui2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/aloha-maui">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/aloha-maui#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/Tla0kLjtDZY" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/aloha-maui Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:29:00 -0800 Last Night in Oahu http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/HreQGdCvwXc/91732200 http://piggie.posterous.com/91732200 <p> <p>Next on my list was <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/waiola-shave-ice-honolulu-2" target="_blank">Waiola Shave Ice</a>. Fortunately, it was very close to <a href="http://www.leonardshawaii.com" target="_blank">Leonard’s</a>, only three or so blocks away. Unfortunately, it closed about an hour before we arrived.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/pspDnlArcwDpqaJInpAlzlharExqGChxAxkDfpzxaoHoyxeimCaaJrsEbJmy/110811_waiola.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_waiola" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/pspDnlArcwDpqaJInpAlzlharExqGChxAxkDfpzxaoHoyxeimCaaJrsEbJmy/110811_waiola.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Bummed, we walked back to our car, knowing we were THIS close to trying Waiola’s famous shave ice. We're talking about interesting toppings like mochi, condensed milk and red beans; exactly what <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/HxlmztwtvA" target="_blank">my co-worker was saying</a> about <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/ice-garden-aiea" target="_blank">Ice Garden</a>. We could have even had it <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/ychBcifGaa" target="_blank">after Rainbow Drive Inn</a>, everything’s that close to each other, without us realizing it!</p> <p>At least I got to try shave ice just <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/HxlmztwtvA" target="_blank">a few days ago</a>...and if I really still wanted shave ice, I can probably get some in Maui.</p> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/5wKZ3C" target="_blank">Jason</a> and I walked around the downtown Waikiki strip a little bit and then grabbed a drink at <a href="http://www.hulagrillwaikiki.com" target="_blank">Hula Grill</a>. Remember <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/aloha-oahu" target="_blank">the very first day</a> we were trying to find a specific beach-side bar in the heat and couldn’t? Well, THIS was it. The Hula Grill, right on the beach. But, sadly, we couldn’t sit at the tables right on the beach because they were reserved for diners only. At least I was no longer in jeans and sweating my ass off.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/oorpfJfugtoGrtHzdCAbBtqvlggFDpufgiphpmrCAkhgJeHrwGflFvCoxzpv/110811_hulaGrill1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_hulagrill1" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/oorpfJfugtoGrtHzdCAbBtqvlggFDpufgiphpmrCAkhgJeHrwGflFvCoxzpv/110811_hulaGrill1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Beach-side or not, the ambiance inside was nice and it still felt as though we were outside, only several yards away from the beach. We ordered cocktails, a mai tai and lava flow, highly recommended by Jason’s co-worker.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/aiAJsagysqFakDruChqvrtgoEagIfrdGptvylapwGGkasgjdnGgufjhCIBhc/110811_hulaGrill2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_hulagrill2" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/aiAJsagysqFakDruChqvrtgoEagIfrdGptvylapwGGkasgjdnGgufjhCIBhc/110811_hulaGrill2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The lava flow was delicious yet very girly.  It was a blend of their pina colada with an “explosion of strawberry puree.” Good, but I would only order one of these and move on to the next drink.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/cnxpHzfuquvytugAxAzlDGuBlFufHunoEdABgjiGJvAzwEvgxjjtFijcbpgD/110811_hulaGrill3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_hulagrill3" height="667" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/cnxpHzfuquvytugAxAzlDGuBlFufHunoEdABgjiGJvAzwEvgxjjtFijcbpgD/110811_hulaGrill3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Jason’s fresh squeezed mai tai came with fresh pineapple, guava, orange and passion fruit juices, orange curacao and Diamond Head dark rum. The one <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/HxlmztwtvA" target="_blank">we had back at Turtle Bay</a> was so much better, but at least this one came in a really cute cup—one side had a smile and the other, a frown.</p> <p><a href="http://www.pukadog.com" target="_blank"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/FdsDsubkcGEisErioiGJhigzxlJpvBAmkFkwxmIsbGGtsouennnFpoCfCqqi/110811_hulaGrill4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_hulagrill4" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/FdsDsubkcGEisErioiGJhigzxlJpvBAmkFkwxmIsbGGtsouennnFpoCfCqqi/110811_hulaGrill4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Puka Dog</a> (Hawaiian style hot dogs) was on my list, but we savored our mediocre drinks way too long and realized it was just about to close. We were only blocks away, but Puka will have to wait until next time.</p> <p>We ventured onto <a href="http://www.dukeswaikiki.com" target="_blank">Duke’s</a>, a bar right below Hula Grill and this time, right on the beach. The night was perfect, not too hot or cold.<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/orookyuhJhjAlJsBcbxeAxxAqldoBDbCHAIanEubkAxuCysxCnphowdGdrqf/110811_dukes1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_dukes1" height="667" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/orookyuhJhjAlJsBcbxeAxxAqldoBDbCHAIanEubkAxuCysxCnphowdGdrqf/110811_dukes1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>I found a satisfying cocktail, ambassador, a concoction of lychee vodka, coconut rum, passion fruit juice and raspberry puree. It had a nice kick to it, but also a slight sweetness. I’ll have to try to make this back home, seems easy.<br /><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/lsBclJzGeAhGsxHldcDFDorFJAmwGbBAxedvmvdsfHtjouxjcJacgDqkvkBo/110811_dukes2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_dukes2" height="667" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/lsBclJzGeAhGsxHldcDFDorFJAmwGbBAxedvmvdsfHtjouxjcJacgDqkvkBo/110811_dukes2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>As we walked back to our hotel through the Waikiki beach, we couldn’t believe it was our last night in Oahu. We’ve been having so much fun and enjoying the local flavors. Our vacation was already half over and we didn’t want to leave. But, if Maui’s as cool as Oahu, we’ll be in for a treat.<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/wGijywmHsvCcGosursJoCgFyBxJHEeHHBkgvgzbowapjfiCpupDxcvlkdbfg/110811_waikiki1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_waikiki1" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/wGijywmHsvCcGosursJoCgFyBxJHEeHHBkgvgzbowapjfiCpupDxcvlkdbfg/110811_waikiki1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/axfFuhxpipwvnIffoyDmlFfqIygGgqctvIrHfjmikClrGCpcukpqylqpubjy/110811_waikiki2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_waikiki2" height="667" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/axfFuhxpipwvnIffoyDmlFfqIygGgqctvIrHfjmikClrGCpcukpqylqpubjy/110811_waikiki2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/csJEGtqHApzlCykcgBdcoBxxjByupvCpInjatsvvvntCJAiyHgkqmgDvwuce/110811_waikiki3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_waikiki3" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/csJEGtqHApzlCykcgBdcoBxxjByupvCpInjatsvvvntCJAiyHgkqmgDvwuce/110811_waikiki3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/bpvgEahkrz">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/91732200">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/91732200#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/HreQGdCvwXc" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/91732200 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 07:57:00 -0800 Malasadas http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/lUDXafg-lYY/malasadas http://piggie.posterous.com/malasadas <p> <p>Even though <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/qnwDfxtxic" target="_blank">we were stuffed</a>, this was our last night in Oahu and we had a few more places to go. Who knows when we’ll ever come back to this beautiful state? Jason did joke about moving here, but that’d have to wait several more years.</p> <p>Malasadas.</p> <p>I remember way back, in either elementary or middle school, my best friend told me about these amazing Hawaiian doughnuts called malasadas. She said it was the best thing in the world and she always looked forward to it whenever she went to Hawaii (she’s a veteran when it comes to Hawaii, visiting almost every summer).</p> <p>Fifteen plus years later, I still remember her telling me about them, so I was really excited when we pulled up to <a href="http://www.leonardshawaii.com/" target="_blank">Leonard’s</a>, THE place to get malasadas.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/eEwdatbDAuEqkziGbgpDxDplhofkhfinxCpdyhIhoigJeEFcpqiDrxiAFvCB/110811_leonards1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_leonards1" height="375" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/eEwdatbDAuEqkziGbgpDxDplhofkhfinxCpdyhIhoigJeEFcpqiDrxiAFvCB/110811_leonards1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/sncweoEkgmbtIztdrvgBiCEhzGfFBJbbqgJxGelotbaEFnIjuquHmxoryubJ/110811_leonards2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_leonards2" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/sncweoEkgmbtIztdrvgBiCEhzGfFBJbbqgJxGelotbaEFnIjuquHmxoryubJ/110811_leonards2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/IBFzAFJIqjDtwkqpenzfppsruqzlBdfcheIqvIgHEhsvkpEGIHFhrEHIitpo/110811_leonards3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_leonards3" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/IBFzAFJIqjDtwkqpenzfppsruqzlBdfcheIqvIgHEhsvkpEGIHFhrEHIitpo/110811_leonards3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/wjIxxvmdkFJzzFIhizklucynIpfzniodlzvaBiIkqsudeAcrkhGdtmswqAeg/110811_leonards4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_leonards4" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/wjIxxvmdkFJzzFIhizklucynIpfzniodlzvaBiIkqsudeAcrkhGdtmswqAeg/110811_leonards4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/taaulixtzA">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> At only 90 cents each, I got two, knowing I’ll save one for tomorrow morning.</p> <p>Jason got the original, white sugar, while I got cinnamon and the flavor of the month, lilikoi (passion fruit). The malasadas were warm and doughy, like big doughnuts back home, but without the hole in the middle. Delicious.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/pdrBBbhxifdhtvHrrxuwubeEbfthCDsbbzdkkeAIIyriFHjevGBvsfhnisfz/110811_leonards5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_leonards5" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/pdrBBbhxifdhtvHrrxuwubeEbfthCDsbbzdkkeAIIyriFHjevGBvsfhnisfz/110811_leonards5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/JJDldjtziicImbiaaiHrgvfHpFlcwxluzlyodDiungGlqdEqbiFFrHJodpzD/110811_leonards6.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_leonards6" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/JJDldjtziicImbiaaiHrgvfHpFlcwxluzlyodDiungGlqdEqbiFFrHJodpzD/110811_leonards6.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/taaulixtzA">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> The lilikoi filled one had a bright yellow gooey mixture, a little bit too sweet for my liking and it tasted artificial. I also didn’t like how there was so much filling. Each small bite came with a big ooze of custard, too messy for me.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/ECwBhkoCppigiilzhJJfGamDJefijvEwCaomeihEivgiwxcmqhwjGHhlgDhI/110811_leonards7.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_leonards7" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/ECwBhkoCppigiilzhJJfGamDJefijvEwCaomeihEivgiwxcmqhwjGHhlgDhI/110811_leonards7.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Leonard’s malasadas lived up to my standards, from hearing my friend’s story just once. If only there was a Leonard’s across the street back home, they would be the perfect start to any morning.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/malasadas">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/malasadas#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/lUDXafg-lYY" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/malasadas Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:52:00 -0800 Onolicious http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/NS4xgnJPfSQ/onolicious http://piggie.posterous.com/onolicious <p> <p>While <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/hEohriICnz" target="_blank">heading over</a> to <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/boots-and-kimos-homestyle-kitchen-kailua" target="_blank">Boots and Kimo’s</a>, we drove through the mountains and passed a scenic point. We backtracked a bit and went there after our tummies were filled with mac nut pancakes.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/eyJGvpcdhcIbmdGDwieeuodojAhfqyFzogBDJIjfoHtnwCtGHDDvzGngrhdj/110811_napali1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_napali1" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/eyJGvpcdhcIbmdGDwieeuodojAhfqyFzogBDJIjfoHtnwCtGHDDvzGngrhdj/110811_napali1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/yFbAoHvfjqccpoezAIBozHebsrsmFjoohAbDrnnzwvdokncpDgclihjablhc/110811_freeway1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_freeway1" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/yFbAoHvfjqccpoezAIBozHebsrsmFjoohAbDrnnzwvdokncpDgclihjablhc/110811_freeway1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/qnwDfxtxic">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>Wild chicken greeted us as we walked towards the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nu%E2%80%98uanu_Pali" target="_blank">Nu’uanu Pali</a>. The northeast view of Oahu was beautiful, but we only enjoyed it for about five minutes, considering it was super windy and cold.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/CbgoxaHhicgwHldxcedDFwIFfhhackCgIBckzFzalJxuHCyarxJyJyBDHzCp/110811_napali3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_napali3" height="375" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/CbgoxaHhicgwHldxcedDFwIFfhhackCgIBckzFzalJxuHCyarxJyJyBDHzCp/110811_napali3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/gBjdjGAbnFzCBvjJpsvIHlDIAlqiupHbGlypdhsBeagetBypgctDHgbFazbx/110811_napali4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_napali4" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/gBjdjGAbnFzCBvjJpsvIHlDIAlqiupHbGlypdhsBeagetBypgctDHgbFazbx/110811_napali4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/njIftnpsvkjzofDpapfHpCGbnBEzIwxDrDkJlHAireajIlBlzobwpJwjGEps/110811_napali2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_napali2" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/njIftnpsvkjzofDpapfHpCGbnBEzIwxDrDkJlHAireajIlBlzobwpJwjGEps/110811_napali2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/ogtceldfDmCuHDoJBBpsuDzECjGxfvekeuohjraemHoBiCxiyqmveaefEBkI/110811_napali5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_napali5" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/ogtceldfDmCuHDoJBBpsuDzECjGxfvekeuohjraemHoBiCxiyqmveaefEBkI/110811_napali5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/cllowkykwCgmiftpJfDBqrgHtcvxmuwuAwEaCemkhqwEAqAifdmycxklFJzk/110811_napali6.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_napali6" height="375" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/cllowkykwCgmiftpJfDBqrgHtcvxmuwuAwEaCemkhqwEAqAifdmycxklFJzk/110811_napali6.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/qnwDfxtxic">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/fBzdkurroBvBFpoyirsFvtcGvrtplbncJHhnzjspmpwqdtEjizBnvvjfEiBr/110811_napali7.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_napali7" height="135" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/fBzdkurroBvBFpoyirsFvtcGvrtplbncJHhnzjspmpwqdtEjizBnvvjfEiBr/110811_napali7.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Eat. Beach. Repeat.</p> <p>That’s become the routine during our vacation. No complains here! I’ve been appreciating every relaxing minute.</p> <p>We picked a random beach, <a href="http://www.hawaiiweb.com/oahu/beaches/kailua_beach_park.htm" target="_blank">Kailua Beach Park</a>, and enjoyed the sun, soft sand and even jumped into the warm ocean. It was mostly overcast and the frequency of rain picked up, so we grabbed our things and continued our driving adventure around Oahu.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/ufvgIdirfFJcujBoHBxkgEDyfHfjBpAkJBkiiyawysvqtmxslsDyeIvzzcyG/110811_kailua2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_kailua2" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/ufvgIdirfFJcujBoHBxkgEDyfHfjBpAkJBkiiyawysvqtmxslsDyeIvzzcyG/110811_kailua2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/lmjBssCJmufuwgpHyzFJoBqxacuohiyqpoAmiEIxdCliHzIcCulofJDdudBh/110811_kailua3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_kailua3" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/lmjBssCJmufuwgpHyzFJoBqxacuohiyqpoAmiEIxdCliHzIcCulofJDdudBh/110811_kailua3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/ExjAjehqFnxkCwfEnyaFuEAssBwCAxjhIBzdjEtBkmngnFwBrptntkDumIFq/110811_kailua1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_kailua1" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/ExjAjehqFnxkCwfEnyaFuEAssBwCAxjhIBzdjEtBkmngnFwBrptntkDumIFq/110811_kailua1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/qnwDfxtxic">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/zeFinBGcjvzBxEnxhFFdcixuogcCzwmbxsgwsIcodwIFuJwrndfCFCjtrHJJ/110811_freeway2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_freeway2" height="667" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/zeFinBGcjvzBxEnxhFFdcixuogcCzwmbxsgwsIcodwIFuJwrndfCFCjtrHJJ/110811_freeway2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/nHyBbpjacbEuJgvlwohofArzFEktJBIomnlychAurCqzowdEdwEgxfDiFjIj/110811_freeway3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_freeway3" height="375" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/nHyBbpjacbEuJgvlwohofArzFEktJBIomnlychAurCqzowdEdwEgxfDiFjIj/110811_freeway3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/gbAIkaFpyxGtFonBAxjmzCkzgFxcvlrqrpIAxnhDyEdkqeruoatweHiFBwhm/110811_freeway8.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_freeway8" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/gbAIkaFpyxGtFonBAxjmzCkzgFxcvlrqrpIAxnhDyEdkqeruoatweHiFBwhm/110811_freeway8.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/cEglywgpvHIIHDzxBiFABtiIEEjuoggauDJrCEHFeFuGroqAIgrloDffdoIn/110811_freeway6.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_freeway6" height="667" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/cEglywgpvHIIHDzxBiFABtiIEEjuoggauDJrCEHFeFuGroqAIgrloDffdoIn/110811_freeway6.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/erlrBaevAqJvoCbHCDCscwjJGdjbzdgGnCiqAulzmtvqBqqzpvxxcxpAqqlA/110811_freeway4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_freeway4" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/erlrBaevAqJvoCbHCDCscwjJGdjbzdgGnCiqAulzmtvqBqqzpvxxcxpAqqlA/110811_freeway4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/HvobgBGrfhfFrGokwjjjJgrDmogyBoymyAoviskGAflBrlweuvfkcskICiuF/110811_freeway5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_freeway5" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/HvobgBGrfhfFrGokwjjjJgrDmogyBoymyAoviskGAflBrlweuvfkcskICiuF/110811_freeway5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/qnwDfxtxic">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> Dinner was approaching and I wanted to try <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/ono-hawaiian-foods-honolulu" target="_blank">Ono Hawaiian Foods</a>, but they were unfortunately closed. We headed over to <a href="http://helenashawaiianfood.com" target="_blank">Helena’s Hawaiian Food</a> only a few blocks away.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/eCtbgaCrFfenIxjnGDffmqGvdCtehErhlkzcBGlpHBkopsAdoqzowpBIyHnJ/110811_helenas1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_helenas1" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/eCtbgaCrFfenIxjnGDffmqGvdCtehErhlkzcBGlpHBkopsAdoqzowpBIyHnJ/110811_helenas1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Helena’s looked like a local joint, although it’s been featured by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bizarre_Foods_with_Andrew_Zimmern" target="_blank">Andrew Zimmerman</a> and is also on most tourists’ lists. Both Ono and Helena are known for their authentic Hawaiian cuisine. There are many great debates on who’s better (<a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/anthony-bourdain/episodes/hawaii-3" target="_blank">Bourdain featured Ono</a>), but I was excited to try some genuine kalua pig, not caring which place it came from.</p> <p>Jason and I ordered menu C, which included the kalua pig, lomi salmon, and pipikalua short ribs with small poi ($14.95). The waitress also recommended the laulau ($4). The dishes came quickly in small bowls, each offering several bites of their delicacy.<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/cyabBbaHIykyCbhHJGzaHkjerGhlEdeplHfnCDIACAvDlzsqtvozBdpJcByk/110811_helenas2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_helenas2" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/cyabBbaHIykyCbhHJGzaHkjerGhlEdeplHfnCDIACAvDlzsqtvozBdpJcByk/110811_helenas2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The lomi salmon was like a ceviche, served cold and had a mixture of tomatoes, raw salmon and onions. It had way more tomatoes than salmon, which reminded me of salsa. I felt like I needed chips with this dish.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/poIbChAcFtwJdJztDIDICHhwwIqFqDyFriiIcvCjphzlAsFmfdcrwanqpAab/110811_helenas3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_helenas3" height="375" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/poIbChAcFtwJdJztDIDICHhwwIqFqDyFriiIcvCjphzlAsFmfdcrwanqpAab/110811_helenas3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> The pipikalua short ribs reminded me of the ribs <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/nlJBubFzCu" target="_blank">we had The Alley</a>, but these had way more meat and fat. The smokiness was delicious and had a crunchy sweet char.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/hjiggvufEelGoHqdfolfsnssAACEqxwkwzhFlyFlfmiazgdAaymDAkicBvId/110811_helenas4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_helenas4" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/hjiggvufEelGoHqdfolfsnssAACEqxwkwzhFlyFlfmiazgdAaymDAkicBvId/110811_helenas4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> The kalua pig was one of my favorites out of the set menu, which was cooked in an imu, an underground oven. The shredded pork meat was tender, moist and also smoky, with just the right balance of salt. I could eat this in a sandwich any day.<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/rDFkrorwAhEcwvzpoICtrtoxGBjtiknBadlkkfpvBGvglAxnpIvbGBlhhzuC/110811_helenas6.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_helenas6" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/rDFkrorwAhEcwvzpoICtrtoxGBjtiknBadlkkfpvBGvglAxnpIvbGBlhhzuC/110811_helenas6.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The recommended laulau, a ball of pork wrapped in leaves and also cooked in an imu. The meat was juicier than the kalua, but I preferred the latter for its extra smokiness.<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/qcIbwpgrkqoodhHbepatgqnpgraFAofqijvEiIemhtbzsDJBlibfdDfdIDBB/110811_helenas5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_helenas5" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/qcIbwpgrkqoodhHbepatgqnpgraFAofqijvEiIemhtbzsDJBlibfdDfdIDBB/110811_helenas5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The Polynesian staple, poi, was our least favorite. It’s made out of taro plant and has the consistency of yogurt. I’ve only had poi once and was expecting a sweet taste, but was shocked by its tartness. Tables around us were gobbling this dish up. I guess this is where the enjoyment of authentic Hawaiian cuisine stops for me. I managed only a couple of spoonfuls when I simply had to focus on the dishes I actually liked.<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/qpsvHmfIuzncnBiAfkccAkebrlClzcuDGmpyBaFFuigheebdwJJjujCyfewd/110811_helenas7.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_helenas7" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/qpsvHmfIuzncnBiAfkccAkebrlClzcuDGmpyBaFFuigheebdwJJjujCyfewd/110811_helenas7.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Lastly, complementary, haupia, the highlight of the entire meal for me. This was the best haupia I’ve ever had, incomparable to the one I had back home or even the Chinese versions they serve at dim sum restaurants. The haupia were thick blocks of rich coconut pudding, but soft and melting in your mouth. They were so good; we had to order another serving ($2.25). I wished I could have taken this home with me. I’ll have to try to make it one day!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/fyoivwCAerqzHFFscfmfymxcIkvqFBrdwGzAiAeqnjwwgtmquoJBcooEbxqu/110811_helenas8.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_helenas8" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/fyoivwCAerqzHFFscfmfymxcIkvqFBrdwGzAiAeqnjwwgtmquoJBcooEbxqu/110811_helenas8.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/FoHjolxwcIijzckpyEtvhHqrsijzDyolqynmxuttkIojGdjvulvussnbIGFD/110811_helenas9.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_helenas9" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/FoHjolxwcIijzckpyEtvhHqrsijzDyolqynmxuttkIojGdjvulvussnbIGFD/110811_helenas9.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/qnwDfxtxic">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> Helena’s is a bit hole-in-the-wall, but that’s what I also liked about it. No frills. The focus is on the onolicious yet affordable food. I’ll have to try Ono, if I ever come back, and compare the two.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/onolicious">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/onolicious#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/NS4xgnJPfSQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/onolicious Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:48:00 -0800 Mac Nut Pancakes http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/dSieokPYReg/mac-nut-pancakes http://piggie.posterous.com/mac-nut-pancakes <p> <p>Bright and early, we returned our awesome convertible for a rugged Jeep at the rental car agency. We originally wanted a much smaller car, but a <a href="http://www.apec.org/" target="_blank">huge convention</a> was in town (Obama too), so all the small cars were already reserved. We decided to switch it up, considering the Sebring was a bit embarrassing (“how to spot a tourist!”).</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/wspetedAJAnsJdyjIdgjyloqaEdlABGggIGbIdvrbufIxhhmazBadgFpbmnt/110811_freeway7.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_freeway7" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/wspetedAJAnsJdyjIdgjyloqaEdlABGggIGbIdvrbufIxhhmazBadgFpbmnt/110811_freeway7.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>This was our last full day in Oahu and a flight to Maui was scheduled for the next morning, so everything we wanted to eat in Oahu had to be accomplished in the next 24 hours.</p> <p>First off the list, the famous macadamia nut pancakes at <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/boots-and-kimos-homestyle-kitchen-kailua" target="_blank">Boots and Kimo’s</a> in Kailua, 30 minutes away from Waikiki.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/yujalqmnEjCvtomzEqjfozauhGDfcljxhxvuGFuBfmesgwbalEdHJmCelcsm/110811_bootsKimo1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_bootskimo1" height="375" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/yujalqmnEjCvtomzEqjfozauhGDfcljxhxvuGFuBfmesgwbalEdHJmCelcsm/110811_bootsKimo1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> It was an hour wait, but as we finally entered the sports memorabilia filled restaurant, I was excited yet very hungry.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/wAgurjatCoqJyxuDDjyIAxzCdluEoqfoapkApoaAgIGHcqjHJjxFpgoAewIb/110811_bootsKimo2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_bootskimo2" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/wAgurjatCoqJyxuDDjyIAxzCdluEoqfoapkApoaAgIGHcqjHJjxFpgoAewIb/110811_bootsKimo2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> During the wait, I was debating on whether I should try the French toast or pancakes with the mac nut sauce. I typically don’t like pancakes that much because I get tired of the batter-filled taste (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diminishing_returns" target="_blank">law of diminishing returns</a>, no?). Plus, I’m not a huge fan of super sweet things.</p> <p>I saw the pancake plate on almost everyone’s table and it reminded me of pancakes I had <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/sweetness-28" target="_blank">back in Chicago</a>. The ones I had in Chicago were over-the-top sweet and these Hawaiian ones were completely smothered with sauce too. Chocolate and mac nut sauces are very different, I know, but just the image of white sweet sauce covered pancakes was enough similarity.</p> <p>I’m only in Hawaii once, right? I HAD to try THE dish that everyone recommends. I even asked the waiter if the mac nut sauce was really sweet and he said no. I ordered the pancakes and got the mac nut sauce on the side, just in case.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/tBDlqvuxArpIcGtfulfAAgCovAtIxzdGdyJlgGaDtIGkhFzgsBaklaBilIzH/110811_bootsKimo4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_bootskimo4" height="667" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/tBDlqvuxArpIcGtfulfAAgCovAtIxzdGdyJlgGaDtIGkhFzgsBaklaBilIzH/110811_bootsKimo4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Three big pancakes quickly arrived at our table and I tried just a small taste of the macadamia nut sauce.</p> <p>Whoa. That’s good. </p> <p>And not overly sweet at all.</p> <p>I kept spooning my side of mac nut sauce onto my pancakes, slowly enjoying each bite of fluffy pancake and creamy mac nut sauce. I enjoyed the chopped mac nuts that were sprinkled throughout, giving each bite a crunchy texture. The sauce had the perfect thick consistency and balance of sweetness.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/foCqFjwFkCDbdcmjwGjisGxvoDzcJgCzfslgbxdphttgugmJDepBveayzkna/110811_bootsKimo5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_bootskimo5" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/foCqFjwFkCDbdcmjwGjisGxvoDzcJgCzfslgbxdphttgugmJDepBveayzkna/110811_bootsKimo5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>I didn’t finish my pancakes (I never do), but I wished I had a little bag to take the rest of the mac nut sauce home. <a href="http://bit.ly/5wKZ3C" target="_blank">Jason</a> was very satisfied with his pancakes too (as you can see. Haha). He finished everything and was practically licking the plate.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/xnGapByrFmahGivqncGBdGvthHicteBnbxtpkvnehGacveobJgJIvseBapoo/110811_bootsKimo6.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_bootskimo6" height="667" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/xnGapByrFmahGivqncGBdGvthHicteBnbxtpkvnehGacveobJgJIvseBapoo/110811_bootsKimo6.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Mac nut pancakes, check.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/yiaJHoCAbDHfpeztuEoaacvFEElljjFdxmhGBhsuGEICApyJqJuIGhqiGjfg/110811_bootsKimo3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_bootskimo3" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/yiaJHoCAbDHfpeztuEoaacvFEElljjFdxmhGBhsuGEICApyJqJuIGhqiGjfg/110811_bootsKimo3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/mac-nut-pancakes">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/mac-nut-pancakes#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/dSieokPYReg" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/mac-nut-pancakes Fri, 06 Jan 2012 06:07:00 -0800 Shiro's Saimin http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/JuNEIn0z3FY/shiros-saimin http://piggie.posterous.com/shiros-saimin <p> <p>With <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/nlJBubFzCu" target="_blank">the “cool” convertible</a>, we drove around the island and admired the vast landscape, but it quickly became uninteresting as night fell and everything became black.</p> <p>We weren’t even that hungry, but knew we’d have to eat dinner at some point, so we went to <a href="http://www.shirossaimin.com" target="_blank">Shiro’s Saimin</a>, a recommendation by Jason’s sister-in-law. Have you started to notice <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/qqhBnlpyrH" target="_blank">almost</a> <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/aloha-oahu" target="_blank">every</a><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/90843974" target="_blank"> single</a> <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/qqhBnlpyrH" target="_blank">place</a> is recommended by someone? Seems like everyone but us have been to Hawaii, but we were fortunate to have our friends tell us exactly where the best places are.</p> <p>The only thing I knew about Shiro’s is they serve handmade saimin, wheat egg noodles. Other than that, I didn’t know what to get and didn’t realize they had over 50 toppings to serve with your saimin. The menu was international, something for everyone, from spam, lumpia, teriyaki beef, kim chee to oxtail. <a href="http://bit.ly/5wKZ3C" target="_blank">Jason</a> and I were both dumbfounded by the sheer number of options.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/ocbvlwdhpqhqFrtczDetwyCocxwABDzBjlcuyjnrlcfqmmohpaChtqtqghaD/110711_shiro1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_shiro1" height="667" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/ocbvlwdhpqhqFrtczDetwyCocxwABDzBjlcuyjnrlcfqmmohpaChtqtqghaD/110711_shiro1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>We asked the waitress for some recommendations and she noted that saimin plus hamburger, literally means that: a bowl of saimin and a hamburger to accompany it. I was a little surprised, thinking it was a hamburger patty in the saimin (like <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/ychBcifGaa" target="_blank">loco moco</a>), not two separate meals!</p> <p>I chose something that seemed original and basic, #2, old-fashioned saimin with vegetables and garnishes (won tons, egg and sliced pork). The soft noodles were fresh and the broth tasty. It reminded me a lot of Chinese egg noodle soups, which heavily influenced Shiro’s.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/otnxhindwtHhsoFemonHBymycpbtaztlalfxAjzBwCDehyhbBpawuCCiskwp/110711_shiro2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_shiro2" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/otnxhindwtHhsoFemonHBymycpbtaztlalfxAjzBwCDehyhbBpawuCCiskwp/110711_shiro2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/efnapmrEoInhiFpnExsivHzcEGifaHfuAhsbpHoCupbDFjFhgBshfHFhijGg/110711_shiro3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_shiro3" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/efnapmrEoInhiFpnExsivHzcEGifaHfuAhsbpHoCupbDFjFhgBshfHFhijGg/110711_shiro3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/shiros-saimin">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>Looking at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saimin" target="_blank">Wiki</a>, saimin is actually influenced by Japanese udon, Chinese mein and Filipino pancit, no wonder Shiro’s menu is all over the place.</p> <p>The walls of the restaurants were decorated with quotes from the man himself. Each one starting with “Dear Hearts” and ending with his signature; they are quite uplifting, I might add:</p> <p><em>At times I believe </em><br /><em>We should act like a dog </em><br /><em>For a dog has nothing to give but love and affection </em><br /><em>Somehow we’re losing that lovely devotion </em><br /><em>Of giving with love, our thanks, and appreciation.</em></p> <p><em>If we has lost the love to love </em><br /><em>It’s pure tragedy </em><br /><em>For without love, we cannot dissolve </em><br /><em>Lies and pains to make life </em><br /><em>Meaningful with ecstasy.</em></p> <p><em>I don’t like the expression </em><br /><em>“I don’t have time” </em><br /><em>“I’m too busy” </em><br /><em>“Let’s make it tomorrow” and tomorrow never comes. </em><br /><em>If you want to accomplish anything, </em><br /><em>You must make time and time is now.</em></p> <p>A visitor can quickly see that Shiro is an interesting man, has the power to inspire thousands and even revolutionize the way saimin is eaten. I liked Shiro’s, the local ambiance was a nice change of pace from touristy Waikiki and I felt like I was a local myself.<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/jqCizIIqsGHgzHBfgmmBgavzEadgqgpBhvBHwIubDiApBsIbkkkGzFFseIdH/110711_shiro4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_shiro4" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/jqCizIIqsGHgzHBfgmmBgavzEadgqgpBhvBHwIubDiApBsIbkkkGzFFseIdH/110711_shiro4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/shiros-saimin">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/shiros-saimin#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/JuNEIn0z3FY" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/shiros-saimin Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:54:00 -0800 Shave Ice + The Mai Tai http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/pae7VBwfTt4/shave-ice-the-mai-tai http://piggie.posterous.com/shave-ice-the-mai-tai <p> <p>After <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/EnuJFfrmuy" target="_blank">the salty and garlicky madness</a>, we all needed to cool off and something refreshing (those coconuts obviously didn’t alleviate that). My co-worker’s friend, a native of Hawaii, recommended shave ice. Perfect! Another thing to check off my food list.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/FDgGhzbrequiBwDjCCnyDrDyDwdfdIJunsypfrhDlGAgpzdIGhcwcxmykbbc/110711_aokis3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_aokis3" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/FDgGhzbrequiBwDjCCnyDrDyDwdfdIJunsypfrhDlGAgpzdIGhcwcxmykbbc/110711_aokis3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Instead of <a href="http://www.matsumotoshaveice.com/" target="_blank">Matsumoto</a>, which is on every tourists’ list, we headed next door to <a href="http://www.aokishaveice.com/Aokis/index.html" target="_blank">Aoki’s</a>. She told us she preferred Aoki’s over Matsumoto’s. Figuring she's a local, why not. I'll follow her advice.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/pznbtIozHbfxjqpAjzJuIGCrkEDsdwlhgwnEnHcqeqtnrlDCbmlDeGHujHnE/110711_aokis1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_aokis1" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/pznbtIozHbfxjqpAjzJuIGCrkEDsdwlhgwnEnHcqeqtnrlDCbmlDeGHujHnE/110711_aokis1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Wanting to get something original and somewhat unique, I ordered the Hawaiian local flavor: pineapple, mango and li hing.<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/pvtBuDwkzrEpqFgonmFpyvCnitJcGoeuqbktBaBdsGsaAmduHDDJnexznIpG/110711_aokis2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_aokis2" height="667" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/pvtBuDwkzrEpqFgonmFpyvCnitJcGoeuqbktBaBdsGsaAmduHDDJnexznIpG/110711_aokis2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Before leaving on my trip, I kept hearing about this thing called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li_hing_mui" target="_blank">li hing</a>. There’s powder form and also a salty dried plum version. My mom used to always buy the plum version and I would rarely eat it as a kid because it was extra tart and sour. My <a href="http://bit.ly/5wKZ3C" target="_blank">friend</a> also introduced me to dropping the same dried plum into beer, a Taiwanese favorite, but it didn’t change the beer flavor too much.</p> <p>So back to Aoki’s, I was intrigued to taste this powder form. The li hing was generously sprinkled throughout my tall shave ice.</p> <p>The finely shave ice had the texture of powdered snow and was so light and airy. The pineapple and mango syrup was sweet and tasted like candy, while the li hing added a touch of saltiness. Delicious. I could eat this every day and understood why all the locals would grab shave ice after a long day at the beach.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/tapclhHvHkFHsbDIAaEAfFDbxaxFCabddnGyIokysFyGAsykgkhIatibfbzk/110711_aokis4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_aokis4" height="667" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/tapclhHvHkFHsbDIAaEAfFDbxaxFCabddnGyIokysFyGAsykgkhIatibfbzk/110711_aokis4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>My <a href="http://www.rickykwong.com" target="_blank">co-worker</a> and his friends highly recommended another shave ice place, <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/ice-garden-aiea" target="_blank">Ice Garden</a>, back in Aiea. They said it was better, different (because of the toppings) and operated by two old, interesting Asian ladies.</p> <p>Darn! We were JUST there <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/nlJBubFzCu" target="_blank">this morning</a> and could have tried this amazing place. It was at the bowling alley shopping center, so we were so close, but had no idea. <a href="http://bit.ly/5wKZ3C" target="_blank">Jason</a> and I tried going back later in the day, but missed it by an hour (they close at 5). It’d definitely be added on my restaurant list, for when we come back to Oahu.</p> <p>Again, having no plans and playing by ear, we went back to <a href="http://www.turtlebayresort.com/" target="_blank">Turtle Bay Resort</a> for a drink on the beach and to relax a bit more.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/zxkDmGvyArHrgolmAqDeFAIElamEbireqvCAqmhgoEIxnsEFjxzAjDEljlFF/110711_turtleBay3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_turtlebay3" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/zxkDmGvyArHrgolmAqDeFAIElamEbireqvCAqmhgoEIxnsEFjxzAjDEljlFF/110711_turtleBay3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Every single cocktail menu we saw in Hawaii listed mai tai. We both figured we should give it a shot, <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/ychBcifGaa" target="_blank">eat and</a> <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/riqzaehywy" target="_blank">drink authentic</a> <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/nlJBubFzCu" target="_blank">Hawaiian things</a>, even though the mai tai’s back home never tasted that good.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/JBabsaECcGIddGorwdjDmanHiAluzxfHEfivjECtzfyjlthidJxywkCmptlk/110711_turtleBay6.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_turtlebay6" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/JBabsaECcGIddGorwdjDmanHiAluzxfHEfivjECtzfyjlthidJxywkCmptlk/110711_turtleBay6.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> The best mai tai we’ve both ever had! According to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mai_Tai" target="_blank">Wiki</a>, a mai tai is made of rum, curaçao liqueur, lime juice and associated with “Polynesian-style” settings. I was upholding all the requirements, especially the latter: beachside, sunset, palm trees and sand in between my toes. I was certainly in the Hawaiian tropics and no longer in busy San Francisco.</p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/IsecBEjEzdpcuBetvzIotGGyoBgzDAzfvpExfhyauAmqxydimugrFofpcbzh/110711_turtleBay5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_turtlebay5" height="667" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/IsecBEjEzdpcuBetvzIotGGyoBgzDAzfvpExfhyauAmqxydimugrFofpcbzh/110711_turtleBay5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/wDbwAkDrDyAnyeDkcJxDjukIAfqFGmagCBGBHciDjjfDatxGrongjcobropA/110711_turtleBay4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_turtlebay4" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/wDbwAkDrDyAnyeDkcJxDjukIAfqFGmagCBGBHciDjjfDatxGrongjcobropA/110711_turtleBay4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/HxlmztwtvA">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </div> <p> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/shave-ice-the-mai-tai">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/shave-ice-the-mai-tai#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/pae7VBwfTt4" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/shave-ice-the-mai-tai Thu, 05 Jan 2012 07:42:00 -0800 Sun, Shrimp + Coconuts http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/tvXS25O2zI8/sun-shrimp-coconuts http://piggie.posterous.com/sun-shrimp-coconuts <p> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/5wKZ3C" target="_blank">Jason</a> and I headed up towards <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Shore_(Oahu)" target="_blank">North Shore</a> for some beach time. The drive up was beautiful, miles of green scenery and small patches of uninhabited land. I was happy to not see tall buildings or a McDonald’s. This was how I imagined Hawaii. Waikiki was too touristy and over developed. It’s nice for a little bit, but I’m glad we got to experience the other side of Oahu, the more natural side.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/DjAayntoGmcudABnyxqiByIrmxAboElElzbuchgIdnBnIgjusdJubBJFljIr/110711_freeway4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_freeway4" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/DjAayntoGmcudABnyxqiByIrmxAboElElzbuchgIdnBnIgjusdJubBJFljIr/110711_freeway4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/AzazECvxByubstdaJIFzuivkDavcEIktwzeHpnpobprizxtoErfdmwedEhjs/110711_freeway8.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_freeway8" height="375" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/AzazECvxByubstdaJIFzuivkDavcEIktwzeHpnpobprizxtoErfdmwedEhjs/110711_freeway8.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/IJBktAqzdFospsJnBDJmhqHDrzetFrjfInHgkhltbfbppwDGnnGHgbzetxBH/110711_freeway5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_freeway5" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/IJBktAqzdFospsJnBDJmhqHDrzetFrjfInHgkhltbfbppwDGnnGHgbzetxBH/110711_freeway5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/FnuvCjqsDiFbHHAhfDcmczfgosJxIDHEGomszxehhqGbmzpysIaEotxzJqnm/110711_freeway3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_freeway3" height="375" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/FnuvCjqsDiFbHHAhfDcmczfgosJxIDHEGomszxehhqGbmzpysIaEotxzJqnm/110711_freeway3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/pJfyhrpheEaapgBnuqavvrsEtdctksjGhkzrfvuhGIqxiAepqctsuashbwcj/110711_freeway6.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_freeway6" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/pJfyhrpheEaapgBnuqavvrsEtdctksjGhkzrfvuhGIqxiAepqctsuashbwcj/110711_freeway6.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/ixlIeCHfAAgJfEijtEtytcorzJFBukaCjbkoitwAeCtFsBnEIGeoBeBDkxih/110711_freeway7.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_freeway7" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/ixlIeCHfAAgJfEijtEtytcorzJFBukaCjbkoitwAeCtFsBnEIGeoBeBDkxih/110711_freeway7.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/EnuJFfrmuy">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>We didn’t have any idea which beach to go to and ended up at <a href="http://www.turtlebayresort.com/" target="_blank">Turtle Bay Resort</a>. This resort was <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/riqzaehywy" target="_blank">incomparable</a> to the luxurious <a href="http://www.kahalaresort.com" target="_blank">Kahala Resort</a>, but they had a large golf course, if you’re into that thing.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/klszockyBFzFdIHecxwujEbvkxJouqbkFgnykljkpIwfEBGvBfeDfGBxFhzG/110711_turtleBay1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_turtlebay1" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/klszockyBFzFdIHecxwujEbvkxJouqbkFgnykljkpIwfEBGvBfeDfGBxFhzG/110711_turtleBay1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/CtbkFjIadwDIwafDEwyvwofzvECppbidBsocxHtugHIDdJIdtqoexgDEkBDw/110711_turtleBay2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_turtlebay2" height="667" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/CtbkFjIadwDIwafDEwyvwofzvECppbidBsocxHtugHIDdJIdtqoexgDEkBDw/110711_turtleBay2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/EnuJFfrmuy">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> We laid out on the beach to kill time before our next meal. Didn’t I tell you everything is revolved around food?</p> <p>My <a href="http://rickykwong.com/" target="_blank">co-worker</a> was also in Oahu (what are the chances!), so we met at <a href="http://www.giovannisshrimptruck.com/" target="_blank">Giovanni's shrimp truck</a>.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/gtEocnJEhcjppBstvrrqzeHxnhJxuuxjIaIfsIivvFjzDkADerJDEsxphJfm/110711_giovannis1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_giovannis1" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/gtEocnJEhcjppBstvrrqzeHxnhJxuuxjIaIfsIivvFjzDkADerJDEsxphJfm/110711_giovannis1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>I ordered their popular dish, shrimp scampi—a dozen shrimp sautéed in olive oil and garlic. It’s as simple as that. The large shellfish was extremely fresh and meaty. Very garlicky, if you can’t tell. Loved it.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/dqrthJHJuhinHGrphEJxqjldeGDhphkFiGFFvDFfjftybGnHxyypwtrgvogc/110711_giovannis4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_giovannis4" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/dqrthJHJuhinHGrphEJxqjldeGDhphkFiGFFvDFfjftybGnHxyypwtrgvogc/110711_giovannis4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Right next to Giovanni’s truck was another truck selling smoothies and guess what, fresh coconuts! I was ready to check<a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/aloha-oahu" target="_blank"> my second must-get in Hawaii</a> off of my list.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/AiIyHJuvrdwhpnylkrmiqAtFgHnfCExthzBHepHJCeJipBkcvjhswIifAvtn/110711_giovannis2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_giovannis2" height="667" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/AiIyHJuvrdwhpnylkrmiqAtFgHnfCExthzBHepHJCeJipBkcvjhswIifAvtn/110711_giovannis2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>I was surprised to see a slightly older, light brown colored coconut appear from the truck. I was expecting a large, green young coconut. These small brown ones are usually older and not as sweet. I didn’t let the breed of coconut deter me as I took a sip.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/nbbrttpsEaBEsuryEbmmbIFEFskqkAgpzHmulJdiAhItsJIxfHItctpByaJd/110711_giovannis3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_giovannis3" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/nbbrttpsEaBEsuryEbmmbIFEFskqkAgpzHmulJdiAhItsJIxfHItctpByaJd/110711_giovannis3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Eh. Not exactly what I expected. The coconut juice had a slight sour taste to it. I’ve had fresh coconuts before and this did not taste as good. I was slightly disappointed, but figured I had four more days to find the perfect fresh coconut.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/sun-shrimp-coconuts">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/sun-shrimp-coconuts#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/tvXS25O2zI8" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/sun-shrimp-coconuts Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:26:00 -0800 The Alley http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/0_1zzItxvTU/the-alley http://piggie.posterous.com/the-alley <p> <p>When I was packing for Hawaii, the weather report mentioned rain during our weeklong stay. I was annoyed that it would rain, but everyone assured me that the rain is light and passes quickly. Plus, it’s humid, so it’s never cold rain.</p> <p>Day three, I woke up to warm rain and was slightly bummed that it was raining at all. At least I had a full can of POG (passion fruit, orange and guava juice) to remind me of the tropics. This juice quickly became one of my favorites. Wish we had this in California!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/mynlaffkEompmnbrnfbnJhkgvGHuBFfCdcewoEaGjsAcFhzEFBrmlzDBgIBE/110711_hotel.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_hotel" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/mynlaffkEompmnbrnfbnJhkgvGHuBFfCdcewoEaGjsAcFhzEFBrmlzDBgIBE/110711_hotel.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>We were tired of touristy Waikiki and wanted to venture out to explore the rest of Oahu. So, we rented a convertible (“Hawaii is THE place to drive a convertible!” <a href="http://bit.ly/5wKZ3C" target="_blank">Jason</a> said, but we quickly realized locals do not drive flashy Sebring convertibles. haha).</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/esBnloFCeikfnIcDpwuHkDBfcwqhmqkfgDeklmrelkrAwxdHrnnfaHFhJztG/110811_oahu.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_oahu" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/esBnloFCeikfnIcDpwuHkDBfcwqhmqkfgDeklmrelkrAwxdHrnnfaHFhJztG/110811_oahu.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The sky was cloudy as we headed onto the main highway (55mph speed limit!) and the next thing we knew, it started to drizzle. As my friends had assured me, the rain was light and even with the convertible top down, the rain didn’t bother me.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/nhHuCnqaJInJqkGwJIklAFxzmhFygEFkjIhdcHbFanffIkoBsIjitdJhFBgD/110711_freeway1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_freeway1" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/nhHuCnqaJInJqkGwJIklAFxzmhFygEFkjIhdcHbFanffIkoBsIjitdJhFBgD/110711_freeway1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/sastGxafqpfgfxlktFtppuaCxIuiIIonACtcsrGmbpyufqdDmpEjFrHBgdpl/110711_freeway2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_freeway2" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/sastGxafqpfgfxlktFtppuaCxIuiIIonACtcsrGmbpyufqdDmpEjFrHBgdpl/110711_freeway2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/the-alley">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> We drove to Aiea, 20 minutes away from Waikiki and ate at <a href="http://www.aieabowl.com" target="_blank">Aiea Bowl</a> aka "The Alley."</p> <p>Yes, a bowling alley.</p> <p>Highly recommended by Jason’s co-worker, we were with the locals as we dined in the small restaurant.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/BrIGhhAFIFkxFnIblssepxFcHpeChtBJIxigkyzbdasBbjvsBqDzBIghHrtz/110711_aieaBowl1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_aieabowl1" height="667" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/BrIGhhAFIFkxFnIblssepxFcHpeChtBJIxigkyzbdasBbjvsBqDzBIghHrtz/110711_aieaBowl1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>There were two dishes that we had to get, Tasty Chicken and Boneless Marinated Kalbi.</p> <p>I typically don’t like fried food and carb dishes, so I opted for the Kalbi (short ribs), but both dishes were very satisfying. I could have gone either way.</p> <p>I was thankful that the short ribs were boneless (you know how much I hate eating off the bone), full of flavor and had a delicious sweet yet salty grilled crust.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/nsplBuFJvxyBIcFDJJyaoAJlxeryuvyHBaHutnBxzzgDnDAmbAheylCChlBA/110711_aieaBowl4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_aieabowl4" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/nsplBuFJvxyBIcFDJJyaoAJlxeryuvyHBaHutnBxzzgDnDAmbAheylCChlBA/110711_aieaBowl4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/nBqqhGcpbDtyHuIAiHlAAanvuhghaxDcApmebCFEnwbavFuHcDGukyoDiswy/110711_aieaBowl5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_aieabowl5" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/nBqqhGcpbDtyHuIAiHlAAanvuhghaxDcApmebCFEnwbavFuHcDGukyoDiswy/110711_aieaBowl5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/the-alley">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>The Tasty Chicken was battered, deep fried and tossed in a secret “Alley” sauce. It reminded me a lot of the <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/ob-town" target="_blank">Korean fried chicken back home</a>.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/crelxJtpxgBlgziFxgkBhsCndkdjamhIjqhbcAbmfHtjIJvDFAbHcFbBxrqq/110711_aieaBowl6.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_aieabowl6" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/crelxJtpxgBlgziFxgkBhsCndkdjamhIjqhbcAbmfHtjIJvDFAbHcFbBxrqq/110711_aieaBowl6.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The portions were also perfect—just the right amount to leave you satisfied, but not full. And you had the option of brown rice! I appreciated that very much, especially after <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/ychBcifGaa" target="_blank">all the heavy food</a><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/90843974" target="_blank"> we’ve been eating</a>.</p> <p>There were a lot of tasty treats (pumpkin crunch cake, lemon bars, strawberry scones, peanut butter cupcakes...) to top off my lunch, but I didn't want to overstuff myself.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/DBmghlqdHnaDlnDfkgdvueashEFdqvqkdGHelwsHwxkvemvpxbnkibhtnsci/110711_aieaBowl3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_aieabowl3" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/DBmghlqdHnaDlnDfkgdvueashEFdqvqkdGHelwsHwxkvemvpxbnkibhtnsci/110711_aieaBowl3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>I loved hearing the bowling pins as we finished our meal. I was definitely in a bowling alley, and this little restaurant put all other bowling alley restaurants to shame.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/hftkaFqhsIIjaJIFIIuBjjjjABrHIDJHunJBnbvCvHGoxtCryjsfmzdtuEbb/110711_aieaBowl2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110711_aieabowl2" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-01-02/hftkaFqhsIIjaJIFIIuBjjjjABrHIDJHunJBnbvCvHGoxtCryjsfmzdtuEbb/110711_aieaBowl2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/the-alley">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/the-alley#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/0_1zzItxvTU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/the-alley Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:02:00 -0800 Shokudo http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/3rzR99iwzcw/shokudo http://piggie.posterous.com/shokudo <p> <p>Not having other plans, we went back to the hotel and killed some time before heading out for a late night snack and drink. Didn’t I already tell you my entire vacation revolves around food? Haha.<p /><a href="http://bit.ly/5wKZ3C" target="_blank">Jason</a> and I still had our mopeds, so we rode around Waikiki and headed to a popular mall, <a href="http://www.alamoanacenter.com/" target="_blank">Ala Moana</a>. Unfortunately, it was already closed by the time we got there.<p /><a href="http://www.shokudojapanese.com/" target="_blank">Shokudo Japanese</a> restaurant, at the Ala Moana, was recommended by another friend and seemed like a perfect place for small bites and drinks.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/BfBsqIbxafgFFclBvIbaotpbkuAdDBbcqjgChercxBenJdbgukrsnzwqEoBb/110611_shokudo10.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_shokudo10" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/BfBsqIbxafgFFclBvIbaotpbkuAdDBbcqjgChercxBenJdbgukrsnzwqEoBb/110611_shokudo10.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Their menu was huge! It took over the entire table.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/tmBxGEAupjICIuzvBfDBkzlAvafbfpFvJjxCvpEvFnCrBcsrxwlvCfzwwyrF/110611_shokudo1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_shokudo1" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/tmBxGEAupjICIuzvBfDBkzlAvafbfpFvJjxCvpEvFnCrBcsrxwlvCfzwwyrF/110611_shokudo1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Still full from the <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/private/ychBcifGaa" target="_blank">Loco Moco</a>, we ordered just a few items.<p />To start, a strawberry flavored slushy-like vodka drink.<br /><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/yDqdImtgxwFmgDmAJxfuGhaoyIwedoIxevDiHAfFiGgkGdtEeqJbhJobIeeI/110611_shokudo2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_shokudo2" height="667" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/yDqdImtgxwFmgDmAJxfuGhaoyIwedoIxevDiHAfFiGgkGdtEeqJbhJobIeeI/110611_shokudo2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Ahi tataki with garlic chips. It was a little disappointing considering the fish didn’t look or taste fresh. I’m in Hawaii right?! Aren’t they supposed to have fresh fish? Second time I’ve been duped with fish dishes.<br /><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/IEtCcGffnxblrethCxwzHasICaiehukJHiBgiyDDFdDEFevrFBoaDCjFmzHw/110611_shokudo3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_shokudo3" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/IEtCcGffnxblrethCxwzHasICaiehukJHiBgiyDDFdDEFevrFBoaDCjFmzHw/110611_shokudo3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Ramen noodles with a spicy (and oily) miso paste broth topped with pork and Chinese chives. I’ve had <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/the-best-ramen-hakata-ippudo" target="_blank">WAY better</a> <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/ramen-hunt-part-1" target="_blank">ramen before</a>.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/metwfqpEtruEaGtwcwfyeEkwCBtsBlpFzngjHpkCIHEkGvcyeqltkaJdysaC/110611_shokudo4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_shokudo4" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/metwfqpEtruEaGtwcwfyeEkwCBtsBlpFzngjHpkCIHEkGvcyeqltkaJdysaC/110611_shokudo4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> And lastly, high on every <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/shokudo-japanese-restaurant-and-bar-honolulu" target="_blank">Yelp review</a>, honey toast. Thick Japanese white toast that was cutout, cubed and bathed in butter. To up the calories, it was also drizzled with honey and topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream. It was so freaking thick and dense! Delicious for the first several bites, nevertheless.<br /><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/ysovqaqHxEuciznuopsCchyvjqoDpcgJBfwayxbjjIzCswwjztdshmwtGAbH/110611_shokudo5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_shokudo5" height="667" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/ysovqaqHxEuciznuopsCchyvjqoDpcgJBfwayxbjjIzCswwjztdshmwtGAbH/110611_shokudo5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/jfmtzipkbtCsgGeIFejJmFmuvqwcgxAtFhzinlDnyiAJnAqeknHlagejzIzE/110611_shokudo7.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_shokudo7" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/jfmtzipkbtCsgGeIFejJmFmuvqwcgxAtFhzinlDnyiAJnAqeknHlagejzIzE/110611_shokudo7.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/ChpCAcxtexzvzBajHGHrFnzsbrqvxgFsGqnmwtGyfHybyktfIyuufeEqbqaa/110611_shokudo6.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_shokudo6" height="667" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/ChpCAcxtexzvzBajHGHrFnzsbrqvxgFsGqnmwtGyfHybyktfIyuufeEqbqaa/110611_shokudo6.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/CbysmvFyazioIEsFqiepdfuAchJmEumebuxDtaursmeIAdtIBuIlgugdscme/110611_shokudo8.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_shokudo8" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/CbysmvFyazioIEsFqiepdfuAchJmEumebuxDtaursmeIAdtIBuIlgugdscme/110611_shokudo8.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/shokudo">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> The restaurant is hip with clever design. I loved how the interior was decorated with very basic materials (s-hooks and small wooden slabs strung together to create a barrier).<br /><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/wpFoctGzHDaCsGotfccCtgCeedbtgpoIrjcxxlasnvqpfaztClInFFIxmqxk/110611_shokudo9.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_shokudo9" height="375" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/wpFoctGzHDaCsGotfccCtgCeedbtgpoIrjcxxlasnvqpfaztClInFFIxmqxk/110611_shokudo9.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Overall, Shokudo is great for drinks, but not for food.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/shokudo">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/shokudo#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/3rzR99iwzcw" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/shokudo Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:01:00 -0800 Loco Moco http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/EQPJ77rRqtA/91146455 http://piggie.posterous.com/91146455 <p> <div><a href="http://bit.ly/5wKZ3C" target="_blank">Jason</a> and I continued our moped adventure to breathtaking <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanauma_Bay" target="_blank">Hanauma Bay</a>. It was the bluest water I have ever seen in my life. This photo doesn’t justify how gorgeous the water looked.</div> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/wwpCEquifAkcBwgaGHebpAgeGpntvlrGEgCzessgxquEDjnbDJnfHsmmElnc/110611_hanaumaBay.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_hanaumabay" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/wwpCEquifAkcBwgaGHebpAgeGpntvlrGEgCzessgxquEDjnbDJnfHsmmElnc/110611_hanaumaBay.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </div> <div>We needed beach time, so we stopped at <a href="http://www.aloha-hawaii.com/oahu/sandy-beach/" target="_blank">Sandy Beach</a>, a spot recommended by a friend.</div> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/tGEJdkgatjIqmspykqvvEovdHupDJcIogaEGgygpmmdhoJIuaCaoifcChgjC/110611_sandyBeach2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_sandybeach2" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/tGEJdkgatjIqmspykqvvEovdHupDJcIogaEGgygpmmdhoJIuaCaoifcChgjC/110611_sandyBeach2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/ozjFGDpAGJchzspgnksbuehJvmGkaAIsvFHCvHIhGhbhnphBEbrvhdnloExu/110611_sandyBeach1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_sandybeach1" height="667" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/ozjFGDpAGJchzspgnksbuehJvmGkaAIsvFHCvHIhGhbhnphBEbrvhdnloExu/110611_sandyBeach1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/91146455">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </div> <div>We sunbathed for a few hours and then headed back to Waikiki area for an early dinner at<a href="http://www.rainbowdrivein.com/" target="_blank"> Rainbow Drive Inn</a>.</div> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/nAreyEglyxurDGarbsyyfrweEzkcHJtdqiydocbiwgcwCsmbyzrivIIFCHdC/110611_rainbow1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_rainbow1" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/nAreyEglyxurDGarbsyyfrweEzkcHJtdqiydocbiwgcwCsmbyzrivIIFCHdC/110611_rainbow1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/osdkDqyssztohqEeGrAxCozmHgihfsdcmGwecnHJFcwaGfxawgamwvEwDdCC/110611_rainbow4.jpg"><img alt="110611_rainbow4" height="666.666666666667" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/osdkDqyssztohqEeGrAxCozmHgihfsdcmGwecnHJFcwaGfxawgamwvEwDdCC/110611_rainbow4.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/91146455">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> Rainbow Drive Inn is another local place, but also high on every tourist's list. This drive inn is known for their authentic Hawaiian plate lunches.</div> <p /> <div>I ordered my all time favorite Hawaiian dish, Loco Moco. The heavy box was piled high with white rice, two hamburger patties, two eggs and smothered with brown gravy. Oh yes, and mandatory to every Hawaiian plate lunches, macaroni salad.</div> <p /> <div>Salty and delicious. I loved it. Especially when the egg yolk oozed out and made the brown gravy even creamier. This was obviously the best loco moco I've ever had—beats <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/friday-food-frenzy" target="_blank">the previous one</a> I had back home.</div> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/ltfpeGnzciEtGwhfhskydqgsEjvzEIbIcioDlbtJABDdFltwukgewuyttnDD/110611_rainbow2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_rainbow2" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/ltfpeGnzciEtGwhfhskydqgsEjvzEIbIcioDlbtJABDdFltwukgewuyttnDD/110611_rainbow2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/zyEhufeqeGCnnEAaxtxpkIvuctckrxaoclbJHxjhoHFrFetFgutowHiGkFlc/110611_rainbow3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_rainbow3" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-29/zyEhufeqeGCnnEAaxtxpkIvuctckrxaoclbJHxjhoHFrFetFgutowHiGkFlc/110611_rainbow3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/91146455">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> I couldn’t imagine eating this every day, considering it was extra high in calories, but every once in awhile; it’d be a good meal...or two.</div> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/91146455">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/91146455#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/EQPJ77rRqtA" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/91146455 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:15:00 -0800 The Royal Pine http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/2b5BoyTeJLk/the-royal-pine http://piggie.posterous.com/the-royal-pine <p> <p>First full day in Oahu and we had no plans. All I had was a list of restaurants I wanted to visit and perhaps one or two touristy spots.</p> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/5wKZ3C" target="_blank">Jason</a> had a brilliant plan of renting mopeds (sarcasm). I was very hesitant, knowing I’d be vulnerable, exposed and riding alongside real cars that could potentially run me over. Not exactly something I’d like to remember Hawaii by.</p> <p>We walked several blocks to <a href="http://www.hawaiianstylerentals.com/" target="_blank">Hawaiian Style Rentals</a> and got the rundown of renting the mopeds: $65 per day with insurance and one full tank of gas. Pricey, I know, but I'm only in Hawaii once, no?</p> <p>A guy gave us some quick instructions on how to operate the mopeds and we were able to ride them around the block until we felt comfortable. If we felt uneasy, we could immediately cancel our rental agreement.</p> <p>It took me about five runs around the block and I still wasn’t 100% comfortable. I was ready to cave in. Going around the block was sort of easy, but out on the real road?! Scary! Jason kept coaxing me and the next thing I knew, I was riding along the beautiful coastline of Oahu.</p> <p>Yes, it was scary and I wore my silly red helmet the entire time (there’s no law in Hawaii that says you have to wear a helmet and 99% of the locals do not). But one great thing about Oahu is the main road we were riding on (Diamond Head and Kahala) had a speed limit of only 35mph. 35! So my little red moped was perfect for these roads. I slowed traffic a few times and barely made it up steep hills, but it’s OK. I’m on Hawaii-time, everything’s a little bit slower and chiller.</p> <p>I wish I had a video camera attached to my moped, so I could capture the scenery. Plus, I couldn’t completely appreciate the beautiful scenery; I was focused on driving safely and not getting killed. Haha.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/idlczErrvbbkCpakmCcIurcefvuiFnkwjjyBjlupzovptfhmsxubnFiqwcqr/377933_10150398102388395_802178394_8571198_1649871945_n.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="377933_10150398102388395_802178394_8571198_1649871945_n" height="664" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/idlczErrvbbkCpakmCcIurcefvuiFnkwjjyBjlupzovptfhmsxubnFiqwcqr/377933_10150398102388395_802178394_8571198_1649871945_n.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>We stopped at <a href="http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/oahu/index.cfm?park_id=15" target="_blank">Diamond Head State Monument</a>, but realized it was way too hot and humid to go hiking. We didn’t go into the park, but there was still a beautiful spot overlooking Oahu.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/nCriDivaCAdEoCFApCCozajqnjuyEDGkHqCjAnzquAtzqjFdfwjqBAGrmrsD/110611_diamondHead1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_diamondhead1" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/nCriDivaCAdEoCFApCCozajqnjuyEDGkHqCjAnzquAtzqjFdfwjqBAGrmrsD/110611_diamondHead1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/fEwxqghIxhGqjyDpnpbyByoJshqjxExovzlmHesqgeqdHChmnkvotCpAduhC/110611_diamondHead3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_diamondhead3" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/fEwxqghIxhGqjyDpnpbyByoJshqjxExovzlmHesqgeqdHChmnkvotCpAduhC/110611_diamondHead3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/oEpfpjlpDhJFbnlzzGBEfbplvCDqaJklEeEExGxJGjqqlbhmnCtqcvJjqBoe/110611_diamondHead2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_diamondhead2" height="667" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/oEpfpjlpDhJFbnlzzGBEfbplvCDqaJklEeEExGxJGjqqlbhmnCtqcvJjqBoe/110611_diamondHead2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/the-royal-pine">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>Not exactly having a destination point (we were having fun just being on our mopeds), Jason and I realized we haven’t eaten anything yet and picked the closest thing, <a href="http://www.kahalaresort.com/" target="_blank">Kahala Resort</a>.</p> <p>Kahala Resort was outrageously luxurious. Sea turtles, exotic fish, stingrays and waterfalls planked the outdoor area. You could even swim with the dolphins (!) in their private pool area. Kahala Resort was also away from touristy Waikiki and felt like it was on its own island. </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/mqeuvEDIcnboFAaGFpcjquchaHxAFrhtJJrxFxFtquHqjEmAHvJFafmfvfeh/110611_kahala2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_kahala2" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/mqeuvEDIcnboFAaGFpcjquchaHxAFrhtJJrxFxFtquHqjEmAHvJFafmfvfeh/110611_kahala2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/AshEaCbsjwEDDifvJGnfcwxIouCytqivDfefovochgBCarmvJvBCrkHGBlFx/110611_kahala9.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_kahala9" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/AshEaCbsjwEDDifvJGnfcwxIouCytqivDfefovochgBCarmvJvBCrkHGBlFx/110611_kahala9.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/uhDqbjjDoGecJlCemvovGDFvyDueADvGGsphjcIdBjmDjJuGmkFcgGoqdgIG/110611_kahala10.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_kahala10" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/uhDqbjjDoGecJlCemvovGDFvyDueADvGGsphjcIdBjmDjJuGmkFcgGoqdgIG/110611_kahala10.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/lpllBIszgquEsbBpDvImhkCAxvokFzFFsnIvieiDGhtnAtszvggmxHIAaFdI/110611_kahala8.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_kahala8" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/lpllBIszgquEsbBpDvImhkCAxvokFzFFsnIvieiDGhtnAtszvggmxHIAaFdI/110611_kahala8.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/the-royal-pine">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>Jason and I opted for <a href="http://www.kahalaresort.com/dining/seaside-grill.cfm" target="_blank">Seaside Grill</a>, an outdoor restaurant right on the beach.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/kqFCrnDjbmpyjaqcecrezcxmoxcmAllbpbwdhsfletuBiuBaohpBflrbwjsb/110611_kahala2a.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_kahala2a" height="667" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/kqFCrnDjbmpyjaqcecrezcxmoxcmAllbpbwdhsfletuBiuBaohpBflrbwjsb/110611_kahala2a.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/pJllmqijrcjeqecBAAIifCxpFbtosIBkdlgyHbHlxEDcvvdorbobwBpzIHIe/110611_kahala3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_kahala3" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/pJllmqijrcjeqecBAAIifCxpFbtosIBkdlgyHbHlxEDcvvdorbobwBpzIHIe/110611_kahala3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/the-royal-pine">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>Remember how <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/aloha-oahu" target="_blank">my Hawaiian requisite</a> was to order a pina colada and fresh coconut? Now this is the perfect spot for my authentic pina colada.</p> <p>Royal Pine, please.</p> <p>Holy cow.</p> <p>THAT’S a pina colada.</p> <p>The drink came in a beautiful pineapple hollowed and filled with a tropical blend of peaches, papaya, pineapple, banana, light and dark and coconut in a fresh pineapple. What I loved the most about the drink was there was no cream at all. Fresh, fruity and quite strong, I was in Hawaiian paradise.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/tiIowDkuorbvtyHdfmuprFClCCxxHuCuxHiJpwokysvJtnjFjhutmxBvFhCJ/110611_kahala4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_kahala4" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/tiIowDkuorbvtyHdfmuprFClCCxxHuCuxHiJpwokysvJtnjFjhutmxBvFhCJ/110611_kahala4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Oh, did I forget to mention it was $22?</p> <p>Ouch! I should have looked at the price before ordering, but I was too excited to get the drink, I didn’t even glance at the price.</p> <p>Trust me, it was worth it.<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/qqlHrluogyCGrkudJgaqhCuqAeIHvgGEyHapBwGEttkJdnqjkvmlrlqzhFuG/110611_kahala5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_kahala5" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/qqlHrluogyCGrkudJgaqhCuqAeIHvgGEyHapBwGEttkJdnqjkvmlrlqzhFuG/110611_kahala5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Craving for something healthy, considered our last meal wasn’t, I ordered ‘<a href="http://www.nalo-farms.com" target="_blank">Nalo</a> (local farm) green salad that came with shaved Maui onions and drizzled with papaya seed vinaigrette. I was wary with the onions since I hate raw onions, but these Maui ones were sweet and didn't have a bite at all.<div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/dpyHmjrlvclrpmnvcpgxfEaxcFefxBnJvpHgdFtacxuzshBIBehmulBDiGbp/110611_kahala6.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_kahala6" height="375" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/dpyHmjrlvclrpmnvcpgxfEaxcFefxBnJvpHgdFtacxuzshBIBehmulBDiGbp/110611_kahala6.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>I preferred Jason’s dish, a chilled soba salad that was severed in a box. A little odd in presentation, but what was inside was delicious: buckwheat noodles, ‘Nalo greens, cucumbers and mushrooms in wasabi ponzu dashi.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/JghDcDnnutzpGuyEwJakxaCjgkwlrJylAAaxfBhqlqDGECrqGieFwopIEqIy/110611_kahala7.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_kahala7" height="667" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/JghDcDnnutzpGuyEwJakxaCjgkwlrJylAAaxfBhqlqDGECrqGieFwopIEqIy/110611_kahala7.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>High off of excellent food, the beautiful beach view and perhaps the $22 Royal Pine, we continued our moped adventure and wished we had a chance to stay at the opulent Kahala Resort.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/yzmpAFnbeueqoIyvrmDgaxlIJyEBxAhyAcbyGymcchJDhamEjjAshcgxEBCm/110611_kahala1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110611_kahala1" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/yzmpAFnbeueqoIyvrmDgaxlIJyEBxAhyAcbyGymcchJDhamEjjAshcgxEBCm/110611_kahala1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Even if I couldn’t afford to stay there ($500+ per night), at least I was able to indulge a small taste of the luxurious life.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/the-royal-pine">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/the-royal-pine#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/2b5BoyTeJLk" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/the-royal-pine Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:10:56 -0800 Side Street for Dinner http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/VJuHzzoVN0U/90843974 http://piggie.posterous.com/90843974 <p> <p>Refreshed and ready for dinner, we headed over to <a href="http://www.sidestreetinn.com" target="_blank">Side Street Inn</a>, a short 10-minute walk from our hotel.</p> <p>This restaurant was a recommendation by <a href="http://bit.ly/5wKZ3C" target="_blank">Jason’s</a> sister-in-law and co-worker, plus it was featured on <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/anthony-bourdain/episodes/hawaii-3" target="_blank">Anthony Bourdain’s show</a>, so this place MUST be good.</p> <p>We knew we had to get the kimchee fried rice (pickled spicy cabbage mixed with bacon, Portuguese sausage, Chinese barbecue pork—char siu, green onions, peas, carrots and rice).</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/pwzzHmgkDozpwyzaxEfCpJJxixyGepgjflEoksniFxlzcHyyjivjFxeCFixz/110511_sideStInn3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_sidestinn3" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/pwzzHmgkDozpwyzaxEfCpJJxixyGepgjflEoksniFxlzcHyyjivjFxeCFixz/110511_sideStInn3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Jason wanted the pan-fried island pork chops (crispy on da’ outside, juicy on da’ inside, as they say it).</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/daydkfItbgpvdDpbyHAHJtxjkrdolbIgyJdqHuhFezoomawyBovoeIzgFasq/110511_sideStInn2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_sidestinn2" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/daydkfItbgpvdDpbyHAHJtxjkrdolbIgyJdqHuhFezoomawyBovoeIzgFasq/110511_sideStInn2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>But, I wanted the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furikake" target="_blank">furikake</a> crusted Ahi fish steak too (fried?!).</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/aIizxefAuAuAEkFEhCAwrzJgkhehvvdhBueucrFxsAqhvfihDrjHFCDmgDts/110511_sideStInn4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_sidestinn4" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/aIizxefAuAuAEkFEhCAwrzJgkhehvvdhBueucrFxsAqhvfihDrjHFCDmgDts/110511_sideStInn4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>To wash it all down, house special, Rogue brewed beer.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/JdvaoFqBmCawururAwhkAarfysJeHtHBkvywlBecxrdwquAzllkswHBiBDzA/110511_sideStInn1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_sidestinn1" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/JdvaoFqBmCawururAwhkAarfysJeHtHBkvywlBecxrdwquAzllkswHBiBDzA/110511_sideStInn1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> We were too excited and ordered WAY too much food. We barely finished it. Each dish was massive and the fried rice alone could have fed the both of us.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/yIqbzbhqlrhuytxBdADGhlEHxEfFpoCtCyovvfzdpsuCkAshytoAvvfrblmf/110511_sideStInn5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_sidestinn5" height="667" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/yIqbzbhqlrhuytxBdADGhlEHxEfFpoCtCyovvfzdpsuCkAshytoAvvfrblmf/110511_sideStInn5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> Every single table ordered the fried rice and pork chops. I kid you not.</p> <p>The fried rice was quite good. I kept eating that dish, savoring the saltiness. Pork chops, mediocre. It was what I expected. The Ahi fish was a major disappointment. I expected a crust with rare fresh fish in the center. Nope. Fried and cooked all the way through.</p> <p>Heavy food. Not exactly what I expected, but we quickly discovered Side Street Inn is a great place for big groups to share the big portions. We were probably the only 2-person table there!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/mlDkmDpodHtDEfIGoztBkisAHloblFqptaFtJgEfagsoCezhpCpFluvEcrsv/110511_sideStInn6.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_sidestinn6" height="375" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/mlDkmDpodHtDEfIGoztBkisAHloblFqptaFtJgEfagsoCezhpCpFluvEcrsv/110511_sideStInn6.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Quick walk along the downtown Waikiki shopping strip—Chanel, Louis, Hermes and even Apple—called our names. Surprisingly, even with the low 4.25% sales tax, we walked out empty handed.</p> <p>We ended up at good ‘ol <a href="http://www.margaritaville.com" target="_blank">Margaritaville</a> for a quick nightcap. No piña colada yet.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/90843974">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/90843974#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/VJuHzzoVN0U" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/90843974 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:05:00 -0800 Aloha Oahu http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~3/HSXXvFSzxHs/aloha-oahu http://piggie.posterous.com/aloha-oahu <p> <p>Hawaii’s time zone worked in our favor (2 hours behind) and we landed in Honolulu on Saturday afternoon. We had almost a full day ahead of us to explore.</p> <p>Problem.</p> <p>Our hotel, <a href="http://www.aquaresorts.com/oahu-hotels/aqua-aloha-surf-spa/home/" target="_blank">Aqua Aloha Surf</a> in downtown Waikiki, didn’t allow us to check in until 3.</p> <p>Shit.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/reHDElxventasEnisnCtdsHymoyjeFnsoAreFiHyADqublvbcciJzxFuglBj/110811_aqua.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110811_aqua" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/reHDElxventasEnisnCtdsHymoyjeFnsoAreFiHyADqublvbcciJzxFuglBj/110811_aqua.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>I was wearing dark skinny jeans and multiple layers of shirts. My luggage was jam packed with clothes but what I really need wasn’t top. Plus, I would have to rummage through it in the lobby and find a place to change. At least I had my sandals on. My feet could breathe, even if the rest of my body was suffocating.</p> <p>Note number 2, pack a quick change of clothes at the very top next time.</p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/off-to-paradise" target="_blank">That old airplane sandwich</a> didn’t fill our stomachs, so we walked around downtown and found <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/marukame-udon-honolulu" target="_blank">Marukame</a>, a Japanese noodle restaurant my friend recommended.</p> <p>Upon entering the cafeteria-style restaurant, you see a happy man making noodles by hand. I was extra anxious to try this place; now knowing they make their noodles fresh.</p> <p>As we quickly shuffled our way around the counter with plastic trays, we picked our udon soup flavor and chose sides to go along with it.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/ytJwkedqBndxlynffgpltmyittcuoeFAFttwIsGHHExnqevlpwdpAluJkHfI/110511_marukame1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_marukame1" height="667" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/ytJwkedqBndxlynffgpltmyittcuoeFAFttwIsGHHExnqevlpwdpAluJkHfI/110511_marukame1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/ybaAFIxGHHFjgwsCnactkEbGknpqznvADqpkHkiDHygwDsEkvpufkvsywBbb/110511_marukame2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_marukame2" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/ybaAFIxGHHFjgwsCnactkEbGknpqznvADqpkHkiDHygwDsEkvpufkvsywBbb/110511_marukame2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/CsoFovBuJnJetoaGkguwrtlzDnflverzvpEduhmrfEbsxpmxEAmwmcDxewJE/110511_marukame4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_marukame4" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/CsoFovBuJnJetoaGkguwrtlzDnflverzvpEduhmrfEbsxpmxEAmwmcDxewJE/110511_marukame4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/bCmhsABGuFycrvfeujezutxvGzjGtaaAAtdxIifrsozwlfBwAovxkmpDgdwG/110511_marukame5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_marukame5" height="667" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/bCmhsABGuFycrvfeujezutxvGzjGtaaAAtdxIifrsozwlfBwAovxkmpDgdwG/110511_marukame5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/zywcbIxdvculghqhBsEeEcIolhxcEGqctzcjemxiIxxDzzveGJgjuhilbhEb/110511_marukame3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_marukame3" height="667" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/zywcbIxdvculghqhBsEeEcIolhxcEGqctzcjemxiIxxDzzveGJgjuhilbhEb/110511_marukame3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/ksfnIsxFFlkwDhulnbBrnrEFlstuGjDFlHhfjwpfCfgutucGADBABjbbcwyh/110511_marukame6.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_marukame6" height="375" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/ksfnIsxFFlkwDhulnbBrnrEFlstuGjDFlHhfjwpfCfgutucGADBABjbbcwyh/110511_marukame6.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/aloha-oahu">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>I got ontama bukkake udon ($4.25) and for an extra $3, I grabbed musubi and inari.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/gutrlDvtJzlJjbAHEHlyyyyGJAGtFazjIcGpiEiFDmzgBIBhnGDsDmljitxC/110511_marukame7.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_marukame7" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/gutrlDvtJzlJjbAHEHlyyyyGJAGtFazjIcGpiEiFDmzgBIBhnGDsDmljitxC/110511_marukame7.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/DBArEwAwqfguGsbAcHAepEBstkzIvCrrDsuGcqtBiqzhdIyEweGBDBFrGtCt/110511_marukame8.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_marukame8" height="667" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/DBArEwAwqfguGsbAcHAepEBstkzIvCrrDsuGcqtBiqzhdIyEweGBDBFrGtCt/110511_marukame8.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/aloha-oahu">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>What a deal.</p> <p>The udon noodles were soft yet chewy and the best I’ve ever had in my life. There was a good ratio of noodles to soup, so the noodles never got mushy. The soft-boiled egg was perfect and made the soup creamy, while the fried tempura topping gave the soup a crunchy texture.</p> <p>The inari, rice wrapped in beancurd skin was basic, nothing that special. The musubi, filled with rice and seaweed, was also nothing spectacular. But that’s what I expected from these two sides.</p> <p>On the other hand, <a href="http://bit.ly/5wKZ3C" target="_blank">Jason</a> got a tempura soft-boiled egg—crunchy, soft and then gooey yolk. It reminded us of the time we went to Kyoto and had the same thing. Not nearly as good, but close enough.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/qGncEBCiqCrahcgsdFxgkbspmhByFpywrznytfjIkbptdzazDtaHEfDobvEx/110511_marukame9.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_marukame9" height="375" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/qGncEBCiqCrahcgsdFxgkbspmhByFpywrznytfjIkbptdzazDtaHEfDobvEx/110511_marukame9.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>By the time we finished eating, the line was quite long. Fortunately, we beat the crowd. I heard there’s always a line, so be sure to give yourself adequate time if you go! Which you should, if you’re ever in Oahu, best udon ever!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/jnacpxGChvsoJdGtaFgffvhscuBxyvqlDrxzyehAlrIHnxFjqaDfdpGGJjgd/110511_marukame10.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_marukame10" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/jnacpxGChvsoJdGtaFgffvhscuBxyvqlDrxzyehAlrIHnxFjqaDfdpGGJjgd/110511_marukame10.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>We had 2 more hours to kill, so we roamed around the <a href="http://www.internationalmarketplacewaikiki.com" target="_blank">International Market Place</a>, which turned into a buzz kill because the uninteresting shops were selling exactly same stuff. We did see a Chinese restaurant named “Fatty’s,” which I thought was funny.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/iBpmHbfrAFCpHxuHpzCsDxIkCyjocopEafdChAnrxBItuBrsnkxFwtfBayqx/110511_intlMarket1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_intlmarket1" height="375" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/iBpmHbfrAFCpHxuHpzCsDxIkCyjocopEafdChAnrxBItuBrsnkxFwtfBayqx/110511_intlMarket1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/sJbjdgtgjuDGkinGxChxiEthxbFzBtoukJqhhlDDbcBCisufoxmvEnEpgHrv/110511_intlMarket2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_intlmarket2" height="667" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/sJbjdgtgjuDGkinGxChxiEthxbFzBtoukJqhhlDDbcBCisufoxmvEnEpgHrv/110511_intlMarket2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/qGIgHcolotiyDCHJbhsxDCbvBGenAcfFxBjamDngtjuitsjIafopgmwbgwrk/110511_intlMarket3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_intlmarket3" height="375" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/qGIgHcolotiyDCHJbhsxDCbvBGenAcfFxBjamDngtjuitsjIafopgmwbgwrk/110511_intlMarket3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/EyCCIcizaadoIByqEinhCfzggBBdDgtEmrxgDDxJHCifhivoorEnpAJGoFou/110511_intlMarket4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_intlmarket4" height="667" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/EyCCIcizaadoIByqEinhCfzggBBdDgtEmrxgDDxJHCifhivoorEnpAJGoFou/110511_intlMarket4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/oGpIIiceeCGtEqDyAfhhkvDBewopvDmBDwxghlhuvwbeuvcvdJFgpBklblzl/110511_intlMarket5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_intlmarket5" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/oGpIIiceeCGtEqDyAfhhkvDBewopvDmBDwxghlhuvwbeuvcvdJFgpBklblzl/110511_intlMarket5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/aloha-oahu">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>Dehydrated, tired and hot, we wanted to find a place on the beach and grab a drink. We walked around and around, looking for a specific beach-side bar, but couldn’t. I was ready to die of a heatstroke—jeans and now a belly full of hot soup. I obviously was not accustomed to Hawaii yet.</p> <p>“Anywhere!” I told Jason. I was ready to pass out.</p> <p>We plopped beachside at the <a href="http://www.royal-hawaiian.com/dining/maitaibar" target="_blank">Mai Tai Bar</a> of <a href="http://www.royal-hawaiian.com/" target="_blank">The Royal Hawaiian Resort</a>. It was right on Waikiki Beach and jam-packed of people.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/edEFtDrgBxqfzlygdxjcikotwHECqqbolxlrvkclapxrrubdewkigilCHzut/110511_maiTaiBar5.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_maitaibar5" height="375" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/edEFtDrgBxqfzlygdxjcikotwHECqqbolxlrvkclapxrrubdewkigilCHzut/110511_maiTaiBar5.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/JffqcCjIpkleCzdvtumoEtdkDnzejpbrpdkEatysgjEuzgbvdfqsftjIqmrm/110511_maiTaiBar1.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_maitaibar1" height="667" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/JffqcCjIpkleCzdvtumoEtdkDnzejpbrpdkEatysgjEuzgbvdfqsftjIqmrm/110511_maiTaiBar1.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/jvsoxrryhkJpeJuFIhbAIqHAHIvhrsAHJBsiqozsBkufnxJaehCCADicHIxF/110511_maiTaiBar2.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_maitaibar2" height="375" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/jvsoxrryhkJpeJuFIhbAIqHAHIvhrsAHJBsiqozsBkufnxJaehCCADicHIxF/110511_maiTaiBar2.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/DlFyCvyztrybubBCyGrIefCklFwpzgzhnmwfhnFbBqouEyIfAIbhHxlcGqvk/110511_maiTaiBar3.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_maitaibar3" height="375" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/DlFyCvyztrybubBCyGrIefCklFwpzgzhnmwfhnFbBqouEyIfAIbhHxlcGqvk/110511_maiTaiBar3.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/aloha-oahu">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>Weeks leading up to our vacation, I told Jason I had to get a piña colada and fresh coconut in Hawaii.</p> <p>I was ready to check the first requisite off my list, an authentic Hawaiian piña colada. But damn, it was hot and I knew it would be sweet and wouldn’t satisfy by thirst.</p> <p>Large, ice cold local beer, please.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/iejCoJtBDpvABJvAxHEbDpeptCaAyuEncInJloewHtpsIbAzBcnhqnkqvDDe/110511_maiTaiBar4.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="110511_maitaibar4" height="667" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-12-28/iejCoJtBDpvABJvAxHEbDpeptCaAyuEncInJloewHtpsIbAzBcnhqnkqvDDe/110511_maiTaiBar4.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Ahhhh. So refreshing. I made a good choice. Piña colada would have to wait.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/aloha-oahu">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://piggie.posterous.com/aloha-oahu#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/qnTM/~4/HSXXvFSzxHs" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/10541/pic.jpg http://posterous.com/users/10EgDEfmb9T Maggie Cheung piggie Maggie Cheung http://piggie.posterous.com/aloha-oahu