Diamond Head Chocolate

A couple of decades ago, someone gave me chocolate-covered graham crackers from Honolulu Chocolate Company, which later re-branded to Diamond Head Chocolate, and I was a fan ever since. 

I had no idea they opened up a location in Waikele a few years ago, so I recently visited. 

It's a chocolate-lover's dream - OREOs, fortune cookies, bark, berries, wafo rolls, and more are covered in chocolate to satisfy your chocolate cravings. 

They have pre-packed treats as well as a display of chocolates and other goodies you can buy by the piece (like the chocolate-covered graham crackers). 

Stop in for omiyage or for the perfect chocolaty treat!

Diamond Head Chocolate
94-798 Lumiaina St #416
Waipahu HI 96797

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A Night with Michael Mina

One of my favorite restaurants on the island is Mina's Fish House at the Four Seasons Oahu, where Chef Michael Mina initiated the concept of the Fish Sommelier.

On Friday, the media was invited to A Night with Michael Mina, where guests indulged in a thoughtfully-crafted tasting menu highlighting local seafood and dishes with internationally-inspired elements.

Sesame Sweet Soy Poke

Burrata & Stone Fruit

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Kataifi-Wrapped Kauai Prawns

Several dishes were served family-style - the poke, burrata, scallops, and prawns.  I thought the poke was seasoned perfectly, with a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, salty, and spicy components.  

Everyone commented on just how enormous the burrata was.  It was creamy, and indulgent, and I couldn't stop eating it with the pita croutons.

I love scallops and I love bacon, and together they are great match!

The kataifi offered a delicate, yet crunchy contrast to the tender prawns.  

Caviar Parfait

Kona Lobster Agnolotti

Everyone could choose their own entree, and I chose the agnolotti.  I loved the stuffed pasta, and I would've been happy with just the pasta, but the addition of the lobster, Parmesan, and truffle really elevated the dish, adding levels of umami.

Lobster Pot Pie

Lobster Pot Pie assembled

Kona Kanpachi

Hawayej-Spiced NY Striploin

The tasting menu ended with two delightful desserts.  The shave ice was so refreshing, and the Chocolate Caramel Crunch was reminiscent of a nostalgic candy bar - so delicious! 

Pina Colada Shave Ice

Chocolate Caramel Crunch

At the end of the night, we were gifted with a copy of his most recent cookbook, My Egypt, which dives into Chef Michael's roots.

Although this special event was one-night only, the daily dinner menu still offers guests amazing line-to-table delicacies and signature seafood dishes.

Mina's Fish House
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
92-1001 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707
(808) 679-0079

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Marujuu Hawaii

Gem and I recently met for lunch, as a birthday do-over. I suggested Marujuu because I'd been wanting to try their Japanese-style Hamburg steak and there is parking and it's located near the freeway. 

The funny part? Marujuu specializes in hamburg, but Gem (the birthday girl) doesn't actually eat hamburg!

Fortunately, the menu has other options. She ordered the fried chicken and French fries, while I went with the restaurant's signature hamburg steak with the signature onion sauce.

Shortly after we ordered, our server brought out soup and let us know that both the soup and rice come with unlimited refills - bonus!

When my hamburg arrived on its sizzling platter, it smelled incredible. 

The onion sauce paired perfectly with the juicy hamburger steak, and I can definitely see why it's their signature dish. Gem also enjoyed her crispy fried chicken and fries, so we both left happy despite ordering completely different meals.

The service was warm and attentive throughout our meal

I'd happily return—especially with my boys, who I know would love the sizzling Hamburg steaks, fried chicken, and unlimited rice.

 MARUJUU HAWAII

1145 12TH AVENUE

(808) 260-4967

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Here is the Story of . . . Ono Kettle Pop

We started a new series at Hawaii Mom Blog - Here is the Story of . . .

Because everyone has a story to tell.  

Impromptu, informal, random encounters with people sharing pieces of their stories.

We feature anyone who wants to share - the makers, the doers, the dreamers . . . 

Here is the first in our series - Ono Kettle Pop!

You can follow us on IG, Facebook, and YouTube! 

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Mililani Restaurant

Mililani Restaurant is another neighborhood restaurant that has been around for decades (since 1979).

Fried Saimin

Portuguese Sausage Fried Rice

Their Fried Saimin and Portuguese Sausage Fried Rice are my go-tos, and I noticed they had something new - Ginger Chicken Fried Rice, with their staple ginger chicken sauce, so we ordered that too.

The plates were heaping with food!

Ginger Chicken Fried Rice

I've tried other dishes before, but the Fried Saimin and the Fried Rice are the classics that never disappoints.

Mililani Restaurant
95-221 Kipapa Dr
Mililani, HI 96789
(808) 625-2000

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Supreme Dumpling Opens at Ala Moana Shopping Center

Supreme Tan Tan Noodles 

You can now satisfy your xiao long bao craving any day of the week at Supreme Dumplings located in the Ala Moana Shopping Center. The restaurant opened last month and features soup dumplings in a variety of fillings each folded by hand.

We ordered the Supreme Pork Xiao Long Bao and the Black Truffle & Chicken Xiao Long Bao. Each order comes with six dumplings. While they seemed good sized, they are easily eaten in one bite. Just let them cool a little first. The restaurant had an extra order of Supreme Tan Tan Noodles and let us have it on the house. That was very fortunate for us because the noodles were delicious. We ended the meal with the popular Onyx Golden Lava Custard Buns.

Supreme Pork Xiao Long Bao

Black Truffle & Chicken Xiao Long Bao

Onyx Golden Lava Custard Buns

Booth Seating

Main Dining Area

The restaurant itself is bright, modern, and fitted with both tables and booth options. The service was great as well. You can make a reservation on Yelp. My friend and I already know what we are ordering when we return!

Supreme Dumplings
1450 Ala Moana Blvd Ste 2500 

Honolulu, HI 96814

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Visit Anchorage: South Restaurant + Coffeehouse

Our hotel provided a free breakfast buffet, but on our last day in Anchorage, I suggested we go out for brunch, so we went to South Restaurant + Coffeehouse. 

We dined in the restaurant side, and ordered:

Vegas, Baby! Omelet

This omelet consisted of honey-cured bacon, roasted garlic, red onion, tomato, avocado, pepperjack, ranchero sour cream, and pico de gallo.

Sourdough Pancakes with Side Bacon

Sourdough is very significant to Alaska's history, so we had to try the Sourdough Pancakes.  You could definitely taste the tang in the pancakes. 

Death by Bacon

I love bacon, so this sandwich was the obvious choice.  It had simple, quality ingredients that made it delish - egg, bacon, arugula, cheddar, and maple bacon aioli.

Chorizo Burrito

You can add ranchero, salsa verde, or both for extra. 

Service was a bit on the slow side because there was a huge mishap with a table next to us, and a lot of attention was being spent on them, but the food was good.

After we ate, I went over to the coffeehouse side to pick up some sweet treats to go.

Walnut Brownie

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie

McNeill Bar

Oatmeal Scotchie

Turtle Bar

The fresh baked treats were great!

South Restaurant + Coffeehouse
11124 Old Seward Hwy

Anchorage, AK 99515

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