Big Island Candies' New Autumn-Inspired Shortbread

Photo courtesy Big Island Candies

Hawai`i-based confectioner Big Island Candies is launching two new, autumn-inspired creations: the Apple Shortbread and the White Dipped Caramel Apple Shortbread. Both will be introduced on Friday, September 4. The cookies will be packaged together as a limited-edition 19-piece combo until the end of December, or while supplies last. These apple-inspired confections will debut ahead of Big Island Candies’ other holiday favorites, offering an early taste of the season.

The new Apple Shortbread delivers a distinctly fall flavor, balancing sweet and tart apple notes, complemented by a whisper of cinnamon. The caramel white dipped version augments the fruit flavor of the cookie with gooey, creamy textures. The 9-ounce Apple Shortbread Assorted Combo will feature ten Apple Shortbreads and nine White Dipped Caramel Apple Shortbreads. The combo box retails for $24.25 at the Ala Moana Center store and $23.00 online, via mail order, and at the Hilo Flagship Store and Factory.

“There’s something about this time of the year when apple, caramel, even something deliciously creamy, just go well together,” says Sherrie Holi, President and Chief Operating Officer at Big Island Candies. “As our customers look ahead to spending time together with family and friends, we hope these flavors will add even more comfort and joy to the season.”

Big Island Candies operates two retail locations in Hawai`i: its Hilo Flagship Store and Factory at 585 Hinano Street, and its Honolulu store on the street level of Ala Moana Center at 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., near the Center Court. For store hours, please call the Hilo flagship store and factory at (808) 935-8890 or the Ala Moana store at (808) 946-9213. To get the latest updates on Big Island Candies, follow @bigislandcandies on Instagram and Facebook or visit the website at www.bigislandcandies.com.

Read More

Petite Sweets

During our Wahiawa crawl we came upon Petite Sweets, and of course I had to check it out.

Petite Sweets started out doing pop-ups and markets, and last year they opened up their own shop.

I love learning about the stories of people who pursue their passions and put in the effort to make their dreams come true.

It's no surprise that I left with Chantilly Brownies, because I love chantilly!

Petite Sweets
43 S Kamehameha Hwy
Wahiawa, HI 96786

Read More

Tango Contemporary Cafe

I haven't been to Tango Contemporary Cafe in years (13 years to be exact), so I was eager to go for brunch with @livinghilostyle aka the Titanium Queen aka "the First Lady of Hilo."

Salmon and Bagel

Braised Beef Loco Moco

Brunch was great! I had the Loco Moco - the beef was so tender, and I loved the jus instead of the typical gravy.

Service was great too.  I need to visit Tango more often!
 

Tango Contemporary Cafe

1288 Ala Moana Blvd

Honolulu, HI 96814

(808) 593-7288

Read More

Visit Alaska: Begich, Boggs Visitor Center

Because the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel allows you to travel through only during specific times, we had some time to kill before we waited in line, so we went to the nearby Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. 

We often stop at Visitor Centers while we travel on long road trips just to use the restroom and see if there are any magnets or keychains we can buy for our collection.  We also like to see if there are any cool exhibits, and the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center had many cool things to see - it's one of the the biggest and nicest Visitor Centers we've visited yet!  

There were so many exhibits, interactive stations, and even a theater!

It was like a mini museum!

I highly recommend a stop if you're in the area.  We learned a lot in the short time we were there!

Begich, Boggs Visitor Center
Portage Lake Loop

Girdwood, AK 99587

Read More

Tonkatsu Izakaya Atmark

 My first visit to Tonkatsu Izakaya Atmark was a birthday treat from my sister-in-law, who chose the restaurant for a special night out. There were seven of us, and we were excited to see what this popular little spot was all about.

When we arrived, the restaurant was completely full. It’s a very small and lively space, so it can get pretty loud. 

The menu can be a little overwhelming at first because there are so many choices—from izakaya-style dishes and à la carte items to teishoku-style meals. With seven people, we decided to order an assortment so we could try a little bit of everything.

Everything we ordered was excellent, both in presentation and taste. It was fun being able to sample so many different dishes

One thing I highly recommend adding is the curry sauce. It's available as an add-on, and it's delicious.

And don't skip dessert. The honey toast was a yummy way to end our meal.

Good to Know Before You Go

Reservations are a must. The restaurant is very small and popular, so I wouldn't recommend showing up without one.

Parking can be tricky. There is a small parking lot shared with several other restaurants, and it fills up quickly. Be prepared with a backup plan in case there isn't a parking spot available when you arrive.

Don't forget the curry sauce!

And if you have room for dessert, get the honey toast!

TONKATSU IZAKAYA ATMARK

1232 WAIMANU STREET

HONOLULU, HI

808-736-0034

Read More

Golden Pork Tonkotsu Ramen Bar

 I've been to Golden Pork Tonkotsu Ramen Bar numerous times with friends, but this was my first visit with the boys. Now that they're getting older, I was excited to finally bring them along—and I had a feeling at least one of them would be a fan of the tsukemen.

I was right!

One of the boys ordered the tsukemen, as did me and my husband. He absolutely loved it and even said it reminded him of the tsukemen we had in Japan. 

My other son was feeling a little noodled-out, so he skipped the ramen and ordered the chicken karaage instead. We also shared the gyoza and agedashi tofu, giving us a nice variety for the table.

For the four of us, the meal came out to about $100. Definitely more than what we'd pay for a similar meal in Japan, but since we're not in Japan...this will do! 

One other thing I noticed during our visit was how much takeout was going out the door. We saw quite a few customers picking up orders, along with delivery drivers coming in and out. So if you don't feel like dining in, takeout seems to be a popular option too.

GOLDEN PORK TONKOTSU RAMEN BAR

1279 SOUTH KING STREET 

808-888-5358

Read More

Review: LuminAID PackLite Survivor 3-in-1 Power Lanterns

Disclosure: Links are Amazon associate links.

After the Kona Lows, I bought two LuminAID PackLite Survivor 3-in-1 Power Lanterns.  I bought the lantern primarily as an emergency power bank, since it can be charged via solar.

The LuminAID is compact and portable, and has a flashlight mode, as well as a red light mode and white light mode. Each light color has different brightness settings and can also flash.

As a power bank, you can charge up to two devices at a time (phone charging cables not included)

Charging any device will deplete the LuminAID battery quickly, and if the LuminAID battery falls below 50% (based on the green battery power indicator), the phones will stop charging (the lantern feature will still work, however).

Charging the unit via solar once the battery runs out can take up to 24 hours, depending on weather conditions.  

The included Micro USB allows you to charge it via other power sources (AC, laptop, etc.). 

As a lantern, the LuminAID works well, but it does have its limitations as a power bank.

I do think it's handy to have on hand for its solar-charging capability, which could be especially useful during extended power outages.  

You can purchase on Amazon.com or on the LuminAID website.

Read More