Ruscello at Nordstrom

Sometimes you don't need the newest or trendiest restaurant—just good friends, good food, and a beautiful view. I recently met up with two friends at Ruscello for a long-overdue catch-up lunch, and it was the perfect setting for a midday meal.

Our reservation was for 11:00 a.m., which is also when the restaurant opens. We arrived about five minutes early and were surprised to see a small crowd already waiting at the door! A little pro tip if you're dining here: park on the bottom level of Ala Moana Center near Foodland Farms, take the elevator to the third floor, and it's just a short walk to Ruscello inside Nordstrom.

We lucked out with a window table overlooking the ocean. The view was absolutely beautiful—sorry, I  forgot to snap a photo!

To start, we shared the Crispy Brussels sprouts, which are always a good way to start a meal here. My friend who tried it for the first time liked it so much that she asked our food server for the recipe. Of course the server said she can't tell us, so we'll just need to keep coming back for more.

For my entrée, I ordered the cilantro lime chicken tacos, while my friends chose the Crispy Panko Chicken salad and the Ginger Sesame salad with added salmon. Everything was delicious. There's a reason these dishes have remained menu favorites over the years—they're consistently fresh, flavorful, and satisfying.

As we were leaving, the restaurant was completely full, confirming what we had noticed when we arrived: this place is popular. If you're planning a visit, I'd definitely recommend making a reservation.

RUSCELLO at NORDSTROM

1450 ALA MOANA BLVD.

808-953-6110

 

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Visit Anchorage: Wild Scoops

Our first (yes, first) ice cream stop in Alaska, and the one that would make Alaska "official" on our 50-state adventure, was Wild Scoops.   There are several locations in Anchorage, and it was one of the most frequent results whenever I searched for "ice cream near me."

They craft small batch ice creams with an emphasis on local ingredients.

Sitka Swirl

I love all things salted caramel, so I had the Sitka Swirl - a sweet cream base with an Alaskan sea salted caramel swirl.  It was so creamy, and the sea salted caramel really gave it an added richness.

White Raven

White Raven is a cookies and cream ice cream.

Tang Creamsicle

Redoubt's Revenge

This flavor is spicy, made with cinnamon and cayenne.

Rock on the Wild Side

Rock on the Wild Side incorporated Alaska barley walnut brownies and mini marshmallows.

Wild Scoops is a must visit if you love ice cream!

Wild Scoops
530 E Benson Blvd #7
Anchorage, AK 99503

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A First Look at Wendy's Minions & Monsters Adult Meals!

Mahalo to our sponsor for the complimentary meal!

The Minions are back, and ahead of Minions & Monsters hitting theaters on July 1, Wendy's has rolled out its limited-time Minions & Monsters Adult Meals, and we were invited to stop by their Honolulu location for a first look!

Each adult meal comes with your choice of a Big Bacon Burger or Chicken Sandwich, small fries, a Banana Frosty, and one of four collectible Minions-themed toys. 

We tried both sandwich options, and I have to say, they're equally delicious. It really just depends on what you're craving—a juicy, bacon-topped beef burger or a crispy chicken sammie. The fries were hot and tasty as always, making for a satisfying meal.

Let's talk about the Banana Frosty. Not gonna lie, the banana flavor is strong! 

If you're a banana fan, you'll probably love it. It's definitely a fun, tropical twist on the classic Frosty and fits the Minions theme perfectly.

These Minions & Monsters Adult Meals are available for a limited time at participating Wendy's locations nationwide, so don't wait too long if you're hoping to collect all four toys. And while you're there, quench your thirst by adding a drink to your meal. One of my favorite things about Wendy's is their Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, with over 100 beverage options and endless mix-and-match combinations to create the perfect drink.

Whether you're a Minions fan or just looking for a fun fast-food treat, Wendy's latest collaboration is a fun way to celebrate the upcoming movie!

 

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Kuni Restaurant & Catering

Kuni Restaurant & Catering is a Waipahu mainstay.  I recently went for dinner and was delighted to see how busy it was with all local families.  

Most of us got 2-choice teishoku meals, which come with rice, miso soup, tsukemono, moyashi, and a salad.

Shrimp Tempura

Miso Butterfish

Chicken Teri

Chicken Katsu

Teri Beef Ribeye

Despite a change in ownership a few years ago, the food tastes the same as I remember from when I was a kid.  They have some of the best chicken katsu on the island, in my opinion.

Kuni Special Udon

The Kuni Special Udon was loaded with chicken, bamboo shoots, green onions, kamaboko, Wong bok, and shrimp tempura.

If you have been going to Kuni for as long as I have, you're familiar with the water trick that Sato does - and still does!  We see Sato there pretty much every time we go, and it was so generous of him to give us some andagi.

Andagi

Despite how busy the restaurant was, service was prompt and the team was so friendly.

Kuni's is definitely a Waipahu fave!

Kuni Restaurant & Catering
94-210 Leokane St

Waipahu, HI 96797
(808) 671-7270

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Visit Anchorage: Campbell Creek Estuary Natural Area

We visited the Campbell Creek Estuary Natural Area, which is a wildlife habitat and offers trails and viewing platforms. 

It was a brisk day, which made for a comfortable hike on an easy loop trail.  There is an option to go down a number of steps to an overlook

There, we saw some Sandhill Cranes.

Although we didn't see much else, we did enjoy the views.  The views were so pretty!

The Natural Area is right at the edge of a neighborhood, and with the exception of cars that go through to get to the parking lot, I imagine they feel fortunate to be able to visit whenever they want.  

It was a nice place to visit!

Campbell Creek Estuary Natural Area
9531 Selkirk Dr

Anchorage, AK 99502

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New Menu Items at Okome Kakaako!

New Menu Items!

I recently had dinner at Okome and I was very impressed with the number of new menu items available. Not only do you have your choice of tendon and poke bowls, but you can now order a number of Korean dishes like kalbi, meat jun, tteokbokki, and their amazing Korean chicken wings. The chicken wings were my favorite and so crispy! I was amazed they are gluten free!

The Okome chicken comes in flavors: Snow, Garlic Shoyu, and Yangyum - a Korean sweet and spicy sauce. You can order them on their own or in special combos. There's even a World Cup Match Combo currently available.

Kalbi

Mandoo

Meat Jun

Tteokbokki

Chicken Combo

Tendon Bowl

Okome 

685 Auahi Street

Honolulu

 

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916 Grill St. & Shabu Zen - All-You-Can-Eat Hot Pot Lunch for $25.50

With plate lunches pushing $20 (and some even exceeding), $25.50 for All-You-Can Eat Hot Pot at 916 Grill St. & Shabu Zen is a steal ($32.25 for dinner)!

The All-You-Can-Eat includes your choice of broth, meats, and an enormous buffet which includes veggies, noodles, sauces, seafood, and so much more!

You can also order a la carte appetizers, and don't forget Honey Toast for dessert!

More details:
•Lunch: M thru F from opening - 2p
•Dinner: M-F 2p-closing + all day Sa, Su & holidays
•Kids 5yo & under are free
•Kids 6-10yo 50% off
•$5 charge applies for leftover meat per plate
•90-min time limit

@onfirehawaii's photogenic hot pot

Coming soon to appetizers menu:

Dynamite Chicken

Karaage Chicken

Bar menu only:

Chicken Katsu

A special spice blend is mixed into the coating and it is so delish! So delish, @melissa808 took home the leftovers!

Poke Nachos

Mini Poke Bowl

Honey Toast

916 Grill St. & Shabu Zen
94-818 Ukee Pl
Waipahu, HI 96797
 

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