Visit Paris: Champagne Tasting at Ruinart

Grounds of Ruinart

If you ever find yourself in Paris, consider a stop to Reims for a champagne tasting. Located about 45 minutes away by train, Reims is home to 15-20 world famous Champagne houses. Established in 1729, the first and oldest is Ruinart.

Tours are restricted to small groups so make your reservations early. We did not and so could only secure a French speaking tour. The classical cellar tour is a two hour experience that takes you into Ruinart's chalk cellars which are also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cellars run over five miles and almost 130 feet deep. The tour finishes with a tasting of two signature cuvees. Even though we couldn't understand the tour guide, we still enjoyed visiting the caves and the tasting.

Beautiful painted staircase

Ruinart is closely involved in contemporary art. This art installation is located inside the caves.

Down inside the crayeres - chalk walled cellars

Vintage cuvees are typically aged for about 5 years.

For the tastings, you have your choice of champagne or rose of each cuvee.

Read More

Visit Alaska: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is home to various orphaned and injured animals, such as bears, moose, and muskox. 

Admission is per person, and there are two ways to explore - via car or by foot.

We decided to explore by foot so we could get a closer look at the animals. 

The day started off chilly, but as we walked it warmed up.  

The Conservation Center is somewhat like a zoo, but smaller.  There are some educational displays throughout the center, and several restrooms throughout as well.   For additional fees, you can book tours and encounters that get you even closer to the animals, even feeding some.

There are some pretty spectacular views from the center - we even saw a bald eagle perched on a rock. 

It took us 90 minutes to explore by foot. If you make less stops or drive, you can easily be done in under an hour.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
43520 Seward Hwy

Girdwood, AK 99587

Read More

Wahiawa Market Day

We went to check out Wahiawa Market Day a couple of months ago, which takes place on the third Saturday of the month at the Wahiawa Value Added Product Development Center.

I love how many small business were there showcasing their products.  We only spent a short time there, but we visited:

Alina Farms 808 (check out the Here is the Story of video here).

The lychee sorbet was refreshing!

Cupcake Factory (check out the Here is the Story of video here).

I couldn't resist the cookie bento box!

Mala-Be (check out the Here is the Story video here).

We learned a lot about halva while at the Mala-Be station.

Looking forward to visiting a future market day!

Read More

Hana No Sato

 I've been to Hana No Sato in Moiliili a handful of times for lunch with friends, but this was my first time bringing the family for dinner!

The boys were a little skeptical at first, but they ended up loving it! We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including shrimp tempura, agedashi tofu, tonkotsu ramen, chirashi, and two hand rolls — unagi and salmon.

Everything was a hit, but the biggest compliment came from my son, who ordered the tonkotsu ramen. After finishing his meal, he declared that this is his new favorite Japanese restaurant! That's saying something, especially coming from him! 

Besides the good food, the prices are reasonable, and the service is friendly. It's the kind of place where you can enjoy a satisfying Japanese meal without breaking the bank.

We also noticed several tables filled with people dressed in UH gear. It was pretty obvious they were fueling up before heading to a UH volleyball game! Gotta love seeing everyone getting ready to cheer on the Bows!

I'm glad we finally made it here for dinner as a family. It's always nice when a place you've enjoyed with friends turns out to be a hit with the whole family, too.

We'll definitely be coming back to Hana No Sato! 

HANA NO SATO

2671 SOUTH KING STREET

808-949-2679

Read More

Cafe B&B

Fruit bingsu

Café B&B is a cute Korean dessert and coffee shop located in Aiea. The café specializes in authentic Korean bingsu - a popular shaved ice dessert made with whole milk which gives it a soft, melt-in-your-mouth snow-like texture. They offer three types of bingsu: original, coffee, and fruit. They also serve hot and iced coffees and teas as well as cake slices and Korean bungeoppang (similar to taiyaki).

Service was very friendly and there were plenty of tables to sit at to enjoy our bingsu. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am.

Cute cafe!

K Mix coffee

Dessert case

Cafe B&B

99-185 Moanalua Rd. #108A

Aiea, HI 96701

(808)200-1492

Read More

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant

It's been 12 years since I've been to Acapulco Mexican Restaurant in the Waipio Center, and it's just as good as I remember. 

Chicken Chimichanga

I had the Chicken Chimichanga, which is what I usually get at local Mexican spots.  It was good!  The chicken was seasoned nicely and the chimichanga was nice and crispy.  The beans and rice were good too.  

Johnny's Tacos

Johnny's Tacos included battered fish (or shrimp).  

Grilled Chicken Tacos

Macho Burrito

The Macho Burrito consisted of beans, rice, choice of meat, lettuce, pico de gallo and cheese, and topped with sour cream, red sauce, and guac.  It was accompanied by even more beans & rice.

Acapulco Mexican Restaurant
94-1040 Waipio Uka St #12

Waipahu, HI 96797

Read More

Hamada General Store

One place I've been wanting to check out for a very long time is Hamada General Store, and I finally found myself in the area during their business hours recently.

Mix

I had the Mix - beef stew & fried chicken.  What a great combo - I just couldn't resist!  The stew was hearty and comforting, and the chicken was crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside.  It was so much food and lasted me multiple meals. 

Bleu Cheese Steak

Maxi's Cajun Smash Burger

We all loved our meals.  Definitely looking forward to getting food from Hamada General Store again!

Hamada General Store
885 Queen St Unit c

Honolulu, HI 96813

Read More