Tadashi

I met @deniset73 at Tadashi in Pearl Kai Center.  It's been decades since I went to Tadashi - it was often a spot I'd go to when I used to work at the airport.

Things have changed, however, since then.  It seems like they are still operating as they did during the pandemic, with tables spaced out very far apart, and a bunch of tables / chairs pushed up against the wall in the back.  You also have 90 minutes to dine.  

Soba, Tsukemono, Miso Soup

We both ordered teishoku, which comes with soba, tsukemono, miso foup, and rice. 

Butterfish Misoyaki

I had the Teriyaki Chicken & Tempura Special Combination Teishoku.

I was very surprised by the huge portion of teriyaki chicken, which also came with a side salad.  The sauce was good, but the chicken was a bit on the tougher side.  The tempura was good, although I thought the batter could've been crisper.

The service was attentive and the food was fine.  There seemed to be lots of regulars dining, and it was nice to see all locals. 

Denise did her research, and read that if you pay by cash, you get a 7% discount, so she had cash handy!

We were done with dinner in less than an hour!

Tadashi
98-199 Kamehameha Hwy

Aiea, HI 96701

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Mango Mango Dessert Deals on National Mango Day, July 22

To celebrate National Mango Day on Wednesday, July 22, visit Mango Mango to get a Mango Green Tea with Lychee or a Mango Bubble Milk Tea for just $5!

This promotion is valid at both the Ala Moana Center and Pearlridge Center locations.

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Visit Alaska: Reindeer Farm

While in Alaska, we only had one thing on the itinerary (a glacier cruise), and we just went on random explorations on all the other days.

One day we found ourselves close to Palmer, so we went to the Reindeer Farm, where they not only raise reindeer, but also other rescued and adopted animals.

You go on a self-guided tour where there are educational encounters along the way, during which time you can feed some of the animals (moose, reindeer, bison, yaks, alpacas, and highland cattle).

I sure learned a lot about the animals, and feeding them was quite the experience.

On the farm you'll also find a reptile house, a play area for kids, lots of photo ops, and a fun "Who's Your Reindeer" game that my kids could not stop playing!

It was so fun getting up close to the animals, especially ones we rarely see, and feeding them.

It was a great, impromptu stop!

Reindeer Farm
5561 Bodenburg Loop

Palmer, AK 99645

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Visit Alaska: Twin Peaks Treats

Just about in the middle of nowhere, you'll find Twin Peaks Treats - a convenience store selling all sorts snacks, food, drinks, and ice cream!

We first passed it by on the way to Eklutna Lake, and on the way out, we decided to stop in, and we are so glad we did.

Mint Chocolate Chip

Colony Caramel Crunch

Coffee Toffee

Huckleberry Cheesecake

They feature Alaskan-made Big Dipper Ice Cream.  I had the Huckleberry Cheesecake, and it was delish, with rich pieces of cheesecake throughout.

Twin Peaks Treats was such a great stop!



Twin Peaks Treats
37501 Eklutna Lake Rd
Chugiak, AK 99567

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UH Travel Industry Management Alumni Association Celebrates 60 Years with TIM Night Revival at Oahu Country Club August 28

The University of Hawaiʻi Travel Industry Management (TIM) Alumni Association will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the TIM School with a special edition revival of TIM Night on August 28, celebrating the program’s legacy of leadership and excellence in hospitality education.

The date was intentionally selected to honor the birthday of the late Dean Chuck Gee, whose visionary leadership helped shape the TIM program. This milestone celebration will take place at Oʻahu Country Club — the original site of the inaugural TIM Night in 1971 — bringing the event full circle for alumni and industry supporters.

 

First established in 1971, TIM Night became the school’s signature student-produced event, offering hands-on experience in planning and executing a large-scale hospitality production attended by industry leaders. For nearly four decades, it served as a “living classroom,” blending academic learning with real-world application and helping launch countless careers in Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry.

 

The 60th anniversary celebration will reunite alumni, hospitality professionals, and community partners for an evening of nostalgia, connection, and celebration. Entertainment will feature a distinguished lineup of TIM alumni and invited guests, including:

 

• Candes Meijide Gentry (UH ’98) - 1999 Miss Hawaiʻi, serving as emcee
• Pastor Joe Pluta (UH ‘74) - invocation

 

Honoring the tradition of TIM Night, guests will be seated at themed tables (eight per table) inspired by past productions, with the option to dress according to theme or in formal attire. This immersive format celebrates the creativity and cultural storytelling that defined TIM Night for generations of students.

 

“TIM Night represents one of the most impactful learning experiences in the program’s history,” said Lee-Ann Choy (UH ’88), UH TIM Alumni Association President. “As we celebrate 60 years, we are proud to honor the traditions, people, and partnerships that continue to shape Hawaiʻi’s hospitality industry.”

 

Tickets are priced at $100 per person, with a portion of proceeds supporting the refurbishment of the Gee Technology Center.  For more information or to purchase tickets, visit:  https://www.eventleaf.com/e/60TIMNIGHT2026.

 

The event is organized by the TIM Alumni Association (TIM International Inc.), a 501(c)(7) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening alumni connections and advancing the legacy of the TIM program. 

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Cino

I met some friends for dinner at Cino at Ward Village, and we ended up ordering to eat everything family-style. 

Salt Roasted Baby Beet

The beets were refreshing, and I enjoyed the accompanying goat cheese, aged balsamic, mac nuts, and charred oranges, all of which added flavor and textural dimensions to the dish. 

Fritto Misto

I enjoyed the Fritto Misto, which included calamari, shrimp, and various veggies. 

Herb Pappardelle

The Pappardelle was my favorite dish of the night.  The braised short rib was melt-in-your-mouth delicious.  The pasta (all pastas are housemade), was perfectly cooked.

Pork Chop

The Pork Chop was another hit of the table.

King Crab Pasta

The King Crab Pasta, with uni, turned out to be the least favorite of the night.

Cino Pinwheel

At $77, we were curious as to what made this award-winning dish, so we decided to give it a try.  Made with European butter, ricotta, and truffles, this dish was indeed rich in more ways than one.  It was so decadent, and full of umami.  

Service was great, and we had a nice time at Cino.

Cino

987 Queen St Ste 100

Honolulu, HI 96814

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Visit Anchorage: Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria

A very popular spot for pizza in Anchorage is Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria.

Caesar

Avalanche

The Avalanche Pizza was topped with pepperoni, blackened chicken, bacon, red onions, parsley, cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, and barbecue sauce.

Classic

The Classic was topped with pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, mozzarella, provolone, and marinara.

Of the two, I loved the Avalanche more.  It was a nice combo of savory, tangy, and sweet (from the barbecue sauce).  The crust was charred nicely on both.

It was a very busy spot for pizza!

Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria

3300 Old Seward Hwy

Anchorage, AK 99503

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