Project 365 Archives

Maui Eats-Bringing it Home with the Down Home (Part 3)

By threejamigos | April 7, 2018 | Comments 0 Comment

I took a little detour before finishing my Maui post, but have finally circled back. The best for last-down home local joints! Though I didn’t hit as many joints as I would have liked, Southwest Airlines is launching flights to Hawaii with $ incentives….hmmm, a girl can dream.

Two days on Maui and I still hadn’t had any Poke. There must be a law against that. Luckily after our whale watching trip in Lahaina, I made a beeline to the local Foodland Supermarket just down the street. Time to load up on the local flavors. I headed to the seafood counter, where I found a dizzying array of poke. I opted for the line caught ahi (off that morning’s boat) and a spicy tuna poke. ONOLICIOUS.

Mission accomplished, poke in hand I head to the SPAM aisle. I know what you are thinking,”excuse me, SPAM aisle”? The Spam section is ginormous. SPAM comes in a ridiculous number of flavors, most of which are hard to find back home. My favorite is Tocino, a Filipino sausage that is sweet and salty and delicious. Hmmm, I really should get my obligatory “mom went to Hawaii and all I got was this can of SPAM” gifts to bring home.

I picked up the cutest recyclable grocery bags at the checkout counter. Each bag is decorated with cartoon drawings of rice balls, sushi and local island foods plus I got 5% off on my purchase for buying the bags. How cool is that? I also picked up island cookies, crunchy shortbread-like cookies with macadamia nuts…I’m a sucker for shortbread. Poke, SPAM, cookies, and recyclable bags, I head out a happy camper.

The other Lahaina must stop is Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice. Never leave Hawaii without having Shave Ice, really. This is not your run of the mill grape, cherry, root beer on ice that will chip your teeth. Its finely shaved ice, with amazing island flavors-Lilikoi, lychee, mango, passion fruit, with extras including ice cream, sweetened condensed milk (snow cap) and red beans (Azuki). The perfect dessert for an island paradise.

For breakfast head over to local joint 808 Grindz Cafe. I confess I didn’ go to 808 on Maui, but their sister restaurant of the same name on the Big Island. I had the pork belly fried rice that is “make you wanna slap your mama” good. The Banana Mac Pancakes with their special Mac-nilla Sweet Cream Sauce were da bomb. Down home island food doesn’t get any better.

For local food that’s gone upscale check out Aloha Mixed Plate, it faces the beach so try to go at Sunset. Drinks while watching the sunset and the waves, a plate of pupus. I could get used to island life.

On good authority other places to check out that sadly, I did not get to try personally…

Sam Sato’s for breakfast and lunch. Get the Dry Mein. Noodles sans soup. Local joint.

Da Kitchen Don’t take my word for it, President Obama’s choice. Two words-SPAM MUSUBI Repeat it, commit it to memory.

Don’t forget Sheldon’s casual eateries that I covered in Maui post #2, Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop and Tin Roof. Ono, ono, ono.

Aloha from Underneath The Banyan Tree!

Paradise Found

By threejamigos | March 29, 2016 | Comments 0 Comment

This has been the longest period of time between posts for my fledging blog, I hope you stayed with me. As life is prone to do, it got busy and messy. The first few months of this year has brought joy but also great sorrow (for another post), thankfully we have family and friends to share in the moments; to celebrate the good times and help us through the bad times.

I missed blogging, it has become a way to decompress, reflect on life and of course pass along yummy recipes to you.

_V3A4943 — Waipi’o Valley still spectacular, even in the rain

Juli’s wedding provided impetus for a quick island getaway. Whoever came up with destination weddings should be applauded and I can’t think of a more beautiful venue than the Big Island. Before going I formulated a list for my brief island jaunt, things to do, food to eat and sites to see. First and foremost, Hawaiian food. It is comfort food, island-style, I have a definite weakness for island grindz. Good thing I don’t live in Hawaii. A diet best described as insanely delicious but not very good for you. The very definition of vacation eats. Can you say banana mac pancakes? Loco Moco? Kahlua pig? 2 scoops of anything that contains mayonnaise? Yes, I would be doomed. My saving grace would be the abundance of tropical fruits and seafood. I also dream about Shave Ice..hmmmmm, lilikoi, mango, passion fruit, lychee, but I would have to get to Oahu to Wailoa Shave Ice to have some.

Bucket List for the Big Island

It actually takes about 3+ hours to get from the north side of the island to the south side. Rent a car you’ll need it. If you insist on driving like a Californian (not me of course), it will take considerably less time.

Hidden gem in Kona, 808 Grindz. Say hi to Aaron for us! If they have grilled pork belly on the daily specials menu, order it. Served with fried rice it has that sweet salty flavor, a big thumbs up.

On our way to Waimea we stopped at the Hawaiian Style Cafe, another local joint with breakfasts big enough to satisfy the hungriest guy in your group.

Umeke’s– Poki Bowls! The fish is fresh and the vibe is friendly.

TexDrive In We stopped here for their malasadas, not bad but if you have had Leonard’s malasadas in Oahu you have my permission to skip these.

If you’re headed to the Waipio Valley (well near it, can’t go into the valley due to Dengue Fever) stop at Waipi’o Cookhouse. Locally sourced produce and a barbecue pit that would make any southerner proud.

I enjoyed a delicious brisket sandwich. And don’t forget you can always stop at a McDonald’s for Saimin, Spam, Eggs and Rice or Guava Pie!

Stopped by to visit an old friend who moved back to the islands. Every day is another day living in Paradise, inspiration for his artwork. Well deserved after having both my boys in his third grade class!

Weather? Hot, humid, cold, wet, rainy, sunny, windy..yes, it has it all, bring your swimsuit and your raincoat, you’ll use both!

On a lazy night, find a local hangout with Hawaiian music, slatkey guitar or ukulele. Kick back, relax and enjoy the sounds of the islands and a Mai Tai if you have to! Here is a taste of island music, Home in the Islands by the Cazimero Brothers.

Don’t miss!

You can hike the crater floor, explore a lava tube, enjoy a steam facial (steam vents) and be mesmerized by the volcano activity at Hawai’i Volcano National Park

Or hang out with the sea turtles and enjoy a day at the shore at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

Stargazing at Maunakea

It’s cold at 9200 feet, bring warm clothes! So many stars…amazing! We saw Jupiter through the one of the many telescopes they set up each night.

If you can’t quite gather up the nerve to skydive or bungee jump, try zip-lining over Umauma Falls.

Aloha!

The Big Apple

By threejamigos | January 19, 2016 | Comments 0 Comment

Right before the holidays I was trying to figure out what to get the hubby so I called my cousin’s wife Kathy in New York. She is my Go-to-Guru for kitchen appliances and cookbooks. I was curious about a sous vide machine and knew she had one. She mentioned she was throwing a surprise birthday party for Mike (her hubby) and I immediately invited myself, I know tacky but hey we’re family. A quick trip to New York would be fun and help decompress from the holidays. By the time I boarded the plane I had the hubs and daughter in tow.

I love New York. The energy level is amazing. Museums, restaurants, people watching, theaters, history. So much to enjoy, appreciate and reflect upon. We visited the World Trade Memorial, the MOMA, the Met, walked SOHO and the waterfront, stood in line for half price Broadway tickets (still expensive but SO worth it) to see Something Rotten (GO. Very funny!). We topped off our MOMA visit with lunch from the Halal Guys cart and noshed on great bagels and lox from Russ & Daughters. Jamie, with her roomie Jenny, took off to High Line Park, Manhattan’s old railroad trestle reinvented as a beautiful urban park.

No Jamie, these are real bagels. Chewy with a nice crispy crust. They aren’t stale, sheesh.

I wonder how annoyed people were on the plane coming home when I pulled out my chopped liver, egg salad, smoked whitefish and salmon salad and bagels. Hey, it was a long flight, gotta have something delicious to eat.

If you haven’t been to New York..put it on your bucket list NOW.

This is Vancouver… Washington!

By threejamigos | July 2, 2015 | Comments 0 Comment

Annual trek to Northwest Regional Championship for Masters. Did I mention how much I love this regatta? It is a multi-day event, lots of racing, hang time with my crew mates and taking in the Northwest vibe. We didn’t get to spend much time in Portland, so I’ll have to go back!

Early morning arrival allows us time for breakfast at the Tin Shed, a neighborhood place where you fill your own coffee cup and settle in for a hearty breakfast. Make sure you try their biscuits, definitely a highlight!

From there we head across the river to Vancouver where we are staying. Anchoring the area is a small park, the heart of the town. On weekends the park hosts the Farmer’s Market, craft fairs and kids play in the water fountain. The area is in transition with new businesses popping up, I’m guessing a little more affordable than downtown Portland or Alberta Street where we had just come from..

Favorites this year in Vancouver include Treat Bakery, Tommy O’s and Woody’s Tacos. Treat serves up unbelievable cookies like Salted Chocolate Chip, their version of Dorie’s Jammers and Peanut Butter cookies. Delicious! Also found a little ice cream place on Main Street, Ice Cream Renaissance. Not as hip as Salt & Straw but a nice place to go, especially when the temperatures reach 100 degrees! Try their honey vanilla!

#TBT, wait its only Wednesday

By threejamigos | June 11, 2015 | Comments 1 comment

#TBT, okay I couldn’t wait for Thursday and I wanted to post this pic today from my vault, it says it all I love rowing and love taking photos!

We’re Back! (Chocolate Chip Cookies)

By threejamigos | June 7, 2015 | Comments 2 comments

Finally, finished transferring my wp blog to self-hosting! This calls for a celebratory post, which means food! If there is one post you should read it is this one. Years ago a friend gave me a recipe for Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Chip cookies with the caveat “You have to promise not to give this recipe to anyone, this is THEE recipe”. So I promised, and I have been true to my word. Well for the most part (2 exceptions). But, I believe the statute of limitations has passed on that promise. So here is the recipe for Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Chip Cookies, the edges are crispy, the center buttery and chewy, full of gooey chocolate chips and the sweetness tempered by pecans. These are absolutely amazing just out of the oven, still warm, with an ice cold glass of milk… just promise not to give the recipe to anyone!

Best Damn Chocolate Chip Cookie

Print Pin

Mrs Field's Chocolate Chip Cookies

Mrs. Field’s Chocolate Chip Cookies…but better

Course cookies

Cuisine American

Keyword chocolate chip cookie

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 18

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

2 1/4 cup unsifted flour
1 tsp Baking soda
1 tsp Salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup butter, unsalted melted and lightly cooled
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar firmly packed no lumps
1 tsp overflowing tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
3 cups chocolate chips I reduce this to 2 cups and add toffee bits. Actually 2 cups even without the toffee. 3 is a lot.
1 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup toffee bits optional

Instructions

Mix flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl, and set aside. Mix sugars, butter and eggs in bowl, add vanilla. Add flour mixture (add additional flour is dough seems soft, max 2 T) Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
Cover cookie sheet with parchment to allow for cookies to slide off and prevent cookies from overbaking. Using ice cream scoop (1/4 cup for big cookies, I use a 2 T scoop and bake for approx 13 min) drop dough onto pan.
Bake 325 15-18 min., rotate pan halfway through. Underbake for chewier, moist cookie.
My variations, the original was too sweet for my taste, I decreased the chocolate to 2 cups, increased the nuts to 1 1/2 cups and added 1/4 to 1/3 cup old fashioned oats. Sometimes I throw in toffee bits 1/4-1/2 cup.

Notes

Approximately 3-4 minutes before the cookies are finished baking, open oven and grasp cookie sheet with oven mitt. Bang the sheet on the rack to cause cookie to fall. this creates crevices and folds in the cookies. Optional.

Still here?

By threejamigos | June 6, 2015 | Comments 0 Comment

I know I haven’t posted in awhile, been trying to migrate my blog to a self-hosting site. So, to my followers that aren’t related to me, all two of you (lol) stay tuned. I should be up and running soon!

#Crewlife

By threejamigos | June 1, 2015 | Comments 0 Comment

I started rowing about 8 years ago. I’m an Asian kid who grew up in San Francisco, I did not have a clue what crew was. Sitting in a lecture to become an art docent for my kid’s school district, I was fixated on the lecturer, well really on her arms, shoulders, ok upper torso, no idea what she was talking about. All I could think was what does that woman do to have such great arms! She is in great shape! So I asked the other docents, their response, “why that’s Melissa, she rows”. I gotta try that! A couple years went by and I spied an ad for an Adult Learn to Row Class, 4 sessions Saturday, Sunday 8-10am.

I can do that.

At the end of the 4 sessions, Coach Perry congratulated us and left us with these parting words, “You are now Novice rowers, see you Tuesday morning at 5:30”. Hahaha, funny, what? He wasn’t joking?

I wasn’t sure I could do that.

America’s Cup

By threejamigos | May 31, 2015 | Comments 0 Comment

It’s too bad the America’s Cup is not coming back to San Francisco. From a spectator’s point of view it was an absolutely perfect venue. You could see the start, the finish, the jockeying for position, the boats tacking, just amazing. The Bay was a gorgeous backdrop for the race. Can you imagine? At different points of the course the boats whizzed by the East Bay, the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, Marin, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

Years ago I was in New Zealand for America’s Cup and unless you were on a spectator boat, all you could see were the boats going out to the start and then returning after the race. Pretty boring. And what a storybook finish, legends are made of comebacks like the one pulled off by the Oracle team. I’m not being biased about this being the perfect venue, I took these pictures from the shore, with a 70-200mm lens. You be the judge.