Flatout Flatbread Breakfast Burrito

Posted by CLYDE on Friday, March 05, 2010 4:10 PM

Ever since learning about Flatout Flatbread, breakfast is good again.
Breakfast used to be two boiled eggs and a diet coke. Not anymore.
I first bought Flatout Flatbread at Costco. It's a healthier alternative to regular bread. Really! I found out that Safeway sells it too. And in a different flavor, Italian.

One and a half to two large eggs will be enough. These eggs have jalapenos in them. You can add anything to it. I've tried vienna sausage, bacon, spam, salami and it's all good.Once your omelette is done let it sit awhile to cool.Place your omelette onto a flatbread.Roll it up like a burrito.Enjoy! It really tastes good with taco sauce too.

Thanksgiving in Las Vegas Brings Food Opportunities Galore

Posted by CLYDE on Thursday, December 03, 2009 7:17 AM

This is the first year we spent Thanksgiving in Las Vegas. It's a choice that needs to become a family tradition for sure. Plenty of people flock to Las Vegas during this holiday of food, fun, and hopeful thanks of hitting the big one.

Our usual trip to Vegas includes buffet after buffet. This trip we decided to go for less buffet and more good eating.

Our trip began with several nights spent at the Bellagio. After landing in Las Vegas close to midnight, food choices become slim. Luckily, Cafe Bellagio is open 24 hours a day and is located right next to their famous Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. We were there to see the end of their Fall decor.

The full menu is available during the early morning hours. The food was very good. Had to save room for breakfast the next day.

Breakfast was at Bouchon in The Venetian. I love my pastries and bread so I had to have the pastry basket.

We decided to have dinner at Thai Vegas Cuisine (Vegas Chinese & Thai or Charlie Vegas).

This is a hole in the wall that's near the Harley Davidson store downtown. I'm not sure how else to describe it. They have vinyl tablecloths and it's really a no-frills place, but the food is excellent. We have been there about 2-3 times on the previous trip, and once on this trip. While it is never packed, they seem to have more take-out orders. The food is so good, I can only guess people prefer to do buffets, etc.

Back at the Bellagio and late night eats at Noodles. The walls are decorated with shelves of noodles enclosed in clear containers.

Breakfast at Cafe Bellagio for some breakfast food.

We went to Rosemary's for Thanksgiving dinner. I found this place on the internet after it was requested we not eat on the strip, nor at a buffet, but try to find some place locals might go to. This place is in a strip mall with very unpretentious front. Looking at it from outside, you would not imagine that the service and food presentation was more of fine dining. But they have a come-as-you-are dress policy. We went for the $55 prix fixe -- a special Thanksgiving menu, though there is also a prix fixe with a different menu for all other nights. You can also order ala carte. The food and service were both excellent. My girlfriend had the trout and the skin was really crispy. We had a party of 12 and they have each staff come out with two plates, stand behind you till each server is in position, then serve your plates all at the same time. Choreographed serving! They also ask you beforehand about any food allergies, if you're seeing a show at a certain time after dinner, and if so, which show (to ensure you get out on time). They even call you a taxi when dessert is served, though make it clear you take your taxi when you are READY.

Other places we tried in Vegas during our trip included Hot N Juicy Crawfish. My girlfriend's sister found this place on the internet, so we tried it one day. They have crawfish, shrimp, crab, etc. You order by: type of sauce, heat of sauce, and how many pounds of each item. Your order is then tossed into plastic bags which you open at your table. This place is for people who do not mind getting messy. You have to wear a bib while eating off of a plastic covered table. No plates. No utensils. Just go for it with fingers. We all liked it. I think it's run by Vietnamese. It was also shown on Man vs. Food on the Food Network. I want to try to duplicate the sauce!

For a super elegant treat that I highly recommend try Alize (Palm Hotel). My girlfriend's other sister wanted to go here for the Vegas view. It had a dress code (stinkers!) but we actually found they are friendly and not snobbish - even humorous (when silver covers came out we were told "don't peek"). We decided to go for the 7-course tasting menu. The waiter enthusiastically said, "Oh!!! You're gonna love it!!!" when we said we'd do the tasting menu. You could also do the wine pairings but only my BIL and one sister drank wine that night. Alize is has a nice view of Vegas. We intend to go there again. The waiter said to keep in mind what you had that night, and although their menus change, if you remember what you had before, they can ensure you do not have repeat tastings. We got to chatting with the waiter a bit and told him about Hot N Juicy Crawfish. He told us his family really likes Joyful House (Chinese food). We will probably try that some day . . . since we're the types that crave local-tasting food (or rice!!).

Next up...Grand Canyon!

Marukai's Sukiyaki Nabe Set, Ready To Cook

Posted by Clyde on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 7:56 AM

Being a member of Marukai Wholesale Mart has its advantages. Snacks come to mind first of all. Senbei, arare, candy, anything Japanese you can get here or there. They have two locations to serve you. One at 2310 Kamehameha Hwy in Kalihi. The other at 1020 Auahi St. in the Ward Farmers Market.

One thing that we found interesting and could not resist was the "Sukiyaki Nabe Set". At $5.99, even if your cooking skills went bad it's still a good deal. The taste is like you ordered it in a Japanese Restaurant. There's a hint of sake in the sauce. Try it...you'll like it!

Visit their website.

Whole Foods Market Value Tours

Posted by Clyde on Saturday, April 25, 2009 5:33 PM

Did you know that Whole Foods Market in Kahala offers free tours? We took a tour today focusing on value. Titled their "Value Tour" Whole Foods Market showed us how to shop with an eye on our wallet. Our guide was very knowledgeable and showed us how we can save money while eating organic foods.

Whole Foods Market is a strong supporter of local business. There are many local products being sold and they let you know about it. All local products display "LOCAL" on their price tags.

Your are informed how to recognize their Every Day Low Price (EDLP) and their Sale items. As we toured the store we noticed a lot of these types of signs. Our guide said that a good way to shop is to know beforehand what you need to get and to focus on only those items. I agree that without a list in hand my hand grabs almost everything and not what I was intending on purchasing.

We sampled some trail mix and cookies. The tour ended and we hung out and shopped. Did we follow what we were taught? No way! I just love their raspberry yogurt pretzels. Oh, and we also picked up some frozen mahimahi (also not on sale).

Oh well, we'll try it next time we visit Whole Foods Market. I suggest you visit them on the web and sign up for one of their tours. They also have a "Foods for Active Bodies Tour" and "Raw Foods with Chef Sharynne". Both free but you need to call and sign up.

Thanks Whole Foods Market!

Oh, something to remember. They will grill your fresh fish purchased there for free. Good to know if you want to eat fresh fish without the hassles of cooking fish on your own.

Where I Went Eat This Weekend - Next Week, Part II

Posted by Clyde on Friday, April 10, 2009 7:31 AM

Okay, I'm really craving those Hawaiian CDs. Luckily I found the vendor I purchased my last lot from and bought a few more CDs. I prefer buying from swap meets than local used stores like Jelly's, unless I truly cannot find it at the swap meet and I really want it NOW! Jelly's has a huge selection. Yes, I heard of eBay but it's difficult to find Hawaiian CDs.

Anyway, Sunday we went to two swap meets, Aloha Flea Market and Kam Super Swap Meet. By the time we got to Kam, I was hungry.

Hey look! A vendor I didn't see before. Gotta try something from Ricky's Fried Chicken.

The chicken was tasty and good. Satisfied my appetite as we completed our journey through the swap meet isles.
Okay, now we're ready for lunch. Saw an episode of "Cheap Eats" on KHNL last week. They went to right here.
This time we ate the lunch plate and the roast duck/ginger chicken combo. The best part? Under $13 total for lunch.
Well, that's it for this weekend. Check back later for our next adventure! Aloha!

Where I went eat this weekend - The next week.

Posted by Clyde on Monday, April 06, 2009 6:04 AM

This week takes us treasure hunting. We also ate some cheap eats and tried some new food.

I don't know what it is but I began treasure hunting again. The best bargains can be found at the Savers. Used items? Most of the times yes, but sometimes a new "old" item can be found. This week I bought some used Hawaiian CDs. I find that Hawaiian music calms me at work compared to my usual AC/DC or Pat Benatar (re-living high school days). Anyway, back to the food.

Started the day with a pastry from Saint Germain Bakery.

Then went on to the Kam Super Swap Meet! After went on to Waipahu! Ate at Pho Cali & Bakery. Their pho is really good.Leaving room for one of my childhood favorite foods we walked a few feet to Leeward Drive In.Almost always gotta eat their fried noodles and a hamburger. I glanced at their specials and next time I go I have to try their short rib curry.
There's a new store there! We dropped into Tom's Seafood and bought a package of spaghetti sauce labeled "Filipino Flavor". I'll let you know how it tastes.
So much places we went. Part II...Sunday.

Where I went eat this weekend.

Posted by Clyde on Sunday, March 29, 2009 10:36 PM

Food is on my mind constantly. In fact, I'm sure it's on everyone's mind and the weekend is no exception.

During the work week, I'm kind of limited on my choices of places to eat. Driving can only take you so far with an hour for lunch (sometimes 90 minutes). There's only two places to eat, one lunchwagon, and one service station in the vicinity.

Working for the weekend takes on new meaning when it comes to food. There are no limits on time and the road's the limit. Where to eat? How far will I drive? The answer is...pretty far!

This weekend was pretty busy. Volleyball tournament, birthday parties (two on saturday), left me with only one day to venture. Sunday.

Last week my partner and I went to Kam Drive In Swap Meet. It was a saturday afternoon and it wasn't too crowded. I kind of liked it. It's a bargain hunters's paradise. There is a wide variety of vendors selling their used goods. There was not too much people selling new stuff except for the lady who had a whole booth dedicated to socks and another selling every type of disposable food container available. No two vendors sold exactly the same thing.

What interested me was the Filipino vendors. There was a lot of Filipino vendors selling their fruits and vegetables and homemade goodies. We tried the barbeque pork sticks at Bebot Lunchwagon. Two bucks and very ono. We also purchased the palitao (steamed mochi rice with coconut shreds). I bought a "star apple" but didn't get a chance to eat it.

Forward a week to Sunday. Wow! So crowded and more vendors than on Saturday. Again, no two vendors were the same. Can't say that about Aloha Stadium's Flea Market. We liked the barbeque pork sticks from Bebot's that we ate that again. Weird thing is they don't make them until lunch. They have a lot of food there. Next time I'll try the dinaguan. I also bought these little steamed buns that came in assorted colors. Very tasty. I ended up purchasing some used CDs at a bargain price. I'll definitely go back and often.

Bebot's Lunchwagon where they had the Barbeque Pork Sticks.
Here's those colorful steamed buns.
Lots of fruit/vegetable vendors.
Remember the snack bar? It's a fresh fish building now.
More fruits and veggies.
Mother's Day is coming up.

Kung Hee Fat Choy With Gon Lo Mein

Posted by Clyde on Thursday, January 29, 2009 8:38 PM

Chinese New Year has come and gone, but when it was here the eating was just as good as the lion dances and fireworks. Here's an easy dish you can make with just about anything you have leftover in the fridge.

Gon Lo Mein
Ingredients
3 packages of ready-to-eat chow mein noodles
3/4 cup oyster sauce, divided
2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
6 fresh shiitake mushroom caps, sliced (discard stems)
1 (12 oz) package bean sprouts
4 stalks celery, slivered
1 bag green beans, slivered
3/4 pound char siu, slivered
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/2 teaspoon salt
cilantro (optional)

Instructions
1. Place noodles in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of the oyster sauce and 1 tablespoon of the sesame oil; heat in electric oven at 250°F for 10 minutes.
2. In a wok or skillet, heat some vegetable oil. Add mushrooms and other vegetables; stir fry until crisp/tender.
3. Stir char siu [oops, and forgotten bean sprouts], salt, remaining oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir. Add a touch of water if flavor seems too strong.
4. Add noodles and toss gently.
5. Lay into serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Makes 12 servings.

Here is a link to HECO’s actual recipe: