Summer 2010 in Alaska...Eating

Posted by CLYDE on Friday, August 20, 2010 5:57 AM

There are some foods that come to mind when you think of Alaska. Salmon, halibut and crab! The adventure is to see how many different ways there are to prepare these foods and if you missed any. Let's see how long it takes me to share this year's eating adventure.

Day 1 - The adventure begins...
We left for Ketchikan in the morning. There was one stopover in Seattle before reaching our final destination. So excited with the variety of food offered at the SeaTac Airport. We had Zippy's Zippacs on the flight over so we weren't that hungry...or were we?
We decided to eat at Ivar's Fish Bar in the airport.

The chowder and fish and chips satisfied our first taste of our journey. The maki sushi (hiding on the table) made me realize that this may be the last time eating rice for awhile.
8:00pm - Arrive in Ketchikan
The sky was overcast but it was still bright outside. Time to check in at the Cape Fox Lodge.
9:45pm - Too late to eat
Decided to have a few drinks and save our appetite for breakfast. There was a piece of pie ordered, but not hungry enough to eat it.
Day 2 - Good morning!
It gets lighted somewhere before 5 a.m. here in Ketchikan. You can look out the window and slowly the town wakes up to arriving cruise ships and buses, planes and other boats prepare for the day's excursions.
Took a walk before breakfast in the cool air by the river nearby.
We decided to eat breakfast at our hotel.
The Bear, which is cold-smoked salmon layered on flat bread with cream cheese and garnished with dill, chives, red onions and capers, makes you realize that you are in Alaska.

After some sight seeing finding totem poles and eagles it was time for lunch. Back in town for some chowder at Alaska Fish House by the harbor ports.The chowder tastes great in 55 degree weather. The salad represents our healthy eating.
For dinner, we decided to check out some of Ketchikan's food that is not of the usual fare. Salmon Falls Lodge fit the bill. You can view our experience here.

When in Rome...Iolani School's 2010 Fair a hit again.

Posted by CLYDE on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 6:29 AM

"When in Rome..." Iolani Schools' Fair MMX was great!. The food, the fun, and all for a good cause made a day in the sun well worth it.

Every year I look forward going to the Iolani Fair and having my annual steak sandwich which this year was titled "Ben Hur's Huli Beef". It's served with an Au jus dipping sauce but it never needs it. It's great as served.

This was the first year I went during the daytime on Saturday and it was as crowded as ever. Being a little warmer than I'm used to I had to partake in my Rainbow Shave Ice from Waiola Shave Ice.

Back to food. This is the first year I tried the Kalbi Barbeque Chicken Combo plate. Wow!
When in Rome this is the best food to eat with your fingers.
In the shade were some cool desserts. The panna cotta was good as well as the li hing pineapple. That was the first time I ever ate that and I'm sure it's not my last.

With some extra tickets left the Brutus Burgers and malasadas were a wise investment.
When the next Iolani Fair comes around in 2011 you have to make sure and mark it on your calendar and attend.

Fresh Vegetables From Farm to Home to Table All In the Same Day

Posted by CLYDE on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 4:18 PM

Otsuji Farm has several fresh ideas here. There are the fresh vegetables. That is obvious. They also have fresh ideas. You can buy their vegetables direct either at an off-site location or at their farm.

What makes Otsuji Farm unique is their "box" of farm fresh veggies. That's right a box. For $10 you get a box filled with five or six different vegetables that were just picked that day. In the box you get a variety that can include: lettuce; turnips (daikon); choy sum; bok choy; radish; and green onions.

They also have other vegetables like: red beets; kale; spinach; pak choy; eggplant; parsley; lettuces; cherry tomatoes; and more. Remember that they were all picked that day.

When I heard of this place I wanted to experience this so I went to the farm the following Saturday.

It's 9:00 Saturday in the morning and people have gathered.The people working there are very friendly and accomodating.I needed some Italian Parsley. Someone actually went on the farm and picked fresh bunches for me. Such great service.
You are welcome to take a walk on the farm as well. There you can see where your farm fresh veggies came from. I heard that today's vegetables were picked at 5:00 in the morning. Even the roosters are still sleeping.The green onions look so nice. If you ever get green onions here you can tell the difference. There's an aroma from them that brings you back to your childhood. It's that noticeable.Even the herbs in the garden look happy.I tried to grow green onions once and they never even looked as nice and healthy as these seedlings.Here's what was in the box that day. The radishes were very red and round.

So if you are ever in Hawaii Kai early one Saturday morning, stop by Otsuji Farm and experience farm fresh veggies. They are located right behind Kaiser High School's tennis courts at 459 Pakala Street. Follow the signs. Hours are 8:00am to 11:00am.
You can also purchase vegetables at their farm Friday afternoons from 3:30 to 5:30. On Tuesday evenints they are on Kaiser High School's lawn 3:30pm to 6:30pm.
Visit their website.

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!