Ame-ra Tomato

Every time I go to J-Shop I always look at these tomatoes, but I've never bought any. They're supposed to be super sweet. 

Maybe next time.  I'll let you know.

Chinatown

Here are just a few random photos that I took on our Chinatown outing.

Magic Salt

I was at Whole Foods a bit earlier than usual yesterday to get my 2/$5 pizza. I had never seen this breakfast pizza before so I decided to try it.

It actually turned out to be a bit bland for me.


So I sprinkled some of this Magic Salt on top of it. 


And it magically became ono! I got the salt from Cleta last year as omiyage from Japan, but I have seen it at a market here. Not sure if it was at Marukai or Don Q. 

Thelma's Filipino Restaurant

Landon and I were in Waipahu this past weekend to pick up some avocados from my friend Harri. THANK YOU, HARRI!!

While we were there, Lan suggested that we get some food from Thelma's. 

Shrimp Sarciado ($10.50)


Thelma's Special ($11.50)


Pork Sisig ($11.25)


This empanada was actually from the bakery to the right of Thelma's. I wanted to include it here because it was so good.

Last Night's Dinner

Landon is dieting and not eating dinners this month. Wendell decided to have a protein shake for dinner. And so this is what I made for myself.

It came out yummy!


I used this salmon from Costco.


And I busted out this bread from the freezer, also from Costco.

CPK

I met Cleta at California Pizza Kitchen in Kahala yesterday. I hadn't seen her in awhile so it was nice catching up.

We shared a pizza and a salad. Thanks for the treat, Cleta!!

Margherita Pizza ($15.99)


Roasted Veggie Salad -  half size ($12.99)

Café Kaila

Our Keurig broke yesterday, so that's how Wendell and I ended up at Café Kaila . . . for the coffee.  

When I suggested going there, Wendell balked and said that he didn't wanna wait in line. I told him, "No worry; the line goes fast. It's big inside." 

He said, "Is it fru fru food? How's the portions?" I looked up the menu online and read out some of the items to him. He decided he wanted to try the Frittata Omelet (open-faced omelette baked with potatoes, onions, mushrooms, Monterey jack and parmesan cheeses and choice of Portuguese, Italian or link sausage, bacon, ham or mixed veggies).

When I signed in at the door I saw that there were only two people ahead of us. We waited just a few minutes before being called. 

Wendell changed his mind about the Frittata and got the pancakes ($9.25).  He loved it . . . said it was better than Eggs 'n Things. 


I almost got the Frittata so that Wendell could try it, but he said, "Nah, no need" so I got the Traditional Eggs Benedict ($12.95). The Traditional comes with Canadian bacon and turkey . . . so unvegetarian, but sometimes you just gotta "sacrifice".  It was very good. Even the potatoes were tasty. And the best thing . . . I only ate one, so the other one is still in the 'fridge for me to eat later. Yessssssss.


Side note:  Cafe Kaila uses Waimana eggs from OK Poultry in Waimanalo, my absolute favorite eggs.

Colin's Chocolate Cookies

Colin made some onolicious chocolate chip cookies recently and wanted to share the recipe with you.





Ingredients:

2 1/4 cup flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 sticks (1 cup) softened butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 tbs. imitation vanilla
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Steps:

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2.  Combine flour, baking soda and salt in 1 bowl. Set aside.
3.  Mix butter and sugar in a larger bowl. Beat until creamy.
5.  Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well.
6.  Stir in flour mixture.
7.  Add chocolate chips.
8.  Drop by tablespoon onto ungreased cookie sheet. Cook 11 minutes.
9.  Enjoy. (Tip: Best eaten warm. The next day microwave for 10 seconds).

Wing Shave Ice and Ice Cream

I spent the day with my three sisters yesterday. We went to a rummage sale, a bazaar, Chinatown, Marukai and Palama Market. It was great hanging out together . . . always fun . . . but by the end of the day I was beat. I totally felt my age and my out-of-shapeness.

I rarely go to Chinatown. When I do, it's usually with Wendell and then it's zip zip zip fast, so I don't get to browse. It was fun strolling through yesterday, although at some points I had to hold my breath and try not to get too distressed at the untidiness.

Geri introduced us to Wing Shave Ice and Ice Cream, a husband and wife shop with homemade ice cream.






We shared this. All three flavors . . . Kurosawa, Coconut Pandan, Calamansicle . . .  were ono. 

Inktober

Every October since 2009, artists from all over the world participate in a drawing challenge called Inktober where they do one ink drawing a day.

The rules are very loose. It's more about growing and improving your drawing skills. If you like, you can follow the prompt list.


I busted out my brush pens, but I have no imagination so can't even begin to follow the daily prompt list.


Instead I'm just practicing by trying to copy the amazing Nicolas Nemiri.