March 10, 2010

WW: Exploring the Outdoors

Photos taken at the Honolulu Zoo.

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March 9, 2010

Honolulu Zoo

DS2's first trip to the Honolulu Zoo was when he was 6 months old, and he really wasn't too interested in the animals, so we decided to take him again.

Admission to the zoo for ages 13+ is $12, or $6 Kama`aina (ages 4-12 $3; 3 and under free).

Our first stop was to the Keiki Zoo.

We were really looking forward to seeing the cow since DS2 loves cows, but today there was no cow (and a lot of other animals were missing throughout the zoo due to renovations or other reasons).

Then we explored the rest of the zoo.

Here are Rusti and Violet.


One of the new features I noticed from the last time we visited the Zoo were the Zookeper Notes which tells visitors information on the animals or upcoming activities featuring the animals.



Here are a few more of the many animals (and reptiles, etc.) we saw.










DS2 really enjoyed seeing all of the animals, and it was a beautiful day at the Honolulu Zoo.

Honolulu Zoo: 151 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815, (808) 971-7171

March 7, 2010

808 Bar-B-Q

We recently attended a party that catered from 808 Bar-B-Q in Waipahu. I usually don't care for Korean food, but I've eaten from 808 a few times before at other parties, and I've always enjoyed their food.

The Mandoo was really good (I think I ate 4 or 5 pieces), and the Meat Jun looked good too (but I didn't eat it since I don't eat beef).

The BBQ Chicken was good too. I like that it was boneless (I don't like bone-in chicken).

Below are photos of the rest of the food. Other than the rice and the mac salad, I didn't eat any of the other items pictured below.



Everyone enjoyed the food, and it was a really nice party!

808 Bar-B-Q: 94-216 Farrington Hwy #B1-4, Waipahu, HI 96797(808) 678-8058

March 5, 2010

Birthday at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant

For DS2's birthday, we decided to take him to Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant in Pearlridge Center for not only the free birthday sundae, but also because of the Kids eat Free deal: Monday-Thursday, 2 pm-8 pm. One child, 12 or younger, eats free with the purchase of one adult entree and large drink. (Child must be present, dine-in only, not valid w/ any other offer, no cash value. Check the website for more information.).

The boys shared a Grilled Cheese Sandwich, which comes with Criss-Cut Fries.

DH ordered the Kaneohe Mushroom Burger with Onion rings.

I ordered the North Shore Club with Criss-Cut Fries.

We all enjoyed our food, and soon it was time for DS2 to enjoy his Clown Sundae.

But before the server brought it out, a really loud bell was rung and several servers came by to sing Happy Birthday to DS2.

And DS1 screamed and screamed and screamed in terror!

For some reason he doesn't like the Happy Birthday song, and he usually tolerates it whenever he hears it, but when the bell was rung and the wonderful servers came by singing the song, he was terrified!

And what made it worse was several other guests were celebrating birthdays so the screaming continued!

The manager even came out to see if there was anything he could do, but we told him once the singing ended he would be fine.

And he was.

And DS2 got to enjoy his birthday sundae while sharing it with DS1.

The food was good, the free kids meal was an awesome deal, and we think DS2 enjoyed his 1st birthday at Farrell's, despite all of DS1's screaming.

Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant: Pearlridge Shopping Center: Uptown 98-1005 Moanalua Rd. Aiea, HI 96701, (808)488-9339

March 4, 2010

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

Practically every year, our family heads to Ruth's Chris to celebrate my brother (R)'s b-day. He's a big fan of steak, and some people (R included) will say that Ruth's Chris serves the best steaks in town.

Tonight we were seated in a private room called the Ali'i Room. It seats about 10 people. I'm not sure why they gave us this private dining room since there were plenty of tables available, but we did not complain - it was very intimate.

My parents like to start off their meal with the Caesar Salad - as you can see here - it's definitely a salad for two.


R and his girlfriend N split the Ruth's Chop Salad - nice presentation.


R also ordered the escargot. I didn't try it, but everyone said it was very rich and cheesy. Snails is just not my thing.


Since I am not a big fan of steak, I ordered the crab cakes. It had generous amounts of crab and not a lot of mayonnaise (which is a good thing). But the crab cakes from Roy's is still my favorite.


Here's a pic of the New York strip. The steaks are sizzling in butter when they arrive at your table - the scent will make your mouth water (even for non-steak-lovers like myself).


For dessert, we shared the warm apple crumb tart. It was pretty good and did not last long on our table.


Since we were celebrating R's birthday, they presented him with a plate of flaming strawberries. Unfortunately my camera was not able to capture the flames, but just use your imagination. The sauce on the bottom of the plate was a chocolate sauce - it complemented the fresh strawberries quite well.

If you are celebrating a special occasion, be sure to mention it when you make your reservation (they usually ask you) - they'll be sure to make your celebration a memorable one.



Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
500 Ala Moana Blvd. (Restaurant Row)
(808) 599-3860

March 3, 2010

WW: Bye-Bye Airplane!

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March 2, 2010

Happy's Hawaii Magic Green Sauce

When we went to the Cacao Fest at the Haleiwa Farmers' Market, I didn't buy any chocolate, but I did end up buying Happy's Hawaii Magic Green Sauce.


They had a sample of the sauce out with some fried won ton, and after just one taste, I was sold!

It retails for $6.49 and the ingredients include cilantro, organic honey, extra virgin olive oil, cashews, white vinegar, garlic, black pepper, and other special spices.

The lady at the booth said it's really good on wraps, so one day at home I made a chicken wrap, and the Magic Green Sauce really gave it some nice flavor.

I also used it a lot on nachos! The cilantro made it taste a little like salsa, and it really made the nachos tasty (a lot tastier than the guacamole I was using).

The next time I find the Magic Green Sauce at the farmers' market I'll definitely be getting another jar!

To find out where you can buy/try Happy's Hawaii Magic Green Sauce, visit their website.