California Beach Rock 'N Sushi

I haven't been to California Beach Rock 'N Sushi in years, but walked there after Cafe Duck Butt was crowded and all tables were taken. CB Sushi is located right next to Kanpai, across Sports Authority on Ward.

We walked in and were immediately greeted. Service was really great there the whole night.

We started off with some warm Sho Chiku Bai Sake, which was excellent. Then, decided on the Crunchy Crab Roll, Creamy Mermaids, Miso Butterfish and a Spicy Ahi Roll with skinny onion rings on top. I also couldn't help myself and ordered an Ankimo nigiri for myself.

Everything was delicious, though, I have to admit my favorite was probably the least expensive thing on the menu- Creamy Mermaids. Shrimp and Cream Cheese in a crispy wonton wrapper. That's it! So simple, but I'm a sucker for anything fried stuffed with cream cheese.

With snow crab!

Creamy Mermaids

Tiffany Teal

I recently picked up this light, lace-y, flowy number from Bamboo Sky. I love that you can easily dress it up for summer with an ivory fitted tunic underneath, like my pictures below, or with a dark fitted tunic perfect for fall or evening wear. For me, I wanted the teal to really stand out, so the ivory backdrop really works well with the lace panels. It came out looking very clean and sleek. I can picture it already- lunch with the girls or Mom at Mariposa! The perfect outfit for that! So feminine.

Earrings via Basique Threads, Belt via Bamboo Sky, Promiscuous heels, Necklace via LMS Boutique

This dog loves to get in my pics, but is so un-photogenic!

Restaurant Wada

The first time Jeff and I came here, Wada was booked until 930pm. We had walked in at 730pm, and definitely weren't going to starve for another 2 hours.

Finally, on another Tuesday, my wish had come true. We were sitting in Wada. I couldn't wait to try their Uni/Washugyu Beef Sushi that everyone raved about.

Things you should know:
1. Make reservations a few days ahead. This place is small and always crowded (even on a weekday night you wouldn't think would be crowded). Made reservations a couple days ahead, and all I could reserve was 2 seats at the counter. Tables were taken already!
2. You will be the only English-speaking people in there. I guess that's how you know the place is good? The Japanese language will be your background music.
3. Valet parking only.
4. Wada is located in the old Tokkuri-Tei location, but you won't even recognize it once you walk in. Completely redone! And it doesn't look like its cramped, old self!

Verdict? We ordered quite a few things (as we usually do!), but only a few things stood out. Washugyu Dashimaki was one of my favorites of the night. Soft, tender dashimaki egg omelet with bits of washugyu beef throughout. A great sauce to top it off too! Then, there was the Uni/Washugyu Sushi that was served to us. Might I say the pieces have evolved over time! Definitely don't look like the pictures on Yelp. They were itty-bitty nigiri pieces. Bite-size. Boy, they really skimped. Jeff and I both had one each. Taste-wise, I wasn't too impressed. It wasn't mind-blowing, but it wasn't bad either. When I first popped it in my mouth, all I could really taste was the wasabi and shiso leaf. Towards the end is when you taste the uni/washugyu combo. To me, you have to try this once. I don't believe though, that once you've had it, you will order it again and again.

We also ordered Ahi Tuna Belly, which was by far the best I've ever tasted. So tender, lightly salted, and a generous amount for $9.75. Superb. I would definitely order this again.

In the middle of our meal came our 16 pieces of Washugyu tongue for our Shabu Shabu. Our waiter and all of the other runners that brought our dishes out were great in explaining things to us. Our Washugyu tongue was split in half- 8 tender pieces from the back of the cow, and 8 more lean slices from another part. Interesting. For us, the Shabu was large, but most of it was cabbage and other veggies while we split our 16 pieces of tongue. I have to say the meat was ultra-tender, but the shabu was nothing memorable.

We ended the meal portion of our dinner with Hiyashi Tan Tongue Men, a cold noodle dish served with ground tongue and a spicy sesame sauce.

Only thing I regretted? Maybe next time I'll try that Stir Fry dish that literally everyone was having. Oh, and maybe that Oxtail Soup!!

For dessert, I picked out a Coffee Jelly dessert with Banana Pureé topped with strawberries. THIS WAS DELICIOUS. I didn't know how well coffee and bananas balance each other off, but this was exceptional. So refreshing.

Now, would I go back? All of this for 50 bucks a person. It was definitely worth trying. Yes, they specialize in their Washugyu beef, which was wonderfully-tender, and I love how they incorporated it into different kinds of dishes, but this place could definitely break the bank!

Yuzu Sparkling- Bijofu Yuzu Sake and Brut Prosecco

Washugyu Dashimaki

Uni and Washugyu Sushi

Ahi Tuna Belly

Yuzu Salt, Garlic Salt, and Ponzu for the Washugyu tongue shabu

Washugyu tongue for the Shabu Shabu

HIyashi Tan Tongue Men

Pour the sauce over

Hot tea for end of the meal

Coffee Jelly and Banana Pureé topped with strawberries

Skull Short Shorts

I want to make the most of the last days of summer that are left, so I'm doing that by wearing shorts everyday! Not to mention, it's been blistering hot. Even the nights are warmer, which I adore. I can't tell you how obsessed I am with summer days.

Now, back to the shorts. I haven't really taken a liking to the skull trend, but when I picked up these coral crochet shorts from House of Aria, I was in love. They fit like a glove. Plus, it takes a keen eye to spot the skull cutouts in the crochet!

Vintage BDG coral button-down, Dolce Vita sandals

House of Aria Skull shorts

Turquoise necklace via trip to Sedona, Arizona

Rhinestone earrings via Bamboo Sky

Blue Hawaii LifeStyle

BHL is known for their popular Acai Bowls. I mean, I've heard BEST Acai Bowls in Hawaii. I had to see for myself.

While my friends were taking their time shopping around, I decided to get a quick bite here before dinner. I looked at the menu, and not only did all of the Acai Bowls look delicious, but I definitely want to stop here again for their Paninis or Poke Bowls!

I've always wanted to try either their Lemi Fresh Acai Bowl or their Jasmine Acai. I went with their Jasmine Acai, since I wanted something a bit more subtle. Boy, was it subtle! I couldn't even tell it was blended with Jasmine tea.

For some reason, I am not a good judge of Acai. It essentially all tastes the same to me- cold, refreshing, and delicious. I can't tell bad acai from good acai. The only thing I need in mine- good granola and LOTS of honey!!

So you will all have to try Blue Hawaii for yourself and get back to me!

House Without a Key

You first read about my obsession with staycations here (first there was Aulani, then there was the catamaran ride outside of Sheraton), and now I present to you House Without a Key at Halekulani, one of Honolulu's finest hotels.

Mom took Dad and I here for a celebratory cocktail/pupu/live music sesh. We were celebrating many different things, but of course, one, my golf tournament win. Still in awe of it!!

While you definitely don't come here for the food, the ambiance and brightly-colored drinks adorned with purple orchids are A+ material. Located outside by the pool, under a big shady tree, and live music every night of the week, this is a tourists' heaven. Come around 5pm when the sunset's green flash is just about to happen. You will thank me.......prettiest time of the evening ever.

One of the best Lava Flows I've ever had!!

Coconut Shrimp

Steak with Pesto, Balsamic Vinaigrette reduction and Asparagus

Sweet Home Cafe

As we leave around 545pm, a line has already started...

Okay, so this isn't my first time at Sweet Home, though it is my first post on it. I don't know why I haven't blogged about this place before! I used to be obsessed, but I guess I grew tired of it. Anyway, I'm back in the game, and lots of changes have been made. Sweet Home has now taken over the small restaurant next door and expanded, so the wait isn't as long......it's still long, but not AS long. Also, not only have they added more soup broths but also a plethora of side choices in the fridge and many more new delicious sauces!! These Taiwanese are just too good!!

My golfer friends Grant and Cyd have been wanting to try this place, so I told them we could go only if they were okay with eating around 445pm. I know everyone I take here thinks I'm crazy for eating so early, but trust me, there's nothing more painful and torturous than being hungry and waiting in line for over an hour, and watching everyone else eat through the window.

Thus, we eat at 445pm. No line, fresh food, quick service and you're fed and done by 6pm! Beware, they put you on the clock, though. You're only allowed 90 minutes to get in and out. This is how they have a high turnover rate. Kind of rude to me, but I guess I get it when I see the massive line outside. And there's literally a line any day of the week. This place is just that popular.

PS- the best part? Free Taiwanese shaved ice dessert!!! A big bowl of shave iced flavored with brown sugar syrup, luscious boba, almond float, and other flavored gelatin for everyone to share. And it's on the house!

Since I've gone, I've also noticed the price has gone up a bit. Rice isn't free anymore. Also, if you get two half portions of soup (half healthy herb, half curry), you pay the full price for both. Otherwise, they have made some significant positive changes!

Portable Induction Plates....UPGRADE!

Sesame sauce, House sauce (like a sweet ponzu plus I added in cilantro), and Garlic sauce

Healthy Herb and Curry!

THE dessert!