The Fashionably-Forward Foodie

Monday, March 14, 2011

Keds: A Childhood Favorite

I remember Keds (shoes) were very popular when I was a kid. Remember the good 'ol days? Running around freely in them with no care in the world. Times have definitely changed. Yes, I'm talking figuratively, but also literally. Keds has taken on a whole new maturity, sophistication and style. They have collaborated with many different fashion designers, one being Alice + Olivia. I put them on for the first time today, and absolutely fell in love with them! So comfy and cool! And if you like bling, well, this is definitely the shoe for you!

Here are two ways to wear it:
1) Casual for everyday wear with shorts and a tank
or 2) What I like to call, "Brunch with the girls" wear, with a pretty floral dress and Keds, and you're ready to go! Easy-breezy!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Casually-Chic

Getting ready for my friend's fundraiser at Ige's in Aiea, I imagined what I would want to wear. "Something comfortable, casual, but still trendy and chic." Loving my stripes as usual, I came up with my striped maxi skirt (from The Butik) and black blouse, as well as my new Steve Madden gladiator sandals which I am so in love with! I also love love love my new Ginger13 necklace from Bamboo Sky! It was made for this outfit!

I love how my doggy is peeking through here!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Cinnamon's

I was ecstatic to pick up my friend Lindsay from her house in Maunawili this morning after work. Currently, Linds lives in San Diego with her bf. She has not been home for years, and it was so nice to catch up with her. We came to know of each other when she lived on my dorm floor in my Freshman year of college. We had a Public Speaking class together and naturally, became close. We then decided to live together Sophomore year and well...the rest is history! Linds has been one of my best friends ever since. I tell her all the time that she will be in my wedding party someday!

After driving through rainy and muddy Maunawili, I decided Kailua would be a nice place to get some brunch that wasn't too far away. In my mind, Kailua is the spot for brunch/lunch/breakfast restaurants. If you want traditional and hearty breakfast food (ie- eggs, bacon, hash browns, omelets etc), Kailua is the way to go! After much research/yelping on my part the night before, I finally settled on Cinnamon's. I had been to Boots and Kimo's (known for their Pancakes with Mac Nut Syrup) many times, and know very well that Cinnamon's is their biggest neighborhood competitor. Cinnamon's is famous for their Red Velvet Pancakes and Guava Chiffon Pancakes. I already knew in my mind that we would have to share one of 'em.

FYI, some other great options in Kailua are Crepes No Ka 'Oi, Baci Bistro and Kalapawai Cafe and Deli. I've been to Crepes No Ka 'Oi and had "The Godfather," which is their melted mozzarella/tomato/fresh basil crepe with a drizzle of EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) and Balsamic Vinegar. It is basically a Caprese (salad) in a crepe! SO YUMMY! I'll definitely have to do a post on this place very soon!! I'm craving it just talking about it!

As far as the other restaurants I listed, Baci Bistro and Kalapawai I have never been to, but have heard very highly-regarded reviews. Those are musts for the blog...but later!

Here goes with CINNAMON'S!

Cinnamon Roll- not bad, but me and Linds preferred Cinnabon

Half order Kalua Pig Eggs Benedict- BEST Eggs Bene I've EVER had. SO delicious.

Usually comes with hash browns, but they ran out, so I had a choice of either
home fries or rice. Rice it is!

I usually think most Eggs Bene Hollandaise sauce is mediocre,
but this one was creamy and tasty- not bland at all.
The Kalua Pig was exactly how I like it- shredded well, not fatty and SALTY!
I almost wanted to eat JUST the Kalua Pig and rice! It was that good.

Guava Chiffon Pancakes

Linds' French Toast

All in all, I would only come back for the Kalua Pig Eggs Benedict. It was really that good. It was even worth the high price of $10.25 for a HALF order. Full order was $13.25, but next time, I'm skipping the Pancakes and Cinnamon Rolls, and going straight for the full order Eggs Bene!

Another Picture To Make Your Mouths Water

I am a foodie and mostly take pictures of already prepared food...but here is a sammy I made!

Peanut Butter & Bananas!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

A Cloudy Day is No Match for a Sunny Disposition

Before I post some pictures on fashion, I really wanted to thank all of my followers, friends and family for the positive comments, support and encouragement. It means the world to me just to hear a simple, "Kim, I read your blog!" or "Your blog looks good, Kim!" or even better, "Your food pictures always make me SO hungry!!!"

Whether you're near or far, in school or working, I really do hope my food pictures and critiques invite you to try new foods and restaurants. I encourage you to expand your horizons. And it is cruel, but I'm secretly happy to hear my pictures make your mouths water. Haha! That means I'm doing something right, right??

Your comments brighten my day! And speaking of a bright, sunny day...

I love my new umbrella!!

Leopard nails!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Hilo "High"

No, not that kind of high, people! It's of course, a FOOD high. Having just island-hopped for business for the last 3 weeks, I have had the chance to try all of the island's highly-rated restaurants, local favorites and oogled the fresh veggies/fruits at the open markets. It has been fun (as you can see from my pics), but as cliche as it sounds, nothing is quite as nice as being home and having home-cooked meals.

Since I graduated 3.5 years ago from college in SF, it has been a struggle to find Thai food in Honolulu that lives up to what I remember as "cheap, tasty, authentic Thai food." Thankfully, I have found Sombat's (in Hilo)! Though it is an island-hop away, that is good enough for me! Better than a 5 hour plane ride to SF right??

Nothing has ever come as close to my liking as Sombat's. My most favorite items there were the famous and traditional Pad Thai and the Coconut Ice Cream with Fried Banana. I still remember the delicious Coconut Ice Cream at Best of Thai in Haight-Ashbury and the cheap/quick/tasty Pad Thai from King of Thai chains all over SF. King of Thai is like a Starbucks- you can seriously find restaurants blocks away from each other. So convenient!!! And $6 Pad Thai that you can make 2.5 meals out of? Definitely a college kid's dream restaurant!

Though Sombat's may not be as cheap- it is on the pricier side- the taste is worth it. They use authentic spices combined to make the most perfect dishes and fresh veggies that they grow right outside the restaurant!

Sombat's is also a very small restaurant with about 7-8 tables, and is always crowded. I could tell this restaurant was popular, as many people would stop in and just get take out- even just for dessert- Coconut Ice Cream with Fried Banana, Thai Tapioca, or Fried Bananas!

Next time, I'm trying their Tom Kha soup aka "Coco Soup," Fresh Basil Rolls, Fried Tofu and their famous Somtum, which has fresh papaya mixed with lime juice and thai spices. Can't wait to travel back sometime next year!