Blessed

It was a gorgeous day in Hawaii, today. Look at that SKY. It's apparently called a Mackerel sky. This means that there are many small cirrocumulus and altocumulus clouds that resemble the markings and patterns found on an adult King Mackerel fish. Sometimes it's also called a buttermilk sky.

Shirokiya Ramen #4 Sapporo Menya Yoshiki

So now, I can say I've tried about 4 different ramen shops from Japan. All thanks to Shirokiya's Ramen Festival!

Let's recap. First, there was Aka Ton and Kuro Ton from Menya Ifuduodou. Then, there was Manshuya-Ga-Ichiban, which served its famously creamy Tonkotsu Ramen and gyoza. Third, Hakata Chouten arrived with its "ultimate" Hakata Tonkotsu with straight noodles.

Finally, we have Sapporo Menya Yoshiki setting up shop in Shirokiya until Oct 17th! Originally from Hokkaido, Menya Yoshiki is featuring their unique ramen broth flavors- Shiro (white miso), Kuro (black miso), and Aka (red miso). So far, I've had the chance to try the white miso #4 Shiromaru Char Siu Misomen and the red miso "#1 Best Recommended Choice," the #5 Akamaru Misomen. Both were great, but the red miso had a spicier taste to it. At first, I really thought I liked the red miso more with the spiciness, but toward the end, it got to be too much. Now don't get me wrong- it's not that spicy, but I have a very low tolerance for spicy foods! I prefer the creamier white miso base better, just because I can finish the whole bowl without sweating and blowing my nose! The noodles were also much different than what I'm used to. They look similar to saimin noodles- yellow color, thick, and a bit curly. I liked the chewy, al-dente texture too! You gotta try this!

Also got a 3-piece Jumbo Cheese Gyoza side. Bit into it expecting cheesy goodness! But, was there even any cheese in it?!!? Tasted like regular gyoza to me, and didn't seem "jumbo" at all...eh. I'd skip the gyoza, but definitely try the ramen. Worth it.

White Miso #4- no onions or bean sprouts

My friend, Linds' Red Miso #5 with fried rice on the side

Jumbo Cheese Gyoza

Cheese in the gyoza? I guess it's mixed in...

Second day in a row at Shirokiya...tried what Linds had- the #5.

UPDATE! My friend, Joe, and I bravely tried their third ramen base, Kuro, the black miso. The picture on the menu slightly scared me at first (it was such a dark black broth that I had never seen before!), so I was hesitant to try it. However when we ordered it and it was served to us, it didn't look so bad. The soup base was flavorful just like the others, though this one had little black bits that was crispy to the taste. It added a different element to the soup. Interesting. It was reminiscent of the char on steak or something burnt...though I sure hope I wasn't slurping up a bunch of burnt bits! Also, just like the white and red miso ramens, this had a slight spice to it. This is definitely different and worth trying!

PS- I also mixed in some garlic topping that they offered on the side. If you like garlic, this is a must!

Pa'ina Cafe UPDATED!

I first told you about Pa'ina Cafe here and here. They have a newly renovated Ward location with indoor seating and A/C! My favorite location (since it's the most convenient for me), is the Hawaii Kai Koko Marina storefront. There are never any lines, it's clean, and the service is fast. A quick tip? Try the Hawaiian Bowl if you're a first-timer. You will not regret it!

Pa'ina also just came out with some new Poke Bowls. Their Signature features Spicy Ahi Tuna with white or brown rice, shredded nori, and their special Teri-Glaze drizzled on the top. This "Signature" is not pictured, however, you can see below is their new Kewalo Bowl. The Kewalo includes (hot or regular) Shoyu Poke with white or brown rice, tobiko, sprouts, and Wasabi Mayo. My friend, Joe, really enjoyed it!

PS- Customize any of these bowls with extras like taegu, kimchee, takuan, seaweed salad, pickled onions and more!

Kewalo Bowl

Hawaiian Bowl with their most popular poke- Spicy Ahi!

Stripes and Chevron

I'm slightly obsessed with black and white stripes, and this older H&M striped dress is one of my most precious items hanging in my closet. It is just so versatile! It was first seen under a light, see-through cardi here.

The other day, I paired it with one of my favorite Fighting Eel cardigans with a black and white chevron print. So fun!

Jewelry? I kept it simple with my new and favorite Wishing Bridge earrings. I love the feminine dainty-ness look of the earrings. Gives a peek of gold through my hair.

Yanagi Sushi UPDATED!

I got the chance to have a quick snack at Yanagi Sushi the other night. How I love the fresh array of sushi here! Too bad I had eaten at Eat the Street earlier that day. BOOO!

Hot Shorts

You know my go-to store is always Bamboo Sky, so I was crazily excited when new arrival pictures were posted. I was feeling slightly under the weather, but these soft and bright-colored hot shorts definitely helped brighten my day. I got ready to go get a quick bite, and immediately felt re-energized!

Bamboo Sky black Button-down with lace detailing, Bamboo Sky shorts, Kelsi Dagger Open-toed Booties.

Eat The Street SEPT Edition

Just wanted to post a few pics from my recent trip to the Sept Eat the Street. Not too many food pics...had to run right after! Check out my last Eat the Street April Edition.

What I've realized is that I'm slightly getting bored of ETS. I've now foregone trying new trucks, and find myself buying the food I've had before and know that I love. For example, I love the Falaco (Falafel in a taco) at Xtreme Tacos, and absolutely crave Elena's Pork Adobo Fried Rice Omelette. My goodness, my mouth is watering just thinking about it! Only thing I wanted to eat, but never had enough room in my stomach for? Local Stop's Malasada Burger!!! My friends and I find that we buy the smaller meals, instead of huge plate lunches. Why? More room to try other foods!!

Local Artists

New! ATM machines. Probably one of the best investments ETS has made. Very handy.

Chimney Cakes- Coconut, cinnamon...

Elena's Pork Adobo Fried Rice Omelette. Their number one bestseller!

Elena's Puto

Ketchup and Sriracha? No need!

Xtreme Tacos Sampler Plate

Falaco!!!

I suggest we bring our own chairs next time too!