Wednesday, February 8, 2012

The New Nico's @ Pier 38!


I thought that I updated you all on the newly-renovated Nico's, but I must've been in a Nico's haze after lunching there about 3 times a week so far! They recently reopened on January 20 after renovating and moving properties. They are still located in Pier 38, but you will notice their new spot is much more swanky! A bigger Nico's, a bigger menu, a full bar (so you can have a beer at lunch!), open-air seating, and even a fish market selling whole fresh fish, Shoyu Poke, Ahi Limu Poke, cubes of plain poke with toppings to "mix-your-own," and a bunch of asian products. Plus, I'm so excited to mention that they are finally selling their Lemon Miso salad dressing, which now has a permanent home in my fridge!

After not being impressed with their originally small and crowded location with a small menu, I have come to love this new place! I now will drive all the way out to Nico's just to lunch on their Garlic Pesto Shrimp, which is honestly, perfection. The shrimp is tender, juicy and is seasoned with just the right amount of pesto and garlic. They also top the rice off with little bits of garlic, Kahuku Style.

The crowd here has also changed. Military, Navy, families, couples and many many business people coming to have a casual lunch (but in a professional manner). This is the place. It's also minutes from Downtown's Financial District. Can you see the appeal?!





SpAcials, not Specials.






The Bar!




Special of the Day- Swordfish with Lobster Bisque Sauce. This was amazingly tender and moist!

Garlic Pesto Shrimp!


The Fish Market- taken when it first opened, but now filled with so much more!

Mix your own poke with the plain cubes of ahi!

Be creative!



Lemon Miso salad dressing and Plum Vinaigrette dressing located in that fridge to the left!

Hawaiian Plate- Fridays Only!

Special of the Day- Marlin




Furikake Ahi



Side Order of Calamari

Monday, February 6, 2012

A Futuristic Punahou Carnival 2012

Every year, my High School puts on a fantastic carnival. Everyone's invited- current students, fellow Alum (and even Barack Obama...yes, this is his Alma Mater!) and the public to enjoy the EK Fernandez rides, Games, Live Music, White Elephant tent, Jams and Jellies, Haku Lei booth, Fresh fruit and vegetables booth, Plant booth, and of course, the DELICIOUSLY "ONO" FOOD. You know me, I look forward to the food the most!

This year's theme? "To Carnival and Beyond: A Futuristic Fantasy."

Read here about last year's "Carnival Before Time."

First things first: SCRIP!

Lineup of entertainment for the first night.


Rasta Banana hiding under the table!

First food item we bought? GYROS!

How can you deny this gyro topped with generous amounts of onion, cucumber and yogurt sauce!? YUM.

Alumni Booth




Meyer Lemon Sorbetto and Acai Bowls!

The best part of this year's Carnival? Beautiful weather, NO RAIN! The weather is always questionable for Carnival, so every year, the students pray for no rain. Guess this year it worked!

Smiles on every face while ordering our Hawaiian Plate!

One of my favorites.....wait, every food item at Carnival is my favorite though! Haha. Here's Portuguese Bean Soup. The only Portuguese Bean Soup I will eat!

Hawaiian Plate complete with Laulau, Rice, Lomi Salmon, Poi, Haupia, Fresh Pineapple and a slice of Okinawan Sweet Potato.

Tic Tac Toe

Thank you, B! I'm a happy girl.

Stood in line for half an hour for these MALASADAS!



Ended the night with Chow Mein!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

What I've Been Chowin' On

Too bad Jin Din Rou is closed now. I enjoyed their Xiao Long Bao, though my wallet did not appreciate the prices. Pictured: Green Tea, Original and Spicy.

Boyfriend's Mama's Jai!!! Check out what "JAI" is here.

For the best Meat Jun on the island, you gotta go to Ah Lang! Aka Angry Korean Lady, she makes great Meat Jun, crispy Bi Bim Bap and my favorite Soondubu. Trust me, she's good at what she does. Her angry "front" is great entertainment while you eat too!

You can never go wrong with Baked Char Siu Bao from Royal Kitchen in Chinatown! If you care for a different stuffing, try their Vegetarian, Portuguese Sausage, Lup Chong, Kalua Pig and many more!