Crepes No Kai 'Oi UPDATED!

I was so happy to go to my favorite Crepes place, Crepes No Ka 'Oi, in Kailua. I'm usually never out that way, so it was definitely a treat. I didn't even look at the menu, just ordered my usual- The Godfather. Essentially a Caprese (Basil, Mozzarella, Tomatoes and even Balsamic Vinaigrette) in a Crepe! Can't get any better than that!

While I was waiting, I was lucky enough to get a few snapshots of one of the girls making a sweet Banana and Nutella Crepe! Enjoy!

The Godfather!

Wednesday HNL Farmer's Market at Blaisdell

 I love Tuesdays at the KCC Farmer's Market. Last Tuesday I discovered Hui in the Pot's fresh fish plates that were so perfectly cooked. I couldn't resist and had to make my way to the Wednesday HNL Farmer's Market so I could order it again! Talk about obsessed! Well, trust me, it really is that good. Go and see for yourself!

Tuesdays- KCC Farmer's Market from 4-7pm
Wednesdays- HNL Farmer's Market at Blaisdell from 4-7pm, parking is free!

PS- I also just had to order my favorite Zaratez Carnitas tacos. Couldn't leave without them!

Ethel's Grill

It's been awhile since the time we were going to Ethel's every week, once a week. But, the place and food have not changed! My parents and I went back a few days ago on a Thursday and were amazed at how many tables were open, plus there were parking spaces in the back! Very unusual! Usually, street parking is such a pain in that area. Thankfully, we parked, walked right in, and were seated immediately. No need the menu, we know the owners well, not to mention, we usually just pick from their daily specials. Anything hanging up is always delicious (you'll see what I mean by the pictures below).

What's great here are the prices. Very reasonable and the food fills you up. Any meal comes with salad, miso soup (with egg drop! The best part!!), and a fruit punch or iced tea.

I recommend avoiding peak hours because the place is small, and you will probably have to wait for a table. Another recommendation- YOU MUST ORDER THE AHI TATAKI. This is what they're known for, and it is simply amazing every time. And for $5, how can you go wrong? You can't. There's just something about melt-in-your-mouth, tender, seared ahi with an amazing shoyu sauce, thin garlic chips and some warabi fern. I'd come here just for this. And trust me, almost everyone does.

Tables are most often taken!

Salad with Parsley Dijon dressing

Ahi Tataki!!

Island Mahi Mahi

Ahi with Garlic Butter Sauce

Boots and Kimo's UPDATED!

Boots and Kimo's is a must go whether you are local or visiting Honolulu for the first or 10th time. I'm not a big breakfast sweets person (pancakes, waffles etc)...I prefer a hearty and savory breakfast with lots of eggs, bacon and carbs!!! But, the pancakes with Mac Nut sauce at Boots and Kimo's are delectable. The sauce makes these pancakes- it's hard to describe exactly what makes the sauce so mouthwatering, but I think it's a mix of marshmallow-y goodness and what seems like melted Macadamia Nut ice cream. It's exquisite. So light and creamy! We asked for more and literally soaked up the last pieces of pancake with each last drip of sauce!

I don't usually drive out to Kailua just for food I'm craving or do I like to wait in line for over an hour, but for Boots and Kimo's pancakes, I will most definitely! They're infamous! Check out my first post here.

Hours are from Monday-Friday 730am-2pm and Sat-Sun 7am-230pm. The line is always so long that you'll find people waiting still at 215pm! Luckily, we got in at around 2pm after waiting almost an hour. The pancakes and my Shrimp Alfredo Florentine Omelette were seriously worth it. The Omelette was on Special that day, but if they have it again, I suggest you order it if you love cheese, tender shrimp and sauteéd mushrooms! It was a creamy, delicious concoction!

UPDATE! We went back the next Sunday and were too late to wait in line, so we ordered take-out. Check out the Blueberry Pancakes with Mac Nut Sauce and a blueberry drizzle! Looks tantalizing. Only thing- very little blueberries in the batter. I wish it came with more! Our second dish was their Eggs Benedict Florentine. Upon first taste, I knew there was garlic in there somewhere! I love that! Eggs were also cooked perfectly. I thought it was nice to alternate between the sweet pancakes and the savory Eggs Benedict Florentine. Highly recommend!

Purple Crochet and a Vintage Asymmetrical Skirt

My new favorite color might just be purple! I'm so in love with my new, richly-colored purple Bamboo Sky chiffon tie top I just picked up! Not to mention, the peekaboo crochet on the back of it. Such a sexy combination! I paired it with an oldie-but-goodie Bamboo Sky asymmetrical skirt that I had bought (and not worn) a long time ago. The skirt looks so different at varying angles! Very refreshing and unique! I love picking old items out of my closet and finding a new love for them! It's like going shopping, but not spending a dime!

I'm also so glad I invested in these metallic, spiked Sam Edelman's. They were worth every cent! I wear them over and over, and continually surprise myself with how many different outfits they go with. They literally go with everything. Every outfit can use a bit of rad metallic-a!

Ginger 13 necklace

Shabu Shabu King

I really love Sweet Home Cafe, but like I said in previous posts, if you don't go early, you will wait in line for awhile. Last Friday, we had no time to go early, so we went around 830pm thinking it wouldn't be too bad. Well, of course, there were lines- one for each storefront. Where else could you get Shabu Shabu in the same area? Right down the street of course! Park in the Sushi King/Glazer's parking lot and Shabu Shabu King is located a few doors down from both restaurants.

We walked in and were promptly seated. No wait, but it wasn't like there were no other parties in there eating. They only a couple tables open. We sat down and decided on Tonkotsu broth, 2 beef plates, 1 chicken and 1 pork plate. The refrigerators were fully stocked and looked just like Sweet Home Cafe's. Sauces looked reminiscently the same as well. At the end of the meal, we were brought a complimentary Shave Ice too! Only difference? Broths are good, sauces are good, shave ice good, but they don't competitively rival the bursting flavors you find at Sweet Home. Sweet Home, I have to give it to you, you got it down pat!

The best things about Shabu Shabu King? For one, they don't charge for rice. And for Brian, that's a winner in his book hands down already. Second, price. I know that throughout the years, Sweet Home has changed some things around and started charging for 2 soup prices even if you half it. If I remember, they didn't used to charge for rice either!

Service is great at both places. Only difference here is that while we all know how aggressive and loud Sweet Home Cafe's staff is, Shabu Shabu King definitely leaves you alone and the place is overall, much more quiet. 

Other than that, in my opinion, if I have the time to go early to Sweet Home Cafe, I would go there over Shabu Shabu King. I think the taste just wasn't there for Shabu Shabu King. It is a good alternative though!

Watercress, fishcake, tripe, mini shrimp gyoza

Mushrooms added with Bok Choy

From bottom up: Fried Garlic Sauce, Homemade Sauce, Sesame Sauce- Sesame Sauce the best!

End of dinner complimentary dessert for two!