Sedona and Page, Arizona

Antelope Canyon

Hey everyone, just got back from a wonderful two day trip to Sedona (my second time back!) and a day trip up to Page! Old memories were relived, and of course, many new memories were made. This time, my best friend and I decided to book a B&B (instead of a hotel room) in Oak Creek. We had a beautiful little villa with 2 beds and 2 baths plus a jacuzzi! Take a 5 minute walk to the creek and enjoy the soothing sound of the water and the gorgeous backdrop. It was amazing! Not to mention, no cell phone reception, which was both a gift and a curse! Thankfully, there was free wifi throughout the property.

I was just hoping that there wouldn't be any sudden flash flooding like the first time we were in Sedona.....see here for a recap! I'm grateful to say that we had delightful weather while in Arizona, albeit on the warmer side.

The day we arrived in Sedona, we had a quick dinner at Elote, known for their fantastic Mexican corn appetizer!!! Showed up around 530pm, and to my surprise, were seated right away! My go-tos? Elote appetizer, guacamole and chips, and Smoked Pork Cheeks. Oh, and a Blood Orange Margarita- the color of the bewitching mountains that lay in the background.

I had also wanted to dine at Cucina Rustica, which was where we had dinner every night back in 2011. No time this time, but I highly, highly recommend it. Arragosta alla Vodka- lobster linguine with the most memorable vodka sauce. THUMBS UP!

After a good night's rest, we woke up early the next morning and started our journey North to Page. About 10 minutes away from the border to Utah, Page is a Navajo Reservation town about a 3 hour drive away. I had wanted to visit Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend ever since seeing some fascinating pictures that my friend posted on Instagram. Glad to say I made the drive to see both attractions as it will be my first and last time in Page. There is nothing else to see or do out there, not to mention the hotels are mediocre at best and many have bed bugs!! 

Advice for Antelope Canyon Tours? There is a choice for Upper and Lower Canyon- we chose Ken's Tours which took us to Lower. You'll need GPS to get to and from Page, since cell reception is little to none along the way. From what I noticed, Upper tours require a short jeep ride to site, while Lower requires no ride, just a 10 minute blistering, sandy walk. $28 per person, my friend's 3 year old was free. CASH ONLY. Use the bathroom before, as there are only 6 port-a-potties on-site, and what you expect to find in them, you will.

Coming up from the tour

Tips for Horseshoe Bend? Go see this after you've done Antelope Canyon. It's about a 10-15 minute drive away, right off the highway back to Sedona. Follow the sign, park, and follow everyone up the sandy hill. There will be a little gazebo at the top of the hill. You're not there yet. To my bewilderment, after huffing and puffing up the little hill, you've got about a mile more to go. Walking to the bend takes roughly 30 minutes- DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT believe the reviews on Yelp that say it's only a 5-10 minute short walk, or you'll be in for quite a surprise like us. Have fun taking selfies at the Bend once you get there! I advise this place is not for little children that like to run around- it's just a cliff with a huge drop down and no fence or obstruction. SCARY. If you're afraid of heights, wait in the car. The walk back isn't fun- mostly uphill, plus the elevation will make it even more difficult if you're out of shape. Don't let me scare you- even I made it, and I'm not a hiking person!!!!! You'll be in awe of the view once you get there. I saw a boat gliding in the bend down there- may be a cool little tour too!

Take my advice and stay in Sedona if you decide to take a day trip to Page. That 3 hour drive will be worth the once in a lifetime views. On our way back to Sedona, we stopped to eat at my friend's favorite taco place in Flagstaff- Burritos Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill, in a little shopping center minutes from campus. Jenelle attended Northern Arizona University, and she insisted we go back to find it even though she didn't know the name- she just knew the served up the best tacos. Well, she was right- the tacos were so satisfying. Fried Corn Tortillas engulfed the most moist shredded beef taco and shrimp taco. And gigantic! Two tacos were more than enough! I was thirsty, so I opted for a Strawberry Jarrito (Mexican strawberry soda!) and homemade Horchata! So inexpensive!!!

A word of caution- Be sure to drive back from Page to Sedona during the light hours. We drove back around 8pm, and it was the scariest drive of my life. Winding roads in pitch black darkness and signs that alert you of animals darting in the road- trust me, you don't want to make this drive at night. Be aware that there are several sharp turns in the roads that mimic U-turns, so go slow. Use high beams. Good luck!!! Enjoy!

Sushi Izakaya Shinn

 I'm a sushi snob- yep I admitted it. If you asked me one food I would eat everyday, it would without a doubt be sushi.

There have been posts on Kona Kai (still my number 1 choice), Gaku, Sushi Sasabune, and even Mitch's. Then, Shinn came up. Located next to Mini Garden on Beretania, you can either find street parking or park in their lot. Price is pretty steep, variety is plentiful, and the bar is large.

I came here excited to order the Special Sea Urchin Combo that I saw on Yelp's pictures. Uni Chawanmushi, Uni Beef Tataki, Uni Donburi, and Uni Tempura- all for $39!!! I was set on ordering this upon arrival. Disappointingly, what I wanted was a Special from months ago that they no longer served. Such a letdown!!

Instead, we sucked the bar dry of Kubota Manju......!

Quality of the fish is good, but plating is just gorgeous! See pictures below. The colors!! Again, I really wanted this place to be awesome, but it fell short. I still crave Kona Kai and Gaku. To me, Shinn is a decent Izakaya, though nothing stands out in my mind. They also don't have much clientele beyond the Japanese nationals that frequent this place. I felt like I was in Japan. I was impressed when I walked in- the interior is sleep and modern, service good.

Genki Jirushi- stir it all up, and eat it like a taco with nori strips. Delicious!

Ankimo

Beef Tataki

Beef Tongue Robata

Regular Sushi Set

Ribeye hot and steamy!

Croquette

Miso Buttahfish!

Budnamujip

 Lately, I've been into Korean food- everything from Yakiniku to Cold Noodles to Kimchee and Makkoli. My go-to place? Budnamujip. Yep, it's that green building on Kapiolani right after you pass Ward Ave, and next to Jack in the Box. Parking is free valet, and there's never a need to wait for a table. Service is fast, not to mention they cook your meat for you! A little awkward when you are in deep conversation with the person across from you, but nonetheless, really convenient.

Whenever I'm there by myself for a quick lunch, I prefer the Cold Noodles (Naengmyeon), which comes with all the unlimited fixins' (banchan). Another favorite of mine is the Burdock Root (gobo). It's coated in mochi powder and then fried perfectly. A bit of a chewy exterior with a tender, soft center. Galbi Tang is another infamous favorite here, and I definitely know why. The meat is fall off the bone and the broth is so savory and flavorful.

The only thing about this place that gets people? The price. It's on the high side, especially when the minimum for ordering meat is two orders. I tell you, guys, if you can splurge one night, I highly recommend trying it once. I guarantee you will be hooked. It's also the only Korean-owned restaurant in Hawaii that uses wood charcoal for its grill. You can taste the difference.

If you're ordering any meat, try their boneless short rib! All meat is Prime cut- Budnamujip prides themselves on quality.

Makkoli! Korean Rice Wine. Milky, sweet, strong.

Wood Charcoal for barbecuing the meat.

Galbi Tang

Perfect lunch. Galbi Tang with side small Cold Noodle!

A must get. Burdock Root.

Complimentary Banchan. Gelatin noodle with sprouts and nori.

Take a leaf of cabbage, add meat, spread paste.....Enjoy!

Complimentary rice tea that comes at the end of every meal here!

BREW'd Craft Pub

"Redcoats in the Westcoast"- Beefeater Gin, Germain Elderflower Liquer, Lemon Juice, Honey Syrup, topped with a West Coast IPA

 There have been numerous gastropubs to open in the last few years. You've seen REAL, Pint + Jigger, Dash, Salt Kitchen & Tasting Bar, and Home Bar. Enter BREW'd. They opened in the latter part of April, and have been bumpin' ever since. In the past two weeks, I've been there twice! This happened not only in part of their loyalty rewards program where you spend $200 and receive $20 off your next purchase, but also because I'm in love with their food. Burrata Salad, Truffled Dungeness Crab Deviled Eggs, and Root Beer Braised Short Ribs with Polenta that together in your mouth, create a melting pot of creamy, tender, savory robustness. And these are just a few of the menu items.

Located on 9th Ave in Kaimuki, you can find street parking or park in their small lot in the back. BREW'd has a couple stalls marked for them or a few other spots for the building itself. Happy Hour is from 4-6pm daily and closed on Sundays. Only drink specials for Happy Hour, no food.

Some of my faves? Definitely the Short Ribs with Polenta. I'm a big Polenta snob, so wherever I can get creamy, delicious Polenta, I'm ordering it! The Buffalo Wing Candied Bacon is a winner as well- only thing is I wish it came with more than 3 slices! Truffled Dungeness Crab Deviled Eggs were phenomenal. Not your typical boring deviled eggs. The Mac and Cheese and Chicken Club Sliders were also memorable food choices. I would highly recommend the Guinness Gelato for dessert too! A must-have!

Beer choice? Heretic Torment. Deliciously dark Belgian-Style Ale with a hint of sweet. My kind. 

The only thing I wouldn't order again- the Oyster Shooters with Yuzu, Bloody Mary Mix, and Pale Ale. I so wanted these shooters to be amazing, but they turned out to be a watery mix of fishiness. It didn't taste fresh. Very "ocean-y."

Otherwise, I'm going to be back soon. There is still a menu list of many other things I'd love to try. Mushroom Ravioli, Cioppino Risotto and Henry Weinhard Root Beer Float, I'm coming for ya!

Burrata Salad

Root Beer Braised Short Ribs with Polenta

 

Mac and Cheese

Pork Adobo Poutine

Truffled Dungness Crab Deviled Eggs

Buffalo Wing Candied Bacon

Chicken Club Sliders

Oyster Shooters

And of course, ending with Guinness Gelato!