We were invited to an exclusive event that showcased Azure Ala Moana, the newest building concept in "Midtown Ala Moana" that's anticipated to be completed by 2021.
At the intersection of culture and convenience, Midtown Ala Moana is bordered by Kalakaua, Pensacola, Beretania, and Ala Moana Beach Park, where it'll be a home to unique cultural destinations that feature everything from luxe stores to mom-and-pop shops. Held at the Azure Ala Moana Sales Gallery on the 14th floor of the Pacific Guardian Tower, we spent an evening experiencing what the new building will feel like, and lemme tell you, I loved it so much. If I had $700,000 to drop on a unit, you'd bet your mula I'd buy it in a heart beat. The location is so convenient since it's right across Ala Moana Center and has so many great shops, restaurants, and things to do near by. MW catered the event with their Potato Rosti, Chili Cheese Tarts, Strawberry & Matcha Shortcakes, and so many other delicious hors d'oeuvres. I think the servers thought I was a starving child by the way I kept going back for samples. Foodland Farms also provided us with some of their newest Maika'i private label products, and I'm so so excited to try them (especially the kona coffee butter and coconutty cashews)! I saw some familiar faces, got to meet some new people, and also drank my first (1/3) glass of champagne now that I'm officially 21 🎉
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For the last restaurant on our Top Valentine's Day Spots article, we reached out to the locally owned Tiki's Grill & Bar in the Waikiki Aston Beach Hotel. I didn't know the view was SO AMAZING from here.
The restaurant was started by three UH Manoa graduates (go 'bows!) that wanted to create an atmosphere for their friends and family to enjoy. My partner was feeling sick, so I called in my backup (aka my sister LOL) for the day to help me in executing the photoshoot & tastings. She was so meticulous in making sure that everything was perfect, and I was surprised at how much thought she put into the placement of the food. Chef Ronnie prepared for us: Cold Soba Salad Sizzling "Roll Your Own" Lettuce Wraps Sensual Heart Shaped Island-Grown Watermelon Salad Twenty Layer Haupia Crepe Cake I loved that Jenni, the person coordinating the whole event, was so spot on with arranging the tables (going above & beyond to stack crates under the table to get those awesome shots of the ocean in the background), and in conjunction with Celina directing the placement of the dishes, my job was a breeze today. Chef Ronnie also sat down & talked to us about so many interesting things; about his family, politics, his background, Hawaii's government, and of course, food. I love when you can tell the people behind the scenes love what they're doing, because it translates into the taste and quality of the food. This was the last restaurant that we tasted before [hastily] rolling out the Valentine's Day article, but in all honesty, all of the places we tried were so so so amazing and accommodating, and I can't wait to see how they continue to grow over the years. Spoon Hawaii is writing an article on the Top 2019 Valentine's Day Spots post, and we've been reaching out to several restaurants to feature. MW Restaurant was one of the restaurants that got back to me real quick, and we're so excited to partner with them for the post.
I love that MW puts their own flare on traditional dishes using local ingredients, and that you can see the whole process through their open kitchen concept. I actually worked here for a whole dinner shift as a host way back when, before I realized that I hate hosting with a passion, and moved on to being a server elsewhere. Chef Wade prepared a myriad of different dishes for us to try, including the: Appetizers: Unagi & Butterfish Arancini* Ahi Poke* "Fried Chicken"* Valentine's Day Entrees: Mochi Crusted Kona Kampachi* Miso Honey Glazed Butterfish Seafood Paella Grilled 12oz Ribeye Steak with Ponzu Sauce Desserts: Strawberry "Shave Ice" Tropical Fruit Creamsicle "Brûlée"* Hibiki "Mud Pie"* *My Favorites of the Night Everything was presented so beautifully (almost too pretty to eat), and the umami that was bursting out of the savory dishes (especially the kampachi, butterfish, and arancini) was phenomenal. The Valentine's Day menu is $69 per person for a 4-course meal, and I'm a pretty frugal little nugget that literally saves every penny of my tips and paycheck, but if I wasn't working on V-Day (and had a boyfriend, LOL) this would be the restaurant of my choice. As part of our Top Valentine's Day Spots article, Spoon Hawaii reached out to Waikiki Yokocho, in which we got to try not one, not two, but FIVE different restaurants within the Gourmet Alley.
During our trip, we got to try food from: Kushikatsu Tanaka: DIY Takoyaki Kaneko Hannosuke: Premium Tempura Bowl* Bario: Special Tsuekemen* Izakaya Kai: Kai Deluxe Seafood Bowl Nana's Green Tea: Matcha Mochi Parfait & Red Bean Strawberry Latte* *My Favorites from this Trip Especially with the ABC tours in Waikiki that I do with students from Japan, I've always wanted to try the restaurants here (especially Hannosuke - I've had this place bookmarked on Yelp since they opened), but with the $10 lunch budget, it's been a no bueno so far lol. I do love that so many places offer kama'aina discount here, like 10% off Hannosuke & 15% off Bario. As a hard (self-proclaimed) ramen critic, the only ramen shops I will spend money at are Wagaya and Golden Pork, and now, Bario. If Corina is willing to spend $20 on a ramen, you know it'll be good. I fricken love Moku Kitchen. Whenever someone asks me what my favorite restaurant is, my brain automatically goes to Moku. Which is why, naturally, when we were brainstorming restaurants to reach out to for Spoon Hawaii's Valentine's Day post, this was the on the top of my list.
Moku Kitchen, like many of Peter Merriman's restaurants, focuses on supporting local farmers by bridging the upcountry farming of Hawaii with the urban downtown lifestyle. Aside from the amazing food and friendly staff, this is the reason I keep coming back - because I know my money is going back to local farmers. Today's Tastings included: Drinks: Lychee-Hoo Pete's Lemonade* The 17th Fairway Appetizers: Roasted Squash Ravioli Garlic Truffle Oil Fries* Entree's: Hamakua Mushroom Pizza* Lava Rubbed Ahi with Tossed Salad Desserts: Strawberry Pie* Feb. Special: Sweet Potato Haupia Pie* *Favorites of the Night I'm not one to visit the same restaurant multiple times, but the fact that this place: a.) sources locally b.) has an amazing happy hour c.) has a wonderful staff d.) is located in a beautiful complex like SALT e.) has garlic truffle fries (LOL. this is honestly my favorite dish ever. I could probably eat six of them). Eep! I am officially a contributor for Frolic Hawaii!
After I met with Kelli at the Pizza Press event, we talked about potential articles, and I suggested a Late Night Happy Hour one for college students, and she contacted me afterward asking me if I wanted to write it. I thought I was just helping her brainstorm the idea, so I was taken aback, but I jumped on the opportunity to write for such an amazing site. I worked on the article all throughout winter break, and we're currently brainstorming the next one that I'll be writing, but in the meantime, she invited Cavina and me to their Frolic Hawaii party at the Shirokiya Japanese Village Walk tonight! At our first meeting, Kelli expressed to me that Frolic was looking for an intern, and knowing that she'd be the best fit for the job because of her strong work ethic and love for food, I introduced my sister to Kelli. I am so so so proud and excited that Cavina will start her internship position next week with Frolic Hawaii! :) We did ice breakers to get to know the whole Frolic Hawaii team as well as people from UpSpring Media and the Honolulu Business Magazine. We were provided with coupons good for any meal in the Gourmet Plaza and two drink coupons. Everything was good (and huge), especially for $12.99. I loved mingling with everyone there and I am so excited to have the opportunity to work with such a fun and inspiring organization! |