Nom Nom: 'Ama 'Ama at the Disney Aulani Resort

Ok, ok, we apologize for the long hiatus, but now we're back. And better than ever. 

We have been concocting amazing plans for lehdoit, and we hope that you few loyal readers are still out there eager for more.

We promise more fashion, food and events, as well as, more travels and projects! 

Back in the groove of things, we'll kick it off with what we do best...food. 

I've finally had the time to journey out to Ko Olina on the west side of Oahu and remember to bring my camera along too. It's a gorgeous and peaceful area, and time just seems to slow down as soon as you enter the gated area.
 And that's where you'll find Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa.
It's only been open since August 2011, so there are still future expansion plans for it-but the nice thing is that it's a gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
Disney Imagineers worked hand in hand with local contractors and cultural experts to design a resort that celebrated Hawaii's unique history and of course, added little touches that make you experience the magic of Disney.

Inside the lobby.

View of the property

 The picturesque views always manage to take your breath away, and when you finally stop staring you'll be able to find characters around the property and have a photo op!

Mickey and Minnie!

Stitch statue

Aulani is part Disney Vacation Club (timeshares) and part hotel, but anyone is invited to walk around and enjoy their restaurants too.

And that's where 'Ama 'Ama comes in. 

Located nearest to the beach, right past Aunty's Beach House, is their contemporary dining restaurant.
 Everything looks delicious on the menu, all done with a local twist.
Here's what we had:

Kahuku Corn Chowder with Lomi salmon, bacon bits and taro chips. To die for.

Cheeseburger and sweet potato fries. The burger is monstrous!

Kalua pig sliders. Yummo.

Topped off with bbq sauce, salsa and hoi sin sauce.

Veggie panini. Messy but delicious. 

 There are dessert options here, but we opted to save room for the best that they offer...
Walk on over to the snack shop, Kalepa's Store, and that's where you'll find all the adorable souvenirs and MICKEY ICE CREAM!! Just like the ones they serve in the theme parks!

ice cream sandwich

ice cream chocolate bar

No trip to Aulani is complete without stopping for one of these. :)

Best thing about eating at one of the restaurants or going to the spa, is getting validated parking for up to four hours as long as you spend $35. Enough time to eat and enjoy walking around the property!



Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaiʻi
92-1185 Aliʻinui Drive
Kapolei, HI 96707

Couldn't resist. Chip & Dale photo op!

Out and About: Sony Open Awards Celebration

Every year, Sony Corporation puts on this amazing dinner and concert to celebrate the Sony Open in Hawaii and the Pro-Am Winners. I was lucky enough to get to go on behalf of work-and it truly is one the best benefits of my job. Held during the week of Sony Open at the Hawaii Convention Center, this is a huuuuuge event for all the movers and shakers in Hawaii to attend.

I always look forward to the amazing food and entertainment-and this year was no let down. Catered by Alan Wong's, and a private concert by Chicago. Haha, yes, music that's a little older for my demographic, but hey, they can still put on a great show. 

As soon as we parked in the structure, we were greeted with hors d'oeuvres and an open bar. Winner! And once we got our table assignment, we headed in to find our table...amongst the other 100 tables in the ballroom. Yeah, that's a party for 1,000. Absolutely cray cray. 

gorgeous set up

my lovely dates for the evening

loved the lighting and table decor

First up: Farmer's Market Salad

Ginger Crusted Onaga. Organically Grown Hamakua Mushrooms and Corn, Miso Sesame Vinaigrette.

Keahole Lobster. Green Onion Oil.

Okay and seriously, flavored maraschino cherries!!! So fun!

Twice Cooked "Kalbi" Short Ribs. Ginger Shrimp, Ko Choo Jang Sauce.

And to top it all off, "The Coconut." Haupia sorbet in a Chocolate Shell, Tropical fruits, passion fruit sauce.

I went a little snap crazy when Chicago came on to perform, not because I am a crazy fan, but because they were so close! Close enough to shake hands! My friend and I were laughing because after the first few minutes, one of the original members was holding his back like he hurt it...and we wondered if they would cut the concert short since their real concert was the following night. But these guys are troopers...and it was an awesome way to kick off the Sony Open.

Nom Nom: Nobu Waikiki

Hooray for the New Year! and Hooray for another Birthday celebration!

I was very lucky to get to try Nobu Waikiki for my birthday, and even though the weather was cold, windy, and rainy all week, this definitely made me a very happy camper. 

Service was awesome, and the ambiance was very chic. 

Lanterns hanging all around the restaurant. Kind of a Moroccan theme.

King Crab tempura...delicious. Make sure you mix it with the sauce.

Japanese eggplant and tofu tempura.

Shrimp tempura sushi.

Roasted spring vegetables.

And my favorite of the night...Ribeye steak with three sauces. The balsamic teriyaki was ONO!

For dessert, the bento box. Chocolate flourless cake with green tea ice cream. Did not want to share this. Haha.

Nobu Waikiki

Waikiki Parc Hotel

2233 Helumoa Road

237-6999

Nom Nom: Kona Kai Sushi

A favorite Lehdoit out-of-town guest was back for the holidays, and once we set a date to go out for dinner, there really was no deciding where we would go. Kona Kai Sushi it is!

This is a never fail place, and THE ULTIMATE place to get lobster. Absolutely the best. 

Now in their new location in Kaimuki, just a few doors down from Big City Diner, Kona Kai Sushi has more space for people to dine. And even on a week night, this place was constantly packed with locals and tourists alike. 

3 orders of the South African Rock Lobster please!

look at all that delicious-ness!

Kona Roll

Hamachi kama

Spicy Tuna Chips...a kelli favorite!

Agedashi tofu

Jodies Roll (Hamachi)

and the Ribeye Steak.

Kona Kai Sushi

3579 Waialae Ave

594-7687

Best to make reservations! 

Nom Nom: Happy Hour!

 This week I got to go to Happy Hour for some much needed catch up with some friends. Sure makes the work day go by quickly when you have something delicious to look forward to!

First up: Panya Bistro

Let me just say that parking is getting a little crazy at Ala Moana because of the holidays coming up. But this is so worth the wait for a parking space! I only managed to take a few shots of what we had with my phone, but Happy Hour is Monday-Saturday 3-6pm and 9pm-closing AND Sunday from 3-6pm. With $5 pupus...it's a great deal!

crab salad and curry chicken salad crostini

Tofu Salad. Although not on the happy hour menu, the tofu melts in your mouth! Divine!

And for dessert, I picked up a gingerbread cookie. Supa kawaii!

 Panya Bistro

1450 Ala Moana Blvd

Ala Moana Center next to Victorias Secret 

946-6388

I also got to try out Restaurant Epic in Downtown. Best to go right after work before the crowd comes...and watch out, many offices are now having their company holiday parties here too, so it can get busy, but it does make for very interesting people watching!

 Happy hour is Monday to Friday, 4:30 to 6:30pm.

Braised Beef Short Rib Ravioli. Not your ordinary ravioli.

Pocho Mac N' Cheese Balls, a very popular dish

Kalua Pork Spring Rolls

Sweet potato fries...i probably would pass on this next time.

And my favorite of the night, BACON WRAPPED CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS! YUM! 

Restaurant Epic

1131 Nuuanu Ave

587-7877

Note: if you can't find street parking...the best deal in downtown is to park at the Municipal lots, and it's best to go in a group when leaving the restaurant at night, it can get a little sketchy in this part of downtown!