Monday, May 26, 2014

Sweet Green Tea Mix


Was introduced to this at SJ's Honolulu backyard BBQ. Add a scoop to a glass of soy milk...or sprinkle on top of shave ice...for a refreshing treat. 

Available at Japanese markets on Oahu. 

[A salute to US veterans this memorial weekend.]

{aloha and mahalo to SJW}

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Airport Prayer/Meditation Room



Spa services, wine bars and used bookstores. The new trend among airports is to offer a range of services that meet the restorative needs of busy travelers on the go. A part of cultivating this airport experience is the deliberate decision to designate prayer and meditation rooms at most US airports, big and small. 

What once started out as a nod to Muslim prayer needs, has now extended to recognize the value in encouraging travelers across faith traditions to engage in moments of worship, silence and solitude. 

Overhead speaker announcements note for example, when catholic mass is held in the airport; prayer rugs and Muslim prayer books written in Arabic are often available for use; floor pillows can be used for meditation practices; chairs are set up for those who want to pray. There are multiple ways to engage in these sacred spaces. And if you're not religious you can close your eyes and simply enjoy the deliberate pause in your day. 

Monday, May 19, 2014

Where the World Intersects

love that moment after exiting the TSA area, and after putting on one's shoes and coat, that one walks into the bustling terminal hall filled with hurried luggage-pulling people intently focused on getting to their travel destinations. 

It feels like a mini freeway on legs. 

I smile in appreciation of the moment, where even if just for a second, the disconnected travelers and I share this passing space inside a walled building where I am reminded of my place in a much much larger world. 

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Liliha Bakery - Green Tea Puffs (Oahu)

Liliha's bakery serves it's popular coco puffs in a new flavor...green tea! 

The green tea flavor is mild, not too strong or bitter. And the majority of us liked this flavor better than the original!

Friday, May 2, 2014

Biggest Slippah (Oahu)


Fit for a giant...in Hawaii. 

Best Oysters - Morimotos (Oahu)


I have to say, this was the best preparation of oysters I've ever had. It's hard to top Chef Morimoto's winning combo--warm oysters on a half shell paired along side a tender portion of foie gras and a delicate dulop of uni, all sitting afloat a bed of light teriyaki sauce. It was bit of heaven in my mouth...

(Sigh)...if only I could afford to eat this all day!

I once loved foie gras, in all of its preparation styles, but banned myself from this delicacy for political reasons. However I just had to make this one exception because I couldn't resist the pairing of foie gras with my new favorite, the oyster, prepared under this well respected chef.

Was it worth it? Ohhh, yeah. 


The ambiance is what you'd expect for a Honolulu joint (above and below images). 

The Morimoto of Maui on the otherhand, is much more casual in the menu creation,  execution and decor (see prior post).


We ate on the lanai along with 90% of their other patrons that night. A sherbet orange sunset prefaced by a marina view fluted the night with its radiance. The table next to us seated one of Hawaii's local favorites, the Cazimero Brothers; after waving hello we let the artist and his family return to their meal as we re-focused on the dishes of perfection infront of us. What a delight.