Great little festival which happens annually on the backside of Kahala Elementary School (bordering…read morethe park). Today Travies patties brought me here though after seeing the nice selection of food choices, was momentarily doubting my initial choice. After remembering my mission I straightaway ordered my burger. These are artisan burgers made to order so, always order your burger FIRST then walk around! Got confused at the Corner Rolls Stsnd. Was momentarily blinded by Linda's Pastele Stand. Pulled myself away and enjoyed the nice shady walk around to see other product booths. Caricatures for $5... say what!?! Too cute. Handmade soaps, many artisan jewelry stands, ohhh ice cold lemonade?!? What a nice stroll through the neighborhood festival which was well attended yet not too crowded. Did I mention, I enjoyed the shady stroll ?!? Thank you Kahala Elementary for a nice and lazy afternoon in the park.

What a wonderful event hosted by HNLFlow to do a walk thru Kaka'ako Pow Wow mural art by some of…read morethe top artists in the industry. I was going to walk around myself but I when a friend of mine mentioned this to me I knew I was in all the way. It's always more fun when you go around in a group. Right? You betcha! We met at the old Fischer Hawaii building street side. I met Vina C. who posted the event via Yelp, and what an aspiring person she is. Helping her were Nikki and Jen May. Lady M and I were hungry. Although we were excited to be here it was hard not to want this to be over quickly. The hunger pains were beginning to be quite unbearable. Lo and behold, Jen May announced they brought 8 different kinds of manapua from Honolulu Kitchen. Adobo, crab, ube, char siu are some I remember. The crab was delicious. I tried to eat one of each but I got satisfied after 5. There was still a whole box left. With our bellies satisfied, we could do this as long as we wanted. So, we start walking around. It was amazing to see the wonderful art everyone was doing. Using spray house paint from places like Home Depot these artists created beautiful, large murals turning eye sores into bind blowing works of wonder. Near most murals, you can find information about the artist; name, date, instagram,etc. Although we only saw a glimpse, the event accomplished it's mission to raise the awareness for Pow Wow. It is getting bigger every year, not just Hawaii but the world. Now is the time to take the walk and enjoy the art while there isn't a crowd. Even if you are not really into art, you will find something that will catch your eye. One of the more eye catching murals was by Audrey Kawasaki from Los Angeles. Her early influence was Japanese manga and shows in her current style now. The guys carrying the box of manapua were talking about offering up some of these delicious morsels to Audrey but couldn't decide who would do it. I stepped in asking if they would like me to do it. I yelled up to Audrey since she was about three stories up. She wanted it and was coming down immediately but didn't know what a manapua is. It was explained. This was nice because it gave Lady M and I a chance to talk art and learn about her. We had a wonderful conversation with her and became the highlight of the event for us. So happy we came. I am sold and look forward to future events, especially if food is involved. Yummy. Thank you Vina, Nikki and Jen Mae for a well executed and planned event.

I'm loving the live band and all the different food booths. I see Tin Hut BBQ, Kau Kau Grill,…read moreCarval Cafe and Everything Tastes a Better Fried to name a few. I decided that I wanted to try the food from Hula and Shrimp booth. They didn't disappoint. I got the guava BBQ short ribs and the hubby got the guava BBQ chicken. It was obviously the same sauce but it was so good. The best part of the plate was the macaroni salad. I usually don't touch it because macaroni is not my thing. Their mac salad had potato and egg in it so I was tempted to try it. It was one of the best salads I've ever had. We also ordered one of their ice teas in a mason jar. It was meh. It could have been sweeter for my preference. They also didn't set up seating at this place so we just ate in the car.

So kawaii... This…read moreevent are not just crafters but various local small biz all under the roof of Pearlridge Mall Wai Makai side and you know that's free parking at air-conditioned shopping experience along with restrooms and entertainment it's a free experience just window shopping alone though good luck walking away without finding some cuteness at great prices here. Practically filled the whole corridor are vendors of all kinds and with a minimum purchase from any vendor you get a stamp and once filled you enter a drawing for prize is a great bonus considering you're already supporting our local small business and a cause which is usually to various charities as well. This free event is a fun one that I do love to go whenever I have the chance as it's on both Saturday and Sunday which gives many a chance to shop and not be limited to a short amount of time. Give them a peek and I'm sure you'll be amazed of the uniqueness that you'll find here. Thank you!

I was very excited to come attend this year's Flavors of Honolulu event. It's been two years since…read moremy last attendance so I couldn't wait to relive my great experiences. Went with two other girlfriends this past Saturday night. I found free parking? No crowds? 13 vendors - that's it? Definitely not what I remembered. The advantages: no long lines. The longest and slowest moving line was for Ichiriki. There were many tables/chairs set-up across the grounds for people to enjoy their food. The disadvantage: Not enough restaurants! There were only 13 vendors this year. I had no desire to try Planet Hollywood & Senor Frogs. And Mangea! had no line at all? The food didn't look good. Everything I had was YUMMY: Village Steak & Seafood - Grilled Chipotle Marinated Ribeye Steak w/ Ume Rice, Clam cucumber Namasu & Tomato Salsa! KOI - Tempura Shrimp Dynomite w/ Masago & Unagi Aaioli Sauce Da Spot - Egyptian Baked Chicken w/ Shariya Rice Le Crepe Cafe - Crepe Nutella (I love Nutella!) The guy makin' them was very cute too! And tried my first Dos Equis - I LIKE it! I normally hate beer but now I found one I can drink!! Yeah! Very smooth and light. Hopefully there will be more restaurants next year.

I compare this to similar events in San Francisco--actually, A La Carte, A La Park, which I finally…read morestopped attending because it just got too expensive. Flavors of Honolulu is almost perfect event for an out-of-state visitor. The cost of entry isn't too high ($5), and the food sampling is moderately priced as well. It operates on scrips, which basically are 75 cents a ticket. Items range from 4 to 9 scripts, with most being 8. Now that the math is done, let's get to the nibbles. I love the fact that the Website (http://www.flavorsofhonolulu.org/flavors.html) actually lists ahead of time what the menu offerings will be, so you can strategize. I'm sure the method must pose a logistical nightmare and restrict chef freedom, but it likely cuts down on the clumps of pondering would-be customers. My husband and I bypassed Planet Hollywood and the crepe place, and tried to scout out things we wouldn't get at home. The longest, but quick-moving, line belong to Koi Catering, and so we stood in that for the garlic ahi -- very good. The Hawaiian plate at Laverne's Catering & Restaurant was nice, not spectacular, and the squid luau was very rich. Other highlights: * Mark's Specialties: Open face pork sandwich. * Bali by the Sea: Seared Kona Kampachi on a Bed of Maui Onion and Tomato Fondue * Village Steak & Seafood: Grilled Chipotle Marinated Ribeye Steak with Ume Rice, Clam Cucumber Namasu and Tomato Salsa * Da Spot: Egyptian Rack of Lamb with Shariya Rice and Yogurt Cucumber Mint Sauce. The lamb was the only disappointment, as it was slightly overcooked, but preparing dishes for 30,000 likely customers is a tough experience. I went back twice to Ichikiriki for its ujikintoki Shave Ice. The most crowd-stopping item. Anyone who cradled a dish of towering ice ladled with condensed milk (not exaggerating about that ladle either... the second one I ordered, I asked for them to cut way back... and match) was asked whence this delicacy came. Didn't stay long to appreciate properly the other events, like the cook-offs or singing. One female singer of Collective Delight or whatever the group was called really stood out for her amazing pipes.

This is a show hosted by the Rock and Mineral Society of Hawaii 2-3 times a year. This year's and…read morelast year's shows have been happening in the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort Kou Ballroom. All the vendors and experts are from Hawaii too - so as you can guess, it's not that big, as no one is flying in from mainland or overseas, but it's got a bit of everything and the folks are friendly and are happy to share their knowledge with other gem enthusiasts! It's my first time at this show so I didn't know what to expect. It's definitely smaller than what I've been to. There were maybe around 15 vendors? But each vendor had their own niche - fossils, meteorites, cut loose gemstones, jewelry, amber with trapped insects, rare specimens, polished crystals, etc. the show had a bit of everything and the prices were actually reasonable! It's a good, quick dose of mineral exposure without having to fly to Tucson. The folks were very friendly and some were so nice to give out little free gifts for the Keiki. The ladies at the very front gave my son a Dalmatian jasper. He saw the black spotted rock and immediately picked it out. It's also heart-shaped! If you're curious what a gem show is like, this is a good place to start as admission is free and they validate parking for just $10 for pretty much half day. (But the hotel parking structure is terrible, so tight it can't have 2 cars turning into and out of the ramp at the same time.) It's also great to see what these local folks have to offer. Also, you got to see the minerals found in Hawaii on display! There's sulfur from Kilauea, 2 olivine specimens from Hualalai, and a beautiful calcite cluster of crystals from O'ahu!

This was my first time attending a comedy sketch event. I had my +1 with me and we made it past…read morethe UH football traffic down to the agora across the street from Fisher's. The main show was a mix of comedy sketches and YouTube videos, but the wow factor here was the musical duo Sheen. (or is it Shean ?). I looked for their FB page but I could not find them, these two singers made my night. If I ever have a venue where I need music I will guarantee hunt these 2 down! Their covers blew away the original singers. This event was a kick off for fundraising the 2015 Sketch Comedy Festival coming this March at the Honolulu Museum of Arts.

I got the notification from Yelp and I just had to check this out! I love comedy. After getting my…read moreconfirmation, I was on my way! The presentation was very well presented. It was great having special guest Fernando Pacheco (former Jimmy Eats World band member and currently Pimpbot). I did not laugh as much as I hoped but there were some funny moments. The actors acted really well. I wished that there were less youtube videos because I had seen some of them before, but it was still good to watch. The music duo SHEAN was really good! The girl sings very well and has a really good voice. The guy plays the guitar well and knows how to sing! I wish them the best of luck. Free pupus and drinks were on hand. I chose water and grapes since I'm still dieting. I was happy to find healthy choices! What a great kick off event and good luck to Hawaii Sketch Comedy!

For the Top Award I like to give it to Yelp Hawaii for giving me the opportunity to attend this…read morespecial event. My +1 and I was seated with local business owners and people who make a difference in Hawaii's food economy, so awesome! As for Battle of the Chefs, Chef James Aptakin took two awards for Display and Presentation with his Kualoa Shrimp and Lobster Tom Yom Soup, while Chef Wade Ueoka took the taste award with his Shinsato Pork dish. I thought the voting was fair and well deserved, delicious, I want more than one, I better not because Dinner is coming soon bites. This event was so well organized, awarding local businesses with their contributions to the local economy supplying good food and desserts which everyone enjoys, while supporting local! Great Great evening with Good Hawaiian Music and wonderful service from the Pomaika'i Ballroom staff made the event a memorial night. Thanks to Yelp Hawaii and Emi H. for a giving me a opportunity to attend this Awesome Event!

We were so thrilled to be selected to attend this event! Thank you Yelp Hawaii and Hawaii Food…read moreManufacturers Association for giving us this opportunity. I give a shout out for the great attention to detail and service that was provided by Dole Cannery's Pomaika'i Ballrooms staff. This event was well-organized and was truly a pleasure to attend. The 2nd Annual TASTE Awards: Battle of the Chefs featured 3 local chefs who have distinguished themselves or have been innovative in the food manufacturing industry. Tonight, Chefs Wade Ueoka (Owner/Chef, MW Restaurant), James Aptakin (Executive Chef, Hilton Waikiki Beach) and Benjie Cabutaje (Sous Chef, Moana Surfrider, Westin Resort & Spa) showcased their signature dishes. Several other locally manufactured alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments were served such as MauiWines, Koloa Rum, PacifiKool, Pau Maui Vodka and The Tea Chest's Tropical Teas.. Each chef vied for attendee votes for Best Presentation, Best Taste or Best Display. In the end, when the votes were tallied, Chef Aptakin won BOTH awards for Best Display and Best Presentation for his Kualoa shrimp & Kona lobster coconut trio . Chef Ueoka won the Best Taste award for his Shinsato Pork with Ka'u coffee & Hawaiian macadamias. Did the battle be like Iron Chef America's kitchen stadium? Sort of...It turned out that the battle was an interactive cocktail hour and later, we were treated to a TASTE awards dinner. It was a good thing that we looked at the program as we wove our way through the crowds sampling the goodies. Emcees from Hawaii Krater 96.3 (Gregg & Shawnee Hammer) kept the program rolling along with local humor and provided background information about each of the nominated contestants. In addition, during the awards banquet, we were serenaded by Hawaiian group, Kaiao. We were fortunate to be seated with Award Finalists for Innovate Hawaii's Manufacturer of the Year, HC&S and Maui Brand Sugar brand and Hawaii Popcorn Company and members of a technology human resources company (Aon?). The room was filled with contributors and supporters to the local food scene. Everyone came out as winners...local food industry businesses were honored just to be nominated even if they didn't get the coveted wood poi pounder (pohaku ku'i 'ai). Ah, but, there's always NEXT year! Allez cuisine! #351