Hawaii Favorites

Lapperts Ice Cream

One of our favorite things to do in Hawaii is eat Lappert's Ice Cream. I don't know if it is the giant waffle cones, the tropical flavors or just being in Hawaii, but somehow the ice cream just tastes better. My favorite was the Kauai Pie - Kona coffee ice cream swirled with chocolate fudge, coconut flakes, macadamia nuts and vanilla cake crunch. Molly choose Guava Sorbet each time and Mary and Jeremy loved their Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Our only regret is that we didn't have it one more time before leaving the island.

Captain Andy's Sailing Adventures

We went snorkeling several times on our vacation. Both girls became quite adept at snorkeling and swimming with fins. It was fun to see all the tropical fish and the wonderful underwater expressions on their faces when they saw some new and interesting fish. One of the special things we did was a 5 hour snorkel adventure on a Captain Andy's Catamaran. The crew was great! They were attentive and informative. The captain even had each child on board take a turn at the wheel.

The trip was beautiful. We sailed up towards the NaPali Coast and saw views that can only be seen from the water. The landscape is phenomenal, with vertical green spires, sheer volcanic cliffs, caves, remote beaches and delicate looking waterfalls. The ocean is clear and vast. We encountered a pod of Spinner Doplhins. These playful creatures chase and race with the boat. The leap out or the water and rotate their bodies before splashing back into the water, getting the name Spinner Dolphins. Once we reached our destination, the crew anchored the boat and we all jumped in for some fabulous snorkeling. The water was deep and clear, we could see lots of fish and rock and coral formation. It was quite an exciting trip!

Roy's Restaurant

Roy's Restaurant has been a longtime Hawaii favorite or ours as well as Kerry's. We love their Hawaiian-Fusion flavors, their impeccable service and the beautiful setting of the restaurant. A favorite of Jeremy's is their Fire Grilled Szechuan Spiced Baby Back Pork Rib Appetizer. I love Roy’s Original Blackened Island Ahi with Spicy Soy Mustard Butter Sauce for dinner. Even the girls enjoy the meal, as Roy's has a prix fixe 4-course kids meal complete with appetizers and dessert. This, thankfully, keeps the kids occupied and we can enjoy a sophisticated meal, even without a babysitter.

The food was beautiful and delicious. Unfortunately, I never think to take a photo of my meal until after the fact, so you will just have to trust me. While there are several Roy's restaurants across the country, we aren't lucky enough to have one here, in the middle of the country. So, if you have one in your area you will have to try it out for yourself.

Our vacation was fabulous! I have so much more to share about our adventures. We are not really ready to be back to reality! It's too much fun in paradise.

Stay tuned for more photos and stories.

-Aloha!

Monday Favorite - Casa Bonita

Happy Cinco de Mayo!



One of our favorite places in Colorado is Casa Bonita! A Restaurant and entertainment destination all wrapped up in a pink castle! It was once featured in an episode of South Park. The food is beyond horrible, the atmosphere is reminiscent of the Twilight Zone but it is guaranteed to give you a laugh. So once a year Rachel and I pile all four kids into the mini-van for the half-hour trip to Casa Bonita. This is our 4th year and the children are only beginning to groan a little. We don't know why this became an annual tradition but it has, groaning children or not! Please join us as we take you through Casa Bonita pictorial tour 2008.

• Yes, it really is a pink castle. Strategically placed across the street from a wide assortment of pawn shops and tattoo parlors, adding to the general ambiance.

• The neon sign inside the restaurant says it all when it comes to the fine cuisine offered here.
• After waiting in a winding amuzement park like line to order your food, you then proceed to the mystery holes. Yes, your food does magically appear through these holes. Next take your colorful tray with food into the seating area.

• We were lucky enough to be seated by the Las Sopaipillas factory. We even had a good view of the gorilla show.

• Another great view of the beauty seen from our seat. The interior of the restaurant is filled with lights, palm trees and a waterfall with cliff divers.

• Ahhh! the gorilla show. Who knew he would break free from his chains and run around the restaurant with uncontrollable toddlers chasing after him? Hilarity ensued, look he even has pants! A gorilla in swimtrunks, where else will you see this?

Our picture tour will continue tomorrow but until then here are some burning questions to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Will Rachel and Kerry make it through lunch since they are still on a diet? This means no tortilla chips or margaritas, IS IT POSSIBLE? Will the children make it through the terrifying Black Bart's Cave or will little Molly be lost forever? Will we buy the light up bunny ears from the wandering saleslady? Will the Saleslady ever stop laughing at the gorilla show? How could she not know what will happen next? He's wearing swim trunks, FORESHAWDOWING - somebody is getting pushed into the water!!!!!

Tune in tomorrow for the stunning conclusion, Casa Bonita's Revenge or Get me a Margarita or Die!

A Monday Favorite

Coffee. Coffee is my weakness. Coffee is important. Especially on a Monday when my kids don't want to get up and neither do I. So I was thinking of my coffee favorites. They fall into several categories.

First, coffee at home. I like to drink strongly brewed black coffee from my favorite coffee mug. The mug can make all the difference. My favorite mug had a retro design with the motto "Smart Women Thirst for Knowledge" They were from Uncommon Goods, several years ago. Check out their cool stuff!

My second and third coffee favorites fall under the category of coffee away from home. The most enjoyable is to have coffee with a friend. I enjoy coffee at someone else's home or at a coffee establishment. My favorite local place to have coffee is called Cannon Mine Coffee. It is just a short walk from the studio, which adds to the appeal for me. I love that they always have new art on the walls and something for the community at night, including live music, discussion groups, poker, and tastings (wine, burbon, etc). Plus, Kerry and I make all the lovely candles that grace their tables.

My third, and final, coffee favorite is a Grande Skinny Latte from Starbucks. I must confess, it is an indulgence that I partake in much too often.

What are your favorites?

A Monday Favorite

I love to cook. Primarily, I think because I love to eat. One of my favorite cookbook authors is The Barefoot Contessa. My favorite thing about her recipes is that the are often very simple to make, but because of her use of high quality ingredients, it tastes anything but simple. They taste like luxury foods. Two of my favorite recipes are for her Satay dip and her sun-dried tomato dip. The Satay dip is wonderful with grilled chicken and last for up to a month in the fridge.

Satay Dip:
1 tablespoon good olive oil
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
2/3 cup small-diced red onion (1 small onion)
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons good red wine vinegar
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice

Cook the olive oil, sesame oil, red onion, garlic, ginger root, and red pepper flakes in a small, heavy-bottomed pot on medium heat until the onion is transparent, 10 to 15 minutes. Whisk in the vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, peanut butter, ketchup, sherry, and lime juice; cook for 1 more minute.

Check out some of her other recipes and books.

A Monday Favorite

We are going to try and let you in on one of our favorite finds each Monday. This week we wanted to let you know about a new discovery in one of our very favorite categories, wine. Martha Stewart, the woman who can do anything, recently launched a line of wines. Rachel couldn't resist and bought a bottle for me. We tried the Cabernet varietal and enjoyed it very much. It was not too strong but with enough bold flavors. I then found the line at my local wine store. Sale price was $9.99, very reasonable for a nice bottle that you can have a with a weeknight supper or a casual dinner with friends. I bought the Merlot and again was quite pleased. It was served at our local book club meeting with a lovely array of appetizers (prepared by Rachel, a very delicious bruschetta and asparagus wrapped in prosciutto.) The Merlot blended well with the foods. They are both wines that I definitely would serve again. There is also a chardonnay that I will try soon. I hope you all have a chance to try some of Martha's wines and enjoy them as much as we have.