Check-in: Italy! Italy! Italy!

Let me apologize for my ridiculously long absence.  After my semester ended I took a mental break and embraced the sun and sea.  Living in Hawaii, it is such a crime to not go out and enjoy the beaches so I had to make up for definite lost beach time.  Can you blame me?  I kid, I kid.  But let me make it up to you all by sharing my extremely exciting news!  Can I get a drum roll please?  For my upcoming fall semester, I will be studying abroad in Florence, Italy! Yeeeeessssssss!  I've already set a countdown on my phone and as of today it is T-75 days till Florence baby.  

I know I want to blog about my adventures as a way to personally document my time there but I'm just not sure on the route to take.  Would you all like me to do it here or would you prefer a separate blog dedicated just to my time in Florence?  I'll definitely be blogging about the food since I will be in a culinary capitol of amazingness but there will also be posts on everyday lifestyle/life-event type things.  Let me know what you think and what you would prefer.

Ciao!

Kiyana

Photos courtesy of images.google.com

Check-in: Spring Breakers and JAPAN!

It's almost here! The elusive Spring Break can finally be seen just around the corner.  

Alyssa is off to Japan today so prepare yourselves for some amazing pictures of everything and anything you can imagine.  She'll be eating great up there!  My good friend Matt is also heading to Japan for spring break today for two weeks.  SUPER Jealousssss.   I'm thinking I probably missed the memo that Japan is the place to be this break.  Whatevs aha.  I'll be cruising back home in Hawaii.  My plans include parking myself at a primo spot at a beautiful beach down (or is it up) at the North Shore and not leaving until I lose this sad, pale color.  As long as I don't have to think about school or studying I'm sure it'll be a relaxing break.  So I raise a can of Izze Sparkling Apple juice from The Curb to you all who have busted butt this past mid-term/finals week.  May your spring break be joyous, even though we totally got jipped two holidays off.  Yeah I'm salty about that, can you tell?   

良い春休みを持っている！

Have a good spring break!

Laters, 

Kiyana

P.S. Do you folks like the new banner? Big shout out to our friend Tracy for making this for us. Lord knows we would NOT have been able to do it ourselves.  

Photos taken with a Canon PowerShot G11 by Alyssa

Morsels: Brunch at Yogur Story

This place had been on my "to do" list for at least six months, after seeing a features article about it in the local paper, along with a description of the most decadent-sounding waffles I had ever heard of--and let me state right here, right now, if there's a waffle on the menu that sounds even remotely delicious I order it. Crisp Belgian waffles with strawberries and whipped cream are my weakness, and I am unashamed! Yogur Story did not disappoint me, and between the fluffy waffle and the beautiful presentation, I found myself immediately vowing my return in hopes of trying another. The other items on the menu were just as pleasing, and it was the little touches that made me smile like the yoga-posed frog by the stairs, the option of having my morning cup of caffeine iced, and the addition of chicharron topping on the Fat Pig Fried Rice.

-Alyssa

Shout out to Samantha for introducing us to the place! 

-Kiyana

Fat Pig Fried Rice

bacon, ham, pork adobo, rice, oyster sauce, green onion, julienne egg crepe

Breakfast Croissant

fresh baked croissant, egg, cheddar cheese, choice of ham or smoked bacon, side of herbed potatoes

(bacon chosen, extra crispy)

Chantilly Waffle

macadamia nut waffle, chantilly sauce, chocolate mousse, cream puffs, chocolate sauce

Iced Coffee

Pomegranate Tea Cooler

essentially an Arnold Palmer (half tea + half lemonade)...so good!

Yogur Story hours:

Brunch 

8:00am - 5:00pm

Dinner & Pupus

Sunday - Wednesday 5:00pm - 12:00am

Thursday - Saturday 5:00pm - 2:00am

815 Keeaumoku St. #J105

Honolulu, HI 96814

(808) 942-0505

eat@yogurstory.net

Photos taken with Cannon PowerShot G11 by Alyssa

Check-in:11:30pm, cure to insomnia, and pasta-basta baby

Like usual, I'm up and unproductive.  I'd say it's the standard college student problem.  We spend so much of the day with a "go go go!" mentality that when we finally want to settle down and chill we don't really know how to turn our brains off.  I think insomnia is also a big problem for us college folk as well.  I recently read this good article that my friend Lindsey passed on from her friend (author of said article) with tips and tricks to beat insomnia and take back our sleep.  I say read it, try it, and report back.  I'll personally make a conscious effort to try out the tip and not use my phone in bed.  I'll let you folks know how that works out.  

In other news I've FINALLY figured out how to link up the blog's Pinterest as well as our BlogLovin'.    I know websites practically do the work for you by pre-coding the buttons and blah blah but damn.  No judging, aha.  Pin away my friends, pin away!  Links should be to your right but if they don't work, please let me know and I'll (attempt to) figure out how to fix them.

I'm feeling my eyes go in and out of focus as I type this out so I'll bit you goodnight and leave you with a picture of Alyssa and my lunch at Auntie Pasto's this week.  We left having to unbutton our jeans but so worth it.  Have a great rest of the week!

Laters,
Kiyana

Morsels: Fresh Café

My younger sister Kayla and I decided to have a full-blown study session today, trying to get a handle on assignments that are being piled on by professors and prepare for upcoming midterms.  I don't know about you but I have a really hard time getting in solid studying done at home.  There are too many distractions, namely my bed, that keep me from really getting s**t done.  

Fresh Café is definitely a cool place to go to when you want good food and a place to study.  They found that great balance of vintage, home-y interior decoration with clean industrial accents.  Free wifi and friendly staff make it a good place to crack down on the week's studying.  They have a wide menu featuring gourmet soups, salads, and sandwiches, and all of your standard café beverages.  Massive acai bowls and smoothies are also on the menu if you want something sweet.  

Fresh Café also hosts community events in their Loft in Space space in the back of the café like Art and Flea the last Thursday every month where local venders, live music, and artists come together for a night of festivities.  Other events are Pow Wow Hawaii, a contemporary art movement, First Thursdays where HawaiiSlam, the largest poetry slam in the world, and many other events like weekly Zumba classes and yoga.  

I'm super stoked for this month's Art and Flea, 90's Grunge! It's our childhood people! My good friend Amy is working a booth run by some fashion students from UH so be sure to stop by and check it out. Anything she has a part of is definitely going to be cool.  Hopefully I'll get to go and chill.

Warm Spinach Bacon & Garlic Salad

house blend soy vinaigrette dressing, bacon, mushrooms, sautéed garlic over spinach 

Bacon Eggs & Cheese Omelet Sandwich

bacon, eggs, and american cheese omelet in a honey whole wheat bagel

Half Chicken Caesar Salad

homemade caesar dressing, chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, croutons, parmesan cheese

Lemon Bar

Fresh Café hours:

Monday - Saturday 8am - 11pm

Sunday 9am - 6pm

831 Queen Street

Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

(808) 688-8055

http://freshcafehi.com/home/

Photos taken with iPhone 5 and Droid Razr by Kiyana and Kayla

Check-in: Mid-terms Week and Technology-savvy person wanted

Before you read any further, please take a moment to stare at the wonder and beauty that exists in the photograph.

Done? Good.

I've been drowning in recipes all night long, browsing through food blogs and watching videos on YouTube, only to find things that gnaw at my weakness: bread and cheese.  This was by far the money shot, a combination of grilled cheese and macaroni and cheese, not to mention garnishing it with my favorite fruit.  I immediately had the desire to make myself a grilled cheese only to find that I lack all necessary ingredients for it.  So I am left here, blogging about it.  

I hope this post finds you all as rested as you can be during mid-terms week and nourished with something other than caffeine and take-out.  If you have the chance go out and make yourself a damn good grilled cheese sandwich, you deserve it.  

Alyssa got to house sit for a co-worker this past week and was stoked to be able to use a full kitchen.  Not to mention said c-worker is a professional chef and has a cat.  How lucky right?  In our Latin class she equated it to a free stay-cation complete with temporary pet.  I could definitely use a stay-cation myself.    

Also, if anyone is technologically savvy and can make a banner/header/whatever it's called, I would like to ask to borrow your services.  I can't pay because hello, I'm a broke college student, but I can definitely buy you a meal.  Fair trade?  I think so.  Nothing too fancy and complicated, just something better than what I threw together on Pages.  I would love to make my own but let's face it, technology isn't my strongest point.  Contact info is to your right somewhere ---------->

That's it for now friends, eat well and I'll see you in the next post.  

Laters,

Kiyana

Photograph courtesy of http://verticalfood.tumblr.com/post/38022287912

Morsels: Himalayan Kitchen

Probably one of my favorite restaurants here in Hawaii, Himalayan Kitchen does not disappoint on any level.  You know that feeling you get when you find something amazing and never want to share for the fear that it won't be your amazing secret anymore?  That's how I felt about Himalayan Kitchen.  But eating is always better with friends so the secret is out! (Although on a night out this place can get pretty packed for such a small place.) 

Everything I have ever had here has been amazing.  And trust me when I say I've been here my fair share of times.  I am very much a ambiance eater and the decor and setting definitely adds to the over-all experience.  Himalayan Kitchen's decor and ambiance makes me wish I lived there.   You have the option of eating inside where the colors are rich and photos of the Himalayas are everywhere or you can eat outside either on iron tables surrounded by twinkling lights or on the balcony overlooking the community of Kaimuki.  I've eaten at all three places and I have to say, eating outside at night under the stars has to be one of the best eating experiences I've ever had.  I love to get dressed up and go to swanky places as much as the next person but I love being laid back and having an atmosphere perfect for good eats and good conversation.    

Mango Lassi

Yogurt drink

Himalayan Saag Dip

fresh spinach and cream cheese dip mixed with spices and served with bhatura bread

Blackened Ahi

tandoori carmelized ahi served on a sizzling platter with vegetables served with a lime, cilantro, chili dipping sauce

Chicken Tikka Madras

boneless tandoori chicken tikka cooked in spices and coconut milk

Jasmine Rice

(not shown) served with the chicken tikka madras and blackened ahi

Himalayan Kitchen hours:

5:30 - 10:00

BYOB

1137 11th Avenue #205

Honolulu, HI 96816

(808) 735-1122

All photos taken with Droid Razr by Kiyana

Cooking 101: Student-friendly Pizza

My good friend Justin gave us the great idea to share recipes that are college student friendly.  *Read: easy.  I think it's a great idea, especially since eating out can quickly add up.  Without further ado, here's the first lesson in Cooking 101.

I love pizza, as does probably every college student in the world.  When you're physically and mentally beat after studying (or trying to get into studying, let's be honest here) pizza is the way to go.  However, ordering pizza can get really expensive and the selection of frozen pizzas don't always hit the spot.  My mother came up with this genius way to make fast and extremely easy crispy crusted pizza, completely customizable to anyone's preference.  If my 12-year old brother can do it y'all, I'm pretty sure you can too.

Tools:

• Oven
• Cookie sheet
• Aluminum foil, preferably non-stick
• Spoon
• Pizza cutter or knife, either will work

The Main Ingredients:

• 1 bag of soft flour tortilla/burrito wraps (Size is your personal preference, I use the large standard ones.  I guess you could also do whole grain if you're into that but shoot, we ain't got tiiiiime for that! Aha.) 
• 1 bag of shredded mozzarella cheese 
• 1 bottle of tomato-based pasta sauce. (Get as fancy with it as you like. I highly recommend the garlic-based sauces in general.  Prego and Ragu make awesome ones.)

Optional Add-ons:

• Pepperoni 
• Italian sausage 
• Garlic
• Vegetables
• Black pepper
• Pepper flakes
• Oregano
• Basil
• Basically, anything you want to top your pizza other than cheese

LET'S COOK!

Step 1:

• Preheat oven to the highest setting it can possibly go.  This is usually called BROIL on HIGH.  If not, preheating to 450 should do it.  
• Line your cookie sheet with aluminum foil and place as many flour tortillas on it that will fit comfortably.  I can usually fit two on mine.  

Step 2:

• When your oven is hot, stick in the tortillas in the oven to heat up and crisp up.  There really isn't a set time for this because all ovens heat differently.  
• You can tell when it's ready when your tortilla is slightly golden brown. It may also puff up so simply pop it with something sharp like a knife or chopstick.  
• Flip over the tortilla and brown and crisp up the other side. 

Step 3:

• Pull out the tortillas from the oven.  
• Spoon on some of the pasta sauce and spread a thin layer evenly over the tortillas.  Try not to overdo it on the sauce.  Too much will make it soggy and no one wants soggy pizza.  A little definitely goes a long way. 
• If you have spices and herbs like black pepper, garlic, oregano, or basil sprinkle it on over the sauce. 
• Add a even layer of mozzarella cheese to your pizza.  Go crazy.  
• If you plan on adding other ingredients, layer them over the cheese. 

Step 4:

• Put pizza back in the oven for about 10 minutes.  Be sure to check it at the 6-7 minute mark because your oven may heat faster than you think.  
• Your pizza should be done when the cheese has a golden crust and well, looks pretty melted and done.

Step 5:

• Remove pizza, cut, and enjoy!

Finals Week: A Celebratory Lunch at Mariposa

Alyssa and I headed to Neiman Marcus' restaurant Mariposa for a celebratory lunch on our last day of finals for the Fall 2012 semester.  It was a tough semester of classes, especially our Latin class.  What better way to celebrate the end with amazing food and company?

Illy Cappuccino

The Mariposa Burger

All natural beef, melted cheddar, basil-tarragon aioli, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, on a potato roll  

Ribeye Roast Beef Sandwich

Sliced thin, wild arugula, kamuela tomatoes, melted brie, maui onion au jus, french bread, sweet potato fries   

Mariposa

Photos taken with Canon PowerShot G11 by Alyssa.

Comfort Food: Ozoni to ring in the New Year

Happy New Year!

New Year in my Japanese household means one thing: ozoni time.  

Ozoni is a mochi soup with clams and mizuna, a leafy green, in a fish-broth dashi, or broth, and of course mochi!  It's definitely what comes to mind when I think of comfort food.  Ozoni is one of my favorite things to eat yet I only get to eat it in during the first couple of weeks of the new year, or as long as we have mochi in the house (which in my household isn't very long).  Eating ozoni is meant to bring good health during the new year and cleanse your body to ready it for the year to come.  I hope you and your families have a great new year!