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

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

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

Morsels: Nijiya Market

Alyssa and I both discovered the amazingness that exists at Nijiya Market.  A Japanese shopping market, Nijiya has all of my childhood snacks like the Bear Honey Kimi Crackers, Nori-Ten, and Konpeito sugar balls, as well as a full selection of hot food and ridiculous bentos.  Why pay for mediocre food on campus when you can have a delicious Japanese feast for the same price? 

Morsels: Henry Loui's and Mariposa

Saturday: Dinner at Henry Loui's 

The spread: homestyle fries, Portuguese sausage and green beans, roast beef with horseradish and au jus, and my personal favorite escargot in garlic butter with garlic bread

Sunday: Lunch at Mariposa

Pop-over with guava butter

Roast pork tenderloin in a port wine reduction over spinach and sun-dried tomato orzo

Blue crab spaghettini with spinach, Kahuku sweet corn, prosciutto, and tarragon mascarpone 

Photos taken by Kiyana using Blackberry Bold and Droid Razr