The Pineapple Room by Alan Wong

The Pineapple Room is always a great place to meet friends for pau hana and dinner.

We had dinner there tonight and, although it can sometimes be busy, it wasn’t.  And, as usual, the wait staff was friendly and attentive without being pesky.

The starters were all great.  Amazing that no one ordered the soy beans. Instead we had:

A Simple Salad of Nalo Greens
Locally Grown Nalo Greens, Hamakua Springs Vine-Ripened Tomatoes, Furikake Cucumber, Soy Balsamic Vinaigrette









Roasted Red and Yellow Beats, Hamakua Springs Tomato and Wailea Agriculture Hearts of Palm Salad

Ume Dressing












Chilled Hamakua Springs Tomato Soup

Avocado Salsa and Chilled Shrimp
















Coincidentally, we all ordered the same entrée.  It was excellent and I would highly recommend it.  Note:  You ‘must’ have the waitstaff add the tea.

New Zealand King Salmon

Ochazuke Risotto and Green Tea














Dessert was refreshing and light …

Haupia Tapioca “Halo Halo”

Haupia Tapioca served with Hamakua Springs Apple Bananas, Pineapple, Mango Kanten, Sweet Corn, Azuki Beans, Coconut Shave Ice










The Pineapple Room is located in Macy’s at Ala Moana.

Escape to Bishop Museum this summer

This summer, Bishop Museum has lined up an incredible array of historical exhibitions that will excite, educate, and entertain the entire family!

With so much going on at Bishop Museum, you will want to mark your calendar with the following events and plan to visit several times this summer.  It will be well worth your time.



E Kū Ana Ka Paia:  Unification, Responsibility, and the Ku Images

Now – October 4^th, Hawaiian Hall and J.M. Long Gallery

Bishop Museum, the British Museum, and the Peabody Essex Museum are partnering to bring together the three largest Kū images in the world for a historic exhibition this summer.  It will be the first time in over 160 years that three traditional Kū images of this size and magnitude will be displayed alongside one another.


Surfing

Now – September 6^th, Castle Memorial Building

This exhibition provides a glimpse into the fascinating pasts of surfing, one of Hawai‘i’s gifts to the world.  The exhibit will feature archival images from Bishop Museum Archives along with historic surfboards from the Museum’s renowned collection of artifacts. Trace the historical transformation of surfing’s image through the centuries, from Polynesian myths of love to an account of an exotic “amusement” that presented nothing but “horror & destruction,” as well as recollections of surfing as a character-building activity and sometimes the test of one’s romantic interest.



Still Present Pasts:  Korean Americans and the “Forgotten War”

June 26^th – September 12^th, Castle Memorial Building

This is a multi-media exhibit of installation and performance art, documentary film and archival photographs, and oral histories that explores memories and legacies of the Korean War.

Embodying life stories of ordinary Korean Americans who experienced the war, the exhibit is a public space of remembering that breaks the silence about a tragic episode in U.S. and Korean history.



Moonlight Mele

July 3^rd 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Café Pulama and the Great Lawn

Advance tickets $20 general admission, $15 Bishop Museum Members and Military with valid ID.  General tickets, day-of-event, $25.

This Moonlight Mele will feature the Brothers Cazimero and Kaumaka‘iwa Kanaka‘ole; Cyril Pahinui and Kaiholu; with performances by Andrea Torres and Samadhi Hawai‘i.  There will be a Night Arts Market where event-goers will have the opportunity to purchase Hawaiian crafts and see demonstrations by the artisans.


12^th Annual Bernice Pauahi Bishop Awards Dinner

July 17^th 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  Great Lawn

Rare and extraordinary items will be available for auction at this annual fundraiser that honors two community members for their outstanding leadership and support of Bishop Museum.  One person will receive the Charles Reed Bishop Medal, an award that exemplifies the spirit of Mr. Bishop’s philanthropic vision.  The other will be awarded the Robert J. Pfeiffer Medial for civic leadership.  Award-winning musician, Willy K. will be performing that evening as well as Merrie Monarch’s winning hālau, Ke Kai O Kahiki.  For ticket information call (808) 848-4170.  Note:  Museum closes to the public at 3:00 p.m. for event preparation.


Moonlight Mele

August 7^th 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Café Pulama and the Great Lawn

Advance tickets $20 general admission, $15 Bishop Museum Members and Military with valid ID.  General tickets, day-of-event, $25.

The final summer concert series will be headlined by Na Palapalai & George Kahumoku (photo by Shane Tegarden), supported by the Royal Hawaiian Band.  There will also be performances by Taimane Gardner, Slack key extraordinaire Ozzie Kotani, and the Galliard String Quartet.  The theme of the evening will highlight songs from Hawai‘i’s monarchs.





More detailed information of all of Bishop Museum events and programs is available at www.bishopmuseum.org or in Ka‘Elele, the journal of Bishop Museum.  Please note that this is subject to change.

Bishop Museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; closed on Tuesdays.  For more details, please visit www.bishopmuseum.org or call (808) 847-3511.

Father’s Day is just around the corner. Have you made reservations yet?

Dad should not be slaving over the grill on his special day so, if you still need to make reservations, here are suggestions for your consideration.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill Hawaii celebrates Father’s Day on Sunday, June 20, 2010 at their two Hawaii locations.

In celebration of Father’s Day, each dad will receive a special gift from Romano’s Macaroni Grill.  In addition all dads will be eligible to win A DAY “FORE” DAD.  Oahu dads will be eligible to win a Round of Golf for 4 at Ko`Olina Golf Resort and Dinner for 4 at Romano’s Macaroni Grill Ala Moana and Big Island dads will be eligible to win a Round of Golf for 4 at Waikoloa Golf Resort and Dinner for 4 at Romano’s Macaroni Grill Waikoloa.

For information and reservations, please call Romano’s Macaroni Grill at the Ala Moana Center at (808) 356.8033 and at the Queens Marketplace at (808) 443.5515.

Oceanarium Offers Three Buffets on Saturday and Sunday

The Oceanarium restaurant in the Pacific Beach Hotel will offer three buffets to choose from during the Father’s Day weekend.

The dinner buffet is offered both Saturday and Sunday evening from 4:30 p.m until 10 p.m and the Sunday brunch buffet will be from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The dinner buffets feature grilled Alaea sea salt New York steak with garlic mushroom shoyu butter or green peppercorn brandy; li hing mui guava BBQ baby back pork ribs with crisp onion confetti and dim sum, pizzas, seafood and sushi.  The Father’s Day brunch offers salmon with sake raspberry lacquer; kare kare baised beef short ribs with Jack Daniel¹s Whiskey peanut sauce; black mission fig stuffed pork chops  and chef carved roast prime rib and all the sides dishes.

For reservations, call 808-921-6111.

Celebrate Father’s Day on June 20^th at your choice of Moana Surfrider’s Beachhouse Restaurant, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani’s Pikake Terrace, Sheraton Waikiki’s Kai Market, or Sheraton Waikiki’s Twist at Hanohano.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa’s Beachhouse Restaurant is offering two special 3-course menus on Father’s Day – a special menu for adults and the junior pre fixe menu for children. The adult menu is $68 and children less than 12 years of age dine free ($30 value) if ordering from the junior pre fixe menu and accompanied by an adult (one child per paying adult).

Sheraton Princess Kaiulani’s Pikake Terrace is offering an all-you-can-eat menu of savory dishes, perfect for families with diverse cravings. Pikake Terrace Father’s Day Buffet Menu is available from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. at $32.50 per adult and $12 per child (5-12).

Sheraton Waikiki’s Kai Market Father’s Day Buffet menu offers a farm-to-table dining experience, inspired by Hawaii’s multi-ethnic culture and fresh local ingredients. The menu is $59 per adult and $15 per child from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Sheraton Waikiki’s Twist at Hanohano will offer an exquisite four-course menu harmonizing fresh local ingredients and farm-to-table produce.  The menu at Twist is $85 per person, $110 with wine pairings or $135 with executive wine pairings.

For reservations or more information, please call the Starwood Waikiki’s central dining desk at 808-921-4600 or send an email to tdrc.waikiki@starwoodhotels.com.

Kani Ka Pila Grille’s Special Father’s Day menu

Chef Harold Beltran executive chef at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach’s Kani Ka Pila Grille, and a father himself, has created a special Father’s Day menu that is sure to appeal to dads and the entire family. Start off with a hearty bowl of French Maui Onion Soup ($6.95), then choose from a wide selection of entrée choices fit for all tastes, including Fire-Grilled Opakapaka with Summer Vegetables ($26.95), Mango-Guava Glazed Pork Ribs ($27.95), Rack of Lamb with Kona Coffee-Balsamic Reduction Sauce ($29.95), Roasted Hawaiian Style Half Chicken ($22.95), Asian Ahi Wellington with Honey-Mustard Butter Sauce ($25.95), or a Fire-Grilled Lobster Tail with New York Steak Crusted with Hawaiian Salt and Pepper ($59.95). Top the meal off with a homey Peach & Bing Cherry Cobbler ($8.00) and dad is sure to push away from the table completely satisfied. You may even see him discreetly loosen the belt a notch or two!

Adding to the special Father’s Day celebration at Kani Ka Pila Grille will be the restaurant’s nightly entertainment. On June 20, dad and the entire family will enjoy the musical stylings of Mailani, this year’s Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner for Female Vocalist of the Year, who will perform from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Book your Father’s Day reservations now for Kani Ka Pila Grille by calling (808) 924-4992. Validated valet parking is available. Kani Ka Pila Grille is located poolside at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, 2169 Kalia Road, Honolulu, HI 96815

Celebrate Father’s Day at Royal Hawaiian Center with great options

• Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener is featuring a special Father’s Day Brunch from 11:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m. featuring a $35 prefix menu.

• Chibo Okonomiyaki Restaurant will be offering a $70 course dinner for two people.

Receive three hours of free parking with validation from any restaurant or two hours of free parking with a Paina Lanai Food Court validation.  Parking is $2 for two hours with any retail validation

Don’t forget to take Dad upstairs to the Royal Hawaiian Shooting Club to fire off a few rounds for a Father’s Day salute, or head over to Royal Hawaiian Golf Shop for a few new accessories to enhance Dad’s tee time.

For more information, call 808-922-2299 or visit www.RoyalHawaiianCenter.com.

Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Golf Club – Father’s Day Specials

Famed for Contemporary Island Cuisine, the Prince Court is a subtle blend of the classic culinary techniques of East and West, prepared with fresh island produce from land and sea.

• Prince Court: Brunch Buffet 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., $50 for adults, $25 for children (6-10 years)
• Prince Court: Dinner Buffet 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., $50 for adults, $25 for children (6-10 years)

Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine at Hakone Restaurant featuring traditional complete dinner selections and a wide variety of sushi specialties.

• Hakone: Dinner Buffet 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., $50 for adults, $25 for children (6-10 years)

Located at the Hawaii Prince Golf Club, The Bird of Paradise Restaurant offers casual resort dining with lunch and pupu (appetizer) service. Golfers, as well as the general public, will be pleased with the menu variety and generous portions.

• Bird of Paradise Restaurant: Brunch Buffet 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., $42 for adults, $21 for children (6-10 years)

Both d.k Steak House and Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Waikīkī will be open for dinner from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 20th, offering specials as well as their full a la carte menus.

• Sansei will be offering its regular Kama‘āina Early Bird special on Father’s Day Sunday from 5::30 to 6:00 p.m. (please note, orders must be in BY 6:00 p.m.)

For Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Waikīkī reservations, phone 931-6286.  For d.k Steak House reservations, phone 931-6280.

Both restaurants are located in the beautiful Waikīkī Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, 2552 Kalākaua Ave. Both restaurants feature gorgeous ocean views. FREE 3-hour self parking with validation is available.

Treat Dad to a scrumptious Father’s Day at the luxurious JW Marriot Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina.

• The oceanfront resort’s open-air Naupaka Terrace restaurant will feature a dinner buffet this Sunday, including a raw bar featuring oysters, ahi and tako poke and shrimp. Dad will surely love the action stations offering roasted prime rib, fresh catch of the day and roasted 5-spice porkloin. And he can satisfy his sweet tooth at the dessert station with its variety of delicious delicacies including chocolate fondue with strawberries and bananas. $45 for adults and $15 for children ages 5-12.

For reservations, call 808-679-0079.

HAWAII ISLAND _________________________

Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel – Father’s Day Specials at Ocean Terrace Restaurant

Overlooking Hapuna Beach and the blue Pacific, this casual open-air breakfast restaurant offers a thoughtful mix of healthy, creative items along with familiar favorites.

• Ocean Terrace Restaurant: Brunch 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., $39.95 for adults, price varies for children under 12

For reservations, call 808-882-5810

OAHU, MAUI AND HAWAII ISLAND _________

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Ruth’s Chris Steak House celebrates Father’s Day on Sunday, June 20 at all five Hawaii locations—Restaurant Row and Waikiki Beach Walk on Oahu, in the Lahaina Center on Front Street and The Shops at Wailea on Maui, and The Shops at Mauna Lani on the Big Island.

Fathers who dine at Ruth’s Chris Steak House on June 20 will receive a special gift.  All dads will be eligible to win “A DAY FORE DAD” on their respective island.   Oahu dads will be eligible to win a Round of Golf for 4 at Ko`Olina Golf Resort and Dinner for 4 at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Maui dads will be eligible to win a Round of Golf for 4 at Ka`anapali Golf Resort and Dinner for 4 at Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Big Island dads will be eligible to win a Round of Golf for 4 at Waikoloa Golf Resort and Dinner for 4 at Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

All locations will be open from 4 p.m. for family enjoyment.  The entire award-winning Ruth’s Chris menu will be offered all evening long, with its array of tantalizing appetizers, fresh salads, unbeatable steaks, fresh seafood, chicken and chops, signature side dishes and mouthwatering desserts.  Each of the Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses island wide also will be offering chef’s specials, including a Steak and Lobster combination for Father’s Day

For information, reservations and gift cards, visit www.ruthschris.com.

FREE parking options at Royal Hawaiian Center extended until January 2011

Do you freak out about the potential high cost of parking in Waikiki when you need to meet someone?

If you don’t mind being a little creative, you can snag some FREE parking at the Royal Hawaiian Center and eliminate unnecessary stress.

How creative you ask?  Well, the Royal Hawaiian Center offers customers FREE parking when shopping and dining at their many restaurants and shops so just meet your friends here … it’s as simple as that.



PARKING OVERVIEW:

• Dine at any restaurant for 3 hours of free validated parking.

(Beijing Chinese Seafood Restaurant, Doraku Sushi (pictured), Okonomiyaki Chibo, P. F. Chang’s, Restaurant Suntory, Senor Frog’s, Cheesecake Factory, Wolfgang’s Steakhouse)

• Eat at the Paina Lanai Food Court for 2 hours of free validated parking.

(Ezogiku, Grove Bar, Kenny’s Hawaiian Experience, Maui Tacos, Panda Express, Paradise Café, Sbarro’s, Tacone Flavor Grill, Yummy’s Korean BBQ)

• Shop at any store (http://www.royalhawaiiancenter.com/shopping/shopping-directory) and receive 2 hours of validated parking for $2.00


• Visit Royal Hawaiian Theater and LEVEL4 for validated parking at a $5.00 flat rate



COMBINE PARKING VALIDATIONS:


Food and retail parking validations can also be combined. These combinations make Center parking less than 50 cents an hour.


• 1 restaurant validation + 1 retail validation = 5 hours of parking for only $2.00

• 1 food court + 1 retail validation = 4 hours of parking for only $2.00


This promotion is valid until January 31, 2011.


The Center offers the largest parking garage in Waikiki with 10 levels of parking and more than 600 stalls offering great parking rates for people to visit and enjoy the more than 100 shopping, dining and entertainment options at the Center.


For more information, call Lei Ohu Guest Services at (808) 922-2299 or visit www.RoyalHawaiianCenter.com.

This weekend on Oahu … decisions, decisions

This is a big weekend (June 11 – 13) on Oahu for parades and cultural activities but there’s also many other things to check out … if you’re up for it.

Here’s a mixed plate of things to see and do in Waikiki and beyond.


FRIDAY, JUNE 11

- Bishop Museum recognizes major community partners with FREE Admission … for kamaaina and military

This Kamehameha Day, Bishop Museum admission will be waived for kamaaina and military visitors … yay … take the kids!!  The free admission is in recognition of two community partners who have shown incredible support of Bishop Museum programs and exhibits:  the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Hawaiian Airlines.

For more information about this event, click here http://hawaiitravelmarketplace.wordpress.com/2010/05/28/a-trio-of-excellent-events-coming-up-on-oahu-and-hawaii-island/

To learn more about Bishop Museum’s exhibits, programs, and activities, please visit www.bishopmuseum.org or call (808) 847-3511.

- Live broadcast at the Ocean House Restaurant, 11am – 1 pm

Join Mix It Up Hawaii! at the Ocean House Restaurant in the Outrigger Waikiki Reef Hotel. The team will be broadcasting live on www.HawaiiIRL.com!

Try the FREE samples of their loco moco and possibly other dishes.
Validated parking with purchase.  For more information, visit http://www.hawaiiIRL.com

- Aloha Friday Luncheon Show at Kani Ka Pila Grille

Taking the stage will be O’Brian Eselu, award-winning recording artist and kumu hula; Na Hoku Hanohano Award winner for Female Vocalist of the Year, Mailani (pictured); and Kainani Kahaunaele, who recently released her second album “Ohai Ula.”

Seating begins at 11:30 am, with Live Broadcast from 12 noon to 1:00 pm

Kani Ka Pila Grille at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach, 2169 Kalia Road, Waikiki

Adults: $25.00, tax and tip inclusive; $17.50 for keiki ages 5-12;

For more information, click here  http://everydayhawaii.blogspot.com/2010/06/battle-of-paddle-hawaii-outrigger-reef.html

- Lei Draping Ceremony at the King Kamehameha statue

Starts at 11 am in front of Aliiolani Hale … program features music by the Royal Hawaiian Band

- Duke’s Waikiki (beachfront at Outrigger Waikiki) – Free Concert on the Beach, 4 – 6 pm, featuring Maunalua

For more information, call 808-922-2268.

- Pan-Pacific Waikiki Hoolaulea, 7 – 10 pm

Kick-off the Pan-Pacific Festival as Waikiki transforms into a festive block party! Walk down Kalakaua Avenue and enjoy great food, local products, and free entertainment from around the world!



SATURDAY, JUNE 12

- Waikiki Beach Clean-up, 7 am meet at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue

Do some good to take care of the aina.  Continental breakfast and transportation provided to clean up areas.  Ends at 9 am.

RSVP 923-1094, ext 6

- King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade

Starts at 9:30 am from Ft. DeRussy and ending at Iolani Palace with a hoolaulea. The parade is expected to have 10 floats, marchers, bands and vehicles.  NOTE:  this is the furst year for this ‘new’ and more traditional route for this parade.

- Portuguese Day on the Plantation, 10 am – 3 pm

Hawaii’s Plantation Village is hosting ‘Portuguese Day on the Plantation’ at their location in Waipahu.  Presented by the Hawai‘i Council on Portuguese Heritage, the one-day cultural event highlights the music, food and culture of Portuguese people in Hawaii.

The event is FREE and open to the public.  Ample free parking is available.

For more information, call 808-677-0110.

- Rainbow Sandals Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle Hawai‘i

Set for June 12 and 13 at historic Duke Kahanamoku Beach at Fort DeRussy Beach Park, the Battle of the Paddle is a stand-up paddle (SUP) festival and exposition that includes a series of races and demonstrations for all ages and skill levels. For the sport’s elite paddlers, there is a cash purse of over $25,000.  Come on down.  Fun for everyone.

BONUS: A VIP tent will be set up on the beach providing bentos for twitter people who RSVP. Here is a link to that twtvite http://twtvite.com/BattleofPaddle.

- Free screening of “Blue Crush”

At the Outrigger Reef on the Beach “Blue Crush,” will be shown on Saturday, June 12, at 8 p.m., and the public is invited to enjoy this poolside showing under the stars. Prior to the screening, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the public can meet Hawaii surf icon Gerry Lopez, together with several Roxy Team Riders, who will sign autographs and pose for photos.

For more information, call 808-923-3111.

- Duke’s Waikiki – Free Concert on the Beach, 4 – 6 pm, featuring Beach 5 Band

For more information, call 808-922-2268.

SUNDAY, JUNE 13

- Pan-Pacific Matsuri Waikiki Parade, Sunday, June 13, starting at 5pm at Ft. DeRussy to Kapiolani Park

The parade is the festival highlight and will have marchers, vehicles, floats and bands.

- PBS Little Big Band … at Ward’s Rafters from 3 – 6 pm
The Band; Reggie Padillia/tenor, Ambrose Splecia/alto (and more), Mark Tanouye/bass, Ikaika Tecson/piano, Mark Lindberg/drums, and Phil and Bob Scellato on trumpets

No cover, bring food and drink if you like, and don’t forget the band (donations in the basket as you enter is for your hard working musicians).  For more info, call 735 8012 (Jackie Ward )

- Sunday Showcase at Waikiki Beach Walk, 5 – 6 pm, featuring Halau Hula O Hokulani

For more information, call 808-931-3591

ON-GOING

- Ruth’s Chris Steak House 45^th Anniversary Celebration

In celebration of this milestone, Ruth’s Chris Steak House created a special 45^TH Anniversary Menu priced at $45, available through July 31, 2010.

For information and reservations, call Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Restaurant Row at 808-599-3860 and Waikiki Beach Walk at 808-440-7910.

- Royal Hawaiian Center entertainment schedule of free events, Mondays – Saturdays

For more information, click here    http://www.royalhawaiiancenter.com/entertainment

- 3rd Annual Chinese Film Festival at the Honolulu Academy of Arts, June 1 – 30

For more information, click here      www.honoluluacademy.org



Enjoy!