Ramen Weather

The 96815 has been a bit chilly lately; a frigid 68 degrees from sunset to sunrise. I know what you are thinking; 68 degrees is not considered cold. Around here that's "break out your sweater" weather. We were doing our usual stroll around Waikiki in our sweaters and happened upon the Pau Hana Market, a collection of food trucks cooking up some ethnically delicious foods. We decided on Kamitoku Ramen to warm us up. My bowl of the "Beefy Wild" was everything I had hoped for: firm, skinny egg noodles swimming in a garlicky, savory broth topped with bamboo, green onions, bean sprouts, and half a hard-boiled egg. I finished my entire bowl, worked up a sweat and almost had to shed my sweater. Well, not quite, it was perfect ramen weather - even in my sweater.

The 96815 Tip: Check out www.pauhanamarket.com for a complete listing of eateries at the market.

Kamitoku Ramen, 11am to 10pm daily, 234 Beachwalk Ave, The 96815

Honolulu Coffee Company

View fullsize

View fullsize

It has become somewhat of a weekly ritual to spend the early mornings in Waikiki. The walk or bike ride across Kapiolani Park is rather pleasant this time of day. The usual crowd is somewhat thinned out and only those serious about their morning surf, swim or run are up and about. This morning we were serious about one thing: the perfect iced latte from Honolulu Coffee Company. Rich, sweet and creamy, their Kona coffee is what gets this caffeine addict out of bed in the morning. Their farm to cup story begins on the beautiful slopes of the Mauna Loa volcano, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Here the coffee is grown, hand picked, dried, and roasted with aloha. From the Big Island farm, the coffee is delivered to your cup in locations across Hawaii, Japan and Gaum. I'll take mine to go from Honolulu Coffee Company in the Moana; enjoying the peaceful morning dreaming up all the fun things there are to do this day in the 96815. Of course, only after I've had my coffee.

Honolulu Coffee Company, 2365 Kalakaua Ave in the Moana Surfrider, the 96815.

Sunset Hour at BLT

Sunset hour in the 96815 is our favorite time of day to take a stroll into Waikiki. As the sun slowly makes its moves on the sea below, we arrive at BLT to unwind over a pineapple cocktail and a bite to eat. Post up at the cozy bar and dine on delicious eats offered by one of the best happy hour menus in the 96815. On BLT's sunset menu, you will find everything from sushi and burgers, to oysters, and more. We couldn't make up our minds, so we ordered a little bit of everything. Short rib sliders, truffle fries and shrimp cocktail all arrived at the bar in a glamorous arrangement. Followed by the incredibly edible popovers, BLT's signature complimentary starter, we were beyond full and happy. Oh and that pineapple cocktail! The Smoked Pineapple is tequila, mezcal, triple sec, homemade habanero-pineapple syrup, lime and pineapple juice, with a smoked sea salt rim: divine! We walk off our meal along the beach watching the city lights dance on the water's edge. A perfect ending to sunset hour in the 96815.

BLT's Sunset Menu if offered daily at the bar from 4:30 - 6:30pm. Drink for $7 and eat for $5 to $14. It doesn't get much better than that!

BLT is located in the Trump Hotel Waikiki, 223 Saratoga Road, the 96815, Sunday to Thursday 4:30pm to 10pm, Friday & Saturday 4:30pm to 11pm

Leonard's Bakery

If you are in the 96815, you may want to pay a visit to the legendary Leonard's Bakery at the end of Kapahulu Avenue for their famous Portuguese malasadas. We pass Leonard's on a daily basis, desperately trying to resist their sweet temptation. At last, we fall victim and it's more delicious than the time before. The malasada is pure, sweet, deep-fried, doughy pleasure rolled in sugar. So, how did the Portuguese malasada become a must-eat for people living in and visiting Hawaii? In the late 1800s, the DoRego family made the long sea voyage from Portugal to Maui to work the sugar cane fields. A few generations later, their grandson, Leonard, moved to Oahu to open Leonard's Bakery on Kapahulu. On the suggestion of his mother, Leonard began offering the traditional Portuguese malasada. Now, in 2014, people from all over the world line up from 5:30am to 11pm to partake in this delicious treat. Two morals to Leonard's story: listen to your mother and anything is possible. 

The 96815 tip: Try the flavor of the month! On our visit, we had the macadamia nut filled malasada as well as the traditional non-filled version covered with sugar.

Leonard's Bakery, 933 Kapahulu Ave, Sunday to Thursday 5:30am - 10pm, Friday & Saturday 5:30am - 11pm