bills

I have been frequenting bills since they opened just about a year ago and I almost can't believe I haven't shared my love for this place on The 96815 sooner. Bills was brought to the islands from the Aussie culinary celebrity, Bill Granger, who has several international outposts in Japan, London, Seoul and Australia. The Hawaii locale is by far one of my favorite additions to Waikiki in recent years. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of amazing places to eat in the 96815, but not one quite like bills. Stylish, friendly staff effortlessly work the cheerful mid century modern digs, while travelers and locals feast on delectable Australian fare. I have been to bills for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner - all are equally wonderful. So, on this bright, sunny Waikiki Saturday as I made my way to the restaurant on Beach Walk, I already had an idea of what I was in the mood for - ricotta hotcakes. Let's be honest, I am always in the mood for the ricotta stuffed hotcakes, layered with fresh bananas and topped with creamy honeycomb butter. My version of heaven most definitely includes an eternal supply of this magnificent dish. If you aren't in the mood for something perfectly sweet, there are many other gorgeous items to choose from on the menu. Our brunch on the upstairs lanai overlooking a bustling Kalakaua Ave. included the renowned scrambled eggs and the perfectly crisp corn fritters, all topped off with bellinis, mimosas and the Honolulu Blossom. Granger says his restaurants reflect the spirit we like to think of as "Australian" - sunny, easygoing and generous. This not only describes our brunch at bills, but most days living in the 96815. Life here is pretty delicious. 

The 96815 Tip: bills has a fantastic Happy Hour! Beginning at 2pm daily, enjoy $5 libations and pizza and snacks, ranging from $3 to $13, in the delightful sidewalk level dining area.  

bills, Monday to Sunday, 7am to 10pm, ph. 808-922-1500, 280 Beachwalk Ave, the 96815

Photography by Jessica Tronoski

Vivienne Westwood Waikiki

Last week, I was invited to attend the second anniversary party for the Vivienne Westwood boutique in the Moana Surfrider Hotel. I never turn down an invitation to a party, and surely not one where I can feast on fashion in one of my favorite Waikiki hotels. If you are in the 96815, I suggest making a stop at Vivienne Westwood. The clothes and accessories are both thought provoking and beautiful. In Westwood's utopia, politics, history, ethics and nature harmoniously influence the Spring-Summer 2015 collection. My favorites had to be the dramatic botanical print pieces reminiscent of Hawaii's indigenous vibrant flora. I can picture myself sauntering down Kalakaua Ave in one of the bold print skirts paired with my favorite basic on my way to Bill's for their afternoon Happy Hour - which starts at 2pm and is fabulous, by the way. For now, I'll study the look books over coffee and narrow down which statement Vivienne Westwood piece I may have to make mine. My closet is by no means filled with only designer name clothes, so when I make this kind of investment I'll be following the Westwood philosophy - "buy less, choose well, make it last." 

The 96815 Tip - Make a purchase that makes a difference! The Vivienne Westwood limited edition Hawaii exclusive eco totes are made in partnership with the Ethical Fashion Initiative. Through this program, impoverished, mostly female artisans from Haiti and Africa are provided with gainful employment, knowledge and skills to produce high quality fashion products for top designers. Eco Tote-$110 

Vivienne Westwood Waikiki, Mon - Sun 10am - 10pm, 2365 Kalakaua Avenue, the 96815.

Musubi & Bento Iyasume

I have been really busy with work lately, which means there hasn't been much time to put together a thoughtful blog post, let alone sit down to a nice meal. Constantly running from one place to the next, exasperated and starving, is how I found myself at Musubi & Bento Iyasume in the 96815 the other day. Musubi Iyasume serves up the Hawaiian version of the Japanese Omusubi, which is a combination of rice and grilled Spam wrapped together with nori dried seaweed. I have to admit -  I am a little skeptical of consuming the mysterious Spam. I was raised by a health nut who is probably reading this post with disdain. Sorry Mom - I was hungry! Judging by the the crowd outside of the shop, I knew I would at least get something tasty, so I jumped in line. To my delight, the Spam, egg, cucumber, rice combo was wonderful and filling. My locally raised counterpart agreed that it was delicious and uniquely better than those sold at most convenience store checkout counters across Hawaii. We shared a miso soup and ended with a refreshing soft serve vanilla ice cream cone. In this case, once a skeptic, not always a skeptic? I like Spam or maybe I just like it from Musubi & Bento Iyasume. 

Spam Musubi - my new favorite meal on the go!

The 96815 Tip - Have time to linger with friends over a musubi? Visit their cafe location with plenty of seating in the Pacific Monarch Hotel at 2427 Kuhio Avenue.

Musubi & Bento Iyasume, 7 Days a week, 7am - 8pm, Seaside Ave. between Kalakaua and Kuhio, the 96815. 

Duke's on Sunday

In the heart of the 96815, resides the legendary beachside bar and restaurant, Duke's Waikiki. Named after Hawaii's most famous citizen and the Father of International Surfing, Duke's pays homage to it's namesake, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, with photographs lined along the wood panel walls that lead outside to the Barefoot Bar. On any given Sunday, Duke's hosts Henry Kapono and his band of talented musicians playing all your favorites against the setting Hawaiian sun and majestic Diamond Head. If you haven't been, I am sure you have heard about it. The music, the people and a tasty tropical libation all come together to create this beautiful aloha filled atmosphere which is uniquely Duke's. 

Gather your friends, kick off your shoes and listen to Kapono sing: 

Gather 'round by the seaside, Beach fun and tropic skies 
Diamond head and palm trees, surf riders on the sea 
It's the place to be, it's the place to be 
On the beach at Waikiki, that's where you'll find me 
Here on the southside, Beach Boys paradise 
Duke's on Sunday 

See you there.

XOX, 

The 96815

Duke's, 808-922-2268, 2335 Kalakaua Ave in the Outrigger Waikiki, The 96815.