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Banan Bowls
banan Bowls
Banan Bowls
banan Bowls
Banan Bowls
Banan Bowls

The other day, I had the sweet pleasure of visiting my friends at Banán again! What started as a healthy, scoopable dairy free treat made from island grown bananas and other fresh ingredients has now evolved into their slightly more sophisticated signature frozen fruit soft serve. Still same great taste, maybe even a little better, with all of your favorite toppings and more! On our visit, we opted for the "Creations of the Day." I lovingly devoured the Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake - banana banán topped with chocolate, strawberries, coconut, honey and fresh baked coconut tea cake from local baker View Street Breads. Jess, my banán buddy, enjoyed the Lilikoi Mo Bettah - lilikoi banán, topped with crispy quinoa, papaya, and strawberry. In the end, we shared because, well, they were too good not to! In addition to the new and seasonal menu changes, Banán has outfitted their outdoor space on Monsarrat Avenue with shaded seating areas and picnic tables, along with wonderful phrases and quotes that really make you stop to think about life, our environment and what we eat. I can't think of a better path to enlightenment than while enjoying one of life's most simple, natural pleasures: Banán.

BANAN Bowls

The 96815 Tip: In need of a morning exercise routine? Hike Diamond Head crater and stop at Banán after for one of their fruity flavors served in a papaya boat loaded with health conscious toppings. It will give you something to look forward to post workout - I promise!

 
 

Banán, Monday to Sunday 9am to 6pm, ph. 808-392-8862,  3212 Monsarrat Ave, the 96815. 

Photography by Jessica Tronoski

Cinco de Buho

 

On the fifth of every month, grab your friends, put on your dancing shoes and bring your appetite to the best rooftop party in the 96815 - Cinco de Buho. Yes, that's right, celebrate Cinco de Mayo style year round at Waikiki's only open air Mexican restaurant, Buho.  Enjoy delicious $2 tacos and drink specials from 6pm to 1am, while you salsa the night away with your favorite partner in tequila crime. On our visit, we did a little too much eating and regretfully didn't make it to the dance floor. It was hard to say no to the steady flow of authentic Mexican dishes making their way to our table from Chef Arturo Silva's kitchen. The fare tasted and looked both gorgeous and fresh. Buho's "AWARD WINNING" Ceviche - fresh yellowtail, serrano pepper, apple cider reduction, pickled watermelon rinds and candied jamaica - is outstanding! Eyes closed while eating the Carne Asada Tacos - yellow onion, fresh cilantro, tomatillo habanero salsa - and I'm instantly transported to some of the best street taco stands in Mexico, another paradise I once called home. A few more rounds of Casamigos tequila cocktails and I might even start speaking Spanish!  On second thought, I'll leave that to the professionals, but next time I vow to salsa to my heart's content under the glorious Mexican star filled night's sky. Oh wait, I'm in Waikiki. I meant Hawaiian...

Buen provecho en Buho Cantina!

The 96815 Tip: Cant wait until the 5th? Join Buho every week for Taco Tuesday! Drink specials, $2 tacos and live music all night long!

Buho, Sunday to Thursday 11am to 1am, Friday & Saturday 11am to 2am, ph. 808-922-BUHO, 2250 Kalakaua Ave, the 96815. 

 

Street Treats

 

Over the weekend, I was doing some shopping in the 96815 and needed to recharge with a bite to eat. There are endless edible options, but first, I'll need to identify my craving and my mood. If I'm going healthy, it's Heavenly on Seaside for al fresco dining and their Heavenly Morning Veggie. My choice of one of their locally grown, organic green salads paired with the daily fresh pressed juice, mini acai bowl and taro english muffins will happily fill my needs.

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Am I tired and sluggish? On to Honolulu Coffee Company for a caffeine fueled pick me up. My favorite is the Nutty Hawaiian, a blend of mac nut and coconut flavors topped with whipped cream. I'll enjoy it from the front porch rocking chairs of the Moana Hotel while watching the day pass by. 

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My rare, but occasionally existent, sweet tooth leads me straight to Island Vintage Shave Ice on Kalakaua Avenue. The Heavenly Lilikoi, a combo of fresh Hawaiian Lilikoi, Strawberry, Boba and Mochi over perfectly shaven fine ice with an organic frozen yogurt center, is sweet, refreshing and all natural to boot!

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If I'm in between meals and just need a quick delicious snack to tie me over, it's a musubi from Musubi Iyasume. I'm a simple kind of girl - spam, avocado, rice while I walk home, the returning island autumn trade winds blowing through my hair and the palms above.  So many wonderful treats just off the Waikiki streets!

Waikiki Blog

Heavenly, 342 Seaside Ave, Honolulu, the 96815.

Honolulu Coffee Company, 2365 Kalakaua Ave, the 96815.

Island Vintage Shave Ice, Kalakaua Ave @ Royal Hawaiian Center, the 96815.

Musubi Iyasume, 2427 Kuhio Ave, the 96185.

Photography by Jessica Tronoski and The 96815.