Back to Bills

Most people know bills Waikiki for their famous banana ricotta hotcakes. It's not easy to dine here without ordering this signature scrumptious dish, even for dinner. On this visit, I resisted the urge as I was dying to try their gorgeous new menu items, which proved to be just as wonderful. Both sweet and savory toasts have been added to the lineup. A colorful, jaw dropping raspberry and vanilla jam, labneh and pistachio on toasted brioche and a lightly tea smoked salmon, cream cheese, dill, pea shoots and edamame number layered high atop fresh toasted rye were pure brunch perfection!  I could just eat these two forever, but then we were introduced to their friends: the healthy charged buckwheat bowl (quinoa, avocado, beets, poached egg, harissa) and zucchini fritters served with fried egg, cucumber and haloumi cheese. Meatless never looked so good! Of course, all accompanied by stumptown coffee and lattes endlessly flowing for another one of my favorite days spent at bills. And hey, it feels great to support the only green certified restaurant in Waikiki! High efficiency kitchen fixtures, biodegradable takeout containers/cups, LED lights that turn off during bright, sunny daylight hours and local/sustainable produce and meat whenever possible all help to lighten bills carbon footprint on our lovely island paradise.

bills - food you can feel good about!

More delicious stuff to come from bills in 2016! An all new Happy Hour from 3 to 6pm beginning in March - stay tuned!

bills, daily 7am to 10pm, ph. 808.922.1500, 280 Beach Walk, the 96815.

Waikiki in Color

I'm continually amazed and inspired by all the beautiful colors of Waikiki. The bright, deep greens of friendly swaying palms against vibrant shades of turquoise and deep sapphires of the ever-changing sky and sea are mesmerizing. Speckled by colorful rafts, surfboards, sailboats, buildings, and people, the hues of the 96815 effortlessly transform with the movement of the day and seasons. Every color of the rainbow can surely be found here. Purple Hibiscus, Diamond Head Winter Green, Waikiki Beach Umbrella Yellow, and Vintage Cruiser Red are just a few that have made their way into my wardrobe. Now if I could only look as good as a bright, sunny, color-filled day in Waikiki... 

Waikiki in Color - my latest style inspiration.

Photos of Moi by Jessica Tronoski

Sunny Days

The sun was surely shining the day that the perfectly hip eatery, Sunny Days, opened up shop on Monsarrat Ave. Bright and airy, it's just the type of place where you want to meet a friend to share a bite to eat and catch up over coffee. On my visit, I tried the Tropical Fruit Souffle Pancakes, Shrimp Sprout Sandwich and Fresh Fruit Granola. All were lovely and loaded with so many local fruits and veggies I could hardly believe my eyes! Huge, healthy portions that fill you up with all the right stuff.  I absolutely fell in love with the Green Smoothie, poured over a bed of chia seeds and garnished with a colorful orchid. Their signature sprout sandwiches, laced with a delightful egg salad and overflowing ingredients held tastily intact, are a must try! If you are into healthy eating and trying new things, Sunny Days is your spot! Plenty of healthy options served up fresh in pleasant digs; it's perfect, like a sunny day. 

Sunny Days, Tuesday to Sunday 8am to 8pm, ph. 808-792-2045, 3045 Monsarrat Ave, the 96815.

Spa-cation Modern Honolulu

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 It's an early, already sunny Saturday morning and I'm checking into The Modern Hotel, Honolulu. No, I haven't splurged on one of their signature sleek, stylish rooms for an overnight stay just a few miles away from home, well, at least not on this occasion. Instead, I have been invited to a luxurious day of poolside bliss and pampering at their new resident spa, Lather. 

The day starts with a gorgeous breakfast served at the Sunrise Pool. Fresh avocado toast, colorful fruits, and a perfectly frothed cappuccino were on my menu. It's one of those slow dining experiences where you read the morning news through blacked out sunnies, looking effortlessly cool while savoring every last bite. Onto Lather, where The Modern's "all white everything" aesthetic seamlessly flows throughout the peaceful space. At the blending bar, the lovely spa director matches essential oils to my mood which are then blended with Lather's rich, creamy body lotion for my Lomi Lomi massage. Lather prides themselves on creating a personalized experience unique to each guest with the use of exceptional quality, all natural ingredients. And it's not just about my skin. The customized aromatic fragrance concocted minutes before my massage will also help to calm my mind while I'm getting a top notch rub down. 

I definitely did not want the spa experience to end, but The Modern has a way of easing you into their next pleasurable experience- pool time. Lather clients are welcome to take a dip, sip on a afternoon cocktail, or just continue relaxing at the ever so chic Sunset Pool Deck post treatment. Wake me when the fresh island fruit sorbet comes round, otherwise, do not disturb - I'm on spa-cation. 

Visit www.Lather.com for more information on their products, services and philosophy. To book spa treatments at the Modern Honolulu check out www.themodernhonolulu.com/spa-honolulu-waikiki.

Photography of Moi by Ijfke Ridgley