Hawai'i Vacation Pau, Back in NYC

Hiii! Sorry I have not made a "real post" in so long. Just got back from Hawai'i earlier this week and it's been non-stop hectic (that's what happens when you take two weeks off from work ;).

And how was Honolulu? Amazing, as always!! Loving seeing my family, and this trip was extra special because I had aunts and uncles visiting from Paris and San Francisco for the week one. And then Robyn came in from NYC for week two! We flew back to NYC together...my first time doing a direct flight from HNL -> EWR.

Just a few things on the checklist...a mish-mash mix of Hawai'i and NYC...I hope to be posting more regularly soon!

ONE. I have a new listing! 46 Mercer Street (with private entrances on both Mercer and Broadway). A gorgeous, Soho loft, asking $7.2M. It's definitely one of a kind. 5,000 square feet, with NSEW exposures. The space is stunning and the potential? Endless! Let me know if you have anyone interested!!
TWO. The photo at the top of the post, and this photo is taken from Puu Ualakaa State Park, right off Round Top Drive on Tantalus. I had no idea this park was famous till I did a bit of research...it's where Elvis takes his girlfriend to picnic in Blue Hawai'i! How neat is that?? Apparently Obama used to picnic here a lot with his grandma as well. The sight is stunning - a panoramic view of south Oahu going from Diamond Head past Waikiki, Aloha Tower area, all the way to the airport.
THREE. Mochi Cream shop in Shirokiya CLOSED :[ I blogged about mochi creams back in 2008...my mom and I ate so many of these. We always made an excuse to pass though this section of Shirokiya whenever possible...you know, mochi creams for the road!
We just happened to be there on 5/9, and there were signs up noting that it was their final day. They were selling all remaining mochi creams for $.99 (usually is $2/piece)...so of course we bought them all out. Ahahahah. We shared them with the rest of the family at dinner at grandma's house that night.
They have been replaced by Mikawaya...which...well, isn't nearly as good :/ Mikawaya is mochi ICE CREAM, as opposed to mochi CREAM. To their credit, a pretty wide selection is offered, including a whole mochi gelato line.
...will not only miss Mochi Cream's product, but their packaging as well!
(photo by robyn using my camera and her lens)

FOUR. FINALLY visited Cake Works, owned by Abi Langlas. I worked for Abby one summer when I was a bakery at Honolulu Coffee Co. Remember that time I forgot the sugar in the bread pudding recipe? Yes, that summer! Robyn and I shared the Lilikoi-Mandarin Chiffon Cake. It was so lovely, and an excellent deal at $3/slice.
Here's a photo of the whole cake. It's a shame local style chiffon cakes aren't more popular in NYC. They're the perfect warm weather/summer cake. Light and airy, you won't feel a thing in your belly. The cool layers of cream is sweetened slightly, mandarin orange-studded, and topped off with lilikoi curd. Ah. NYC bakeries ought to take more inspiration from local bakers!!
FIVE. A SUPER ALOHA to Reid of Ono Kine Grindz for organizing the most incredible dinner experience I had during this trip. We started out with a massive meal at town, hosted by the very gracious chef/owner Ed Kenney. On the menu? A whole rabbit done six ways, seared ahi, blue lotus duck eggs with ali'i oyster mushrooms...and that just the tip of the iceberg! We rolled out of town, bellies nicely packed...
...and straight to Nobu Waikiki where pastry chef Rachel Murai put together a six course dessert tasting...sous vide watermelon, espresso snow and sweet milk, azuki panna cotta, more surprises to come! You can find photos from the evening here and here...I'll also do a full post on the meal soon.

Ok! Aloha! Going sleep now :) Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Puu Ualakaa State Park
about/directions

Mikawaya inside Shirokiya
1450 Ala Moana Blvd # 2250
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 973-9234

Cake Works
2820 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 946-4333

town
3435 Waialae Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 735-5900