LINGUINE WITH CLAM SAUCE

LINGUINE AND CLAMS

DINNER AT HOME 

Celebrated a very special family member birthday with Linguine and Clam Sauce.  Simple, fresh ingredients cooked up in only a few minutes.  Entire meal for three was under $40.  The fresh clams in shell were half of the cost.  Could have skipped these and just used the chopped clams to save money.  While my presentation was less than perfect, the flavor of this dish was excellent.  Adding the small can of tomato sauce really makes a difference and adds flavor.  The red color of the tomato sauce disappears when the sauce is done.  I soaked the clams in water for about one hour.  You will be amazed how much dirt comes out of the clams.  The water was black when finally rinsed out.  This is a dinner that you can make with just about anything you have in the refrigerator.  Easy and delicious.

LINGUINE WITH CLAM SAUCE

CLAMS IN SHELL, CHOPPED CLAMS, WHITE WINE, GARLIC,
 SHALLOTS, PARSLEY, FRESH OREGANO, LEMON,
TOMATO SAUCE AND CRUSHED RED PEPPER FLAKES

SAUTE SHALLOTS AND GARLIC IN OLIVE OIL AND BUTTER

DEGLAZE PAN WITH WHITE WINE AND REDUCE

ADD CHOPPED CLAMS AND JUICE - SIMMER

ADD CAN OF TOMATO SAUCE - NOT KIDDING THIS IS GOOD

ADD FRESH OREGANO, PARSLEY AND CLAMS

COVER UNTIL CLAMS OPEN

CLAMS OPEN AND THE SAUCE IS DONE

BURNT THE BREAD A BIT BUT THE DISH WAS GOOD

VALENTINES DAY DINNER AT HOME

RIB EYE STEAK AND LOBSTER

VALENTINES DINNER AT HOME

Enjoyed a few slices of Rib Eye Steak and a Lobster Tail for Valentines Day dinner.  One steak served the entire family as we just wanted a few pieces each.  The Rib Eye was served with a Manhattan Sauce of shallots, garlic, butter and sweet vermouth.  Lobster was sweet and delicious.  AWESOME!!!!!!!

RIB EYE STEAK AND LOBSTER
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY 2012

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Our special little Valentine has brought so much happiness and love into our lives.  She is an incredible daughter that we are so blessed to have and love.  This  Valentines Day she enjoyed her favorite Ferrero Rocher Candies along with a dozen chocolate covered strawberries from Edible Arrangements.  She loves these.  Along with the sweets came a couple of stuffed bears, balloons and a special gift of personalized Hershey Bars with our family photo printed on the label.  These Hershey Bars came direct from the factory in Hershey, Pennsylvania and are oh so fresh and delicious.  So blessed to have not one but two Valentines to share my life with. Love them both!

CHICKEN THIGH WITH ROASTED POTATO STUFFING

CHICKEN THIGH

WITH ROASTED POTATOES

DINNER AT HOME

Pulled off a pretty good dinner using what we had available in the refrigerator.  We had some chicken thighs and potatoes that needed to be used.  I butterflied the thighs so they were open and flat.  Sauteed them in a little olive oil until golden brown and removed from the pan.  Par boiled some potatoes and then cut them into small squares.  Added garlic, onions and fresh thyme that I sautéed in olive oil and butter.  Put the cooked potatoes and onion and garlic together and topped the chicken with the mixture and cooked in oven at 375 for around 20 minutes.  While the chicken was cooking I heated chicken stock, honey and balsamic vinegar in a sauce pan and reduced.  Poured this over the chicken and potatoes.  This dish did not look great, but it really had flavor and was quite satisfying and cheap.

CAFE LAUFER

CAFE LAUFER

HONOLULU, HAWAII 

We were heading to the University of Hawaii Mens Basketball game vs Fresno State and decided to stop at Cafe Laufer for dinner before the game.  We entered from the parking lot side near Big City Diner.  As you enter the restaurant from this entrance, you are immediately welcomed with a hallway of boxes and supplies.  The entire hallway leading to the seating area is filled with junk.  Looks terrible.  The junk ends and there are around six chairs for people to sit out when waiting for a table.  There is a counter and employees but they didn't take time to greet us or explain the process for ordering here.  The menus are posted on the pastry displays in front.  You stand there along with everyone else and look over them.  Then you order right there at the counter.  You order, but don't pay your bill until you are finished eating.  Then you go back to the counter and pay.  The menu includes Sandwiches, Soups, Salads, Pasta, Burgers, and Special Entrees such as New York Steak and Beef Shank.  I went with the Daily Soup and Sandwich.  Tried the Minestrone Soup with Vegetarian Sandwich.  Soup was a bit bland and the Veggie Sandwich had no flavor.  Just sprouts, carrot, cucumber, tomato and cheese on a French Roll with small amount of Mayo.  This sandwich needed a kick like some of the salad dressing or something else to give it some taste.  We tried the Pasta with Garlic Creme Sauce and Chicken.  Wow...this plate of pasta was so over sauced that it was difficult to get on the fork because of the thick, dense sauce.  Flavor was good but there was just way too much sauce overloaded on the pasta.  The Soup and Sandwich Combo came with a small house salad.   The salads were a mixture of the greens that every restaurant in Hawaii is serving these days.  I am so sick of these greens that I cannot stand eating one bite of them.  Just give me regular  Iceberg or Romaine Lettuce PLEASE!!!  We entered Cafe Laufer just past 5:30 pm on a Saturday.  They were already out of the Daily Special Salmon and Meatloaf.  By the time we finished dining there was a line of about 6-8 people waiting near the pile of boxes.  This place definitely has a following.  Many come for the pastries and cakes that are made fresh daily.  You can bring your own beer or wine to Cafe Laufer.  I saw several tables enjoying a bottle of wine with their meal.  I need to go back to this restaurant and try a few more items and the desserts before writing it off.  Prices are a bit high.  Our tab for pasta, house salad and a veggie sandwich was around $40 without tip.

CAFE LAUFER

CAFE LAUFER BACK ENTRANCE FROM PARKING LOT.
FRONT ENTRANCE IS ON WAIALAE AVENUE

ONLY MENUS ARE ON THE COUNTER.
READ THEM AND ORDER AT THE COUNTER.
TAKE A SEAT - EAT - THEN GO BACK TO THE
COUNTER AND PAY THE BILL.

SMALL INTERIOR GETS CROWDED FAST

PASTA WITH GARLIC CREME SAUCE AND CHICKEN

HOUSE SALAD

MINESTRONE SOUP

VEGETARIAN SANDWICH

NICE COLORS BUT NO FLAVORS

CHICKEN POT PIE - DINNER AT HOME

CHICKEN POT PIE

DINNER AT HOME 

We had to finish off our $4.99 Costco Rotisserie Chicken that had already fed us for two nights.  We picked the chicken clean and added it to a pot with sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs and milk.  This was delicious!!!

CHICKEN POT PIE

COSTCO ROTISSERIE CHICKEN WITH PEAS, CARROTS, ONION,
CELERY, POTATO, MILK, FLOUR, DRIED TARRAGON, THYME,
SALT AND PEPPER HEATED IN A PAN

FILLED BOWL WITH MIXTURE AND TOPPED
WITH PUFF PASTRY.  COOKED IN OVEN FOR 20 MINUTES

RONALD REAGAN BIRTHDAY DINNER AT HOME

RONALD REAGAN BIRTHDAY DINNER 

AT HOME

We celebrate Ronald Reagan's Birthday like he was family.  My wife prepared a very special dinner that I absolutely loved.  Started with Crab Salad on Endive and then went to a seared Foie Gras served on toasted apple and apricot bread that was lightly coated with a fig spread.  I got half of bite down and my daughter downed all the Foie Gras in a single gulp.  She loves Foie Gras and eats it like candy.  If only she knew how much it cost.  Her first date will be expensive as she likes Foie Gras, Escargot, Lobster and Rack of Lamb.  Pretty impressive for a ten year old.  Our entree for this evening was a poached Chilean Sea Bass stuffed with a Quail Egg. As you cut into the fish, the Quail Egg bursts open and the yolk coats the fish.  Simply amazing good.  Finished the meal with a Baskin Robbins Mud Pie that was over the top delicious.  Rich chocolate with coffee ice cream, graham cracker crust and whipped creme.  Does not get much better than this.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRESIDENT REAGAN.  We love you and miss you!

CHILEAN SEA BASS STUFFED WITH QUAIL EGG
AND ROASTED HEIRLOOM POTATOES

CRAB SALAD ON ENDIVE

FOIE GRAS ON TOASTED APPLE AND APRICOT BREAD
WITH FIG SPREAD

BASKIN ROBBINS MUD PIE.
THIS IS THE BOMB!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RONALD REAGAN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
RONALD REAGAN


Wishing President Reagan a Happy 101st Birthday.

SUPER BOWL SNACKS AT HOME

SUPER BOWL SNACKS

HANGIN AT HOME 

Passed up going to Super Bowl parties or a bar and enjoyed the game at home with my girls.  Just a quiet Sunday at home enjoying the best gift in life (my girls).  I wanted three things only.  Nachos, Hot Wings and a Nathan Hot Dog.  Tomorrow I start my diet.  The Nachos were really good.  I topped the chips with some heated chili and then added onion, bell pepper, and cheese.  Heated the dish for one minute in the microwave and then topped with fresh cilantro, tomatoes, green onion and a bit of sour creme.  My wife prepared the Hot Wings using Frank's Hot Sauce and then baked them in the oven to reduce the fat content.  Bought a pack of Nathan's Hot Dogs from the market and grilled the dogs and topped with mustard, sweet relish and diced onions.  Just as good as going out.  We ended Super Bowl Sunday with some really good home made Carne Asada Tacos.  Marinated Flank Steak grilled and cut into small pieces.  Topped with Guacamole and fresh salsa. Missed a first class party at my friends where they served lobster tails, shrimp, clams and just about every other great dish you can think of.  Would have loved to dine on that great food, but hangin with my girls was where my heart is.  So blessed to have them in my life.

CHILI CHEESE NACHOS WERE GREAT!

BAKED HOT CHICKEN WINGS WITH FRANK'S HOT SAUCE

ENDED THE GAME WITH SOME HOME MADE
CARNE ASADA TACOS

DELICIOUS NATHAN'S HOT DOG MADE AT HOME

FOOD AT THE SUPER BOWL PARTY WE DID NOT GO TO

UNCLE CLAY'S SHAVE ICE - AINA HAINA, HAWAII

UNCLE CLAY'S SHAVE ICE

AINA HAINA, HAWAII

Just down the walkway from Foodland Farms Supermarket in Aina Haina is Uncle Clay's Shave Ice.  When I entered Uncle Clay's I did not know how this guy could stay in business and did not get his limited menu and t-shirts for sale with his picture on them.  When I left, we were part of Uncle Clay's "Ohana" (family) and convinced that this was a person that should be cherished.  What happened in 15 minutes is astounding to a marketing guy like me.  First we ordered a Shave Ice that the girls behind the counter made with a true passion and love.  They do not rush the process and take time to make the shave ice the best they can.  They shave a layer of ice and then add the sauce.  Shave some more and add more sauce.  Most places just shave the ice quickly and then pour sauce over the top.  These girls did it in time consuming layers.  I stood away in the corner and let my daughter pay at the counter.  Uncle Clay himself was working the cash register and engaged her in conversation.  Keli was magnetized by his presence and interest.  I was standing around just waiting to get out of the place.  Uncle Clay saw this and whispered to Keli "what is your Dad's name?".  Keli told him and the next thing I know, Uncle Clay is asking me by name how am I doing.  He engaged me and brought me into his world.  Then he introduced me to his sister who was in the store.  He talked about their weekly dinners together and what a great cook she was.  He then said that my daughter was very special and we were now part of his Ohana (family).  Wow....I thought this is marketing.  But it was more than that.  It was an awakening to what power a single person has in this world.  Uncle Clay is something very special.  He has lived a life and understands what it is to give back and show love and Aloha.  He is the true spirit of Aloha.  And according to my daughter the shave ice is the best.

 

 

KELI ENJOYS A GREAT SHAVE ICE
IN FRONT OF UNCLE CLAY'S STORE

UNCLE CLAY TALKING TO KELI.
THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL MAN.

FRESH MARLIN SCAMPI WITH FETTUCINI

FRESH MARLIN SCAMPI

WITH FETTUCINI

Fresh Marlin (Au) was on sale for under $5 per pound.  Wanted to do something to kick up the flavor so I bought a Family Brand Hawaiian Style Scampi Marinade that was also on sale.  We had onion, mushrooms and fresh thyme in the refrigerator so I sautéed the onions, added the mushrooms and then deglazed with white wine.  Added some of the Scampi Marinade and fresh thyme to the pan and heated.  Cooked the Fettucini until al dente and added it to the sauce.  I had already grilled the marinated Marlin and it was ready to top the dish.  Finished off the plate with some parsley and tomato for color.  The entire family loved this quick and inexpensive meal.  Under $15 for three.
Click link below for more posts and recipes for Marlin;
http://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2015/01/grilled-marlin.html

FRESH MARLIN SCAMPI WITH FETTUCINI

HAWAIIAN STYLE
SCAMPI MARINADE

SAUTED ONIONS, MUSHROOMS, FRESH TYME.
DEGLAZED WITH WHITE WINE AND ADDED SOME SCAMPI MARINADE

MARINATED FRESH MARLIN (AU) FILETS IN
SCAMPI MARINADE FOR ONE HOUR THEN GRILLED

ADDED FETTUCINI PASTA TO ONION, MUSHROOMS AND MARINADE

ZIPPY'S KING STREET - HONOLULU, HAWAII

ZIPPY'S KING STREET

HONOLULU, HAWAII 

Zippy's is an institution in Hawaii.  If you live in Hawaii, chances are you grew up eating at Zippy's or have dined there many times.  I am not a big Zippy's guy, but I have eaten my share of meals here.  Mostly business lunches because they are convenient and efficient.  You can spend an hour here or get in and out fast.  Most Zippy's have a casual take out area and a dining room with table service.  The dining room on King Street is Old School and I like it.  While most patrons here seem to be over 60, I am quite comfortable sitting in a booth and enjoying the old Hawaii coffee house charm.  I have a business associate and friend who loves Zippy's.  He is a meat and rice guy who doesn't go near vegetables.  He ordered the Beef Stew and I ordered the Fried Chicken and Chili Combo.  Both are around $12 with the "Complete Meal".  The Complete Meal includes soup or salad, large drink and your choice of ice cream, pie or cake for dessert.  I like Zippy's Fried Chicken and Zippy's Chili.  My combo was great and my friend loved his Beef Stew.  The Fried Chicken was crispy on the outside and moist inside.  The Chili is legendary in Hawaii.  I like it, but it is not the best in the world.  Zippy's on King dining room takes you back to the good old days when coffee shops were all around the city.  Now it is mostly chains like the mainland.  Nice to dine here among some of the nicest senior citizens in Honolulu.  I am getting close to getting my Senior Discount Card and feeling right at home having coffee here for hours.

ZIPPY'S FRIED CHICKEN AND CHILI WITH MASHED POTATOES

ZIPPY'S KING STREET - DINING ROOM ENTRANCE

OLD SCHOOL DESIGN HAS NOT CHANGED IN DECADES

HOUSE GREEN SALAD

ZIPPY'S BEEF STEW WITH TWO SCOOPS RICE

ORDER THE MEAL DEAL AND GET SOUP OR SALAD,
DRINK AND YOUR CHOICE OF ICE CREAM, PIE OR CAKE FOR DESSERT