CHICKEN PICCATA

DINNER AT HOME

My Wife and Daughter love the Chicken Piccata from California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) and order it all the time.  Never was my favorite so I avoided it and always went for the BBQ Chicken Pizza.  My Wife requested Chicken Piccata for dinner so I went to work researching a few recipes.  I ended up using a recipe from Giada De Laurentiis from the Food Network.  I was not happy with the sauce as we were making this so we improvised a lot.  The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of Lemon Juice, 1/2 cup of Chicken Stock, Olive Oil, Butter, Capers and Parsley.  First off I seasoned the flour with salt, pepper and Flavor God Lemon/Garlic Seasoning.  Also seasoned the Chicken on both sides with the same.  Added more Chicken Stock, Chicken Bouillon and lots more Butter to the sauce.  Used only 1/4 cup of Lemon Juice. 

Served with Angel Hair Pasta, Parmesan Cheese and Parsley.  This was the best Chicken Piccata I have ever tasted.  It came out amazing and both my Wife, Daughter and a Friend said it was much better than CPK.  Victory with my Piccata! 

Click link below to view the recipe that we used as a base;

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/chicken-piccata-recipe2-1913809

CHICKEN PICCATA

CHICKEN PICCATA, BRUSCHETTA AND GRILLED TAKO

TWEAKED THE RECIPE TO MAKE A DELICIOUS SAUCE

 

FRESH HAWAII TAKO (OCTOPUS)

APPETIZER AT HOME

Talk about amazing.  First I was amazed that my Daughter and her friends went diving and caught a bunch of Octopus off the shores of Oahu.  Then I was amazed that I cooked it properly after reading a few recipes on the internet.  Final amazement was that the Octopus cut like butter and was delicious.

GRILLED HAWAII TAKO

RINSE TAKO AND CLEAN WITH LOTS OF HAWAIIAN SALT.  RINSE AGAIN.
PLACE TAKO IN POT AND COVER WITH WATER.  BRING TO BOIL AND COOK FOR 45 MINUTES.  REMOVE AND RINSE IN COLD WATER.

 

MARINATED TAKO IN LOTS OF GARLIC, SALT AND PEPPER FOR ONE HOUR

FRESH HAWAII TAKO FROM THE COAST OF OAHU

TAKO HUNTERS

FRESH HAWAII TAKO CATCH

 

SEAFOOD WITH TRUFFLE RISOTTO

DINNER AT HOME

My Wife suggested we have Risotto for dinner so my mind went to work on what to serve with it.

I thought Seafood and then headed to the market.  Started with Shrimp but then went on a binge and bought Scallops, Clams and Lobster too.  Added Truffle Butter, Parmesan Cheese, sautéed Mushrooms and Shallots to the Risotto then topped with Asparagus.  This was a symphony of work in the kitchen with me and my Wife working side by side to prepare all the seafood.  We sat down on our lanai and feasted like being in a five star restaurant.  So blessed to enjoy this with the family and have homemade meals that are restaurant quality without the high cost.

TRUFFLE RISOTTO WITH LOBSTER, SCALLOPS, SHRIMP AND CLAMS

FAMILY DINNER ON THE LANAI.  IT DOES NOT GET BETTER THAN THIS!

 

BRUSCHETTA

APPETIZER AT HOME

This was one of the best Bruschetta of my life.  Made it using Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato, Red Onion, Avocado, Basil and Balsamic glaze.  Toasted the bread with Butter and Garlic Spread.  This bursted with fresh flavors and I already want to make it again.

BRUSCHETTA WITH MOZZARELLA, TOMATO, BASIL, RED ONION, AVOCADO 
AND BALSAMIC GLAZE ON TOASTED GARLIC BREAD

 

FRIED RICE WITH EGG, AVOCADO AND CAVIAR

BREAKFAST AT HOME

A delicious and perfect breakfast with Drew's Fried Rice, Egg, Avocado and Caviar.

Simply delicious layer of flavors.  Nice way to start the weekend.

Click link below for Drew's Fried Rice recipe;

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2020/03/drews-fried-rice.html

FRIED RICE WITH EGG, AVOCADO AND CAVIAR

 

DREW BURGER AND FRIES

DINNER AT HOME

We celebrated the completion of our bathroom remodel with Drew Burgers and Air Fryer French Fries.

Truly one of my favorite meals.  My Burgers come real close to tasting like an In N' Out Burger 

and they are my favorite Burger in Hawaii.  I would rather eat this Burger than any other Burger in Hawaii.  Not bragging but it is just the way I like a Burger.

DREW BURGER WITH AIR FRYER FRIES

MY FAVORITE BURGER IN HAWAII IS ON MY LANAI

 

SEARED AHI SALAD

DINNER AT HOME

Cajun Spiced Seared Ahi with Vegetables, Avocado and Egg.  Delicious light dinner on a warm and

 humid Hawaii night.  Enjoyed with a crisp Chardonnay.

SEARED AHI SALAD

GUIEB CAFE - LOBSTER

GUIEB CAFE
1311 KING STREET, SUITE F06
HONOLULU, HI 96817
808-913-2131
HOURS:  Monday Thru Saturday 6AM - 3PM
www.guiebscatering.com
www.yelp.com/biz/guieb-cafe-honolulu
www.facebook.com/guiebscatering/
www.instagram.com/guiebscatering/?hl=en

Back to Guieb Cafe again.  This time I tried the Lobster for $17.  Liked all the garlic and thought it was just ok.  The butter had a real funny taste so I did not use it.  Don't know if I would order this again.

Click link below to view lots more of Guieb Cafe;

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2020/05/guieb-cafe.html

PASTA WITH PESTO, CHICKEN, PEAS AND TOMATOES

DINNER AT HOME

A friend gave us some homemade Pesto Sauce that she made from herbs in her garden.

Made this delicious dish with Pasta, Chicken, Peas, Asparagus, Tomatoes, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Fresh Basil and Shaved Parmesan.  Vibrant, light and so good!

PASTA WITH PESTO, CHICKEN AND TOMATOES

PASTA WITH PESTO ON THE LANAI

PEAS, ASPARAGUS, CHERRY AND SUN DRIED TOMATOES

LOVED THE COLORS

COOKED ASPARAGUS AND TOMATOES ON THE GRILL

 

TUNA SALAD LETTUCE WRAPS

APPETIZER AT HOME

Had planned dinner for the family and my Daughter says she is hungry two hours before dinner was 

to be ready.  I looked in the fridge and saw Tuna Salad and lots of lettuce.  Turned out these tasty

Lettuce Wraps in minutes.  She at them all!

Click link below for the Worlds Best Tuna Salad recipe;

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2012/03/worlds-best-tuna-sandwich.html

TUNA SALAD LETTUCE WRAPS

 

GRILLED SHRIMP AND ASPARAGUS SALAD

DINNER AT HOME

Made a delicious light salad with Grilled Shrimp, Asparagus, Bacon, Egg, Papaya, Bell Pepper, Red Onion and Shaved Parmesan Cheese.  Perfect on a very warm and humid Hawaii evening.  Maybe had a crisp Chardonnay went down with this too.

GRILLED SHRIMP AND ASPARAGUS SALAD

 

ZUPPARDI'S PIZZA FROM WEST HAVEN, CT

DINNER AT HOME

Waited months and months for some Zuppardi Pizza from West Haven, CT.  This pizza is the highest rated frozen pizza on Barstool Sports Pizza Reviews.  After the review they were hit with literally tens of thousands of orders.  It really did take like four or five months to get these delivered to Hawaii.

I received a box of six pizzas.  Three Pepperoni and three Sausage.  Cooking instructions were easy.  Place in a 425 degree oven for 10-12 minutes.  I went 12 minutes and probably will go only 10 minutes when I cook my next one.  This was good pizza but you really cannot get the real flavor of the sauce when its frozen.  We preferred the Sausage over the Pepperoni. Not a lot of flavor but again I think its because they were frozen and shipped a very long way.  Would not order again but I would like to try this pizza fresh in West Haven some day!

ZUPPARDI'S PIZZA FROM NEW HAVEN IN HAWAII

PACKAGED FINALLY ARRIVED AFTER MONTHS OF WAITING

INSULATED BOX WITH DRY ICE

SIX ZUPPARDI'S PIZZAS

FROZEN PEPPERONI PIZZA

FROZEN SAUSAGE PIZZA

ZUPPARDI'S PIZZA COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

SAUSAGE PIZZA RIGHT OUT OF THE OVEN

PEPPERONI PIZZA IS READY TO EAT

BARSTOOL SPORTS HIGHEST RATED PIZZA

ZUPPARDI'S PIZZA, WEST HAVEN, CT

 

DOCTORED THIS SAUSAGE PIZZA UP AND ADDED PEPPERONI, ONION AND JALAPENO

STEAK, PEPPERS AND PROVOLONE SANDWICHES

LUNCH AT HOME

More work being done at the casa and more problems.  Another ceiling leak, painting, electronics problems - it just goes on and on.  Made the contractors delicious Steak Sandwiches with Onions, Peppers and Provolone Cheese.

STEAK AND PEPPERS SANDWICH

STEAK SANDWICHES FOR HARD WORKING CONTRACTORS

 

GRILLED OPAH AND ASPARAGUS

DINNER AT HOME

The fresh fish selection at the market on this day was not too good.  Best looking fish was Opah which is great for grilling because it is very meaty.  Served with a Sweet Potato Puree and grilled Asparagus.

Also made a White Wine Butter and Caper Sauce.  When grilling Opah you really need some kind of sauce to compliment the flavor of the fish.  The fish is thick and a bit oily but delicious when grilled properly and served with a nice sauce.

GRILLED OPAH AND ASPARAGUS

FRESH OPAH ON THE LANAI

FRESH HAWAIIAN OPAH

HAWAIIAN SALT, PEPPER AND FLAVOR GOD LEMON AND GARLIC SEASONING

GRILLED OPAH

 

MEATBALL, SAUSAGE AND PEPPERS SANDWICH

LUNCH AT HOME

We still have contractors working almost every day at the casa.  Big problems, delays and additional 

work have caused our bathroom renovation to take months.  Seems like every week we decide on doing another project while the contractors are here.  Today we had three contractors so I made them Meatball, Italian Sausage and Peppers Sandwiches.  Toasted the Sausage Rolls with Butter and Garlic Spread and added some melted Provolone Cheese.  Wife said they loved the sandwiches so that makes me happy.

MEATBALL, ITALIAN SAUSAGE, PEPPERS AND PROVOLONE CHEESE

SERVED ON GARLIC BUTTER SAUSAGE ROLL

DELICIOUS MEATBALL, SAUSAGE AND PEPPERS

 

TUNA SANDWICH WITH TOMATO, CHEESE AND AVOCADO

LUNCH AT HOME

Readers of my blog know that I love Tuna Sandwiches when made correctly.  I think my recipe is the best in the World and have been making these delicious sandwiches the same way for a decade.  I always like to add Cheese, Tomato and Avocado.  Did this one on Rye Bread because we had some.

Click link below to view my Tuna Sandwich recipe;

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2012/03/worlds-best-tuna-sandwich.html

WORLD'S BEST TUNA SANDWICH

HANA SUSHI

HANA SUSHI
HAWAII KAI SHOPPING CENTER
377 KEAHOLE ST, #C3
HONOLULU, HI. 96825
808-395-4330
HOURS:  Daily 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
www.hanasushihawaii.com
www.yelp.com/biz/hana-sushi-honolulu
www.facebook.com/pages/Hana-Sushi/111481005558742

Was not expecting Sushi on this night because I had planned on having Pizza delivered from 

New Haven, CT.  UPS said the pizza was going to be delivered but after tracking the package I found it had just left Memphis.  My Daughter and her friend were at the store so I called them and asked what they wanted to eat instead of the Pizza Night we had planned.  Sushi was the answer.  I quickly went on Bite Squad and ordered from Hana Sushi in Hawaii Kai.  The Sushi was ready within an hour and my Daughter picked it up and brought it home.  I had already made a Sashimi platter so it worked out well.  

Sushi was fresh and oh so delicious.  Blessed!

Click link below to view previous post on Hana Sushi;

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2018/04/hana-sushi.html

HANA SUSHI TAKEOUT

HAMACHI CARPACCIO

EBI AND CUCUMBER HOSOMAKI

SPIDER ROLL

RED DRAGON ROLL

DRAGON ROLL

FIRECRACKER ROLL

HAMACHI KAMA

HAPPY HANA SUSHI ON THE LANAI