Kailua | Oahu

We flew into Honolulu from Lihue (Farewell, Kauai) and headed to the Leeward side of the Island (east!) to a town called Kailua. Our Airbnb just a few minutes walk to Kalama Beach was incredibly underwhelming. It was teeny tiny, musty, and not what we expected based on the photos and reviews. Our hosts were the kindest most welcoming folks who greeted us with champagne and presents and thought nothing of it (like it was the best honeymoon spot and they catered to honeymooners all the time..) There were issues I won't get into with the space, but after one night sleep we knew we had to bail. 

We still enjoyed our one night and one morning in Kailua. If you wanted to check out this part of the Island, and it certainly is worth it, I'd recommend a day trip or perhaps just staying one night in passing. 

Kalama Beach is gorgeous. We took a sunset beach walk upon arrival and an early morning run the next day. I definitely felt immersed with the locals here, everyone was walking their dogs on the beach. There were good neighborhood vibes for sure! 

We had dinner at Tokaname a crowded sushi bar + restaurant where we were the only non-Hawaiians. In Kailua we truly did find a neighborhood off the beaten path, and the crowd certainly reflective of a good Japanese restaurant.

The Chashu Pork Ramen was terrific. The sake sampler hit the spot. The Yellowtail (Hamachi) Nigiri and Yellowfin Tuna Nigiri sushi were super fresh. The green tea tempura ice cream sealed the deal. 

The next morning we awkwardly bid adieu to our hosts. In search of brunch we discovered a cool couple blocks in Kailua housing trendy cafes and surf boutiques. We ate at Kono's known for their 12 hour slow roasted pig. My shredded pork buns and Bob's pork and egg biscuits were excellent. 

Our original thoughts in planning the Kailua leg of the honeymoon were to get off the beaten path - to go somewhere less touristy, perhaps somewhere up and coming? Plus, many frequent travelers warned against Waikiki and its crowds. In retrospect this seems odd to us. We love beach cities. Our dowdy Kailua accommodations inspired a change of pace and we were off to Waikiki, booking the Alohilani Resort on Hotel Tonight as we drove back into the city. 

Travel surprises you. That's what's to love!

Fuji | Assembly Row

 January 25th, 2018 was the last day working in Downtown Boston at Lafayette City Center. We are at a shiny new building in Assembly Row, Somerville. It's no DTX / Chinatown / Theater District corner, but it will have to do. 

Fuji at Assembly is here! I will miss my beloved Avana but Fuji is contemporary and fun. I stopped in for a carafe of hot sake at the bar with impressive makimono and nigiri to follow. Spicy Tempura Katsu ($13.50) w. Katsu style shrimp tempura, cucumber, avocado, spicy mayo and sesame seeds and some Toro Nigiri ($8) and I'm settling right into the new neighborhood.

Fuji at Assembly

320 Canal St

Somerville, MA 02145

Hungry in Bali | Seminyak Dining

I purchased this fantastic book in advance of our trip called Hungry in Bali from The Asia Collective. This ultimate culinary island guide comes with a personal discount code; it became our trusted source for restaurant recommendations in not only Seminyak but Ubud and Bukit as well. Our little culinary bible! Dining out in Bali is inexpensive to begin with so the discounts are a fun perk of purchasing the guide. If you are going to Bali use my discount code stillhungry10 for 10% off your own copy.

In Ubud we used the book at what ended up being three of my favorite spots: Hujan Locale, Copper Kitchen + Bar and Folk Cafe Pool + Garden. In Bukit we used it for free access to Sunday's Beach Club ($25 per person) plus 10% off our total bill. 

In Seminyak we used it when dining at: Merah Putih, Tiger Palm and Kilo Kitchen. For drinks at: Motel Mexicola and Moonlight. And in Canggu at Strawberry Fields. Each of these dining experiences were so special to me, truly memorable nights out with my fiancé over inspired and impressive cuisine.

Merah Putih serves traditional and modern Indonesian in a mesmerizing space, where rainwater is captured in translucent roof columns and filtered into indoor rivers. The dining room is exquisite, sultry and romantic. The creative plates designed for sharing showcase a range of technique, spices and flavors. We had A LOT of food here and it was totally worth it to sample so many dishes. 

Bamboo Lobster Dumplings - shellfish bisque, tomato + kaffir lime 

Rujak Udang - tiger prawns with green papaya + banana blossom 

Chargrilled Lombok Octopus - watermelon radish, cauliflower, fern tip + sambal bajak*

Tongkol Gohu - manado yellowfin tuna, lemongrass + cassava

Buntut Makassar - chargrilled oxtail with soy, peanuts + leeks in kluwek* broth

Nasi Uduk - coconut + lemongrass pandan* steamed rice 

Coklat - chocolate bibka amon, mousse + banana ice cream 

Kelapa - young coconut panna cotta, hibiscus + pandan* granita

{The Hungry in Bali deal was a complimentary dessert per person}

Our first meal in Seminyak was a home run, Merah Putih is a beautiful, unique and delicious experience.

Post Dinner Drinks @ Motel Mexicola

A taqueria by day and one of the best parties in Seminyak by night; we showed up to a tequila infused crowd dancing on all the tables. I borrowed their website photos above to showcase the colorful, upbeat, retro Acapulco vibe - the interior is ridiculously awesome. 

{The Hungry in Bali Deal at Motel Mexicola is a complimentary taco per person} 

On our second evening out in Seminyak we enjoyed dishes inspired by Southeast Asian street food at Tiger Palm. The chefs inspiration plus high quality ingredients transcends to fragrant, spicy, rich and comforting dishes. 

Chinese Stuffed Prawn Wonton - homemade mayonnaise + chili salt 

Oxtail + Wild Mushroom Arancini - shredded slow cooked oxtail with basmati rice, chili, turmeric, mozzarella + parmesan 

Black Cod Teriyaki - char grilled with a radish, edamame, sweet corn + cherry tomato succotash 

Caramelized Duck Leg (probably my favorite entrée this trip!) - coriander, ginger, cinnamon, star anise, tea smoked egg, spring onion + lime dressing

{The Hungry in Bali deal was 10% off our total bill}

Post Dinner Drinks @ Moonlight 

A contemporary Asian rooftop space overlooking Double Six Beach where we sipped espresso martinis late into the evening. 

{The Hungry in Bali deal was 20% off our total bill}

On our third night we switched it up and ventured slightly north to soak in the boho vibes in Canggu at Strawberry Fields. This laid back jungle-canopy oasis lit by chandeliers and playing old school hip hop specializes in Australian breakfasts and gourmet burgers. I had the Royale with Cheese and Bob had a Big Mac alongside well made cocktails. 

[Pool table photo credit]

{The Hungry in Bali deal was 2 for 1 - buy one main dish to receive one complimentary}

Post Dinner Drinks this evening were @ Char Char

Char Char in Seminyak Square is one of those places you spot and can't help but want to be a part of the scene. Their front wall features a set of steps creating a tired terrace that overlooks the buzzing street front. (Blurry photo taken from a moving taxi...)

Travel Tip: Speaking of taxis, Seminyak was the first place we encountered where taxi drivers tried to rip us off. (Our first encounter entirely with anyone being rude in Bali!!) Always ask them to run the meter. If they refuse just find another cab as they are required by law to run them. There is no way a taxi ride across town should cost almost as much as a car to get to the airport. 

Kilo Bali was the encore meal in a string of hits, proving Seminyak's food scene absolutely kills it. The sleek and hard angled concrete space with slanted floor to ceiling windows feels ultra modern. Leafy green potted plants and woven rugs add a touch of cozy to the otherwise minimalist vibe. They serve soul nourishing Asian-Western fusion cuisine.

Sake Sangria - Kiki-Masamune Sake, ginger, orange, mint

Crispy Soft Shell Crab - compressed watermelon, Thai red curry gravy

Black + White Prawn Ravioli - sake butter sauce, rocket, parmesan

Slow Cooked Beef Cheeks - mashed potato, shimeji*, hot and sweet thai glaze, kemangi*

Coconut Tembleque - chocolate cinnamon, pineapple, oat crumbs

{The Hungry in Bali deal was 15% off our total bill}

Post Dinner Drinks @ Moet + Chandon Champagne Bar

Back in the hustle and bustle of Seminyak Square this rowdy bar was the perfect spot to celebrate on our final evening of the trip. This entire adventure has truly been an eye opening travel experience, not to mention engagement-moon bliss!

Travel is meaningful - not only because almost every trip you take will move you outside your comfort zone, but also because every interaction is a chance to contribute a mutual understanding between people. The power of hospitality allows citizens to find common ground and to discover the beauty that lies across borders. (source)

*sambal bajak = multi chili relish

*kluwek = nut from the Pangium, a tall native mangrove tree

*pandan = herbaceous fragrant tropical plant

shimeji = mushrooms native to east Asia

*kemangi = lemon basil

Omakase @ Uni

 Back in February we celebrated my 33rd Birthday at Uni, a contemporary Izakaya helmed by Chef Ken Oringer featuring inventive Japanese cuisine alongside an extensive craft cocktail and sake program. We went all out with the Omakase (chefs tasting) and it was worth every penny. 

Omakase is typically twelve courses, starting small with a few perfect one bite dishes and building in substance as it progresses. At Uni the elements of each dish are plated strikingly so and further each bite takes your palate by surprise. Flavors are remarkably nuanced, intricate, and complex, the fish so fresh, the knife work so precise. 

 We had a cocktail each followed by two gorgeous, striking, fantastic bottles of sake; a Hakkaisan ($55) from Nigata - a sparkling junmai ginjo brut and later a Nigori Dassai '50' ($45) from Yamaguchi, a polished and approachable junmai daiginjo. 

I captured most dishes but did omit a few - here goes:

 Smoked Uni Spoon | osetra caviar, quail egg yolk, yuzu
Foie Gras ice cream | ostreta caviar, potato chip

Kaki - Aunt Dotty Oyster | yamamomo granita, tonburi 
Tai - Sea Bream sashimi | concord grape, myoba

Spicy Tuna + Foie Gras Tataki | aji amarillo, pistachio, pear 
Live Maine Uni Sea Urchin | citrus ceviche, cherry tomato

Nigiri | Toro (fatty tuna), Maguro (bluefin tuna), Hirame (Fluke) + more
Hotate - Scallop | maitake mushroom, chinese chive vin, candied bacon jam
Suzuki - Bass | maguro shirodashi, lemongrass, garlic

Lobster Carbonara | Maine lobster, ramen noodles

Korean Ricecakes | kalni oxtail, kimchee butter, gremolata

This meal had been on my bucket list for awhile, I was so grateful for this exceptional and really fun birthday dinner!

Uni

370 Commonwealth Ave

Boston, MA 02215