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!

Roche Bros. Tasting Counter

The opening of Roche Bros. over a year and a half ago was a game changer for those of us who work or live in Downtown Crossing. I have hugely appreciated having them close by my office for lunch + snack options during the day and for quality grocery shopping trips after work. Their selection of sushi and maki rolls, artisanal baguette sandwiches and fresh out the oven chocolate chip cookies have been my go-tos.

Now, even more of game changer is their recently unveiled renovation: an impeccable 10,000 square foot space extending into the base of the Millennium Tower. This includes a tremendous selection of beer, wine, sake, alcohol, AND, a sleek new tasting bar offering fantastic lunch options!! Their well appointed tasting counter serves seasonal dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced products that are sold in store.

I was super impressed with everything from the Seasonal Handcrafted Soda expertly flavored with thirst quenching mango + passionfruit, to the exquisite, fine dining caliber Yellowtail Poke, to the incredibly comforting Harpoon IPA Fondue. From their dessert counter a few aisles over, mini sweet treats are also a win, and I loved the thoughtful touch of red and green holiday flare on the plate! 

Counter service here is personable, knowledgeable and efficient. Bonus points for for presentation and aesthetic: that fire engine red mini cast iron staub! Stainless steel drinking straws! Sturdy plates made of recycled materials. Mini forks for fondue. Chopsticks for the poke. Eating lunch here was fun and enjoyable - this grocery store tasting counter simply did not miss a beat. 

Prices and descriptions below:

Yellowtail Poke ($14) local radish, cucumber, enoki mushrooms, yuzu + sesame dressing

Charcuterie Board ($11) - prosciutto, speck, pickled vegetables: snap peas, carrots and hearts of palm

Local Cheese and Harpoon IPA Fondue ($10) artisianal baguette + charred broccoli

Crispy Flatbread ($11) onion + tomato confit, charred broccoli, crumbled local feta

Mini Dessert Trio ($8) key lime tart, hazelnut cake, chocolate ganache cake. 
We also enjoyed a Cappuccino ($3.50) with dessert.

Right now, the tasting counter feels like an insider secret - but you should not hesitate to make it a destination!

P.S. Merry Christmas! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!!!

Roche Bros. @ Millennium Tower
8 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02110

*this meal was complimentary, all opinions are my own*

shabumaru | japanese hotpot

Japanese Hot Pot is a unique change of pace; the dining experience truly feels entirely different when you are cooking your own meal! 

The newly opened ShabuMaru is chic and elegant located in the Westin Copley Place Hotel, offering traditional shabu-shabu style cuisine. Here, shiny white subway tiles and leafy-green live wall installations surround copper pot laden heavy wood tables and a three sided bar facing an open kitchen. 

Choose a chicken or a vegetable based broth and the servers will to cater to your boiling soups water temperature so it is just right for cooking your razor-thin meats. Choose from certified Miyazaki Waygu beef or Korobuta pork belly and sushi-grade salmon, tuna, and yellowtail. These are complimented by a choice of rice or noodles, a mini tin bucket of fresh vegetables, plus signature condiments - a ponzu citrus-based soy sauce and a creamy sesame sauce. A selection of table-side condiments also await: garlic paste, scallions, daikon puree and chili oil will ensure a full and spicy flavor profile. Hotpot is all about designing taste sensations to suit your own palette. Everything was tasty, the one personal exception is that I preferred to eat the sushi grade fish raw! Still they pair wonderfully with the hot soups and a cold sake or a Sapporo.

shabumaru

10 Huntington Avenue

(The Westin Copley Place)

Boston, MA 02216

*This meal was complimentary, all opinions are my own*

East by Northeast

East by Northeast’s chef/owner Phillip Tang honed the craft of noodle making in his parents’ Chinese restaurant. From Ramen to Ragu - the noodles are sensational; long, silky and chewy. His menu also focuses on small plates like house-made buns, to be paired with these heartier noodle dishes. The result is a homey meal of elevated Chinese comfort foods. The space mimics a similar at-home-vibe, it is tiny (about ten tables and a four seat bar) and cozy with light cornflower blue walls and clean white accents.

Amuse Bouche 

YELLOWTAIL | torched rice, avocado, powdered nori

Chalkboard specials

CAULIFLOWER CROQUETTES ($9) | smoked tahini puree, preserved lemon, cilantro relish

BEEF TONGUE PASTRAMI SANDWICH ($4) | hot mustard, brussels sprout & rutabaga slaw, mantou bread

Regular menu

EDAMAME SALAD ($5) | apple, kale, pomegranate, creamy sesame miso dressing  

PORK BELLY ($4) | roasted belly, apple, pickled red onion, apple butter hoisin sauce 

RAMEN ($15) | smoked pork confit, miso pork broth, soft poached egg, xo sauce, toasted nori    

RED CURRY LOBSTER ($22) | butter poached lobster, egg noodles, coconut red curry sauce, chanterelles, spaghetti squash   

FALL VEGETABLE RAGU ($15) | sautéed black trumpet mushrooms, thick cut noodles, soft poached egg, pickled golden beets, fried shallots    

HOUSE MADE TRUFFLES | vanilla jasmine, sesame, chili

This is one of those restaurants that makes you exclaim why did I not eat here sooner?!? Needless to say, I could really go for some of those pork buns right about now. This dinner was a standout. For your next date night, or to satisfy a ramen craving, East by Northeast is the spot.

East by Northeast

1128 Cambridge Street

Cambridge, MA 02139

*this meal was complimentary - all opinions are my own*