Happy Birthday, Nobu Waikiki!

Nobu Waikiki celebrated it's 1st birthday on Thursday. Nobu-san himself was in attendance. I love that guy. I fanned out over him last year at the opening (see photo above). And I'm not the type to ask celebrities if  I can take a picture with them. I like to pretend that I don't see them or know who there are. Just last weekend, we had a John Mayer sighting at Sansei, and I was trying to pretend he wasn't there (not an easy feat, believe me). I didn't get another photo with Nobu this time around, but I did eat some yummy, yummy food. The signature hamachi sashimi with ponzu and jalapeno is my favorite. The miso butterfish and crispy shrimp are also delicious. The photos here may not do these dishes justice, so I've included Flash and Ali enjoying their dessert. 

Bliss, Bliss

Join Riches Kahala and SMART Magazine for an exclusive Bliss Lau Trunk Show on Friday, May 30th from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM at Kahala Mall. Meet Bliss and receive 10% off Bliss Lau bags and belts. If you bring a donation for the Children's Alliance (school supplies like pens, book bags, notebooks, etc.), receive 20% off your purchase. Enter to win a Bliss Lau bag when you make a purchase at Riches Kahala during the event. SMART loves Bliss–her handbags feature unique construction, handcrafted details, and the best quality materials. Her latest collection features the Anagram bag, a functional carryall that comes in three sizes, with straps that can covert into a tote, hobo, or cross-body style. Genius.

Peace Is Not The Word To Play

Na Lei Aloha Foundation celebrated diversity, harmony and peace at a luncheon at the Sheraton Waikiki on Tuesday. This celebration included music performances by Amy Hanaiali'i, Keola Beamer, Raiatea Helm and Colbie Caillat. Yep, the "Bubbly" girl (that's her in the middle). Sorry about the picture; we were way in the back... Her band included two local boys–the one on the right is Tim Fagan (brother of my classmate!). The message of the day: connect with others at any level, and through our diversity, we can create harmony and peace. Sing with me! "It starts in my toes..."

Babies Love 3-Ways

I had my nephew for a couple of hours last week. It was Friday afternoon, he was fussy, there was traffic...so I took him to a place that always makes me feel better about the world: Neiman's. Upon entering, the same aura of calm that I experience the moment my feet hit the other side of the door seemed to overcome little Sammy. The lighting, the smells, the gorgeous clothes...soon Sam was browsing right along with me, flipping through the racks like a seasoned shopping veteran. When we hit the dressing room, he was even more enthralled. The 3-way mirror worked magic. He got to stare at himself times 3. Luckily, he was able to pause long enough to approve the blue ruffled Pegah Avarian top I ended up purchasing. It was his favorite.

Where My Dogs At?!

On Friday, we attended the WHITE Gala Benefit for the Hawaiian Humane Society at Fishcake. Everything was white–from the food and drinks to the artwork on the walls (featuring local contemporary artists). There was also an auction of original pet furniture pieces created by local artists. All for a good cause. And if you haven't checked out Fishcake, the new home furniture showroom and boutique in Kakaako, you must.

Fishcake, 307c Kamani Street, 593-1231

C.R.E.A.M. Pot!

Walking into Cream Pot is like walking into a shabby-chic-country-kitchen-fairy-tale dream. Take a look around and you'll see old egg crates, kitchen utensils, baking pans, bread boxes, watering cans and troll-sized wooden doors on the walls leading to who-knows-where. Spencer and I were so excited about the menu that we had a hard time deciding, but I opted for Set C (baked eggs with bacon, toast, and banana crepe) and he got Set A (ahi carpaccio eggs benedict with rice cakes, avocado, and shiso, and strawberry crepe). We both agreed that this meal was possibly the best breakfast we ever had in our entire lives. And we have so much more to try on the menu–other versions of eggs bennie and baked eggs, savory crepes and omelets. And by the way, my Valhrona iced chocolate was perfect.

Cream Pot, Hawaiian Monarch Hotel, 444 Niu Street, 429-0945

Chibo, Chibo, Y'all...

If you're ever in Waikiki, eat at Okonomiyaki Chibo. Last night, I got choose-you-own yakisoba with bacon, scallops and veggies (aspara, kabocha, carrots, zucchini, cabbage). Look at all those delicious bonito flakes. Ted got okonomiyaki (house special, Chibo). Oh, it was so good that I wanted to order another plate. Don't be scared of Waikiki; they validate.

Okonomiyaki Chibo, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, 2201 Kalakaua Avenue, 922-9722 

You Can't Play With My Fro-Yo

Who cares about Pinkberry? We have Fro-Yo! Stop by, say hi to Erin and get some frozen yogurt or if you're me, get an acai bowl. The best part about Fro-Yo's acai bowl besides the granola, honey, blueberries, bananas, and strawberries? A little bit of frozen yogurt at the top. If acai is not your thing, just get frozen yogurt (tons of flavor choices that change regularly like pistachio, green tea, toasted coconut, almond, and chocolate peanut butter) or smoothies. Best thing about Fro-Yo is that it's low-calorie and no-guilt. Don't ask me to prove it.

Fro-Yo,  1461 South King Street, 951-0187

When Are We Getting One Here?

Geren Ford and Urban Outfitters? Oh, stop. I'm really excited about Hawks, the collaboration between these two. Geren Ford is gorgeous--but pricey. Add Urban Outfitters to the equation, and the price drops, but the high-style stays. I want this camisole top for sure, in all 3 colors! OK, maybe not. Wouldn't Urban Outfitters be perfect at, like, Beachwalk or something? Or smack dab on Kalakaua somewhere? It'd be the best in Chinatown, but that might be a hard sell. Whole Foods, Target, Victoria's Secret, H&M...c'mon Urban Outfitters! You belong here!

10 Days and Counting...

It's almost here! Can you stand it? I can't. And there are scenes from the movie online! So if you want a sneak peek, and don't care about spoilers, check them out on YouTube. Or go to New York Magazine's site and see them all at once.

Gotta Love This

I've always thought these slogan graphic T's were funny...they're so random. This one is at Old Navy now. I love it that someone may buy this and wear it and think that they're actually representing this Hawaii-based record label in Waianae...

Check The Technique

I love Marlena Shaw's "California Soul," and it's bananas to hear it during every commercial break (Dockers ad) during the NBA Playoffs. Do you know how many people are hearing this song for the first time? A lot. And that's a good thing. It makes me think of my favorite hip-hop group of all time. I want to believe it's a bit of an homage to Premier to use the original song he sampled in the commercial; I'm imagining that the guy/girl at the ad agency was a huge Gang Starr fan. But I'm not gonna buy Dockers stuff. 

I Got To Have It

What a great day. Red Sox beat Brewers! (When did TBS start showing non-Braves games?!) Paul Pierce beats Lebron James! (Yes, I'm a bandwagon Celtics fan for the Finals.) Lunch at Wahoo's with Jen! (Hi Ara, Andrew, Aly and Aaron. Oh my god, all your names start with "A.") Record and book digging at Jelly's Town on Coral Street! (The Clash "Combat Rock" album with Futura 2000-handwritten liner notes, Redhead Kingpin & The F.B.I. "Pump It Hottie," Jody Watley "Don't You Want Me" and "The Hill That's Real" featuring Lil' Fame before M.O.P.) Shopping at Exclusive on Kapiolani! (I had to have these earrings.) Peace to Boston and Ed O.G.

One (Piece) Love

I love anything that is a one-piece: rompers, jumpers, overalls, leotards, jumpsuits, unitards, etc. Basically anything that makes going to the bathroom a major decision is a fashion lust for me. This spring denim jumper from Mayle is on my wish list. And by that I mean that I wish I will be able to get in on sale when I visit her store on Elizabeth Street in New York City this summer.

Loco 4 Choco Flakes

I am craving Choco Flakes, one of the most delicious snacks of all time. My amigo Dan gave me a few bags in New York during my last visit (they are available at JAS Mart on St. Marks). I have asked Donki (a.k.a. Don Quijote) to please carry this item. Maybe this blog will help my campaign to get Choco Flakes to Hawaii. Thanks Sean and Erina for bring me back a bag from Japan. Maybe the new Japanese market that is opening at Puck's Alley, Nijiya Market will carry Choco Flakes... 

In The Mix Mix

Congratulations Mix Mix! The second location of the boutique (the first location is on Bethel Street downtown) is open on Kapiolani Boulevard (at the corner of Keeaumoku in the building on the mauka/ewa corner). Find Dries Van Noten (Spring 08 is to die for), Superfine, McQ (already bought a top), Diane von Furstenberg and more at this well-edited boutique. Great accessories–jewelry pieces, shoes and scarves, too. Maria says they are still awaiting shipments from more brands. And bonus–they have a selection for guys. The opening night event was lovely, complete with DJ, champagne, chocolate and strawberries. 

(Pearlridge) Uptown Anthem

Had dinner at Kuru Kuru tonight and decided to go across the street to Pearlridge to go to Forever 21. (Yay!) But to my surprise, this is what I found. (Ugh!) But I cruised through Sephora. (I do like Marc Jacobs' Pear scent!) And I saw official Jabbawockeez shirts at Razor Concepts. (Whoa!) Bye bye Pearlridge. See you soon.

Brush On You

I took care of some cleaning yesterday, including cleaning my makeup brushes. How do you guys clean your makeup brushes? I always want to buy makeup brush cleaner products (I know Clinique and Sephora make them), but I never do. I guess I'm happy using just soap and water, sometimes shampoo. Yay, clean brushes. 

Blueprint

GroundUP presented their first show of 2008, and as always it was a full-sensory experience to share and explore the potential and power of art and creativity in all forms. I try hard to make it to their events to see what's happening on an artistic level in Hawaii. And every time I go, I'm blown away. Blueprint featured DJs, food, live mural painting (!), art displays, live photoshoots, fashion (by La Pistil), and more. Best $5 bucks I spent all week. Peace to the two guys in the hallway discussing ATCQ's The Low End Theory, song by song. 

Go LUXi, It's Your Birthday!

Happy Birthday LUXi! Ala Moana Center's LUXi celebrated it's one-year birthday with a party–DJ, food, fashion show and fun. Congrats girls! Check out a huge selection of clothing and accessories–Revolver, Colcci, Taverniti, Voom and Sky. I'm going back for those feather earrings...

A to Z-Trip

Z-Trip is an amazing DJ. And he was here at Next Door on Thursday. He's no stranger to Hawaii; I think I've seen him three times since I've moved back to Hawaii. I still listen to Uneasy Listening (his mix with DJ P using records) and shake my head in awe and think, "This mix is bananas! Bananas!" Hi Lorrie! 

Who needs an iron suit when you've got Christian Loubutins?

I saw Iron Man last night. It was awesome, as expected. But one of the best parts of the movie to me was Gwyneth Paltrow's turn as billionaire munitions czar Tony Stark's loyal, efficient, brainy-without-being-dorky assistant, Pepper Potts. She's not the obvious choice for a huge summer action comic book-inspired blockbuster, but she was great. And her wardrobe? Perfection. Pencil skirts, fitted tops (Gwyneth with subtle cleavage? It totally worked.), and some of the most amazing shoes (Louboutins, most of them). And everything was black, save for the dangerously low-backed, silk charmeuse, periwinkle blue number she wore in the scene where her boss realizes she's not just assistant material. Some of my favorite scenes include Pepper traipsing through rubble in 4-inch heels, helping Tony Stark/Iron Man save the world. Proof that behind every great man is great women...in a pair of super hot shoes.