North Shore...Overrated?

Where the surfers go to catch the swells and the tourists line up to eat garlic shrimp. The North Shore and the town of Haleiwe are picture perfect Hawaii, a blend of country and tourism.

Sunset over the marina

 

A quaint town with small local shops filled with trinkets, beautiful sunsets, beaches, and food trucks. The area has built up in the recent years along with the tourism...aka people. It's not just for Kelly Slater and Mason Ho (my newly Hawaii transplant sister's favorite surfer) anymore, but for shoppers, eaters and sand lovers. 

This is one of my favorite areas on Oahu. The drive alone along the east way is worth it. The area is legendary for it's monster waves in the winter that can make any being shiver in the power of the awesomeness. Treasures of beaches for surfing (recommend in the winter), paddling, snorkeling (recommend in the summer), and spotting honu turtle. The North Shore provides a little something for the young, old, adventurer, or comfort seeker. What it has come to be known for almost as much as the Pipeline is the food.

Giovanni's or Macky's? Two arguably best known of the many shrimp trucks that serve up peel and eat shrimp with a side of rice. Simple and $$$...bring cash. There are several food truck lots around the area filled with a variety of choices, but it's the garlic shrimp that draws the crowds. I have tried both of the trucks mentioned above. I have paid the $14-16 dozen shrimp plates costs and can say...overrated. Giovanni's had an off metallic taste and Mack's spicy is medium at best. Spend your money and food time at the Thai trucks. The best I have had is Elephant Truck. Located in back left corn in the lot across from Shark's Cover...good for snorkeling. Can be busy, but you can pre-order by phone. I recommend the Larb Gai. Yet to try, but high recommend by my "BFF" Laci is Haleiwa Bowls. Acai bowls are my current Hawaiian specialty obsession! Forget a poke bowl, acai bowls are the jam. And this is considered one of the best...I may need to just get in my car and go...maybe catch a wave too...haha if you know me you get the joke. The shrimp trucks are not the only overrated traps set by "foodies". I'd also add to that list Matsumoto Shave Ice...gasp! Yeah I am not alone here friends....I mean the line would say I am, but I am not. If you want sweet, find a bakeshoppe like Mimosa and while there paint a custom Hawaiian inspired wood sign from Simply Honey Bee Art . And while the Beach House has good food....priced for the location. I feel I can find cheaper, better food.

Beach House

So no THE North Shore is not overrate, but so far, exempt a few, the food has been over priced (YES I KNOW ITS HAWAII...not my first expensive destination location) and frankly taste and quality has been overrated. I think I'd vote the tourist are telling the tourists about where to be a tourist in the North Shore.  

Mason Ho's biggest fan...on the left

Bon Voyage!

Happy Hour

      As I get older and gain more responsibilities in life aka parenthood, I find that Happy Hour (HH) is called Happy Hour for a reason. Not only are the drinks and bites cheaper ...winning... but it's a calming time of day that we all need to take once in awhile. Plus with an infant, 3-6pm is some of the best behavior of the day! So Happy Hour is not only for the after workers, but parents getting to feel like adults even with their keiki (Hawaiian word for child) present. So my new favorite adventure these days is finding a good Happy Hour or some call it Aloha Hour here on the island. Two stand out thus far.

      Harbor Restaurant at Pier 38 is new in town as of this summer. Still working out the kinks and identity, but location and view is fantastic! Focusing on Spanish Brasa oven centered menu as a niche, you will find some interesting flavors. Happy Hour is currently 3-6pm daily. Beautiful cocktails or as they call them The Sip's come fairly strong and artfully prepared. You can tell the bar keep makes to give you a visual presentation along with flavor. Try the Sunset at sunset. Legit! Drinks are currently really the only thing discounted for their HH. No designated HH food menu at the present, was informed it's in the works. So instead you have the appetizer menu to order from. It's limiting in taste profile, but what is on it is good. Such as their Brasa Mushrooms with Egg. First you must like mushrooms, next you must love eggs, and third you must be obsessed with cheese. If you can say yes to that, order it! I found it unique and that makes me "happy". However regardless of the actual food and drinks, the view is worth it. They open their big bay windows at sunset...hello Hawaiian breeze!

 

   
      The second and current reigning champ is Monkeypod Kitchen out in the resort area of Ko Olina. Prefect day to catch rays at one of the beautiful lagoons then wonder over to Monkepod situated in the very nicely developing shopping and food center. You'll feel like you are just one of the vacationers on island. As their website states "it all started with a passion", you can tell they care about craft, fresh, and local foods. Happy Hour is from 3:30-5:30pm daily with live music and full on HH menu. Pizzas are 9 bucks and appetizers half off, oh except all the stuff with fancy seafood in it...those are still full price! Beer, wine and specialty cocktails are acceptable HH prices. Highly recommend the Pumpkin Patch Ravioli with their Maui Mule. Yep I have gone hipster and will drink a mule from time to time. Beyond good HH prices and good eats, the live music is OUTSTANDING! The hubby was so impressed he said we need to tip. I do nothing think I have heard him ever say "let's tip the musicians". The duo that was performing brought live music to the level we all wish. Not too loud that you cannot talk, not so quiet you could careless, enjoyable song selection with their personal touch to make it interesting and waiting to see what was up next.

      So if you haven't been feeling so happy, you just need to find the right hour!! Get out there! Kids, no kids, working, vacationing...go find a your happy place!! Bon Appetite!

One of these is not like the rest

Check them out!

http://www.harborpier38.com

http://www.monkeypodkitchen.com/ko-olina/happy-hour/

Seward, Alaska: A fishing town with great beauty

There are several places to must visit in Alaska. Most are for the beauty and the inspiring experience of nature and adventures for you to delight and capture you. Located at Mile 0 of the historic Iditarod Trail, you will find the unique and pure Alaska town of Seward. A city built on the Kenai Peninsula with a special sounding of mountains and water. It's beauty is a treasure to find and behold. Built in 1903 as port and transportation trail for the inner areas, Seward played a key role in the survival and growth of the state. Now still a major port for fishing, cruises, and wildlife and glacier boat tours, Resurrection Bay is a hob for life, breathtaking moments, and unforgettable sights. The Bay is the crown jewel of the area. On a prefect sunny day, the water is a transcending hues of green and blue that of which I have never seen before. It is the water that makes this place so special to me. While the green mountains show case a grand viewing and the town is oh so darling, the captivity water of the bay and Kenai Fjords will last in your memory forever.

THE BAY...THAT AMAZING WATER SURROUNDED BY MOUNTAINS

To visit Seward you have several ways to get there. The most unique and fun is either through a cruise or on the Alaska Railroad. I personally have driven and railed to Seward. I do highly recommend Gold Star Class on the rail as the way to go. The train ride from Anchorage to Seward is a relaxing and fabulous sight seeing 3.5 hrs. You can sit back in your reserved seat looking out a glass dome railcar to see glaciers, wildlife, rivers, and waterfalls. The train station in Seward is right at the beginning of the main street area. If you are coming in for a day cruise, you can walk from the station to the tour operators in about 10 minutes. If you plan to stay for just the day, it's a perfect way to go down for several hours to take a wildlife cruise, see Exit Glacier, charter a boat to fish, rent kayaks, hike Marathon Mountain, explore the Alaska Wildlife Center, leisurely stroll the main street for treats and trinkets or wonder the pebbly beach and watch otters float and flip. Seward is a place you can come for a day or stay a few. My personal recommendation is if you want to do more than one of the above mentioned give yourself two to three days to enjoy it all. While it's not a large town, it has a lot of gems and memories to enjoy. Do not rush it.

Otters near the bank

Train ride down

Seward is the prefect place to either camp or book a hotel. For the military there is Seward Military Resort. It's just outside of the main area of town. So if you ride down on the train you will need a taxi/shuttle to get there. You also have several yummy options for places to dine and drink. Seward, like many Alaskan towns, has their own brewery, the Seward Brewing Company. Maker sure to get the pretzel and cheese and cup coffee...with real cream. That's right, good brew is more than in the hops. Not sure it's anything special, but on that day it tasted prefect. Chinook's Waterfront Dining is as ideal as they come. Sits over the harbor, boat watching, see the fishermen fillet at lightening speed, and munch on classic Alaskan seaside foods. I had their Smoked Scallop Mac and Cheese. First it's GOOD, second, it's RICH, third if you like cheese and scallops GET IT, but do not order anything else HA! Other recommended places are Woody's Thai Kitchen and Resurrection Roadhouse (this is on the road as you drive to Exit Glacier).

Smoked Scallop Mac and Cheese

The view from Chinook's with Mom and Dad Kerr

I hope that when you get the chance to experience this gem on earth you have bright, blue skies because it makes a world of difference in embracing this place into your heart. Regardless Seward is a must must must place to see and explore. I hope you find it as enchanting as I do. Bon Voyage!

Enjoying the wildlife cruise and the beauty around

Glacier sighting

Crush Wine Bistro and Cellar....Europe meets Alaska

      A city stuck, but making moves out of the 1990s when it comes to food, architecture, and ambience, Anchorage does not boost or ooze uptown elegance, big city glam, or urban sophistication, but sprinkled through the city are touches of these desires and a little originality. Just a little place along the busy 6th Street in downtown Anchorage, Crush Wine Bistro and Cellar gives Anchorage a touch of European vibe to the Last Frontier. Advertising  "a huge variety of wines by the glass or bottle & shareable plates in an unpretentious atmosphere", they live up to this as a casual, but intimate spot for friends or romance. Crush is for those who like the ability to taste and enjoy, but not worry about over indulgence...well only if you want. As one of the few places around that does wine flights and small plates aka tapas, Crush makes you feel like you can relax, infuse and share your time and thoughts with the people at your table. I recommend the Up from the Ashes wine flight and A MUST eat is their Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Israeli Cous Cous. Seriously delish with feta cheese and pita to pull it all together! A great, simple starter is the Artisan bread with plugra and tapenade. It's fresh, comforting, and exactly what makes you feel like you are in a European city bistro and starting a good conversation. Crush has it's normal, but also seasonal and special features that help to keep you intrigued and introduced to new things.

      It's one of those places that has the ability to be what you want it to be. You can chill at the bar,   cozy up in a corner table, or sit outside to bask in the mid-night sun. Have a date night, after work drink, a girls' night out, a kindle and self, or pop in to grab a glass of wine and cheese plate on your way through a progressive dinner downtown. I am sure so many have driven by not noticed or thought to go, but never do or like me does not go often enough. Crush is one of my top pick restaurants. So next time I go, come with and lets have a bottle of Melbec and order the Lamb Meatballs and the Motherboard. Bon Appetit!

http://crushak.com/

Suite 100 Restuarant, Bar and Lounge

I have to remind myself sometimes where I am when I do my critiques on Anchorage restaurants and adjust the expectations. So if I put myself in those shoes, then Suite 100 is one of Anchorages' front running best in town restaurants. However, I do not care where a restaurant is located...it can still be world class, memorable, top notch in flavor, ambiance, and experience no matter how big, small, casual, fancy, near or far it is. A restaurant does not have to be in a big city or a prime location to be simply GOOD.

Ok here it is...if you are looking for a dinning experience that is nice and adequate then Suite 100 is the place for you. Located in south Anchorage off Dimond (not DiAmond) in a nice shopping strip area. The ambiance is trying for an uptown vibe as a bar lounge emphasis on wine. With an extensive menu and pricing ranging from $11 for a burger or sandwich to $36 for a pound of Alaskan King Crab. You will also receive a large special menu. As noted on their website, they want to give options "for every taste". OK this is my first critic...large menu is a sign that nothing is done to perfection...because there are too many things to think about as chef in the kitchen. Yes I get that it's a "larger" restaurant that may have the staff to handle many orders, but regardless I would suggest they reign in the menu and work to make signature dishes with a few specials for the week. They should keep the variety and the options...but there are a few menu items that can be cut and focus can be brought in. It's an easy thing to do and this will allow the kitchen to get a more solid handle on their menu and perfecting their dishes. Because at this time...the food is descent, but not mind blowing. And I eat out to make me think about it the next day.

I have been twice now. Each time I left filled and...adequate. First time I started with the steam clams and mussels. They were cooked just right and the simple spiced wine and garlic broth connected well with the clams and mussels. I would have liked a bit more garlic in the broth...just a bit more punch in the spice and the dish will be a full hit and become a never not order dish.  For my entrée I ordered from the regular menu the Island Flank Steak. Good Pacific island flavor of soy-ginger mixed with pineapple and the steak was cooked just how I asked. That is a huge plus for them. The second time I had tried to ordered for a starter their popular Lamp Lollipops, but they ARE popular and were sold out. For my entrée, I went off the special menu and got their Filet Trio. Each came with a different compliment such as over cooked and creamed wild mushroom risotto ( love a good risotto so I was severally disappointed), perfect Yukon mash potatoes (praise God), and forgettable steamed veggies. Besides the perfect mash potatoes there are two things that were bravo, the steaks were seasoned well and cooked exactly as I asked and the shrimp that topped my filet was EXCELLANT...make a dish from that, please! Overall, the flavors and potions are good. Basically Suite 100 has high and down the middle notes. Which in my opinion is a great review for an Anchorage restaurant, BUT not for a restaurant that is trying to be a culinary hot spot.

Suite 100 is...just there right now. They have some good dishes that are just waiting to become great. They have a location just waiting to be tapped into a center for foodies. They have the space and the potential to do more events, such as tastings, pairing dinners, and food classes. And they have a menu just waiting to be pulled in so they can focus in doing well on the dishes and not be just adequate. Because Suite 100 is a good place for group dinners, girls' night out, a casual date night, or a working dinner. BUT it also has the ability with it's uptown vibe and clear desire to reach culinary summits to be an innovating, on the trend restaurant that can go from nice and acceptable to THE place in town to get a glass of wine and meal that will make you want to come back over and over. Right now they are just a player in the game, not the game maker.


Ok now get out there and find your favorite meal! Bon Appetit!   

The Staples of Anchorage

When you think Alaska food you most likely think...Alaskan King Crab, Salmon or Halibut. Pretty much a seafood heaven...as does the world think. While this is true(ish) the staples are NOT these. Truth be told, there really is not a restaurant that has the claim on best seafood in town. Sure we have Simon and Seafort's tasty crab and macadamia nut stuffed halibut dish...but the best seafood in Alaska is the fresh out of the water kind that you catch and take home to make at your pleasure. Or buy at a good market like New Sagaya's Market (Anchorage). If you come to Anchorage you will quickly find that what runneth plenty and legit are...Beer, Pizza and COFFEE. These are the true Anchorage staples. You can throw a stone and hit one or all three.

Coffee:

Coffee shops and kiosk are present on most main roads and in every shopping center. While I am Sbux barista forever in my heart and do like their coffee, the local beans are quite good. I have been on a "tough" journey to find the best cappuccino in town. I randomly choose this as my new drink of desire since moving here (I console in coffee to help through the dark winter). No real clue why cappuccino...but I just walked into a coffee shop started ordering classic with a sugar in the raw. I have not crowned my queen of caps yet, but I have had a few memorable ones. Red Chair (downtown Anchorage), Snow City (downtown Anchorage), Café Del Mundo (near midtown), and my current favorite from the Iron Horse Express (a kiosk in Eagle River). My full CAP report to come in a later post. There are several talented local coffee places. While the "king" in many’s opinion is Kaladi Brothers Coffee, I humbly, a mon avis, disagree.  I find their coffee too earthy for my buds. I like a sweeter more rounded flavor.  LOVE the Grind in Girdwood. They roast amazing coffee. I'll have a full post on that down to earth, whole in the “mountain” ski town to come as well. BUT regardless of preference and taste...the warmth of joe is everywhere in this cold tundra. So you are never far from sipping your body into comfort during the long winter nights or some extra zap for fishing under the midnight sun. Seriously, I have never drank so much coffee in my life…even while working at sbux for over 3 years.

Pizza:

One of the best, most visited and know restaurants in the state is Moose's Tooth, which is a pub and pizzeria. Two birds with one stone. As for their pizza, they have a great variety of tasteful, unique, Alaska influenced, and dynamic pizzas to go along with their own brewed beers. All worth the wait that you may find at high times and season. Seriously....so good. My personal favorite is the Meatball Parm sans green peppers with a pint of the Hard Apple Ale. I am not a beer drinker by trade, but this ale is pretty darn good. Moose's Tooth's cousin Bear Tooth Theater is awesome. You can order pizza, a beer, and watch a movie ($4) in the theater! Along with both of these great places to grab a slice or pie, the other honorable mentionable are family-friendly Pizza Man in Eagle River and for the uptown thin crust want-to-be-a-little-more-trendy you can check out a relatively new restaurant in downtown Anchorage called Fat Ptarmigan (trivia fact: A Willow Ptarmigan is the state bird). Both have worthy pizzas to stop by and try.  

Beer:  

Like Beer? Move here! With 21 (irony??) or so brewery in the state and most in Anchorage, you can find all the hops, ales, stouts, brews you want. With a range from local craft to commercially sold, there is beer for all beer connoisseurs. Each has a significant flare to their name and quality.  Award winning Alaskan Brewing Company (Juneau) is perhaps the most well known and one of the few Alaskan craft brews that is distributed outside of Alaska. Anchorage Brewing Company (Anchorage), pictures included are from their new location’s smash hit opening weekend, focuses on “barrel fermentation with brettanomyces and souring cultures”. They have distinctive profiles, such as using hibiscus. Tasting room open Wednesday through Sunday 2-8pm. And if you are like a little paint with beer then head to Palmer’s Arkose where you can paint and drink together. You can make a road trip visiting the breweries and you will see a lot of the beauty and best of the state along the drive. So not a bad way to enjoy Alaska! Sights and sips ;)

SOOOO…This is a just the surface to the staples, but to really get to know them you have to come and explore, get out and check out, live and eat! Alaska may not be a “foodie” destination for the high end or really for diversity, BUT what is done is done well and it’s growing. They still have a sense of being in the 90s/early 2000s and not completely up to speed with the trends of today and tomorrow, but for it being the last frontier, we are not going hungry…not even close. Slainte to the staples of Alaska! Bon Appetit!

Brit and I at Anchorage Brewing Company's opening.

The samples

Anchorage Brewing Company

My Editor...seriously all writing mistakes can be blamed on him.

I am BACK and in the Last Frontier

Hello for my first Alaska post!!! I have been craving to come back to my blogging! Now having been in Alaska for over a year, I have FINALLY arrived back online to start talking Mon Avis on it's food life and travel adventures. I truly do miss my Charleston food scene and nothing can compare, but as I lasted posted, food can be found anywhere and a food experience is about you making it one. I cannot wait to share my thoughts on the Last Frontier.

I will be making posts about restaurants, the local cuisine, food events and also NOW will be including travel. I will talk tips, locations, getaways and experiences. I may also have a few special posts on my out of state explores. I truly do hope to give you insight on where to go and what to eat. So Bon Appetite and Bon Voyage into Alaska!