A daily mode of blended passion
From the monthly archives:
This is my favorite lookout! We have been trying to exercise more often and now walking up to the entrance of the Diamond Head crater from Waikiki. This view overlooks Kahala, Koko Head, Koko Crater, and the southeast part of the island. It’s a very pleasing view. I also have another favorite lookout, but that’s in Guam – Hilton Hotel overlooking Tumon Bay and Nikko Hotel. That’s another spectacular view! Below are photos on the way to Diamond Head.
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For the Memorial Day weekend, we both decided to explore the Honolulu Chinatown. Long ago, this small town in Downtown used to be glutted with bars, prostitution, drugs, and crimes. This has changed drastically as now we have more nice art galleries, exotic wine bars, and a safe environment to explore. Nothing is like Chinatown if don’t try Chinese dim sums. Went to Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant and ate $1.50 per plate dim sums. We also tried their favorite mango pudding. Later, it was the bargain shopping. Sorry, no dim sum photos…
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Tonight we had a nice Indian dinner with one of my oldest friends, Charlie Kao from Guam, at Bombay Restaurant in Discovery Bay Center (Waikiki / Ala Moana). I have known Charlie ever since our elementary years at Harvest Christian Academy, Father Duenas Memorial School, John F. Kennedy, and University of California at Irvine. We have a very long history of friendship even though he currently lives in California. He visited here for a week and really enjoyed the island, even though getting stuck at the rush hour H-1 traffic. His girlfriend, Young, is a good friend of my sister and his mother is always like a sister to my mother. Apparently, they both hang out together in Guam.
Charlie and myself doing the shaka!
Assorted Platter (appetizer): a delightful combination of Chicken Tikka, Palak Pakora, Seekh Kebab and Chicken 65.
L-R: Nan (a fine white flour bread) and Keema Nan (freshly baked bread stuffed with seasoned ground lamb and cilantro). Chicken Tikka Masala (charbroiled chunks of chicken cooked in chef’s secret blend of spices). Lamb Biryani (tender pieces of lamb cooked with finest basmati rice, flavored with mint). Chicken Tandoori (half spring chicken marinated overnight in yogurt, lemon juice and mild spices and then charbroiled in the tandoor oven.
Rasmalai (dessert) – homemade cottage cheese patties served in a saffron and cardamon flavored milk sauce. This was super sweet so you diabetic patients beware.
Overall, it was a good restaurant featuring Northern Indian flavor. All seats were full with the owner, Mr. Ashwani Ahuja, helping clean up the tables for new guests. For his age, I thought that was something – very kind fellow. Taste wise, I think spices could have been used more as the taste lacked flavor somewhat (50%)? When living in Bangladesh, I used to frequently visit my friend next door and eat the best Indian curry. Spices and flavor were incredible. I miss those days…
* Bombay Restaurant in Discovery Bay Center (map)
* 1778 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
* Tel: 808-942-3990
* Read critique here
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The island of Kauai has passed a bill that prohibits any commercial businesses needing more than 75,000 square feet of space. The limit stands at that mark drawing happiness as well as criticism from both sides. I believe “options” as a beneficial part of the economy and the people living there. Mom & Pop stores on Oahu are declining with new big-boxes. Take for example – Costco. This place is always packed with people shopping from the start till the end of business hours. Personally, we go here almost once a week to fill up gas; buy milk, eggs, water, and cereal. The product is much cheaper and better quality. When you get this kind of combination, it’s a competitive market. Everyone here knows the cost of living is expensive. The more options, the better we can save and enjoy life. Sorry to admit but we are not in the olds days anymore. Things are progressing quickly in this island.
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It has been a while since my last blog entry. Gomen nasai… Isogashii yo…
Anyway, today’s attention was the news from Guam about Japan committed to funding their military relocation to Guam for about $6 billion. That is quite a big chunk in addition to U.S. military moving in the near future. As you know, Guam is a place where mother nature plays a big part of life and for local businesses. Typhoons, earthquakes, power outages, divorce, homicides, etc… All the spikes make Guam a very challenging environment for any business. Will the military presence create more revenue? I truly believe so – a dynamic step forward economically!
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This afternoon, we went to Pearlridge Mall and captured this beautiful hula dancers performing at the center stage. Group of young ladies attracted visitors and friends with their dance and Hawaiian chants.
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Tonight, Mari invited us to her friend’s bbq party at Manoa Valley. There were about 30 people at the party enjoying the friendly conversation, the delicious steaks, spinach salads, desserts, and of course the drinks. Mari’s parents also joined us, and it was a nice experience for them. Her father is a funny man.
Throughout the night, I was glad to see a mix of various age groups, race and humor. It’s amazing that Hawaii has this uniqueness where no matter who you are, everybody blends together very well. We had local Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Filipino, and American. We also had university students, JAL employees, tele-communication specialists, tour agents, teachers, and not the least, a commercial real estate guy. We would like to thank John who organized the party for all of us!
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