The B. Stands for Box
It should have been obvious. After three visits to B. Patisserie for in-store treats, we’ve always come home with a box of even more goodies. So of course, the “B” must stand for box.
hawaii
The Changing Profile of Ward
The Ward area in town continues to change Before the Ward Warehouse are is razed, here’s a shot of the changing profile that now includes high rises.
Starbucks Evenings on Oahu
Heh, I didn’t realize that there’s a Starbucks on Oahu featuring its Evenings Menu. Even though the Evening program has been officially cancelled, it still lives on across from Rumours in the Ala Moana Hotel.
The Evenings Program pairs alcohol offerings along with the coffee and espresso lineup with the idea of bringing in customers during the evenings. Although the program is cancelled, it sort of lives on in upscale Starbucks Roastery locations.
If you want to experience the Evenings experience, head on over to the lobby of the Ala Moana Hotel and look for the spacious Starbucks. I’m sure the lines get long when guests visit, but during (daylight) off hours, it’s a pleasant visit compared to the crowds in the mall locations.
Super Bowl Sunday at International Marketplace
Before the big game, we headed to the International Marketplace in Waikiki for some shopping. This was my first time back since that almost perfect night. But since then, the parking rates have been adjusted.
Two things I had not known before today. Crazy Shirts at the Marketplace has its own design for the shopping center.
Second, there’s morning yoga in the courtyard (and it was packed with practitioners).
I also had a few more revelations while shopping at Banana Republic. It seems the Japanese have a special mill from which fabric ideal for traveling is produced. This material dries quickly, is breathable, and is stretchy. Oh yes, it’s also expensive, but if you’re looking for clothes to travel in, BR and the Japanese have you covered (if you fit a slim fit).
I failed while taking this pic of an electrical outlet with USB ports to charge personal devices. What’s not captured in the image is the placement and surroundings of this outlet. Found in the dressing rooms of Banana Republic, this outlet is about eye level, and there’s a long but skinny shelf under it.
I scoffed when I first saw the outlet upon entering the room. How cute I thought, but who would really charge your smart phone while in the dressing room? Well, not me, but that shelf on the other hand… keys, wallet, sun glasses, and iPhone sat on the shelf while I tried stuff on (but not them slim fit travelers). So I could see upping your device’s battery percentage a few notches just because you can.
Lunch at Kona Grill was as expected with a Yelp rating of 3.5 stars. A Yelp check-in comes with a free starter or basic sushi roll so that was welcomed. The kids menu (for 12 and under) is by far the best deal. The $12 kids lunch comes with two sides that alone are filling and refills of drinks. My pasta dish took a very long time to come out, but it was good.
Kona Coffee Purveyors and b. patisserie continue to be bad influences. You can’t walk in without walking out with a box of goodies and a drink.
Next time we’re at the Marketplace, we’ll have to try out the new Flour and Barley Brick Oven Pizza. They have this awesome Mahalo sign near their entryway.
And yes, mahalo to the International Marketplace for a great morning on Super Bowl Sunday. Can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Signs of Hawaii: Beach
Recently in Kailua, I’ve seen a few of these kinds of signs posted on street posts.
Obviously, they are there to help out the tourists from Japan, but I don’t know who made and put them up. Nice job with the signs and demonstrating the Aloha spirit!
No Nespresso Recycling Service for Hawaii
Aw boo. Nespresso is advertising their recycling program for used Nespresso capsules. But this program is not available in Hawaii (or Alaska and U.S. territories).
Hmmm, the Williams-Sonoma in Ala Moana is listed as a recycling point where empty recycling bags can be picked up and full bags dropped off. I may have to look into this. At the very least, I have to remember to put the used capsules in the household blue recycling bin.
There’s a Shake Shack in Hawaii?!?
Wait, no… that’s not a Shake Shack. It’s just the rebranded Teddy’s Bigger Burger in Aiea. But that green trim and logo look awfully familiar.
On the other hand, I wouldn’t have known any better if I hadn’t recently visited a Shake Shack while in Washington DC and New York City.
Not sure what was wrong with the original Teddy’s colorful decor. I don’t mind the revamped look but just too close to Shake Shack for me.
Although I don’t mind the burned brand look on the tables.
The Aiea location is huge compared to other Teddy’s I’ve been to, but the burgers are still oh so good!
Signs of Hawaii: Say What? Chicken Butt!
I’m not quite sure what this sign is saying. I guess the message is don’t smoke here, but I’m not sure if the chickens have anything to do with it.
Snapchat Spectacles in Hawaii
When I first learned of the Spectacles dispensing machine making random appearances in California, I doubted it would ever come to Hawaii.
No way a @Spectacles vending machine makes it to Hawaii
— Gee Why (@geewhy) November 13, 2016
On the last day of 2016, I admit that I was wrong. Witness the Aloha Tower on New Year’s Eve.
— Spectacles (@Spectacles) January 1, 2017
Bravo Snapchat, bravo.
Kailua Cinemas Good Enough
The movie theaters in Kailua continue its renovation as Kailua Cinemas. Over the years, these theaters have changed names, most recently known as Water Garden that showed older movies at reduced prices. But the phase has begun with Kailua Cinemas featuring luxury reclining seats.
While the theater is open for business, the remodeling is still underway. Concessions is limited to popcorn and bottled soft drinks. No other food is available, and the fountain drink dispenser isn’t ready yet. The bathrooms are nice, but some walls need finishing. The main thing is the projection and (loud) sound system is working. And oh yes, the very red reclining seats are new. Just don’t touch any of the wires coming out of the walls. 😉
It’s a good thing UPS delivers hand rails.
UPS delivers!
Guessing the rail goes here
But hey, good enough. Can’t beat the convenience and $6 movies on Tuesdays.
Holiday Gift Guide 2016: Road Rage Defuzah
So the days are counting down to Christmas, and people’s anxieties are increasing. With extra crowded roadways, it’s even easier to encounter road rage. But this holiday gift can easily diffuse the tense situation. It’s the Road Rage Defuzah (yes, defuzah).
My Bad
Mahalo
One side of the sign says “Mahalo” while the other says “My Bad.” When you need to say thanks or acknowledge a poor driving decision, hold up the Defuzah for the driver behind you, and all’s good.
Unfortunately, the Road Rage Defuzah is currently limited in availability, and you need to be in the know in order to get one.
There’s a Chicken Problem When…
Newly paved sidewalk is already and permanently marked with chicken feet tracks.
