Author

Dianne de Las Casas’ ALA 2011 New Orleans Food & Drink Guide

by Dianne on June 23, 2011

Fried Green Tomatoes with Remoulade Sauce

Friends:

Because I live here in New Orleans, everyone has been asking me for my New Orleans Food and Drink recommendations. These are places where my family and I have dined. I categorized the establishments by locality. This is a quick and dirty list. You can Google the addresses and directions.

If you want to visit a great food museum, visit the Southern Food and Beverage Museum in the Riverwalk, at the end of the Food Court. (They carry Kid Chef Eliana’s cookbook, Eliana Cooks! Recipes for Creative Kids). They have an incredible exhibit of New Orleans Foods and sell lots of New Orleans cookbooks in their gift store.

Mid-City Rock and Bowl is a great New Orleans experience, especially on the weekend, where they have live bands with zydeco and Cajun dancing. It gets crowded.

If you go to the French Market, there is a section of outdoor food stalls in the newly renovated Farmer’s Market and the food is quite good! We love Alberto’s Cheese and Cooyon’s Cajun Cooking.

If you want a more authentic music scene, stay off Bourbon Street and venture to Frenchman Street. You will catch live bands playing jazz, blues, rock, and all kinds of music. Bars line Frenchman so it’s easy to barhop between places.

If you are looking for club dancing try The Masquerade Bar at Harrah’s (more of a mixed crowd and Sat is best), Republic, Metro, and Ampersand. Republic and Metro are located in the Warehouse District. Harrah’s is adjacent to the Hilton Riverside.

If you happen to see a Snowball stand, stop!! These flavored shaved ice treats are a New Orleans specialty. And yes, so is the “drive-through” Daiquiri shop. They’re cold too… LOL

Enjoy The Big Easy and live to eat!

Disclaimer: This is by no means a comprehensive list. These are off the top of my head and I probably missed a bunch. New Orleans is full of incredible dining establishments so chances are, you’ll have a great meal nearly every where you eat (except at the Convention Center).

Key:
$ $$ $$$ – inexpensive to pricey
RR – Reservations recommended
B/BR/L/D – Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch/Dinner

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT/CBD
The warehouse district is where the Ernest Morial Convention Center is located.

The American Sector – A casual restaurant by John Besh at the National WWII Museum. Very close to the Convention Center.
L/D
$$

Besh Steak at Harrah’s Casino – John Besh’s restaurant. The fries are fried in duck fat. Mouth-watering. Enough said.
D only
RR
$$$

Cochon – This is Donald Link’s restaurant, located in the Warehouse District. He takes Cajun cuisine to another level. The cochon (roast pork) is tender and tasty, a specialty.
L/D
RR
$$$

Drago’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar – Drago’s is famous for its char-grilled oysters. New Orleanians swear by them, my hubby included. It gets crowded. There is now a location at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.
L/D
$$

Emeril’s Restaurant – I love the food and service here. Located in the Warehouse District, this is truly upscale New Orleans cuisine. Because of its high profile, you may have to eat very early or very late if you haven’t already made a reservation.
L – Mon-Fri D – daily
RR
$$$

Gordon Biersch – This is a chain, not local, but I mention it because the food is pretty good (fried artichoke hearts with garlic aioli, please) and it’s adjacent to Harrah’s, right by the Convention Center. Also, you don’t need reservations.
L/D
$$

Liborio – Cuban cuisine. I love their croquettas. Consistently good. Great for lunch.
L/D
$$

Lil Dizzy’s Cafe – Stuck downtown and want some crispy, juicy fried chicken? Lil Dizzy’s is the place. The downtown location is in the old Whitney Bank building, which gives the restaurant a unique atmosphere. It’s like grandma serving you comfort food in a marble palace.
B/L daily BR – Sun
RR
$$

Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant – This is a place where the locals hang out, eat, and drink. You can often find them spilling out onto Tchoupitoulas Street. Nachos are good as are the burgers.
L/D
$

Mother’s Restaurant – There is always a line outside this restaurant because their reputation spreads far and wide. I am a big fan of Mother’s “Debris” po-boy. I LOVE this sandwich. It’s the part of the roast beef that falls into the gravy. OMG. The “Ferdie” is also very popular, which adds ham. They don’t accept reservations so there is no way around the line, unless you are an employee. Oh, and don’t expect Southern hospitality. They will yell at you if you don’t move. Look at the menu beforehand and know what you want. But the po-boys are worth it, IMHO.
B/L/D
$$

Rambla – Tapas and Spanish/French influenced food. Delicious! Plus, they have reasonably priced wines by the bottle.
B/L/D – No lunch Sat or Sun
$$

RioMar – Adolfo Garcia is the chef/proprietor of this warehouse district restaurant and a friend of Kid Chef Eliana! The seafood is fresh and the food is infused with a Latin flavor. Delicioso!
L – Mon-Fri D – Mon-Sat
RR
$$$

Rock-N-Sake of New Orleans – If you like sushi and loud music, here you go! The atmosphere buzzes and the great thing is that it’s open until midnight on weekends and you don’t need reservations!
L – Fri D – Tues-Sun
$$$

Tommy’s Wine Bar – Tommy’s is an elegant wine bar located in the warehouse district. There is often a jazz trio playing. It’s sexy and elegant and a great place for conversation.
D
$$

Ugly Dog Saloon – Daily specials, BBQ pork, burgers, baked potatoes, chili. A great inexpensive lunch place.
L/D
$

W.I.N.O. (Wine Institute New Orleans) – This is one of my favorite wine bars. All the wines are on an enomatic system, which is like getting any wine you want on tap. They serve cheeses, pates, and tapenades. They close at midnight.
D
$ – $$$

FRENCH QUARTER

ACME Oyster House – A famous New Orleans establishment, known for their freshly shucked oysters. There is often a line.
L/D
$$

Antoine’s Restaurant – Since opening in 1840, Antoine’s has become New Orleans establishment. The restaurant is historic and the interior is like visiting a Mardi Gras museum – breathtaking! I love their incredible Pommes de Terre Souffle’ – puffed potatoes – and their alligator soup topped with sherry is divine. You definitely need reservations.
L/D – Mon-Sat BR – Sun
RR
$$$

Bayona – A Susan Spicer restaurant. Fine dining with excellent food and service.
L/D
RR
$$$

Brennan’s Restaurant – The Brennans are New Orleans Restaurant Royalty. Their classic turtle soup is a specialty and is to die for. They invented Bananas Foster.
B/L/D
RR
$$$

Cafe Du Monde – Established in 1862, this New Orleans classic on Jackson Square is open 24 hours a day, year-round, except for Christmas. If you haven’t had beignets and cafe’ au lait (coffee with milk), you haven’t tasted New Orleans. Those square, nearly hollow fried doughnuts covered in powdered sugar are heaven-sent and come three to an order. But be forewarned – don’t wear black. You’ll be sorry you did if the wind blows or you laugh. ;) There are now other locations but there’s nothing like having a beignet at the original, historic site.
B/L/D/late night
$

Cafe Giovanni – Chef Duke is a friend and his food is exquisite. Italian food is given a facelift with New Orleans influences. Delectable. He has an early bird (5:30-7pm) three course special for $35.
D only
RR
$$$

Cafe Maspero - Inexpensive and good, this is a place for the hungry. Seafood platters are piled high. There is almost always a line and they take cash only.
L/D
$

Country Flame – I am biased because this restaurant is owned by good friends. It is definitely a “hole-in-the-wall.” It’s cheap but the food tastes great. Try the Ropa Vieja or the Cuban Sandwich. The mojitos are made with mint grown in our friend’s garden!
L/D
$

Court of Two Sisters – This restaurant is well-known for their Sunday Jazz Brunches. They have a lovely courtyard and brunch is served buffet style. Good food for a buffet. The atmosphere is fun.
BR/L/D
RR
$$$

Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse – Delicious, tender steaks. Soleil fell in love with escargot here.
L – Fri only D – daily
RR
$$$

Irene’s Cuisine – Simply one of the best restaurants in New Orleans, hands down. It’s small and intimate and locals frequent the place. Steaks melt in your mouth and their meatballs are the best I’ve ever had. Irene’s is a Creole Italian restaurant. There is always a wait, even when you have a reservation. It’s that good. But there’s a waiting area and access to drinks. Mingle and make new friends.
D – Mon-Sat
RR
$$

K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen – The food and service are great. K-Paul invented the blackening technique. I love his Magic Seasoning Blend. You’ll love their paper tablecloth, full of recipes. If you want to tear a piece, just tell your server. He’ll give you a fresh section that is not stained or wet. LOL It’s a famous place and you’ll need reservations.
L – Thurs-Sat D – Mon-Sat
RR
$$$

Muriel’s Jackson Square – This elegant restaurant overlooks Jackson Square. It’s a romantic and perfect setting for that idyllic French Quarter dinner. The food is delicious. Try the bone-in pork chop with their sweet potatoes. Slurp.
L/D BR – Sun
RR
$$$

Palace Cafe’ – A Dickie Brennan restaurant, this is one of my favorite places to dine with out of town friends. It’s fine dining in a casual atmosphere so you don’t have to get gussied up. They invented the white chocolate bread pudding. Yes, you MUST have it. Their grits and grillades is amazing.
L – Mon-Sat D – daily BR – Sun
RR but you can walk in (you’ll probably have to wait but there is a bar).
$$$

Port of Call – This restaurant is at the edge of the French Quarter on Esplanade. They have BIG, juicy burgers. There is often a line. That’s how good they are.
L/D
$$

Praline Connection – Technically, this restaurant is located in the Fabourg Marigny, just outside the French Quarter but it’s really walking distance from the Quarter. If you want comfort soul food, this is the place! Their greens are “hush yo mouth” good! And they have gator sausage bites.
L/D
$$

GARDEN DISTRICT/UPTOWN
St. Charles is where the street car line runs. There are tons of great restaurants in the picturesque Garden District.

Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro – The food at Cheesecake Bistro is very good. Not fine dining but a place where families go. There is valet parking.
L/D
$$

The Creole Creamery – If you LOVE ice cream, this is the place!! I love their Creole Cream Cheesecake Ice Cream. OMG.
L/D
$ – cash only

The Delachaise – This is one of my favorite places to go for little bites and wine. They specialize in wine and beer and have an great selection. The menu is truly gourmet at incredibly affordable prices. I’m hungry thinking about their steak bruschetta… Great for late night!!! Kitchen closes at 1am.
L – Fri-Sun, D and late night
$

Domilise’s Po-Boys – If you want a po-boy, this is the place. It’s hole-in-the-wall that has been featured on the Food Network. Chefs eat here. There is almost always a line.
L and early D (except Thurs & Sun)
$

Emeril’s Delmonico – Emeril’s most upscale establishment in New Orleans. Expect to empty your pockets but the food is delicious!
L – Mon-Fri D – daily
RR
$$$

Gott Gourmet Cafe – Gourmet food at blue collar prices. We love the food here. Brunch and lunch are divine. Mmmm!
BR – Sat-Sun L – Tues-Sun D – Tues-Sun
$

Hoshun Restaurant – This Asian restaurant, located on St. Charles, is a great place for large groups and late night dining. The food is great and it’s not pricey.
L/D/late night
$$

Houston’s Restaurant – I love their prime rib sandwich. Their spinach salad with hot bacon dressing is off the chain. Good steaks.
L/D
$$$

La Crepe Nanou – This is a restaurant that specializes in delicious crepes. It’s a place where locals dine.
D
$$

Salu – I LOVE this Spanish/tapas restaurant. Grab lots of little bites and share. The wine is great and the restaurant is pretty. There is limited outdoor dining as well.
L/D late night on Fri-Sat
RR
$$

Slice – My favorite pizza place! You can buy pizza by the slice for $3.75! I love their prosciutto and gorgonzola pizza topped with fresh arugula. Their nosh plate is great too. Loud music, casual atmosphere.
L/D
$

Sucre’ – If you love desserts and confections, you will love Sucre’. This is a dessert-only destination on Magazine Street for those who appreciate decadence and art. Chef Tariq Hannah won TLC’s The Ultimate Cake-Off and has baked on Paula Deen’s show. Be prepared for the sugar rush and the intense feeling of happiness that follows! We LOVE LOVE LOVE Sucre’!
B/L/D
$

OFF THE BEATEN PATH (YOU NEED A CAR OR TAXI)
Dooky Chase – Leah Chase is a New Orleans favorite and an accomplished cookbook author. On top of that, she is an absolute sweetie pie and strolls through her dining room, talking to customers. She cooks stick to your ribs Creole comfort food. Delish! A must-dine if you have a car!
L – Tues-Fri only
RR
$$

Elizabeth’s – We LOVE breakfast at Elizabeth’s!! It’s a quaint house and you feel like you are dining at Grandma’s but with a bit of gourmet flair. Yum!
B/L – Tues-Fri D- Tues-Sat
$$

Katie’s Restaurant & Bar – They are famous for their “barge” sandwich. Talk about overstuffed! Their pizza is nom-nom worthy too.
L – Mon-Sat D – Tues-Sat BR – Sun
RR
$$

La Peniche – One of my favorite New Orleans eateries! They are open 24 hours and serve delicious food with a gourmet bend. And you’ll love the prices! Located in the Fabourg Marigny, this is a great place to eat at any hour of the day. :)
B/L/D – Tues-Thurs
$

Mimi’s in the Marigny – This is a dive bar located in the Fabourg Marigny, not far from the French Quarter. But they serve incredible Spanish tapas! Be prepared to eat, standing at the bar.
D/late night
$

Nine Roses – This restaurant is on the West Bank, across the Crescent City Connection bridge. It’s in Gretna and is my favorite Vietnamese restaurant. I have been eating here for years! I love their bo nuong vi, slices of thin lemongrass and sesame beef you grill yourself and then wrap in rice paper with lettuce, basil, mint, pickled radishes and carrots, and then dip in nuoc mam (peppered fish sauce). Accommodates large groups.
L/D (closed Wed)
$$

Parkway Tavern – I dream about their sandwiches and po-boys. Their French bread is so soft and when you walk up to the restaurant, you can smell them grilling meat for their sandwiches. Sigh… It’s very casual and there is lots of outdoor seating. People stand in line, especially at lunch, for a taste of Parkway’s heavenly po-boys!
L/D – Wed-Mon
$

Yes, the weather is hot. Sorry. But the food is AMAZING. Welcome to New Orleans! Laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Eliana’s Cupcake Cutie Birthday Party Sleepover – Sunday, June 19, 2011

by Dianne on June 22, 2011

6-19-11 Eliana is a Cupcake Cutie!

Friends:

This past Sunday, I threw a “Cupcake Cutie” birthday bash sleepover for Eliana to celebrate her 11th birthday! This is what the table looked like.

6-19-11 Eliana's Cupcake Cutie Table

This is what the individual place settings looked like. We had to kinds of cupcake plates and lots of hot pink!

6-19-11 Eliana's Cupcake Cutie Place Setting

First the girls made taco salad cupcakes, taco salads made inside ramekins that are made to look like cupcakes.

6-19-11 The taco cupcake, a taco salad made to look like a cupcake

A small tortilla is placed inside a ramekins and baked at 400 degrees for 7 minutes. Layers of lettuce, cheese, and ground meat are placed inside. Sour cream is piped on top with a grape tomato as the cherry and shredded cheese as the sprinkles. The girls’ tacos came out uber cute! Dinner was accompanied by a vanilla cream soda punch (1 part vanilla cream soda, 1 part ginger ale, hefty scoops of vanilla ice cream). Yum!

6-19-11 Eliana and the girls with their taco salad cupcakes

After Kid Chef Eliana that, made strawberry shortcake cupcakes with fresh strawberries.

6-19-11 Kid Chef Eliana makes strawberry cream cheese frosting with real strawberries

They were soooo delicious!

6-19-11 Strawberry shortcake cupcakes made by Kid Chef Eliana

Then it was time to blow out the candle on her birthday cupcake!! Actually, the cupcake she is blowing out is a candle in the middle of mini cupcakes!

6-19-11 Eliana and her birthday cake. The cupcake is the middle is actually a candle.

Then it was time to open presents. Kid Chef Eliana got a wild new apron!

6-19-11 Eliana gets a wild zebra apron for her birthday!

She also got a sweet little ceramic cupcake with an “E” on top.

6-19-11 Eliana gets a ceramic cupcake with an E on top!

I think one of her favorite presents of all was her new Cupcake Cutie Room!!!

6-19-11 Eliana's Cupcake Cutie Room

After opening presents, we played a game and the girls had a cupcake collage contest. They all voted on their favorite cupcake art. In my opinion, they are all winners!

6-19-11 Eliana and her friends with their cupcake collages

Then they made chef hats from construction paper and white plastic grocery bags. Adorable young chefs! You can make this chef hat too. Instructions are on Kid Chef Eliana’s website.

6-19-11 The cute little chefs make chef hats from construction paper and plastic grocery bags

Look at Kid Chef Eliana! Love the funky birthday glasses! :)

6-19-11 Happy Birthday, Kid Chef Eliana!

Then it was time to decorate cupcakes that the girls baked earlier. I created a “Cupcake Bar” with different types of frosting, different kinds of sprinkles, and chocolate chips. The girls went to town!

6-19-11 The young chefs decorate cupcakes at the Cupcake Bar

Josie’s cupcakes came out awesome!

6-19-11 Josie's cupcakes look oh so yummy!

After decorating and eating those tasty treats, we did our last craft and activity for the night. They made cupcake bags by decorating colorful canvas bags with bright fabric paint. They came out great and were perfect to tote all of their goodies home the next morning.

6-19-11 Eliana and her friends made cupcake tote bags - so precious!

It was a fabulous party and the girls had a blast. Cheers to the Cupcake Cuties! Young Chefs Rock!

6-19-11 Young chefs rock!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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NAS Belle Chasse Library Summer Reading Program – Saturday, June 18, 2011

by Dianne on June 22, 2011

6-17-11 The draw and tell story of The Emperor's Dragon from Dianne's book, Handmade Tales

Friends:

This past Saturday, I performed at the NAS Belle Chasse Library for their summer reading program, which was themed “A Mid-Summer Knight’s Read.” It was a special performance for me because my mom, who retired last month, worked on base for many years, my step-dad still works there, and I am a certified Navy brat! Thank you to Chaney Foote, who brought me to the base library. We had a small but super-fun crowd and I LOVE the castle and knight decorations that Chaney put up! The library was so cute!

6-17-11 An intimate but fun audience at the NAS Belle Chasse Library

I told my draw and tell story, “The Emperor’s Dragon,” from my book, Handmade Tales. Also from my book, I told another draw and tell story, “Catching a Pest in 7 steps.”

6-17-11 The draw and tell story of Catching a Pest in 7 Steps from Dianne's book, Handmade Tales

We got down, we got funky, we even became monkeys! Hilarious!

6-18-11 Monkeys in the audience!

I told the story of “Medio Pollito” with the help of Robin, an energetic boy in my audience. Thanks, Robin!

6-17-11 Tell the story of Medio Pollito

I also told There’s a Dragon in the Library but my camera died so I don’t have any pictures! We had a great time and I loved being at the NAS library!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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St. Bernard Library Summer Reading Program – Friday, June 17, 2011

by Dianne on June 22, 2011

6-17-11 Dianne de Las Casas does a draw and tell story called The Emperor's Dragon from her book, Handmade Tales

Friends:

This past Friday, I performed at the St. Bernard Parish Library for the summer reading program. I opened with a gift to Janet Perez, the children’s librarian. I gave her a set of poi balls from my trip to Hawaii. Poi balls are balls at the end of a long yard rope that are twirled in patterns. They are used by the Maori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), which is part of the Polynesian Triangle. Janet tried her hand at the poi balls and did a great job!

6-17-11 Children's Librarian Janet Perez tries her hand at Maori Poi Balls

I apologize for the quality of the pictures. The backlighting made it hard for my little digital camera to take good pictures. My first story was “The Emperor’s Dragon” from my Handmade Tales book. After I drew the story, I showed them a Chinese dragon marionette that I picked up from my travels to Hawaii.

6-17-11 Dianne shows a Chinese dragon marionette she brought back from Hawaii's Chinatown

The next story I told was another draw and tell story from my Handmade Tales book called “Catching a Pest in 7 Steps.”

6-17-11 Dianne does another draw and tell story, Catching a Pest in 7 Steps, from her book, Handmade Tales

I did a fun traditional song, “My Aunt Came Back” and then told the story of “Medio Pollito,” a tale from Spain in which a half-chick with a full attitude does not listen to his mom. It’s a fun story with lots of audience participation. I ended with my book, There’s a Dragon in the Library.

6-17-11 Performing There's a Dragon in the Library

Dewey the Dragon made an appearance at the end of the story.

6-17-11 Dewey the Dragon from There's a Dragon in the Library makes an appearance

Then special guest, Kid Chef Eliana, came out and rocked the house with her song, Cool Kids Cook!

6-17-11 Kid Chef Eliana rocks her song, Cool Kids Cook

We all had a great time and I love visiting the St. Bernard Parish Library. Thanks so much, Janet!!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Kid Chef Eliana Demonstrates Salsa at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum – Friday, June 17, 2011

by Dianne on June 22, 2011

6-17-11 Kid Chef Eliana demonstrates Fresh from the Garden Salsa at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum in New Orleans

Friends:

On Friday, the day after we flew back from Hawaii, Kid Chef Eliana had a cooking demonstration for young chef summer campers at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum in New Orleans. She demonstrated her “Fresh from the Garden Salsa” from her cookbook, Eliana Cooks! Recipes for Creative Kids. What was cool was that it looked like the chefs in the picture behind her were looking down at her, cheering her on.

6-17-11 Kid Chef Eliana pours lime juice into her blender

In honor of her visit to Hawaii, she also made a pineapple salsa, which the kids raved about. They went back for seconds and thirds! Many of the kids had families in the restaurant business so they were already foodies. Yay!

6-17-11 The SOFAB Summer Camp young chefs with Kid Chef Eliana

Afterward, many of the kids wanted Kid Chef Eliana to autograph their postcards. We also gave them Kid Chef Eliana coloring sheets.

6-17-11 Kid Chef Eliana signs autographs at SOFAB

After her demonstration, we walked around the museum and saw the coolest exhibit of New Orleans foods created into portraits made with mardi gras beads. They were done by an elementary school in the local area and the results were stunning. Here is Kid Chef Eliana with Tony Chachere’s, a famous local spice.

6-17-11 Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning made with mardi gras beads!

Here is Kid Chef Eliana with a king cake. The colors are sooo vibrant!

6-17-11 Kid Chef Eliana with a giant king cake made out of mardi gras beads!

It was a great demonstration and we all had so much fun!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Big Island Hawaii Day 10 – Happy Birthday, Eliana! Hapuna Beach & Depart for Mainland – Wednesday, June 15, 2011

by Dianne on June 22, 2011

6-15-11 Hapuna Beach, Big Island Hawaii

Friends:

Day 10 was a special day in Hawaii for us. It was June 15th, Eliana’s birthday, and she turned 11 in Hawaii!

It was also our last day on the Big Island. We were flying to the Mainland later that day. So we decided to spend our last few hours at Hapuna Beach, a long stretch of white sand beach with clear waters just a little north of Waikoloa.

6-15-11 Hapuna Beach with its white sands and turquoise waters

It was early in the morning when we went the the beach was nearly deserted! This was surprising because we were told that it would be very crowded.

6-15-11 Hapuna Beach early in the morning. The beach is so peaceful!

The water was pretty shallow and the waves were gentle but there was a strong undercurrent. We made sure to stay close to shore to avoid any riptides. We all had fun playing in the fine sand and crystal clear waters.

6-15-11 Eliana and Soleil have fun in the sun at Hapuna Beach

We discovered some incredible sand art! Just WOW!

6-15-11 Will Honu be eaten by shark on Hapuna Beach?

Eliana had a great time being an explorer, staking her claim to an “island.”

6-15-11 Explorer Eliana at Hapuna Beach

It was a gorgeous day and we couldn’t have asked for better weather!

6-15-11 I love the fine sand and clear water of Hapuna Beach!

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. We had to leave the beautiful Hapuna Beach to fly home…

6-15-11 Antonio and I bask in the glory of Hapuna Beach

It appeared that Eliana was stuck… Uh oh!

6-15-11 Eliana is stuck in the Hapuna Beach sand

We dug Eliana out of the sand and headed back to the room to clean up and fly out.

6-15-11 Eliana AKA Pualani boards the plane for our first flight to Oahu

Aloha, Hawaii! We will miss you…

But it was still Eliana’s birthday on our flight home. A super sweet flight attendant brought Eliana to First Class to make a birthday sundae (on a Wednesday). Hau’oli La Hanau! Happy Birthday, Eliana!

6-15-11 Eliana enjoys a birthday sundae on the flight from Oahu to Dallas Fort Worth

Until next time… Aloha!

Warmly, Dianne

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Big Island Hawaii Day 9 – The Coffee Shack, Punalu’u Black Sands Beach & Volcano National Park – Tuesday, June 14, 2011

by Dianne on June 22, 2011

6-14-11 Eliana at Punalu'u Black Sand tide pools

Friends:

Day 9 began with the pretty drive south from Waikoloa to Captain Cook, Hawaii. There, we ate at The Coffee Shack, a restaurant highly recommended by the locals.

6-14-11 The Coffee Shack is built into the side of a mountain overlooking the Kona coast

I saw my first Madagascar gecko at The Coffee Shack!

6-14-11 The Madagascar Gecko

For breakfast, I had a Portuguese sausage eggs benedict platter. Talk about Ono!!! Yum!

6-14-11 Portuguese sausage eggs benedict from The Coffee Shack

After eating at The Coffee Shack, we headed further south to Punalu’u Black Sands Beach.

6-14-11 Aloha from Punalu'u Beach, Big Island Hawaii

To describe Punalu’u in one word: spectacular!

6-14-11 Look at the view behind me... amazing!

It was a juxtaposition of cerulean sea cresting white against jagged midnight cliffs and ebony sands. Sea turtles swam in the waves, oblivious of human presence. It was an awe-inspiring scene showcasing Mother Nature at her best.

6-14-11 Eliana plays in the waves of the black sand beach

The black sand glittered like diamonds in the bright sun.

6-14-11 Three layers make a cool picture! Dry black sand, wet black sand, and waves at Punalu'u

We swam amidst the honu (sea turtles) and marveled at the oddities we found, like this rainbow rock, whose rainbow was revealed only when submerged in the water.

6-14-11 Rainbow rock at Punalu'u

I also found this heart-shaped stone, odd because it was also red in color!

6-14-11 A heart-shaped rock at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Of course, Eliana had to make her traditional mark… :)

6-14-11 We love you too, Eliana!

I just found Punalu’u stunning. It took my breath away.

6-14-11 The expanse of Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Endless beauty!

6-14-11 Waves crash against the black lava cliffs

As if seeing this magnificent work of Mother Nature’s art wasn’t enough, we headed to Volcano National Park. WOW! Yes, I saw Mt. Kilauea as a child but I was so little. Seeing it as an adult brought me to tears.

6-14-11 The Mt. Kilauea crater, an awe-inspiring sight!

It was as if Pele, the volcano goddess, was smiling upon us. We were granted a rainbow!

6-14-11 A panorama of Mt. Kilauea and the amazing full rainbow I caught on camera!

This is Pele, the Volcano Goddess…

6-14-11 Pele, the Goddess of the Vocano

It’s hard to describe what I felt as I stood there, overlooking this volatile, savage beauty. It was as if the volcano was alive and I could feel her “HA,” her life, coursing through me. It was a little chilly so I had to don pants, tennis shoes, and a jacket.

6-14-11 At Mt. Kilauea Volcano! WOW!

After witnessing the grandeur of Mt. Kilauea, we headed to the Thurston Lava Tubes. First, it was a trek through the rain forest to get there. What was amazing was that Volcano National Park had micro climates within minutes of each other!

6-14-11 Eliana and Soleil walk through the rainforest at Volcano National Park

Then we arrived at the Lava Tubes.

6-14-11 Soleil and Eliana entering the Thurston Lava Tube at Volcano National Park

The tubes are formed when hot lava flows rapidly through already cooling lava formations. A hole is formed, creating a cave. The Thurston Lava Tubes are large enough for humans to walk through.

6-14-11 Inside the Thurston Lava Tube at Volcano National Park

We left Volcano National Park, and drove around the other side of the mountain, having dinner in rainy Hilo.

6-14-11 Happy Birthday, Eliana, from Kuhio Grill in Hilo, Hawaii

Day 9, our last full day on the Big Island, was amazing. We saw some incredible sights and drove the perimeter of the entire island in one day. Whew! So cool!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Big Island Hawaii Day 8 – Glass Bottom Boat, Original Hawaiian Chocolate, Kona Joe Coffee & Magic Sands Beach – Monday, June 13, 2011

by Dianne on June 22, 2011

6-13-11 The picturesque Anaho'omalu Bay at the Waikoloa Marriott Beach Resort

Friends:

On Day 8 of our Hawaiian vacation, we did so much! We woke up early and went to Anaeho’omalu Bay to take a glass bottom boat tour of the bay. This is a view of the shore from the boat.

6-13-11 The view of the shore from the glass bottom boat

We learned so much about the sea life on the glass bottom boat tour. We spotted yellow tang, long-slate pencil sea urchin, and honu, meaning sea turtle in Hawaiian.

6-13-11 Honu, the Hawaiian green sea turtle

After our glass bottom boat tour, we decided to get in some beach time since our previous swim in “A-Bay” was at dusk the night before.

6-13-11 Eliana swims in A-Bay

After playing at the beach for a while, we got dressed and went to the Original Hawaiian Chocolate factory. Pam Cooper, one of the owners, was kind enough to give us a tour by appointment even though their tours are usually scheduled for Wednesdays and Fridays.

6-13-11 Original Hawaiian Chocolate farm and factory in Kailua-Kona

It was an amazing experience for me to tour a single-origin chocolate company, especially since my book, Blue Frog: The Legend of Chocolate, comes out in the Fall of this year. OHC grows their own cacao trees, from which cacao pods ripen.

6-13-11 OHC grows their own cacao. Here various colored cacao pods suspend from tree branches.

Here is a picture of the cacao pods up close.

6-13-11 A close-up of the cacao pods

Pam cut one open so we could see inside.

6-13-11 A cacao pod opened to reveal the white fleshy fruit

After the pods are harvested, the cacao beans are extracted and fermented. They are then placed on drying racks to sun-dry before they are roasted.

6-13-11 Cacao beans dry in the sun before they are roasted

After they are sent to the winnower (which removed the shells and turns the beans into nibs), they are then ground in a machine called a conch, creating a concentrated liquid. After conching for 15 hours, the chocolate arrives at temperer for its final process before it is poured into molds.

6-13-11 The chocolate, in its final stage of tempering, before it is molded

The result is astounding. Seeing chocolate created from the soil to the bar was a magical experience for me! OHC was the first single-origin chocolate in the United States, cultivating their own cacao and processing it into chocolate. Most chocolate factories buy their cacao from farms. OHC IS the farm and the factory! Wow!

6-13-11 Original Hawaiian Chocolate bars!

Pam, thank you so much for your incredible hospitality! We appreciate you. Like you say, “Chocolate is Aloha!”

6-13-11 Kid Chef Eliana, Dianne & Soleil with Pam Cooper of Original Hawaiian Chocolate

After our amazing tour with Original Hawaiian Chocolate, we headed to Kona Joe’s Coffee to see how coffee is made. I knew very little about the coffee making process and I learned so much from this tour as well! Kona Joe has a patented trellis system that his coffee trees are grown on.

6-13-11 Kona Joe's coffee farm with his signature trellis grown coffee

Here is a close-up of the coffee cherries on the trellis system.

6-13-11 Coffee cherries are grown on a trellis system patented by Kona Joe

This is the processing plant where Kona Joe makes his magic happen. Coffee on the Kona coast of Hawaii is the only coffee that is grown and processed in the United States!

6-13-11 The processing plant where Kona Joe makes his famous coffee

Of course, Antonio and Soleil were excited to shop for coffee. I am not a coffee drinker so Eliana and I enjoyed a cup of hot cocoa. The view from Kona Joe’s is amazing! You can see straight to the coast from the farm on the mountain.

6-13-11 Kona Joe's coffee farm overlooks the beautiful Kona coast

After our coffee tour, we took a leisurely drive around the Kailua-Kona area. We stopped at La’aloa Beach, also know as Magic Sands Beach because when the tide is high, the sands disappear into the water.

6-13-11 La'aloa State Beach Park, also known as Magic Sands Beach

We were at the beach during the late afternoon, when the surf was high. There was little sand but what little sand was visible was fine and white. The water was crystal clear too!

6-13-11 Eliana and I frolic at the Magic Sands Beach

The beach is dotted with volcanic rock and the waves can be quite strong. Eliana enjoyed dancing at the water’s edge.

6-13-11 Eliana dances in the waters of Magic Sands Beach

Antonio and Soleil were content to watch and take pictures while we played in the water.

6-13-11 What a beautiful beach!

Even Batman enjoys a little surf now and then…

6-13-11 To the Bat Cave... or beach

The Big Island of Hawaii has so many types of beaches! It’s amazing to see the variety of beaches, even on the same coast!

6-13-11 The water is so pretty and the sand is so white at Magic Sands Beach

It was another day in heaven!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Oahu & Big Island Day 7 – Waikiki Beach & Big Island Hawaii Arrival – Sunday, June 12, 2011

by Dianne on June 22, 2011

6-12-11 Oh so pretty... the Waikiki beach and Eliana!

Friends:

On our last day in Waikiki, we decided to grab some beach time at our resort at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Eliana and I really wanted to go swimming.

6-12-11 I spend some time on Waikiki Beach before we fly to the Big Island

Of course, Eliana had to send her message in the sand…

6-12-11 We love you too, Eliana!

We had a great time at the beach but it was time to pack up and fly to the Big Island!

6-12-11 The pretty pink princess checks in for her flight to Hawaii, the Big Island

We arrived at the Kona airport, which is completely open air. We were staying at the Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort and rented a car to drive around the island.

6-12-11 Hula nani Eliana at the Kona airport

On the way to our resort, we traveled the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway. We were astonished by the stark lava landscape and the organic graffiti!

6-12-11 A tradition on the Kona side of the Big Island - grafitti made with coral on black volcanic rock formations

Of course, we had to stop by the side of the road to examine the landscape further!

6-12-11 The lava creates amazing formations

Eliana makes her mark with scattered coral… Now she is a part of this curious tradition.

6-12-11 Eliana makes her mark on the Big Island!

Frankly, I was stunned by the volcanic desertscape. I didn’t expect it and it was such a surprise. I was taken by the landscape’s raw and stark beauty. It seemed so primal, like seeing the earth being created.

6-12-11 Me amidst a sea of black lava with a lone tree dotting the volcanic landscape

On the dry Kona side of Hawaii, you can see the sea, even from Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway.

6-12-11 A scenic lookout on Queen Koho'omalu Highway on the Big Island

We arrived at the Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort on Anaeho’omalu Bay. It was such a drastic contrast to the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. So remote, so peaceful.

6-12-11 The amazing Marriott Waikoloa Resort on A-Bay, Big Island, Hawaii

We hurried into our bathing suits to catch a little beach time. The beach was a mixture of volcanic rock, salt and pepper sand, and azure water surrounded by lush flora and fauna.

6-12-11 The sun sets on Waikoloa

As the sun set, we dipped in the waters. The beach was practically deserted. It was so serene. A completely different scene than Waikiki, which is always moving, even at night.

6-12-11 A sunset dip at the beach

Then we decided to sample all the pools that the Marriott had to offer. I loved the slightly heated large infinity pool!

6-12-11 A night dip in the pretty infinity pool at Waikoloa

Our first day on the Big Island was a lesson in beauty. Not every Hawaiian landscape is full of lush palm trees and plumerias. Yet, the rolling lava desertscapes echo with a quiet, raw beauty. Not all beaches are full of fine white sands. Yet, the beach at Anaeho’omalu Bay is mysterious and just as beautiful with its sharp volcanic rock and coarse salt and pepper sand. Aloha from the Big Island…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Oahu, Hawaii Day 6 – KCC Farmer’s Market, Polynesian Cultural Center & Sunset Beach – Saturday, June 11, 2011

by Dianne on June 22, 2011

6-11-11 The KCC Farmer's Market is crowded!

Friends:

On Day 6 of our Hawaiian paradise vacation, we went to the KCC Farmer’s Market.

6-11-11 The most beautiful hibiscus flowers at the KCC Farmer's Market

We heard that it was one of the best farmer’s markets in the country and couldn’t wait to taste the local flavors. We were not disappointed!

6-11-11 A kimchi sausage on a stick. Awesome!

We sampled lot of different kinds of foods. This caprese pizza was made completely from scratch with all local ingredients, even the tomato sauce. It had hand-stretched mozzarella too. Just fabulous!

6-11-11 Caprese pizza with all fresh ingredients!

Kid Chef Eliana and I had an authentic pineapple ginger ale made fresh. It was so delicious!

6-11-11 Kid Chef Eliana sips a homemade pineapple ginger ale at the KCC Farmer's Market

Antonio and I shared a Northshore Cattle Company beef kalua loco moco. It was phenomenal. I learned that Hawaii is the largest producer of beef in the country!

6-11-11 Kalua beef loco moco at the KCC Farmer's Market

We also had honey cream pineapple, the best pineapple I have ever tasted. Fresh Hawaiian sweet bread was amazing. We had our breakfast/lunch at the KCC Farmer’s Market. Kid Chef Eliana found these amazing spices!

6-11-11 Kid Chef Eliana with Kaiulani Spices at the KCC Farmers' Market

She was lucky enough to meet Kaiulani, the owner of Kaiulani spices. Kaiulani was so sweet. She gave Kid Chef Eliana some spices as a birthday present. Wow! Such Aloha!!

6-11-11 Kid Chef Eliana with Kaiulani, the Hawaiian Queen of Spices

After the KCC Farmer’s Market, we headed back to the Polynesian Cultural Center for our Ambassador Tour, which we missed on our first visit. On the way, we stopped at a local carver’s workshop. I picked up a hand-carved Tiki. The artist, Mailo, signed it for me! We always treasure art from the places we travel to and local handicrafts are a special prize.

6-11-11 A tiki is hand-carved and signed by Mailo, the artist

At the Polynesian Cultural Center, we were assigned a guide from Fiji – Louchrisha – who was so hospitable and knowledgeable. We loved her!

6-11-11 Cousin Louchrisha is our guide at the Polynesian Cultural Center

Our first order of business was the lei greeting. We had to greet each other with a kiss and bestow leis upon our partner. I caught Mom and Clay in the act. Awwww. So cute!

6-11-11 Clay kisses Mom as he gives her a lei greeting at the Polynesian Cultural Center

Eliana took a picture with a beautiful Polynesian young lady.

6-11-11 Eliana poses with a beautiful Hawaiian girl

Louchrisha took us to Samoa, where we watched a man make fire from wooden sticks and coconut husk.

6-11-11 Eliana and Soleil take a picture with a Samoan fire-maker

We also watched a man scale a coconut tree with his bare feet! Ouch.

6-11-11 In the village of Samoa, a man scales a coconut tree with bare feet

In Aotearoa (New Zealand), we did a Maori stick game. Eliana and I were partners and did the best of all the groups. Yay!

6-11-11 In Aotearoa, we play a Maori stick game

Then we tried our hand at Maori poi balls. This was easy for me because I did poi balls as a kid. My stepdad nearly killed himself with the poi balls. Hilarious!

6-11-11 Mom, Clay, Soleil & Antonio work their poi balls in Aotearoa

Next, Louchrisha brought us to the amazing canoe pageant featuring the dances of the various Polynesian Isles. We had great seats and I got some wonderful pictures. First was Aotearoa in green with their poi balls.

6-11-11 The canoe pageant featuring Aotearoa

Next was Samoa. I love how they balance on the canoes as they dance.

6-11-11 The canoe pageant featuring Samoa

Fiji floated by with fierce dancers.

6-11-11 The canoe pageant featuring Fiji

Next, Tonga was in fiery red and I loved their hair pieces!

6-11-11 The canoe pageant featuring Tonga

Hawaii danced gracefully in bright blue, representing the colors of the ocean and the sky.

6-11-11 The canoe pageant featuring Hawaii

The crowd favorite was clearly Tahiti with their fast hip-shaking dance, and careful balancing of the boat. I am always mesmerized watching Tahitian dancers and love their full skirts and tall head-dresses.

6-11-11 The canoe pageant featuring Tahiti

After the canoe pageant, we got to take a canoe ride ourselves! We toured all of the villages by water and exited the boat in Hawaii. There, we had a fun Hula lesson.

6-11-11 We all dance Hula!

Then it was on to Fiji, where we got our tribal tattoos. Mine was “Queen.” Eliana was “Warrior Princess.” Then we went to Tonga.

6-11-11 Eliana with pretty wahines from Tonga

In Tonga, we saw a drum show and learned how to weave an angel fish out of palm fronds. When the fish was finished, it was on a long reed. When you flung the reed, the fish moved to the tip and it looked like you caught fish while fishing. Soooo cool!

6-11-11 Weaving an angel fish made out of palm leaves on my fingers

I loved the Polynesian Cultural Center and felt such a connection to the many cultures of Polynesia. And there is still so much more to learn! I hope to one day write a book about Polynesia, collecting its rich folklore and the magical qualities all the islands possess.

6-11-11 Vina makes poi balls by hand

After our second PCC visit, we decided to take a scenic drive up the North Shore.

6-11-11 The Chinaman's Hat, an island off the North Shore of Oahu

It was really a pretty drive!

6-11-11 The scenic drive on the Northshore of Hawaii is beautiful!

Then it was time to take in the sunset at where else? Sunset Beach! We parked and then Eliana and I played in the sand and sea.

6-11-11 Eliana hangs loose at Sunset Beach

Eliana loves the water!

6-11-11 Eliana plays in the water at Sunset Beach

It rained on and off at Sunset Beach while we were there but I still managed to catch some beautiful pictures!

6-11-11 Sunset Beach on the Northshore of Oahu

Eliana and I love the beach!!!

6-11-11 The sun sets at Sunset Beach

After the rain goes, rainbows!

6-11-11 A beautiful rainbow caught from Sunset Beach!

Then I caught this postcard picture of Sunset Beach! Totally worth getting a little wet for! The perfect sunset to close another perfect day in paradise…

6-11-11 The postcard sunset at Sunset Beach

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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