Travel

Oahu, Hawaii Day 3 – Polynesian Cultural Center – Wednesday, June 8, 2011

by Dianne on June 21, 2011

6-8-11 Eliana and I pose in Uncle BobKat and Auntie Linda's backyard

Friends:

Day 3 was our day to spend at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) but we were waylaid by me having an allergic reaction and a swollen eye. I had to go to Wal-Mart to get prescription eye drops so we got off to a late start. Auntie Linda asked us to stop by her house before we went to PCC because she made us jasmine leis from her garden! They were so pretty and aromatic!

6-8-11 Tropical flowers from Auntie Linda's garden adorn Eliana's hair

While we were there, we toured the Katekarus’ yard and gardens. They had a collection of amazing turtles!

6-8-11 A turtle eats hibiscus flowers

Their backyard was so pretty, we had to pose for pictures!

6-8-11 Soleil and Eliana, pretty island girls

Auntie Linda and Uncle BobKat are so sweet. Thank you for being so hospitable AGAIN! We left their house and headed to the Polynesian Cultural Center.

6-8-11 Soleil and Eliana, pretty girls at the Polynesian Cultural Center

The only village we got to see was Aoetearoa (New Zealand), where we saw a Maori dance show. Then it was time for the Ali’i Luau.

6-8-11 Eliana holds a fish made out of palm leaves at the Ali'i Luau

We saw the roasted kalua pig come out of the ground and carried ceremoniously to the stage.

6-8-11 The kalua pig is pulled out of the imu, the underground oven, at the Ali'i Luau

It was time to dig in. I piled my plate with rice, kalua pork, a purple taro roll, poi (the pasty starch Hawaiians eat), pineapple, chicken long rice (actually a noodle dish), and a root vegetable. I have to say that I didn’t hate the poi but it lacked flavor. It’s not something I would specifically order. I did have poi later that tasted better because it was freshly made. An interesting note about taro root (which poi is made from): if not cooked properly, it causes burning and itching in the throat. I don’t remember it from my childhood days in Hawaii so I am glad I sampled it again.

6-8-11 My meal at the Ali'i Luau - kalua pork, chicken long rice, a taro bread roll, poi, and fresh pineapple

We were treated to a nice show of Hula with a royal procession.

6-8-11 The royal dance to signal the king's entry at the luau

I love watching Hula because it is so graceful and elegant. But it’s even more amazing when kids dance and are so accomplished! I love it!

6-8-11 Kids dance with uli ulis at the Ali'i Luau

After the luau, we went to the Ha, Breath of Life Show and it was magnificent. The show featured dances from the Polynesian cultures highlighted at the PCC: Hawaii, Aotearoa, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Tahiti. It was spectacular, full of special effects and a good story! Unfortunately, we could not take pictures. :( But it was the perfect end to our time at the PCC. Aloha!

6-8-11 Family photo time after the Ali'i Luau

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

Oahu, Hawaii Day 2 – Hawaii Food Tours & BobKat’s Famous Pizza – Tuesday, June 7, 2011

by Dianne on June 21, 2011

6-7-11 Eliana in front of a big batch of manapua

Friends:

On Day 2 of our Hawaii vacation, it was a day dedicated to food and Kid Chef Eliana’s culinary education. We went on Matthew Gray’s Hawaii Food Tours. It was phenomenal!! I learned so much about the foods of Hawaii. We had manapua, a Chinese sweet bun made with sweet or savoring fillings. I had the cha siu, Chinese barbecued pork. Kid Chef Eliana had coconut. It was definitely love at first bite!

6-7-11 Hawaii's famous manapua buns made with sweet or savory fillings

Then we headed to Chinatown for lots of samplings of local foods. One of my favorite parts of this tour was the visit to the Chinese noodle factory, where rice noodles were made by hand!

6-7-11 At a noodle factory in Chinatown, where rice noodles are handmade

The delicate noodles were complimented by chicken and a savory gingery, sesame, soy sauce. Absolutely divine!

6-7-11 Samples of the amazing rice noodles & wings are prepared for us

We sampled all kinds of local fruit, including rambutan, a small, spiny red fruit with white fleshy orb inside. It’s exotic and sweet.

6-7-11 A rambutan fruit - a fruit popular in Southeast Asia

We saw purple sweet potatoes, mangoes, lichees, and a host of other fruit and vegetables.

6-7-11 Kid Chef Eliana holds a purple sweet potato

I fell in love with a local food called Spam musubi. I know what you’re thinking. Spam?!! Yes, Spam! Hawaii is the largest consumer of Spam in the world and they have fully integrated this canned meat into their cuisine. Spam musubi is sushi rice topped with Spam, and wrapped in nori, a seaweed paper.

6-7-11 Fresh mango, Spam musubi, and ahi poke, which is marinated ahi tuna

We browsed through Chinatown and I was wowed by all the wonderful fresh produce!

6-7-11 Lots of fresh produce in Chinatown!

We loved the tour and the food kept coming!!

6-7-11 A great family photo in Chinatown - notice the No Dumping sign over my stepdad's head. LOL

We knew we were coming back to Chinatown another day!

6-7-11 Kid Chef Eliana eats Korean barbecue pork

Keira, one of our food guides, created a tropical cocktail smoothie. It was soooo good!

6-7-11 Keira's tropical cocktail smoothie - a perfect respite from the heat!

We also tasted a local confection called “coco puff,” a small puff pastry filled with chocolate and topped with a buttery chantilly cream. Tasty!!

6-7-11 Matthew of Hawaii Food Tours passes out coco puffs, a famous Hawaiian pastry

By the time we were done with the Hawaii Food Tours, we felt like overstuffed manapua! It was one of the best tours I have been on and we all loved it! After a quick dip at our hotel’s pool, we got ready for dinner. Can you believe it?!! After all that food…

We went to my Uncle BobKat and Auntie Linda’s house for dinner. They are long-time family friends. I grew up with their kids in Hawaii!! We hadn’t seen them in years and seeing them felt like no years had passed. It was the feeling of “ohana,” meaning “family” in Hawaiian.

6-7-11 Uncle BobKat and Auntie Linda, old family friends from my childhood in Hawaii!

Uncle BobKat (my childhood name for Bob Katekaru) is an expert, renowned pizza maker and wowed us with his culinary skills as well as his operatic singing abilities. Who knew?! It was like watching a food T.V. show!

6-7-11 Uncle BobKat makes a pizza from scratch! Yum!

The pizza came out of the oven hot and fresh, oozing with mozzarella cheese and full of yummy toppings!

6-7-11 Uncle BobKat's Pizza!

Companionship with loving friends was the perfect end to a culinary day of perfection! Thank you Uncle BobKat and Auntie Linda for your Hawaiian hospitality! We love you!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

Oahu, Hawaii Day 1 – Arrival! Monday, June 6, 2011

by Dianne on June 21, 2011

6-6-11 Aloha! Welcome to Hawaii!

Friends:

My family vacation to Hawaii was a blast. Antonio, Soleil, Eliana, and I spent ten days in paradise! After many hours of flying, we finally arrived on Oahu, at the Honolulu airport.

6-6-11 We arrive in Hawaii, at the airport in Honolulu

It was fun driving through Honolulu and Waikiki. Lots of fun sights to see, including this very cool looking building!

6-6-11 As we drive into Waikiki, we see an interesting looking building!

The foliage and trees are amazing. Look at this banyan tree.

6-6-11 A big Banyan tree. Wow!

We stayed at the Grand Waikikian at the Hilton Hawaiian Villlage. Upon arriving, we were greeted with Kukui nut leis. The staff was so friendly. I loved our suite. We had a full kitchen and even had a washer and dryer.

6-6-11 Our Grand Waikikian suite at the Hilton Hawaiian Village

Our view from the balcony afforded us sights of the ocean and the mountains. Plus, we had easy beach access as well as access to pools and the pretty Hilton lagoon, perfect for children.

6-6-11 From our balcony, the day is waning. We have ocean and mountain views, and beach access!

My mom and Clay also vacationed with us on Oahu but stayed at a different hotel. They were at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani hotel, also in Waikiki. We had a rental car and picked them up for dinner. We ate at a local eatery called Lulu’s Waikiki Bar and Grill.

6-6-11 Mom, Soleil & Eliana at Lulu's in Waikiki

Lulu’s is a casual cafe that overlooks the beach. The food was great.

6-6-11 Eliana and I at Lulu's in Waikiki

I ate a local favorite called “Loco Moco,” rice topped with a hamburger patty, brown gravy, with a fried egg on top. Definitely comfort food and I was starving. American Airlines does not feed you (unless you pay), even on 8 hour flights!

6-6-11 A Hawaiian specialty - Loco Moco, rice topped with a burger, gravy and a fried egg

We were so excited to be in Hawaii!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

Story Safari Programs at Webster Parish Libraries – Thursday, June 2, 2011

by Dianne on June 4, 2011

6-2-11 Performing my draw and tell tale, The Emperor's Dragon, at the Webster Parish Library in Minden, LA

Friends:

On Thursday, June 2, I was at the Webster Parish Library in Minden and then their Springhill Branch Library. This summer’s reading theme is “One World, Many Stories.” My program is called “Story Safari,” to coincide with the summer theme.

I began my program with my draw and tell story, The Emperor’s Dragon. The kids love seeing lines transformed into a picture! Then I did “Catching a Pest in 7 Steps,” another draw and tell story.

6-2-11 Performing my draw and tell tale, Catching a Pest in 7 Steps, at the Webster Parish Library in Minden, LA

My middle story was “Medio Pollito,” which in Spanish means “Little Half Chick.” It’s the story of how the weather vane came to be. Then it was time for a song: “My Aunt Came Back.”

6-2-11 With helpers from the audience, Dianne performs My Aunt Came Back, a traditional song at the library in Minden

My last story was from my book, There’s a Dragon in the Library. I had helpers from the audience participate in the story. The little boy who played the main character, Max, was hilarious. His name is Kayus. My rapport with the audience was magical and I had such an amazing time with them!

6-2-11 Cute and kooky Kayus plays Max in There's a Dragon in the Library

Kid Chef Eliana closed out the show with a performance of her new song, “Cool Kids Cook!” She is so adorable! Afterward, we sold and signed tons of books, especially Eliana!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana talks about her cookbook, Eliana Cooks! at the library in Minden

At the end of the show, I put on some dance music and some kids from the audience showed everyone their moves. Check out Kayus!! He was the most incredible break dancer!

6-2-11 Kayus does a handstand while is he breakdancing to Dianne's music

After the show, it was time for our annual tradition: lunch at Moody’s Place! Moody’s is this “hole in the wall” restaurant that serves stick-to-your-ribs Southern soul food – fried chicken, fried pork chops, country fried steak, turnip greens, purple hull peas (black eyed peas), yams, and pies that will make you dream about them for days!!

6-2-11 Oh me, oh my! Look at those pies!

This is the restaurant that introduced me to “hot water cornbread.” Cornbread that is baked and then fried! But it sure tastes good!

6-2-11 Hot water cornbread at Moody's Place in Minden, LA

Jennifer Heard is the children’s librarian who introduced us to Moody’s. Now we have to eat there every time we go to Minden! Look at the two Jennifers! (Jennifer Heard is on the left.)

6-2-11 Jennifer X 2 from the Webster Parish Library in Minden!

Eliana even got to talk to Ms. Moody for a little bit. Yes, Moody’s Place is one of our favorite Southern cooking restaurants in Louisiana!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana in front of Moody's Place in Minden, LA

After lunch, it was time to head to Springhill, Louisiana for our second show. Springhill is on the Arkansas border. It’s waay north! Again, I told my draw and tell stories. When I did “My Aunt Came Back,” the audience had a great time getting silly!

6-2-11 The audience at the Springhill Branch Library does My Aunt Came Back

“Medio Pollito” was a hit with the Springhill Crowd. They even learned a little Spanish!

6-2-11 Showing kids a weather vane from the story, Medio Pollito

When I performed There’s a Dragon in the Library, Zach was my little helper that played “Max” in the story. We had a good time!

6-2-11 Performing There's a Dragon in the Library at the Springhill Branch Library

Kid Chef Eliana performed her song, “Cool Kids Cook!” At this show, we sold out of books – both of us!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana performs her song, Cool Kids Cook!

Kid Chef Eliana was a big hit and her little fans wanted pictures with her!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana takes a picture with sweet fans!

Following our show, we headed across the street to AmJenn’s Soups and Scoops restaurant. We both enjoyed cold Coke floats. We even got to sign dollar bills that were placed on the ceiling! Cool!

6-2-11 Kid Chef Eliana and Dianne de Las Casas sign dollar bills for the ceiling at AmJenn's Soups & Scoops restaurant on Main Street in Springhill, LA

Eliana and I had a MARVELOUS time in Webster Parish. Webster Parish is just full of good people – we had such wonderful audiences and the library staff is just out of this world!!! So a world of thanks to our friends in Minden and Springhill! See you down the road…

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

Visiting Natchitoches, Louisiana – Wednesday, June 1, 2011

by Dianne on June 4, 2011

6-1-11 Kid Chef Eliana with L-R, Dwayne Cross & Travis Newton, Lasyone's Meat Pie cooks

Friends:

After my show in Leesville, Louisiana, Eliana and I had to head north to Minden, Louisiana. We decided to stop in Natchitoches, Louisiana, one of our favorite little towns in Louisiana. Eliana was doing research for her next cookbook, Kid Chef Eliana Cooks Louisiana, so we had to eat at the famous Lasyone’s Meat Pie Kitchen and Restaurant. Of course, we ordered meat pies. Mmmmmmmm!

6-1-11 Lasyone's meat pie with dirty rice and gravy

Natchitoches meat pies are a famous Louisiana food and Lasyone’s really does it the best, in my opinion. Their pie is crisp and flaky, and the meat inside is well-seasoned with a bit of a kick but not too spicy. Eliana will be doing a kid version of the meat pie. She even got to speak with two of the Lasyone’s meat pie chefs! They were so nice but they definitely would not tell us their secret recipe! LOL

6-1-11 Kid Chef Eliana bites into a Lasyone's meat pie!

After eating lunch, we decided to walk the riverfront and then do some shopping. I love the beautiful river that runs through Natchitoches. The shops on Front Street are wonderful. Eliana has two new favorite stores: The General Store (Louisiana’s oldest general store established in 1863) because of its EXTENSIVE kitchen wares and Cane River Kitchenware, another kitchen supply store with a demonstration kitchen in the back!

6-1-11 Eliana by the river in Natchitoches

Then Eliana and I decided to do something out of the ordinary. We rented a two-person surrey and rode around town. Boy, was that work! I didn’t realize how tired I would be afterward. The guy told us, “You are a car. You follow car rules.” Well, we didn’t move as fast as a car and it was difficult moving through an uphill four-way stop. REAL cars were honking and waving at us. :)

6-10-11 Eliana and I get ready to ride a two person surrey in Natchitoches

We had a great time in Natchitoches, as always. You should visit too!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

Story Safari Program, Leesville Parish Library, Leesville, LA – Wednesday, June 1, 2011

by Dianne on June 4, 2011

6-1-11 In Leesville, LA performing my draw and tell story, The Emperor's Dragon

Friends:

These past couple of days, I have been touring Louisiana for the library summer reading programs. I visit the library as a special guest, performing my stories and getting kids excited about reading. It’s so much fun. I kicked off the summer at the Vernon Parish Library in Leesville, Louisiana, a good 5 hour drive from New Orleans. I began the program with a couple of draw and tell stories, “The Emperor’s Dragon” and “Catching a Pest in 7 Steps.” The kids loved the stories.

Next, I told a story from Spain called “Medio Pollito.” It is the story of how a weather vane came to be and how a little chick with a lot of attitude learns his lesson! Then it on to a fun song called “My Aunt Came Back.” I ended my program performing the story from my book, There’s a Dragon in the Library, illustrated by Marita Gentry and published by Pelican Publishing Company.

6-1-11 Performing There's a Dragon in the Library at the Vernon Parish Library in Leesville, LA

But the finale of the show was Kid Chef Eliana! She came out in full chef uniform and performed her new song, “Cool Kids Cook!” She was adorable!

6-1-11 Kid Chef Eliana performs her song, Cool Kids Cook!

Afterward, we both signed books and took pictures with fans. Fun!

6-1-11 Kid Chef Eliana takes a picture with little Victoria, who looks only slightly amused. LOL

A special thank you and a big hug to Flo, our hostess with the mostest! She was so sweet and accommodating, just a delight to be around!

6-1-11 Kid Chef Eliana and Dianne de Las Casas with Flo, the children's librarian in Leesville

It was a ton of fun in Leesville (although it hit 103 degrees outside! Whew!).

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

There’s a Dragon in the Library Book Event at Barnes & Noble, Mandeville, LA – Tuesday, May 17, 2011

by Dianne on May 18, 2011

5-17-11 Dianne de Las Casas and her cast for There's a Dragon in the Library

Friends:

On Tuesday, I had a special presentation of There’s A Dragon in the Library at Barnes & Noble in Mandeville, Louisiana. It was my debut of the book in Mandeville. I had such a great crowd! Marita Gentry, the illustrator, was supposed to be there but unfortunately, she couldn’t make it. She did, however, send me signed artwork to give away and this lucky little girl won it!

5-17-11 It was a special day for this little cutie ... she graduated from kindergarten AND she won the Dewey the Dragon original art by Marita Gentry!

After my performance, the kids made Dewey the Dragon puppets. I love how these come out!

5-17-11 Little fan make Dewey the Dragon paper bag puppets from There's a Dragon in the Library

Here’s a close-up of the puppet and the precious little boy who made Dewey the Dragon!

5-17-11 What a cute little dragon with a cute little boy!

Thank you to Barnes & Noble Mandeville for hosting this wonderful event.

5-17-11 Dianne and a fan pose... Smile!

I had a great time with all the kids and look forward to returning in the Fall with my new books!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

International Reading Association Conference 2011, Orlando, FL – May 9-11, 2011

by Dianne on May 14, 2011

5-10-11 Dianne de Las Casas signing books with Pelican at IRA 2011 in Orlando, FL

Friends:

This past week, I was in Orlando, Florida for the 2011 International Reading Association Conference. About 10,000 educators converged at the convention center for professional development, resources, and access to authors!

5-9-11 Dianne de Las Casas with a Filipina teacher at IRA 2011 in Orlando, FL

Even I had author fever! Here I am with the amazing team of Henry Cole and Lester Laminack, creators of the picture book, Three Hens and a Peacock. Henry is also the illustrator for the Big Chickens Go to Town books by Leslie Helakowski and a book he wrote, A Nest for Celeste, set in Louisiana.

5-9-11 Dianne de Las Casas with Illustrator Henry Cole and Author Lester Laminack at the Peachtree Booth

I even ran into one of my favorite book monkeys… Curious George! He gave me a free book too! Cool!

5-9-11 Dianne de Las Casas and Curious George!

On Day 2 of the conference, I signed books with Pelican Publishing. Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach proved extremely popular and it sold out! I met lots of incredible teachers who were sooo sweet!

5-10-11 Dianne de Las Casas and a sweet teacher at IRA

I made some wonderful new friends including a group from the Flagler School District in Florida. Becky Rich Ellis became my new BFF. We went to dinner and even hung out! We had drinks with my close friend and amazing YA author Ellen Hopkins (Crank, Burned, Glass, Identical), Toni DiTerlizzi (The Spiderwick Chronicles), Angela DiTerlizzi (Say What?) Justin Chanda (Publisher, Simon & Schuster), and Brandon Mull (The Fablehaven series). I can’t believe I didn’t remember to take pictures, especially with my friend, Ellen!! Sadness. But I did get an awesome picture with Becky. Happiness!

5-11-11 Dianne de Las Casas and Becky Ellis from Bunnell, FL

IRA 2011 was a great conference and I am looking forward to next year’s conference in Chicago!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 1 comment }

Author Visit: Berwick Elementary, Berwick, LA – Monday, May 2, 2011

by Dianne on May 5, 2011

5-2-11 Kids and characters... what fun!

Friends:

This past Monday, I was the guest author at Berwick Elementary for the start of their Louisiana Week Celebration. I saw two groups, K-2 and 3-5. They were so much fun!

5-2-11 The sweet K-2 audience at Berwick Elementary

I told the story of The Cajun Cornbread, The Gigantic Sweet Potato, and Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach.

5-4-11 Gage, a 5th grader full of personality, plays Monsieur Roach, who is afraid of Madame Poulet!

I even told “The Ghost of Jean Lafitte” to the older group. Boy, did we have a blast! Afterwards, they treated me to lunch from Castellano’s, a fabulous family-owned Italian restaurant. Then it was time to sign books! They brought the students in by class…

5-2-11 Students waiting in line to get their books autographed.

The Berwick Elementary students were so well-behaved and polite!! Mr. Russo and Ms. Armato, you have done a fantastic job with these kids!!

5-2-11 Awwww! How sweet and spicy!

One little girl even asked me to autograph her maraca from Cozumel, Mexico (Yes, I have been there!). Thanks, Julie!

5-2-11 Julie asked me to sign her maraca... Ole'!

It was an amazing visit and I really loved the staff and the students of Berwick Elementary. A special thank you to Mr. Russo, Ms. Armato, Micah, Penny, Cathy, Andrea, Kitt, and all the teachers who were sooo sweet! Berwick Elementary rocks!

5-2-11 My gift from Berwick Elementary!

Happy Louisiana Week, Berwick Elementary! Enjoy your festival on Friday!

5-2-11 The awesome Louisiana quilt made by the student of Berwick Elementary

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

New Orleans Jazzfest Book Signing – Friday, April 29, 2011

by Dianne on April 30, 2011

4-29-11 Cajun Cornbread Boy and I get ready to sign books

Friends:

On Friday, I had a book signing at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. As I was walking to the Book Tent, I spotted the Royal Couple! Imagine that… William and Kate spending their honeymoon in New Orleans at the Jazzfest! New Orleans is a fun and romantic city!

4-29-11 The Royal Couple, William and Kate, honeymoon at Jazzfest in New Orleans just hours after their incredible wedding in London.

My book signing was at the Book Tent run by Garden District Book Shop. There’s no mistaking this tent…

4-29-11 It's the Book Tent!

My friend, fellow children’s book author, Denise McConduit, was there signing books. She is such a cutie pie and oh so sweet!!

4-29-11 Denise McConduit is a cutie pie signing her DJ books

I had some time before I signed books so I had to scope out the food scene.

4-29-11 Amazing panoramic view of the food stands. YUM!

I ended up with jalapeno sausage bread and mango freeze. Talk about tasty! I live for the mango freeze at Jazzfest! It’s almost worth going to the festival just for the food!

4-29-11 Jalapeno sausage bread and mango freeze, a perfect Jazzfest meal!

But of course, the entertainment is top notch. Large acts are balanced with incredible local acts, peppered throughout the fest on various stages. Here I am with renowned jazz musicians Irvin Mayfield and Bill Summers. If you want to hear unbelievable jazz fusion, look no further… Irvin has a new book out called A Love Letter to New Orleans. Along with anecdotal stories, it comes with a music CD. What a great gift!

4-29-11 It's Irvin Mayfield (L) and Bill Summers (R) from Los Hombres Calientes, true New Orleans jazz fusion music!

Then there’s the folk arts and crafts. You can find some pretty incredible art at Jazzfest. I sooo want this Pelican. It’s handblown glass and a cool $550. What a showpiece!

4-29-11 A gorgeous hand-blown glass pelican in the Folk Crafts Market

On my way out, I had to pass in front of the Congo Square stage. What a treat to listen to Wyclef Jean and the Refugees!

4-29-11 Wyclef Jean and the Refugees rock the Congo Square Stage

The weather was perfect – there was not a cloud in the sky. Though festival goers heated up the fairgrounds, there was a light breeze to cool everyone off. It was one of the most perfect Jazzfest days I have ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot!

Yet another reason to love New Orleans! Laissez les bon temps rouler! Let the good times roll!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

{ 0 comments }

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →