Day 1 - Honolulu

We’ve been to Honolulu before, but it typically is for a stopover going to another island or heading home. We really only knew the Waikiki area and we were anxious to visit the “real” Honolulu.
We are on the 19th floor of the building (1 bedroom condo) and are surrounded by other high-rises. Up early and took some shots from the balcony, it is always a little cloudy in the morning but the temperature is going to 87 degrees. We can see Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, the municipal golf course from our balcony.
We headed out and went to the Seaside Restaurant next door for a breakfast consisting of 2 pancakes, 2 bacon strips and scrambled eggs.
Well fortified, we changed our minds from taking a cab to Chinatown and decided to take the #2 bus in front of the condo instead. For $2.25 each it was a bargain.
In Chinatown, we followed a walking tour we found online and got many interesting pictures. We stopped for lunch in a food court and had awesome won ton soup.
After Chinatown we did the walk of Historic Honolulu seeing the Palace, Washington House, the campus of Hawaii Pacific University.
Then we decided to head back to condo and relax.
We’ll head out for a nice dinner and wander around.

Getting to Honolulu Nov 8

3:30 am came very early. Limo took us to the airport. Checked in and then typical Pearson airport confusion, no US Customs forms handed out or available at counters (all empty), then a pompous security guard (you know the kind – wearing the too big uniform) Insisting that forms must be completed before entering the line. This meant all kinds of people converging at the same time from the check-in counters.
Fight was at 6:05 am however as we were seated the pilot said Pearson had a 6:30am flight curfew so we couldn’t leave until at least then. Then why would an airline schedule a 6:05 flight?? This was a 50 seater plane to Houston. Nice, uneventful flight.
Arrived in Houston with ½ hour to make it to the total opposite end of the airport to catch our flight. This was a full flight going to Honolulu and then on to Guam. Flying time to Honolulu is eight hours. Nice flight, awful food (but free), entertainment system but old, in seat screens, however, you couldn’t select your movie to begin whenever you wished.
Started reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and am totally enjoying it. John is reading one of John Deaver’s latest books.
Arrived in Honolulu on time, 2pm local time and grabbed a taxi to the Royal Kuhio (timeshare) downtown Honolulu (Waikiki). We couldn’t check in until 4pm so we went walking around and saw several wedding parties. Finally time to relax so we went to the Outrigger Hotel and had a couple of beers. Then it was time to check in and put our feet up so we headed back to the condo and crashed at 5:30 pm (10:30 at home) and planned on getting up at 8pm and going out to dinner. Instead we slept through!!!

Jersey Boy - My hand to God!

'Oh What a Night' it was Friday November 6, when Frankie Valli, the original Jersey boy with the golden falsetto, and his current Four Seasons line-up croon for fans in a rare concert appearance at Toronto's Massey Hall.
The show was good, with a 10 piece band (5 members of the brass section were Toronto musicians)and 4 young Four Seasons (nice eye candy)to back him up.
Massey Hall is an incredible venue for concerts, the sound is awesome and the seats ensure everyone has an excellent view ofthe stage.
Frankie sang for 2 solid hours without an intermission which really kept the audience engaged. He is 75 years old!
It was absolutely packed, mainly with people of his generation.
I knew he was short...but,man he really is even with heels on his shoes. And really lose the earrings! http://www.frankievallifourseasons.com/index.html

He gave an excellent plug for http://www.donatellorestaurant.ca/ saying he had eaten twice there and it was the most authentic Italian ever. Guess he also gave them tickets to theshow as they were in the audience.

Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons are a veritable institution in rock and roll history, selling over a staggering 175 million records in their 40 year career. The group garnered 29 Top 40 hits, which included such beloved classics as "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Walk Like a Man," "Rag Doll," and "December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)". In 1990, Valli, along with fellow original members of the Four Seasons, Tommy DeVito, Nick Massi, and Bob Gaudio were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
While remaining an active member of the Four Seasons, Valli branched out as a solo artist in 1966. That same year, he scored a Top 40 hit with "You're Gonna Hurt Yourself," following it up the next year with the Gaudio/Crewe composed classic "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," which earned him a number 2 spot in the charts. In 1974 Valli was back on top of the charts, going platinum with the wistful ballad "My Eyes Adored You." Valli earned another number one hit with his recording of the theme song from the 1979 film version of 'Grease.'
The hits stemming from the Four Seasons' extensive musical catalogue spawned the Tony-award winning hit musical Jersey Boys. The musical, which continues to electrify audiences of all ages across North America, chronicles the tumultuous times of the blue-collar foursome who hailed from the wrong side of the tracks. Night after night, the show plays to sold-out audiences who are taken on a reflective, toe-tapping musical journey, from the group's pitch perfect harmonization under a streetlamp to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Toronto production, currently playing at the Toronto Centre for the Arts, has captured the musical heart of the city and has been extended for a second year to accommodate the ongoing overwhelming demand for tickets.

Food to check out in Honolulu

Adventurous diners will find much to discover and learn about local-style Honolulu cuisine on their Oahu vacation. The Hawaiian Islands’ cosmopolitan capital city presents a veritable buffet of cross-cultural cuisines and cooking styles. If you like the excitement of sampling exotic foods from around the Asia-Pacific Rim, you won’t be disappointed by Honolulu’s dining scene. What’s more, you can find the best Honolulu restaurants on a limited budget.
Hawaii’s Varied Cuisine
Hawaii’s diverse cuisine reflects its melting-pot population. Many of the exotic flavors and dishes have their origins in the thousands of immigrant laborers who came to Hawaii from the 1850s onward. Along with native Hawaiians, these Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Portuguese and later Southeast Asian immigrants, all lent their influences to the evolvement of Hawaii’s regional cuisine.
One staple, the ubiquitous Hawaiian plate lunch, is an institution. It consists of two scoops of rice, a scoop of macaroni salad, and a meat or fish entrée. The variations are almost endless but reflect Hawaii’s unique cross-cultural blending. Plate lunches are generally inexpensive, ranging from $5 to $7 and up, and are available at take-out lunch counters and restaurants around Honolulu.
Here is a Honolulu restaurant guide featuring favorite plate lunch and island-style eateries, where you can sample genuine Hawaiian cuisine that makes Honolulu a diner’s delight.

A traditional Hawaiian plate lunch.
Courtesy of the OVB
Waikiki
Ono Hawaiian Foods
Ono Hawaiian Foods, a small hole-in-the-wall place, serves up authentic Hawaiian-style plates including kalua pig, lau lau, chicken long rice or combinations. “Ono” means delicious in Hawaiian. It’s well worth the wait for a table.
Ono Hawaiian Foods, 726 Kapahulu Ave., tel.808-737-2275. Hours: Mon. to Sat. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. http://www.travelmuse.com/ext/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5nZW9jaXRpZXMuY29tL25hcGF2YWxsZXkvOTg3NC8=
Kapahulu Poi Shop
This is a small unpretentious place—take-outs only. Choose from combination plates with kalua pig, lau lau, chicken luau, pipikaula, chicken long rice and more. Create your own plate and enjoy some real Hawaiian food.

· Patrons of Ono Hawaiian Foods take a pause from their Hawaiian feast of lomi salmon, poi, beef stew, watercress pork and taro leaf-wrapped pork.
mote
Kapahulu Poi Shop, 3110 Winam Ave., tel. 808-737-8014. Hours: Mon. to Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rainbow Drive In
Rainbow Drive In is an old-fashioned drive-in that has a lengthy menu of island favorites like beef teriyaki, boneless chicken, roast pork, shoyu chicken and more. There is limited table seating outside, or opt for take-out.
Rainbow Drive In, 3308 Kanaina Ave., tel. 808-737-0177. Hours: daily 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. http://www.travelmuse.com/ext/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5yYWluYm93ZHJpdmVpbi5jb20v
Next: Restaurants in Kaimuki
Kaimuki
Big City Diner
Big City Diner is a busy sit-down diner that boasts a menu of many famous local creations. Try Uncle Danny’s fried rice, or sample the spicy savory Grandma’s incredible kimchee fried rice, Chinatown chow mein noodles or baby back ribs with guava barbecue sauce. There are many more choices at this popular combination sports bar and local-style eatery. Other locations around Honolulu include Kailua, Waipio, Pearlridge and Ward Warehouse.
Big City Diner, 3565 Waialae Ave., tel. 808-738-8855. Hours: Sun. to Thu. 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 7 a.m. to midnight. bigcitydinerhawaii.com
Grace’s Inn
This small lunch counter offers a large variety of local-style plate lunches. Choose from things like chicken katsu curry, mahi mahi, shoyu roast pork, mochiko chicken, Teriyaki beef and many daily specials. Eat in or take out. There are other locations in Makiki and Aiea near Pearl Harbor.
Grace’s Inn, 2919 Kapiolani Blvd., tel. 808-732-0041. Hours: Mon. to Sat. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sun. 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Ward Center
Kaka`ako Kitchen
This local-style eatery transforms the humble plate lunch to upscale and gourmet. Try the Korean kalbi ribs, mixed island barbecue plate, sweet chili chicken or any of several daily plate specials. This is casual fine dining in a Styrofoam takeout box, however table seating is available.

Uncle Danny’s fried rice at the Big City Diner.
inuyaki.com
Kaka`ako Kitchen, 1200 Ala Moana Blvd., tel. 808-596-7488. Hours: Mon. to Thu. 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri. to Sat. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sun. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Haili’s Hawaiian Foods
This lunch counter is in the busy Marukai Market. Hawaiian plate lunch choices include lau lau, kalua pig, stew, fried fish and combination plates, or create your plate from several items. Eat in or take out.
Haili’s Hawaiian Foods, 1020 Auahi St., Ward Farmers Market, tel. 808-593-8019. Hours: Mon. to Sat. 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. http://www.travelmuse.com/ext/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5oYWlsaXNoYXdhaWlhbmZvb2RzLmNvbS9kb29yLw==

Chinatown
Little Village Noodle House
Among all the eateries in Chinatown, Little Village Noodle House stands out. The menu of more than 100 selections combines the flavors of Northern, Hong Kong and Szechuan Chinese cuisine. Try the signature dishes like orange chicken, eggplant with garlic sauce, sizzling scallops, black pepper beef and Chinese chicken salad. Enjoy take out or table seating.
Little Village Noodle House, 1113 Smith St., tel. 808-545-3008. Hours: daily, 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. http://www.travelmuse.com/ext/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5saXR0bGV2aWxsYWdlaGF3YWlpLmNvbS8=
[Read our Honolulu Chinatown article for more information on this neighborhood.]
Around Honolulu
Tsukenjo Lunch House
There is nothing particularly fancy about this small lunch counter operation, but the lunch fare is top notch. Standard menu features include kalua pig and lau lau, pork adobo, meat loaf, shoyu chicken and more. Daily specials vary from curry stew to Korean style chicken to beef tomato, tripe stew, fried noodles and more.
Tsukenjo Lunch House, 705 Cooke St., tel. 808-597-8151. Hours: Mon. to Fri. 4:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

For Hawaiian on the go, grab a Zippy’s Zip Pac. This one features fried chicken, fish, spam and teriyaki beef on a bed of rice with furikake.
love･janine
Zippy’s
With several locations around Honolulu, this chain restaurant has a menu of local favorites. Try Zippy’s signature chili and rice or a plate lunch special ranging from chicken katsu or loco moco to hamburger steak or mahi mahi. There are also daily special plates and much more on the menu. Eat in or take out.
Check the Web site for restaurant phone numbers and locations at http://www.travelmuse.com/ext/aHR0cDovL3d3dy56aXBweXMuY29tLw==.
Chinatown in Old Honolulu, Oahu
Chinatown is hidden in the old section of downtown Honolulu. A walking tour of this historic area is punctuated by a Buddhist temple, Japanese shrine, art galleries and a large open-air market. Walk on your own, or try the Chinese Chamber of Commerce walking tour. Allow at least an hour.Chinatown is home not only to many Chinese, whose families have lived here for generations, but also Filipinos, Hawaiians and newer arrivals from Viet Nam and Laos. The Chinese started arriving in Hawaii in large numbers in the mid 1800’s as plantation workers. Over time, many became successful merchants. Some of the early architecture from this period is still standing, despite the government’s drastic policy of burning of many homes in 1900 in an effort to rid the community of bubonic plague.At night Chinatown presents its racier side, as the once-booming district is still home to pool halls, neon lights, and an entertaining collection of characters.Locals come here to buy leis and eat truly authentic Chinese food. Visitors can watch leis being strung. Shopping is a unique experience where you’ll find unusual fruits and vegetables, herbs, porcelain, fresh fish, and traditional hanging ducks. Many of the shops have been family-owned for generations.The nearby 125-year old Foster Botanical Garden is a 14-acre urban Eden overflowing with orchids, coffee trees, palms, and poisonous plants.Chinatown, hidden just a few blocks from central downtown Honolulu, offers a buffet for the senses with its parade of people, sights, sounds, and exotic smells and tastes.
Yama's Fish Market
2332 Young Street·Honolulu, HI 96826·(808) 941-9994
Serving Hawaii Since 1980

Located in the heart of Moiliili, on Young Street near the corner of Isenberg. Yama's Fish Market is your one-stop for Hawaiian Food like it's meant to be. Fresh daily from our on-site kitchen you can choose from assorted Poke, Lomi Salmon, Kalua Pig, our signature Lau Lau, daily specials, and homemade Haupia, Cookies, and other desserts that will "broke da mouth".

Yama's will cater your special event and offers lunch deliveries too. Contact us for more details.

9am - 7pm Monday thru Saturday

ALOHA - our itinerary

We leave Nov 8 at 6:05 am and arrive in Honolulu at 2pm.

We will stay in Honolulu until Nov 11 when we will fly to Kona on the Big Island. We will be in Kona until Nov 14 and then we move to Punalulu to my favourite resort in the world! We stay there until Nov 18. We'll then return to Honolulu until Nov 21 when we fly home and will arive home on Nov 22 at 2:30pm.

Dinner and a Movie

Made this last night for dinner and served it with a Greek salad. A must have with this is tzatziki which must come from Sun Valley on the Danforth.

Watched State of Play which was entertaining.

Checked up on a few things about the movie.

"The Night That Paddy Murphy Dies" is the song featured in the opening scene of the movie. The song is by Great Big Sea, a band from Newfoundland, Canada. Alan Doyle, Great Big Sea's lead singer, and Russell Crowe are known to be close friends. In previous years, Crowe has been spotted numerous times visiting the province of Newfoundland.

State of Play is a political intrigue based on the six-part TV series State of Play, first aired on BBC One in 2003. The TV series was created by English screenwriter Paul Abbott. Gotta find the BBC series.

GREEK MEAT PIE

1 lb. ground beef chuck, lean

1 lb. ground lamb, lean

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 onions, chopped1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon oregano, crushed

1 cup tomato sauce

pinch of cinnamon

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup butter, melted

12 sheets Phyllo pastry (about 1/2 a box of frozen)

In a skillet, saute ground meat in olive oil with onions until browned. Season with salt, oregano and pepper. Add tomato sauce, cinnamon.
In a small bowl, beat eggs and stir in cheese. When ground meat has cooled, fold in the eggs and cheese mixture.
Butter a 9x13 inch baking pan. Arrange six sheets of Phyllo pastry on bottom of pan, buttering each sheet. Spread a layer of cooled meat mixture evenly on Phyllo. Cover with remaining six sheets, brushing each with melted butter.
Trim edges of Phyllo to fit pan with a sharp knife. Slice through top of pastry to form diamond shapes.
Bake in a preheated 350°F oven until pastry is golden crisp.
May be served hot or cold.

Used my favourite salad servers bought at the San Diego zoo.

Royal National Hotel London

The Royal National Hotel is one of the largest and most popular hotels in the city centre. The hotel offers clean and comfortable accommodation for up to four guests and all rooms have private bathrooms. Located in Russell Square, the hotel is no more than ten minutes walk to the British Museum, Oxford Street, Tottenham Court Road, Kings Cross, the Lyceum and Dominion Theatres and also Great Ormond Street Hospital and Covent Garden.

Picture courtesy of K!

Well it wasn't a 10 minute walk for us!! Not sure where we went wrong.