Chews & Views

After some Giebink sibling time, Danny and I had a few more days off to ourselves before Danny had to go back to work. Which basically meant dates for days! And for us, dates usually include eating delicious things.

We hit up a Farmer’s market we had been wanting to check out, as well as a couple of our favorite repeat eateries. Not only do these spots have scrumptious food in common, but the views and atmospheres are just as incredible!

KCC Farmers Market is held outside Kapi’olani Community College on Saturday mornings and Tuesday nights, and features dozens of local vendors that sell all sorts of produce, meat, seafood, coffee, honey, flowers, and so many yummy foods you can eat right there. As we snacked our way around on a Saturday, we tried out some crepes, flavored “ginger”-ales that were handmade before our eyes, and to my delight, Argentina style empanadas! Having had empanadas in Argentina while on a missions trip back in 2010, I was thrilled to come across Papi’s Empanadas, who put their own island twist on these heavenly pockets of pure deliciousness. The beef ones were definitely our jam, and paired with the unique dipping sauce accompaniments they came with, they became an ongoing craving. We want back the next weekend for more!

Top this all off with a the beautiful surrounding park and a view of Diamond Head, and it makes for one refreshing morning date.

Having had dinner at Maui Brewing Co. before, we were drawn back during happy hour one afternoon for their half priced appetizers and famous brews. This time around, we went for some fish and chips to share, another order of our favorite pork belly bao, and Danny’s top beer choice on the island, the Coconut Hiwa Porter. Located three stories up at the Waikiki Beachcomber resort, this industrial style “brewpub” restaurant overlooks the bustling Kalakaua Ave and is just a stone’s throw away from Waikiki Beach.

One does not simply go to Hawaii and not eat at a beachfront restaurant. Of all of the dining experiences on Waikiki beach, Duke’s is at the top of our list. The food is mouthwatering, the atmosphere is like you’re in a tropical dream, and the views are absolutely mesmerizing. And don’t even get me started on the Hula Pies!!

Named after legendary surfer and 20 year olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku, this restaurant is right on the sand, just steps away from the water, and looks on our favorite spot on Waikiki beach.

Menu wise, our time of choice to dine here is during dinner, and if you are going to have dinner overlooking the beach, why wouldn’t you make it during sunset? Especially if you choose to go on a night when there is table-side live Hawaiian music!

The baby back ribs are what called our names this particular evening, though the choice was not easy, since all of the food here is excellent. Danny even got an extra bonus with his drink, “The Backscratcher”, which came with an actual backscratcher! Which he promptly began to use.