photo courtesy of www.burgersontheedge.com
I have been hearing hype for the past few months about the burger joint called “Burgers on the Edge,” located in the Kapahulu Safeway shopping center, so I had to try it out for myself. I am actually not a huge hamburger fan, so this place needed to be special for me to write a raving review of it. The place is a quaint venue with some table seating inside and outside. The decor is modern and fun. Burgers on the Edge has a mission “to create the best tasting burgers on the planet.”
For a burger joint the menu is quite extensive and as I approached the register and started reading the menu I was stumped. A friendly employee approached me and explained “the deal” with ordering. It wasn’t as simple as ordering a hamburger or a cheeseburger. The friendly employee explained to me that there are 4 steps in ordering your burger. First, you choose your type of burger: beef, chicken breast, portabello mushroom, or turkey burger. Second, you choose from 10 different types of cheese. Third, you choose from 12 different types of gourmet sauces/dressings. And lastly, you choose 4 toppings from such as applewood smoked bacon to pico de gallo from their 19 different toppings.
After the explanation I was still stumped on what to order, so the very friendly and very patient employee told me that there were also 12 burgers on the menu to choose from for those who can’t make up their minds. I decided to go with that short list and ordered the “Milano” burger made with ground chuck, lettuce, tomatoes, basil pesto, and gruyere cheese. To top it off I order some truffle shoestring fries to go with it. This place also has sweet potato fries, chili, and even salads on the menu.
I found a table to sit at outside in the fresh air and within a few minutes they brought out my order. The burger was well made with fresh ingredients. I especially liked the soft hamburger bun. I came to find out that their bread is made fresh from the Mauna Kea Baking Company. The pesto sauce gave my burger an extra kick that I also enjoyed. The fries were a nice addition to burger with lots of added flavor.
I usually stray away from burger joints because of the monotony that they sometimes can have. This place breaks that generic burger mold. I will definitely be returning to Burgers on the Edge again. I may have to study the menu before I come back, so I don’t spend 20 minutes standing at the register again. If you would like information on Burgers on the Edge, visit their website www.burgersontheedge.com . Their menu is posted on the website, so for newbees I suggest a look over the menu before you go.
It’s pretty official: the Obama’s will return to Hawaii for about a week — arriving around December 24 and leaving around January 2. They spent last Christmas in Kailua, and there was an island-wide power outage that required secret service to scramble for generators to power the Paradise Point Estate, the luxury home they were staying in. It looks like the Obama’s will be staying at this estate yet again, as its website says they will be temporarily shut down until January 4.
Security will be so tight over the holidays that air traffic restrictions will be in effect all over the Windward side of the island. According to the Honolulu Advertiser, “The flight restrictions create a temporary no-fly zone over a 10-mile area whose core is Kailua — where Obama and his family are expected to stay — shutting out helicopter sightseeing operators from some of the most popular must-see spots on the island, including Sacred Falls and Ka’a'awa Valley.”
I’m excited that the first family will be on Oahu for the holidays!
Photo courtesy of www.formaggio808.com
Formaggio Grill in Kailua is one of my favorite restaurants on the island. I have never had a bad thing on the menu from their “beef bourguignon grande mere” for $21.99, ”opakapaka chinoise” for $31.99, or their special “truffle’d shoestring fries with black pepper” for $7.99. Formaggio is also known for their extensive wine selection that keeps me coming back again and again. I have been a loyal customer since their opening early January of 2008 and I have recently discovered that Formaggio has just given me another reason to go there more often, happy hour!
Everyday of the week…yes that’s everyday of the week: Monday thru Sunday, Formaggio is offering happy hour specials from 3-6 pm. They are offering $3 beer, $4 wine, $5 cocktail, and $6 tapas specials. I was shocked at the affordable prices and felt a little guilty as I pigged out on a $6 mussel appetizer and sipped my $4 glass of Chardonnay. What a great way to pau hana!
Formaggio Grill in Kailua is on my list of top eateries. It is a great place to have a gourmet lunch, dinner, or drinks and an appetizer and don’t forget the yummy desserts too. I could go on and on about my favorite dishes there, but better you go and try it for yourself, I promise you won’t be let down. See ya at happy hour!
For more information visit http://www.formaggio808.com .
The surf is admittedly pathetic right now, but that might be a good thing for us last-minute Christmas shoppers. One of my favorite surf stores in town, Hawaiian South Shore, is having an awesome swap meet today, where you’ll be sure to find some of the best surf-related bargains around. I hear there’s even a NICKEL table, where everything is literally 5 cents!
I went to its annual sale a few months back and scored an awesome O’Neill wetsuit top for just $25, and plan on heading down there RIGHT NOW to browse some of its great deals (and say hi to the nicest salespeople around: Dave, Keith, and Sariya).
Hele on down there, guys! The swap meet is TODAY (Saturday) and four hours (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) only!
If you miss the swap meet today, you should swing by at some point anyway and check out the Takayama Halo fins that everyone’s talking about! I’ve heard they’re the fins of the future!
Hawaiian South Shore, 320 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, #808.597.9055
Sunset at the Hawaii Kai dog park
For those who call Hawaii Kai home and have furry canine friends have definitely been to the Hawaii Kai dog park located on Keahole Street across the street from Hawaii Kai Towne Center. The park is open from dawn to dusk and only closed on Tuesday mornings from 7 am to 12 pm for park maintenance. This dog park also has a small dog area for dogs that are 18 pounds or less.
This large all grass dog park was founded by local group of Hawaii Kai dog owners called Hui ‘Ilio Hawaii. This active group of dog lovers are dedicated to “promote safe and friendly places for dogs and their people to play, and to promote responsible dog ownership.” In this mission they helped organize and establish Hawaii Kai dog park. Hui ‘Ilio Hawaii also organizes a group of volunteers to help maintain the rules, order, and up keep of the Hawaii Kai dog park.
Hawaii Kai dog park is best about 4 pm when the sun has started to go down, since there aren’t many shaded areas in the park. Usually, about 4 pm and on you can find this park packed with pooches. To enjoy this free dog park you must abide by a few rules. These rules can be found on the Hui ‘Ilio Hawaii website: http://www.hui-ilio.org/DogParkRules.php . The Hawaii Kai dog park is a beautiful Oahu off leash dog park, but owners beware the rules are strictly enforced by park volunteers.
Back in my elementary school days, playing drums on your desk with your pencil was a big NO-NO, and garbage cans were just meant for trash. Then, beginning in the 80’s street performers took our bad behavior and made cool percussion out of it. About a decade ago, I saw STOMP for the first time. The traveling troupe uses household tools and makes a loud percussive orchestra of it. Sweep the floor, strap metal garbage cans to your feet… whatever fantasies you had of making a ruckus, that’s what STOMP is, and that’s why we love it.
STOMP will return to Honolulu next week for a two-week residency at the Hawaii Theatre in Downtown. There will be new pieces added to the old, familiar favorites, but it’s sure to be a stomping good time. Making this visit particularly special, this year’s troupe features three performers that were born and raised in Hawaii! In addition, STOMP is teaming up with the Hawaii Food Bank to “STOMP Out Hunger.” Canned food donations will be accepted and a special December 23rd performance will donate a portion of the ticket sales to the cause. If you make a canned food donation you will receive a $5 discount when you purchase your ticket!
Performances begin Tuesday, December 22nd and end January, 3rd. 8 PM from Tuesday-Friday, 3 and 8 PM performances on Saturdays, and 3 PM and 7 PM on Sundays. Tickets are $35-55.
Hawaii Theatre, 1130 Bethel Street, www.hawaiitheatre.com, #808.528.0506
Today December 15, 2009 was the final day of the Billabong Pipe Masters held in 3-5 foot Hawaiian scale waves. Congratulations to Australian Taj Burrow for taking first place. Coming in second place was Kelly Slater and Dean Morrison and Dane Reynolds tied for third place.
Taj Burrow’s win at Pipeline brings an end to the Van Triple Crown Series. The winners breakdown is as follows:
VANS TRIPLE CROWN TRIPLE THREAT AWARDS:
2009 ASP World Champion: Mick Fanning (AUS) – awarded bonus $50,000
2009 Vans Triple Crown Champion: Joel Parkinson (AUS) – awarded bonus $50,000
2009 Billabong Pipe Masters Champion: Taj Burrow (AUS) – awarded bonus $50,000
VANS TRIPLE CROWN FINAL TOP 3 (Men’s):
1 – Joel Parkinson (AUS) 6694 points
2 – C.J. Hobgood (USA) 6213 points
3 – Torrey Meister (HAW) 5775 points
Photo courtesy of PhotoluluGuy (Flickr)
Two weekends ago, the Honolulu City Lights Parade got the holiday season off to a spirited start, and there are plenty of holiday events in store for island visitors as Christmas and the New Year approach (so quickly!). With the holiday already in full gear, it’s time to get in the right frame of mind. It can be a bit tough if you’re not used to spending the holidays in paradise, so here are a few things that could get you in the mood:
- Honolulu City Lights Display around the Honolulu Hale: You don’t want to miss the annual Christmas lights display in front of the Honolulu Hale (on the corner of King Street and Punchbowl). The highlight? Santa and Mrs. Claus chilling island style with their boots off.
- Santa arrives in Hawai‘i Kai, not by sled but via the waterways. The 13th Annual Festival of Lights Boat Parade will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2009. Starting at twilight (around 6pm), the parade of brightly decorated boats will traverse the marina waterways, finishing up in the Mariner’s Cove area (Kalanipuu Street near the Wailua Bridge). You’ll find great views of the boat parade from all three major shopping centers.
- The Keiki Chorus reminds us “Christmas is Everywhere”: The 26-member Keiki Chorus of Lincoln Elementary School, under the direction of Lorna Badoyen, will present a holiday program at the Hawaii State Library on tomororw, December 17, at 6:30 pm. This 45-minute musical performance will include international songs, dance, & drama.
- Dancing trees at Ala Moana: Bring the family to Ala Moana Center between 6 p.m. and closing to check out the Mele Trees of Light. They dance to favorite holiday tunes every night on the hour at Center Court.
The most decorated house in Kahaluu located on Ahuimanu Road
Christmas is almost here. The count down has begun and there are 12 days until Christmas day with only 11 shopping days left. The cooler island air and crisp ocean temperatures are reminding us that its winter time in Hawaii. Neighborhoods are showing off their holiday decorations and shopping malls are filled with patrons. I feel lucky to live in Hawaii and not have to be fighting the freezing cold and snow.
During this time of year I like to take extra time to spend with my family and friends. It’s not all about expensive gifts and wild holiday parties, but the kind act of showing your love and appreciation to those you care about. In this time of world recession a small thoughtful gift or special message in a greeting card can go a long way.
It’s been a great week on the North Shore. Kicking off with a monster swell and the Eddie on Tuesday, then the Billabong Pipeline Masters beginning on Thursday, the country is really seeing a lot of traffic in the form of spectators wanting to see the world’s best surfers on big waves. Today, the third day of the Pipe Masters is going on, and both Taryn and I will be up there checking out the awesome surfing.
Kam Highway will surely be packed all day today, so the earlier you get out there, the better! The Triple Crown competition may very well finish tomorrow with a dying but CLEAN swell continuing through Sunday.
Hit the beach, guys! Enjoy the weekend!
Brenda Yun
Taryn Wong