Sweet Keiki

Keiki (pronounced "kay-key") is the Hawaiian word for "baby" or "child", literally meaning "the little one".


While I was away in Hawaii, a sweet little lost cat started calling our Beaverton back patio home.

What were we to do?

We, of course started feeding her/him (after finding out that our neighbors were also giving her/him meals as well). 

Doesn't this sound all too familiar?

We also had to name the little booger, and due to my fixation with Hawaii, Keiki just took (we had a feral cat at the condo that I also called keiki).

We've printed up flyers and posted them in the neighborhood and at the local grocery store.

In my heart, I just know that this little kitty is missing it's home and it's family is missing her/him.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: May 13-16, 2012

Whew!  I am on the road again this week.  Leaving Thursday early early for Baltimore (business) and then a quick trip to Virgina to see my Mommy!  Brian is in Portland this week and I think I found a good mix of healthy and hearty meals for everyone.

Enjoy!
Stacy

SUNDAY: BBQ Cookout...burgers and maybe some corn on the cob
MONDAY: Broccoli and Swiss Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts with a Garden Salad
TUESDAY: Pepperoni Pizza Pockets; packing for Baltimore and Virginia!
WEDNESDAY: Warm Spinach Salad with Bacon, Chicken and Blue Cheese 
THURSDAY:  Off to Baltimore at 6AM; free in the evening....perhaps some crab cakes and Chardonnay!

Old Photo Friday: There's No Crying in Baseball (um....Golf)

WHO: Diamond Jim (aka....my Pop)
WHAT:  Having an episode
WHERE:  It's gotta be Eugene or Cottage Grove
WHEN:  He looks to be about 6 or 7 so I'll say 1948-49

Thinking about my Pop who is celebrating a bucket list event this week.....a 3 day golf outing at Pebble Beach.  When this picture was taken, I bet you didn't realize all the celebrations in your life you'd be experiencing with all your adventures.  I know Pebble Beach was at the top of your list.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Recipe of the Week: Artichoke Bisque

One of the memories I have of my train trip down to Los Angeles last month are the rows and rows, acres upon acres of farm fields.  We buzzed by so fast, that most of the time I couldn't tell what was growing where, but occasionally I would spot an artichoke field and my mouth would water.

The Dutch introduced artichokes to England, where they grew in Henry VIII's garden at Newhall in 1530. They were brought to the United States in the 19th century, to Louisiana by French immigrants and to California by Spanish immigrants. The name has originated from the Arabic al-kharshof, through a northern Italian dialect word, articiocco.

Today, artichoke cultivation is concentrated in the countries bordering the Mediterranean basin. In the United States, California provides nearly 100% of the U.S. crop, and approximately 80 percent of that is grown in Monterey County; there Castroville proclaims itself to be "The Artichoke Center of the World", and holds an annual artichoke festival. 

Artichoke Bisque

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 green onion, chopped
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 1/2 cups water
1 cup white wine
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
2 (13-ounce) cans artichoke hearts, undrained
1/2 cup whipping cream

Directions:

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in onion and celery and, stirring constantly, cook until onion is almost transparent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and green onion and
   continue to cook over medium heat until garlic is soft, about 1 minute.
2. Sprinkle flour on onion mixture and stir constantly over medium heat for 3 minutes.
3. Add chicken broth, water, wine, bay leaf, salt, white pepper, thyme and hot pepper sauce. Simmer, partially covered, for 45 minutes.
4. Stir in artichoke hearts with liquid and cream. Cover and simmer on low heat for an additional 30 minutes. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Makes 8 servings.

Recipe Courtesy of CooksRecipe

Image Courtesy of Google Images

 

 

Maui 2012: The Wrap-Up!

 Super Moon over Lanai

From brilliant sunsets to stunning rainbows.....

Wonderful meals and exotic drinks......

Best meal of the trip - Scallops Longhi at Longhi's

Fabulous drives through sugarcane fields, eucalyptus groves and stunning ocean views.

It's always hard to say goodbye to the island that we love so much.

He Punawai Kahe Wale Ke Aloha

Love is a spring that flows freely.

- Mary Kawena Pukui

The spirit of Aloha is a way of life and well-being embraced by native Hawaiians for hundreds of years.  Traditionally, the world Aloha was a greeting reserved for loved ones.  To live with Aloha is the secret to well-being.

We are home now and slowly getting back into our routine, but every once in a while I can hear the ocean calling our names.....I can feel the sun on my face.

Thank you Maui!  Aloha!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Maui on Dwellable

Menu Plan Monday: Welcome Home from Maui

Welcome Home!

We are back from an amazing 9 days in Maui...plenty of sun, sand and surf to take us through until our next adventure.

I'll need to get back into the kitchen this week, not only to clear my head of vacation, but to get back on the Weight Watchers track.  I hit the scales in the morning and it may be brutal.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Monday: Grilled Hawaiian "huli huli" Chicken and a Big Garden Salad
Tuesday: Grilled Halibut with Grilled Spring/Summer Veggies
Wednesday: Pasta Puttanesca
Thursday: Crock Pot Balsamic Pork Loin served with corn tortillas and pico de gallo

Maui 2012: Day Seven

Our farewell day...so we made it a good one.

First stop, a walk to the airport, which we had postponned yesterday due to the rain.  Now...we can't let a little rain stop us!  This is a killer walk, but good for the soul and a great way to jump start Saturday.

We got there just in time to see the 8:15am flight to Molakai.  Beautiful views!

Next, we hit Lahaina for some last minute shopping and one last drink at Lahaina Coolers (okay....two mai tais). This is our little local joint, off the beaten path.  It's a favorite with folks who've been around Lahaina a few times and know where to go to get good food and drink without getting crushed on the bill. Brian and I discovered it our first trip to Maui in 2006 and call it our favorite pub on the planet. It's airy with indoor-outdoor patio/pub atmosphere - surfboards and a record-breaking marlin adorn the walls. It's popular for breakfast and also for lunch/dinner. Friendly service...very reasonably priced and they also have late-night eats till midnight.  Check it out on your next visit.

Brian's taking home a t-shirt so we will always remember the good times spent here.

Sunset dinner at Longhi's.  A Lahaina landmark created by "a man who loves to eat," Longhi's has been serving Lahaina since 1976. That "man" is owner Bob Longhi and although his children pretty much run the place now, his influence is still strong. Many of the classic dishes on the menu are his—prawns Amaretto, steak Longhi, and the signature lobster Longhi for two.

Our farewell to Maui dinner did not dissappoint.  In addition to a wonderful sunset (which we viewed at the condo, but saw the lingering affects at our table), our service was first class and the food (huge portions) amazing.  It's a "splurge" dinner (hey, aren't they all) but a good final meal.  Hands down...the BEST meal we had in Maui...easy choice.

We fly out tomorrow mid-day.  I'll post some final pictures and thoughts after decompressing in a few days.

Until then, enjoy!  Practice Aloha!

Aloha!
Stacy

Maui on Dwellable

Maui 2012: Day Six

We dodged showers and spotted rainbows on Aloha Friday.  A good day to rest and relax, Maui style.

I love to treat myself to a Lomi Lomi massage while in Maui.  Traditionally called lomi, meaning "to rub, press, squeeze, massage; to work in and out, as the claws of a contented cat". Lomi lomi is a holistic healing tradition beyond simple massage.

I've tried just about every high end spa on the Island, but last year I located the Makai Massage and Bodywork Spa at the Napili Kai Resort.  Ask for Julie and she will give you one tough work over!


It was just what I needed for my tired and worn down body!  Thanks!

Napili is just up the road from our condo and is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon....Brian loves to snorkel there and I just love to relax by the water and people watch.  Unfortunately, they took Brian's beach chair (since technically we were not guests there) and then the rains came.  Talk about aloha spirit busting!

We opted for a quiet Aloha Friday with an afternoon nap, followed by pupus on our lanai and our last sunset at the condo (tomorrow night we will be in Lahaina).

 Super Moon Eve over West Maui Mountains

Thanks to Brian for cooking a wonderful aloha dinner...burgers with Kula tomatoes and Maui corn.

Aloha Friday!

Enjoy!
Stacy 

Maui on Dwellable

Maui 2012: Day Five

We always make a "wish list" for Maui. Most of the items are some of our favorite activities and places, but we always try and add some new adventure to our trip. This year, I requested more time in upcountry (last year's adventure was the all day assent of Haleakela).

Our first stop Thursday was the Surfing Goat Dairy. Owned and operated by German-born Thomas and Eva Kafsack, the dairy is one of the top agricultural tourist activities on Maui.  Located on 42 acres, they produce over 25 different cheeses with 18 winning national awards in the last four years.

We had a 20 minute tour of the dairy including feeding some of the herd and a wonderful cheese tasting.  A fun stop if you are in the area.

Down the road south (going up) we explored the Ali'i Lavendar Farm which is nestled in the clouds on the slopes of Haleakala.  It has over 55,000 lavender plants in bloom with walking tours daily.  It was misting, so we opted to tour the gardens ourselves and took some wonderful pictures on the grounds.

We then drove to  Bev Gannon's Hali'imaile General Store for lunch. Chef-restaurateur Beverly Gannon's first restaurant remains a culinary destination after more than two decades. It's a big former plantation store that has two dining rooms. Her menu is phenomenal......classic dishes like crab pizza, Asian duck tostadas, grilled lamb chops, and many daily Hawaiian specials.

Unlike last year's lunch at Gannon's, I did not spot Ms. Gannon and therefore might never ever get the chance to meet her!

Brian had a delicious pulled pork sandwich and I had the fish special.....mahi mahi on a bed of jasmine rice. Amazing!

Hali'imaile comes from the Hawaiian word hali’i means ‘a covering’ or ‘blanket’. Maile is a native twining shrub with fragrant, shiny leaves. History tells us that this area was once covered in the sweet-smelling vegetation and the moniker, Hāli‘imaile, became a part of the oral tradition that describes this lovely hamlet today.

About 3 weeks ago, Brian and I were surprised to learn that our local Roy's in Kahana had closed and moved to Kaanapali.  Its Kahana location was a favorite of ours (any many others) and with its location just across the street from the condo, it was a real treat to have such an amazing restaurant within walking distance.  We decided to check out the new location Thursday night for pupus...perhaps to see if any of its magic moved with it.

Roy Yamaguchi is a James Beard award-winning chef and the "granddaddy" of East meets West cuisine. The best thing about Roy's is the food and its service.  The wine list was one of the first to be exceptionally user-friendly and, thankfully, remains so. The service here is welcoming and professional although the new location does not allow for really good one on one service (at least at the bar) as diners fight for bar seats prior to dinner reservations.

Quite frankly...let's face it, the new location is hands down more visually appealing than the old strip mall location (with a picture window that looked down at a gas station). Roy spent a considerable amount of dough converting a seldom used golf course club house into his newest restaurant.  The "new" view looks out towards the water (west) onto the golf course and the new "comfy" decor is very nice.

The problem is....Roy's quaintness is gone. Sure, you can pack the place full of Kaanapali tourists, but with that, all of the ambiance is gone (and the volume has gone up). I also noticed that the "steals" just don't exist anymore....they don't have to at this location (there was a wait of up to 45 minutes for people with no dinner reservations).

The bar was packed with golfing groups on their 3rd of 4th rounds of the day (and I am not taking golf here) and we fought to find a place to sit down and relax (the new bar now seats triple what Kahana location did).

Hands down, the food remains the constant shining star!  The menu appears to be different from last April, which I would expect... probably readjusting to the new location.  We shared pupu platter (canoe for two for $29) and my favorite dessert, pineapple upside down cake.  All in all....we enjoyed our food (my apologies, I had technical difficulties with camera preventing me from posting a few pictures from Roy's)

Dare I say that we only have two full days left.  What is on tap for tomorrow?


Enjoy!
Stacy

Maui on Dwellable

Maui 2012: Day Four

We began our Wednesday with a walk up to the Honokowai Farmer's Market.

This natural food store offers fresh produce, island fruits, baked goods, salsas, dips, and fresh flowers and every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, they offer an outdoor Farmer's Market as a way to support local farmers.  We come back year after year for some of their more popular items (Maui gold pineapple, apple bananas, Kula strawberries, papaya, banana bread, salsas, and guacamole).  This is not your average grocery store.

After three hours by the pool, we cleaned up and headed into Lahaina Town. First stop, pupus at Kimos and a bit of shopping.  Brian had a huge burger with a brioche bun and I had a small pate (appetizer of coconut shrimp).  Fairly touristy here in Lahaina with bargins hard to find, but our service was good and I think that Brian would come back in a heartbeat for another burger!


Our biggest disappointment of the day was the loss of our favorite bookstore.  Off the beaten path in Lahaina, we've been going to the Old Lahaina Book Emporium for years to buy and recycle books during our vacation.  Rumor has it that the shop was converted into an art studio (so in our heart the fact that it didn't end up another ABC Store was easier to take).  Below (I had Chardonnay to drown my sorrows).

Tears in my eyes for the loss of our beloved bookstore

Always a highlight of our trip, and one of the coolest things to do in Maui is to take the Sunset, Champagne and Chocolate sail aboard the Scotch Mist II.

Our sail turned into a bit of a whale watching trip and to be quite honest, I enjoy the relaxation of the sail and not the chasing of the whales, but it was still an enjoyable night on the water.

If you want to hit the water while in Maui, PLEASE give these folks a call!  You will find them at Slip #2 in the Lahaina Harbor.  Mahalo to the crew (Turk and Mr. (206) Tony) for another wonderful sail.

Aloha, Wednesday!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Maui on Dwellable

Maui 2012: Day Three

We decided to break up our "Up Country" Maui adventures into two days this trip.

First stop was breakfast at Charley's one of the best places for breakfast in all of Hawaii. Once again, we looked for Willie Nelson....but he was not to be found (probably too early in the morning).  They still have "the" best pancakes in town (macadamia nut) with yummy coconut syrup (a must stop for every visit).

Paia is a bohemiam artsy town and a fun place to explore. From Paia, you can head off on the road to Hana or north on Baldwin Avenue to upcountry.


This adventure, we headed about 5 miles down the road to Hana to Haiku.

Haiku is Maui's cultural melting pot, where custom million dollar homes sit next to funky, run-down plantation shacks with rusting cars in the front and roosters pecking for scraps in the front yard. 

It's beautiful and lush green for as far as the eye can see, with amazing bursts of color from the tropical flowers which grow everywhere. The ambience is very comfortable and laid back.

The town of Haiku consists of a post office, a couple of stores, and a couple of light industrial buildings. Like most of Maui, the community of Haiku can trace its historical roots back to agriculture. In the 1860's, two sons of missionaries, Samuel Alexander and Henry Baldwin, planted 12 acres of this new crop. The next year, Alexander and Baldwin added some 5,000 acres in Maui's central plains and started Hawaii's largest sugar company. 

The community began to flourish around the start of the 20th century. Pineapple became a key crop with the construction of a local cannery in 1904. The quiet agricultural community was home to people from all over the Pacific Rim.  An influx of newcomers came to the area in the 60s, as hippies migrated to this slice of paradise. The quiet community offered a place to get back to nature and live a simpler life than they might have found on the mainland. The 80s brought windsurfers drawn to nearby Ho'okipa beach park and its abundant wind and waves.

Brian and I visited the Memorial Park located at the site of the camp for the Forth Marine Division during WWII. At its height, there were 20,000 U.S. Marines camped here. There are several memorials here, a unique play structure and wide open spaces for gathering and picnics.  Maui was centrally involved in the Pacific Theater of WWII as a staging center, training base, and for rest and relaxation. At the peak in 1943-44, more than 100,000 soldiers were there. The main base of the 4th Marine Division was in Haiku.  Beaches (e.g., in Kīhei) were used to practice landings and train in marine demolition and sabotage.

Makawao is only a short drive uphill and a great place to stretch our legs and explore. This charming town was once named one of the top 25 arts destinations in the United States.

Despite a few rain showers, the best part of the day was spotting numerous rainbows...sometimes too many to count.

We had an early dinner back in Lahaina at Honu Seafood and Pizza.  This place was made for Brian and I......his love of pizza and my love of seafood = PERFECT!  It's fun to try something new and even better when the food and service are wonderful.

Our menu consisted of...

 

Lemon Ricotta Stuffed Squash Blossoms

Heirloom Tomato Salad

"Lifeguard" style Grilled Ahi topped with tomatoes, garlic and preserved lemon

Margherita Brick Oven Pizza with San Marzano tomatoes and fresh basil

Tuesday was fabulous.  What will Wednesday bring?

Enjoy!
Stacy

Maui on Dwellable