This is the first restaurant review I did while currently freelancing for MauiTime. ENJOY!!
Gannons
Acclaimed Chef Bev Gannon opens another Maui restaurant
by Sabrina Dreyer
Gannon's
100 Golf Club Dr., Wailea
875-8080
Acclaimed Chef Bev Gannon is noted for being one of the founders of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement. On Maui, she's the force behind the famous Haliimaile General Store and Joe's Bar & Grill in Wailea. Given her reputation, her new South Maui venture—in the former Sea Watch location—has a lot to live up to. The good news: it meets, and perhaps even exceeds, expectations.
Upon entering, you're greeted by ultra-modern décor and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The light fixtures alone are something to marvel at. Bev credits this feature to her husband, a lighting technician who spent his career lighting rock shows.
Seating is either inside or out on the lanai. If you come before 6:30pm, choose the lanai for a blazing Wailea sunset and spectacular view of Molokini.
If you've dined at one of Gannon's restaurants before, you won't be let down; if this is your first experience, you'll be wowed. A must-try is the crab, lobster and tomato tower. Cucumber avocado rolls are topped with a wasabi-vinegarette glaze and succulent crab salad, fresh heirloom tomatoes and, finally, lobster. Cutting into the tower gradually is "the only way to fully enjoy the richness of each layer," Gannon says.
The wine list is extensive enough to satisfy even the staunchest connoisseur. If you like reds, the Sinskey Merlot is a full-bodied selection that will compliment any of the meats on the menu. If you lean more to the white side and/or are ordering fish, I'd recommend the crisp, sweet Laird Family Estate Pinot Grigio.
On the night my date and I dined, the special was walu (Hawaiian Butterfish), seared and served with mushrooms, bacon and onions, plus mashed potatoes drizzled in a lemon butter sauce. Never having tried walu before we didn't know what to expect. It was succulent, flaky and cooked to perfection, while the mushroom, bacon and onion gave it that little extra kick. For the second entrée, we went with the venison loin with Parmesan risotto and smoked corn nage. The venison was cooked medium rare—a little too rare for my taste—but was tender and juicy, letting the full flavor of the meat come through. The creaminess and richness of the risotto provided the perfect complement.
Last stop, dessert. I have a huge sweet tooth anyway, and it doesn't help when the menu has treats like chocolate cake, Kailua black coffee mousse and vanilla bean ice cream cake. For research purposes (of course) we decided to cave in to the chef-recommended ice cream cake with cherry compote. It tasted great, and revealed an unexpected fact about Gannon.
"I remember growing up with vanilla bean ice cream cake and it was my absolute favorite," the famed chef told us. "Plus, I've never really been a big fan of chocolate." Who knew?
Got a hot food scoop? Call 808-280-3386 or fax to 808-244-0446
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
808 All Day
Here is my second restaurant review!
Food & Drink
808 Bistro
808 All Day - Popular sandwich guys try out a bigger location and a whole new menu
by Sabrina Dreyer
808 Bistro
2511 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei
Open 5-9pm daily
879-8008
You probably know Josh Richardson and Mitch Edwards as the guys behind 808 Deli, the popular little sandwich joint next to Fred's/Moose's on South Kihei Road. Now they're branching out, moving into the spacious confines formerly occupied by the now-defunct Greek Bistro. The new venture—dubbed 808 Bistro—is good enough to lure patrons away from the long wait for Taco Tuesday at Fred's.
808 Bistro has open-verandah seating with modern, sleek wooden tables and nice sunset views. Once seated, you're served toasted bread and exemplary creamy pesto butter. Appetizers run the gamut: baked crab dip, buffalo shrimp with gorgonzola cream dipping sauce, Johnny Wellington, smoked salmon and steak kabobs.
There were three in our party, so we opted for the crab dip, served with a toasted baguette, and the Johnny Wellington. The dip was rich, with the shrimp flavor standing out the most. Though it paired well with the crunchiness of the baguette, I preferred the dip by itself to let all the flavors come through. Meanwhile, the Johnny Wellington—lamb in a puff pastry served with tzaziki (yogurt and cucumber) and mint sauce—was delicious. The lamb was cooked to perfection and paired perfectly with the tzaziki sauce.
Richardson suggested the Maui Cordon Bleu—herbed panko-crusted chicken breast stuffed with ham, Swiss, spinach and a fresh pineapple glaze. The ham, Swiss and spinach complemented the juiciness of the chicken, but it could've used more of the pineapple glaze. We also tried the mahi mahi, served with jasmine rice and vegetable du jour with a choice of three sauces; we selected the restic tomato buerre blanc. Fish: flaky and cooked perfectly. Vegetable du jour: delicious, sautéed veggie sticks. Sauce: creamy and ties it all together.
Finally, we sampled the New York Steak, served with bleu cheese apple gratin and vegetable du jour. The steak came medium rare and was accompanied by a balsamic vinaigrette mushroom reduction. It was one of the best sauces I've tried on Maui—and I'm not usually a fan of mushrooms.
For heart-healthy foodies there are a variety of soups (the carrot, coconut curry sounds the best) and salads. Have a sweet tooth? How does lilikoi cheesecake or sorbet sound? Macadamia nut gelato? Sweet Hawaiian bread pudding?
During dinner, I spoke to a couple that has been to the restaurant three times since it opened (808 Bistro is only three weeks old). I asked them what brought them back. "It's like eating at a gourmet restaurant at half the cost," they said. They also praised the staff, and even said they liked the current BYOB policy.
Richardson and Edwards personally visit each table with a smile; you truly get a sense of the owners and the restaurant. "It's about the atmosphere," Richardson said. "We greet everyone, serve excellent ingredients and bus tables ourselves. Everyone leaves happy." Sabrina Dreyer, MauiTime
Food & Drink
808 Bistro
808 All Day - Popular sandwich guys try out a bigger location and a whole new menu
by Sabrina Dreyer
808 Bistro
2511 S. Kihei Rd., Kihei
Open 5-9pm daily
879-8008
You probably know Josh Richardson and Mitch Edwards as the guys behind 808 Deli, the popular little sandwich joint next to Fred's/Moose's on South Kihei Road. Now they're branching out, moving into the spacious confines formerly occupied by the now-defunct Greek Bistro. The new venture—dubbed 808 Bistro—is good enough to lure patrons away from the long wait for Taco Tuesday at Fred's.
808 Bistro has open-verandah seating with modern, sleek wooden tables and nice sunset views. Once seated, you're served toasted bread and exemplary creamy pesto butter. Appetizers run the gamut: baked crab dip, buffalo shrimp with gorgonzola cream dipping sauce, Johnny Wellington, smoked salmon and steak kabobs.
There were three in our party, so we opted for the crab dip, served with a toasted baguette, and the Johnny Wellington. The dip was rich, with the shrimp flavor standing out the most. Though it paired well with the crunchiness of the baguette, I preferred the dip by itself to let all the flavors come through. Meanwhile, the Johnny Wellington—lamb in a puff pastry served with tzaziki (yogurt and cucumber) and mint sauce—was delicious. The lamb was cooked to perfection and paired perfectly with the tzaziki sauce.
Richardson suggested the Maui Cordon Bleu—herbed panko-crusted chicken breast stuffed with ham, Swiss, spinach and a fresh pineapple glaze. The ham, Swiss and spinach complemented the juiciness of the chicken, but it could've used more of the pineapple glaze. We also tried the mahi mahi, served with jasmine rice and vegetable du jour with a choice of three sauces; we selected the restic tomato buerre blanc. Fish: flaky and cooked perfectly. Vegetable du jour: delicious, sautéed veggie sticks. Sauce: creamy and ties it all together.
Finally, we sampled the New York Steak, served with bleu cheese apple gratin and vegetable du jour. The steak came medium rare and was accompanied by a balsamic vinaigrette mushroom reduction. It was one of the best sauces I've tried on Maui—and I'm not usually a fan of mushrooms.
For heart-healthy foodies there are a variety of soups (the carrot, coconut curry sounds the best) and salads. Have a sweet tooth? How does lilikoi cheesecake or sorbet sound? Macadamia nut gelato? Sweet Hawaiian bread pudding?
During dinner, I spoke to a couple that has been to the restaurant three times since it opened (808 Bistro is only three weeks old). I asked them what brought them back. "It's like eating at a gourmet restaurant at half the cost," they said. They also praised the staff, and even said they liked the current BYOB policy.
Richardson and Edwards personally visit each table with a smile; you truly get a sense of the owners and the restaurant. "It's about the atmosphere," Richardson said. "We greet everyone, serve excellent ingredients and bus tables ourselves. Everyone leaves happy." Sabrina Dreyer, MauiTime
Friday, May 21, 2010
Find Someone To Love the You You Love
For all those SATC or Sex and the City (for you non- fans), you know this quote. With just five days to go before the sequel comes out, I think it's only appropriate to talk about all the great things we have learned from SATC.
Fashion: It is only appropriate to start out with this one! Coming from a big fashinoista- what I like to call myself- I love watching all the fashion trends on this show. Everything from Manolos, Gucci, Chanel, Louboutin, Hermes and so much more. Young women around the world drew inspiration from Charlottes classic look, Miranda's power-house suits, Samantha's sexy vixen dresses and Carrie's "fashion forward ensembles." This is especially important now because they are showing you can still be sexy and look great in their 40's and 50's. Even though I'm not quite there yet, I think that is much needed. Women need to know that turning older isn't just "turning older" you're much more wiser, beautiful and have lived life. Celebrate the age you are, don't hide it. You are only what you perceive yourself to be.
Friendship: A single lady looking for her Mr. Big, a high-powered lawyer and full time mom, a sexaholic who can't say no and a polished, conservative, happily married of one all manage to stay friends through life's ups and downs. Every lady can draw on their relationships with each other as they each represent a different woman in America. It is so important to have that close group of friends you can always call whenever anything is wrong, as we saw and will continue to see in the sequel. No matter what life, friends, family, jobs throws at you, your friends will be there- waiting with a cocktail in hand- to be your listening ear.
Jobs: They each have their own professional career and manage it with grace and elegance. Especially in a busy city like New York, you are able to see them excel at what they do best, even asking advice from their friends along the way. They also continue to manage every other aspect of their life as well. Why can't everyday women do it? We just have to tell ourselves that nothing is impossible and everything is attainable.
Love: Besides fashion, this one is my favorite. We all feel a void if we haven't truly loved before. You know the saying, if you haven't loved and lost before, you haven't truly loved. I honestly believe in that. I don't think Carrie would have been able to find out she truly loved Mr. Big if she didn't lose him once. Like I always say I don't regret anything in life, especially my past relationships because they have made me the person I am today. I am able to truly love Chris and be in love because I know what it's like to truly love someone. I have never loved anyone the way I have loved him. But that wouldn't have happen if I didn't love myself first. "If you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous." Thank you Ms. Carrie Bradshaw.
Everyone needs to learn to love themselves first and I believe everything else in your life will fall into place.
Thank you SATC for all the things you have taught me. I can't wait to find out what adventures in life, fashion, friends and love this next part of your life brings you. Come on MAY 27!!
Fashion: It is only appropriate to start out with this one! Coming from a big fashinoista- what I like to call myself- I love watching all the fashion trends on this show. Everything from Manolos, Gucci, Chanel, Louboutin, Hermes and so much more. Young women around the world drew inspiration from Charlottes classic look, Miranda's power-house suits, Samantha's sexy vixen dresses and Carrie's "fashion forward ensembles." This is especially important now because they are showing you can still be sexy and look great in their 40's and 50's. Even though I'm not quite there yet, I think that is much needed. Women need to know that turning older isn't just "turning older" you're much more wiser, beautiful and have lived life. Celebrate the age you are, don't hide it. You are only what you perceive yourself to be.
Friendship: A single lady looking for her Mr. Big, a high-powered lawyer and full time mom, a sexaholic who can't say no and a polished, conservative, happily married of one all manage to stay friends through life's ups and downs. Every lady can draw on their relationships with each other as they each represent a different woman in America. It is so important to have that close group of friends you can always call whenever anything is wrong, as we saw and will continue to see in the sequel. No matter what life, friends, family, jobs throws at you, your friends will be there- waiting with a cocktail in hand- to be your listening ear.
Jobs: They each have their own professional career and manage it with grace and elegance. Especially in a busy city like New York, you are able to see them excel at what they do best, even asking advice from their friends along the way. They also continue to manage every other aspect of their life as well. Why can't everyday women do it? We just have to tell ourselves that nothing is impossible and everything is attainable.
Love: Besides fashion, this one is my favorite. We all feel a void if we haven't truly loved before. You know the saying, if you haven't loved and lost before, you haven't truly loved. I honestly believe in that. I don't think Carrie would have been able to find out she truly loved Mr. Big if she didn't lose him once. Like I always say I don't regret anything in life, especially my past relationships because they have made me the person I am today. I am able to truly love Chris and be in love because I know what it's like to truly love someone. I have never loved anyone the way I have loved him. But that wouldn't have happen if I didn't love myself first. "If you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous." Thank you Ms. Carrie Bradshaw.
Everyone needs to learn to love themselves first and I believe everything else in your life will fall into place.
Thank you SATC for all the things you have taught me. I can't wait to find out what adventures in life, fashion, friends and love this next part of your life brings you. Come on MAY 27!!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Snacks You Wont Regret: courtesy of Cosmo
Yes, I am a monthly subscriber to Cosmo. Say what you want about it, that's it's just for girls in high school etc, but it has great articles every month pertaining to all aspects of life for women of all ages: money saving tips, exercises of the month, relationship advice and so much more.
The article that stuck out to me this month was about snacks. If you know me, I'm an avid snacker, to a point where Chris calls me a piggy because I'm usually eating every 3-4 hours which is what your body needs.
"Certain super foods will keep you feeling fuller and also rev up your metabolism," who doesn't want that? "so you'll eat fewer calories without even having to thinking about it.
1) Spicy peanuts: snack on an ounce of dry-roasted peanuts around, 28 pieces, for about 160 calories.
2) Sugar-free pudding: This stuff is one of the best ways to get your chocolate (or vanilla) fix. Thicker liquids, like pudding, satiate the brain's appetite center more than, say, hot chocolate, helping you consume few calories. And no it doesn't taste that much different than its sugar-laden counterparts. What I always say is if you're in a healthy mind frame then your taste buds are not going to mind eating what's better for you. Honestly, after about a week of eating the good stuff, you wont even be craving the bad stuff!
3) DIY Ranch dip with carrot and celery sticks: Mix 1/4 cup low-fat plain yogurt and 1/2 teaspoon ranch seasoning for a yummy veggie dip. Low-fat yogurt contains conjugated lineolic acid which blocks fat uptake and also helps your body burn flab more efficiently. This one was a big one for me, because I am a huge fan of ranch dressing. After reading, how bad and caloric ranch is for you I changed to low-fat dressing even some vinaigrette and it's way better! It's a challenge to find low-fat plan yogurt here (on Maui) so I'm still on the search!
4) Watermelon: all melons, but particularly watermelons, have a high-water content which means they take up more space in your stomach, making you feel fuller. You can eat one up of diced melon for less than 50 calories. And they are so much fun to eat!
5) Frozen banana slices: freeze bananas and the test changes- they're like little slices of ice cream, minus the calories and fat. Make your own "flavors" by sprinkling on cocoa or cinnamon. "A sweet bonus: Cinnamon helps regulate sugar levels, so your body may store less fat." I LOVED this one when I read it. I'm a big sweet person, so I am definitely trying this one tonight.
6) Tuna salad: a fish like tuna is a smart snack, since it takes more energy to digest protein than it does to break down fats and carbs. IMPORTANT: skip the mayo and mix in 3 tablespoons of light Italian salad dressing instead- you'll get lots of flavor for fewer calories and less fat.
There it is friends, my bible of snacks I will be living by.
ENJOY AND HEALTHY EATING
The article that stuck out to me this month was about snacks. If you know me, I'm an avid snacker, to a point where Chris calls me a piggy because I'm usually eating every 3-4 hours which is what your body needs.
"Certain super foods will keep you feeling fuller and also rev up your metabolism," who doesn't want that? "so you'll eat fewer calories without even having to thinking about it.
1) Spicy peanuts: snack on an ounce of dry-roasted peanuts around, 28 pieces, for about 160 calories.
2) Sugar-free pudding: This stuff is one of the best ways to get your chocolate (or vanilla) fix. Thicker liquids, like pudding, satiate the brain's appetite center more than, say, hot chocolate, helping you consume few calories. And no it doesn't taste that much different than its sugar-laden counterparts. What I always say is if you're in a healthy mind frame then your taste buds are not going to mind eating what's better for you. Honestly, after about a week of eating the good stuff, you wont even be craving the bad stuff!
3) DIY Ranch dip with carrot and celery sticks: Mix 1/4 cup low-fat plain yogurt and 1/2 teaspoon ranch seasoning for a yummy veggie dip. Low-fat yogurt contains conjugated lineolic acid which blocks fat uptake and also helps your body burn flab more efficiently. This one was a big one for me, because I am a huge fan of ranch dressing. After reading, how bad and caloric ranch is for you I changed to low-fat dressing even some vinaigrette and it's way better! It's a challenge to find low-fat plan yogurt here (on Maui) so I'm still on the search!
4) Watermelon: all melons, but particularly watermelons, have a high-water content which means they take up more space in your stomach, making you feel fuller. You can eat one up of diced melon for less than 50 calories. And they are so much fun to eat!
5) Frozen banana slices: freeze bananas and the test changes- they're like little slices of ice cream, minus the calories and fat. Make your own "flavors" by sprinkling on cocoa or cinnamon. "A sweet bonus: Cinnamon helps regulate sugar levels, so your body may store less fat." I LOVED this one when I read it. I'm a big sweet person, so I am definitely trying this one tonight.
6) Tuna salad: a fish like tuna is a smart snack, since it takes more energy to digest protein than it does to break down fats and carbs. IMPORTANT: skip the mayo and mix in 3 tablespoons of light Italian salad dressing instead- you'll get lots of flavor for fewer calories and less fat.
There it is friends, my bible of snacks I will be living by.
ENJOY AND HEALTHY EATING
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
WEEKEND UPDATE!!
These are one of my favorite blogs to update because I get to relive our wonderful weekend in paradise again :)
This weekend wasn't as jam-packed as last weekend but still exciting.
Friday we decided to see Iron Man 2. Yea, I know not a very "Hawaiian" thing to do, but it was soooo worth it. This movie was excellent. A lot of people say that the second one is never as good as the first one, I beg to differ. This one was just a good, if not better. I don't need to tell you how much Chris liked it either.
Saturday, we went hiking at La Perouse. The views were spectacular, as you can tell by the photos.
Where isn't a view incredible here? We got up around 8 am. Once you're living here you don't want to waste any of the beautiful weekend weather. We had a whole lunch fixed, our water and snacks ready to go. The book that we have - Maui Revealed (don't let the locals know you have this book) - said there was some side path you could take, which Chris read - and believed. It was said to be a 5 mile hike and we were ready. We never really found what we were supposed to find, but it was still so worth it. 
We have both come to like hiking a lot and it's not something we got to do in Houston. Getting out in the fresh air, doing something different together is exhilarating. Study after study shows that couples who do things like that together last longer than couples who don't do anything active together. I can't disagree with that.
I still wanted to get some beach time in. Chris keeps saying that I could just live at the beach if I could. I probably would. It's so relaxing. This time we went to Polo Beach, since we hadn't been there before. So far, I think this is my favorite beach. It was like 12:30 p.m. and it wasn't that packed at all nor was it windy. We set up our beach chairs, got our sunscreen on and..... just relaxed. Chris of course took a little catnap. I read the current book I'm reading Nine Rooms of Happiness - look for upcoming blogs on this wonderful and inspiring book. We talked, relaxed some more and relished in the sunny air. Our day was still not done.
Chris later took us back to Makena, where we had our engagement photos shot, to watch the sunset and drink some wine. It was kind of like a mini celebration of our anniversary of being together for three years.
It was a great way to spend the rest of our Saturday. I have the best and most thoughtful fiance ever. I can't wait to make him my husband.
Sunday ended up being our cleaning/working out/lazy day. The place needed a good clean; we need a good run and then just time to do nothing. Normally we're running into town to take care of errands. It was nice to do something different and not worry about having to get things done. Not only did we clean our place but we took care of ourselves too with a run. We are running every other day now and it's great! If you do anything with your significant other then get out, enjoy the fresh air and run or walk. It will be great for y'all not only physically but emotionally too.
Another amazing weekend in Maui down. Yea, we could pretty much do this for awhile.
MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR WEEKENDS - OR DAYS OFF AND YOU WILL FEEL SO MUCH BETTER.
This weekend wasn't as jam-packed as last weekend but still exciting.
Friday we decided to see Iron Man 2. Yea, I know not a very "Hawaiian" thing to do, but it was soooo worth it. This movie was excellent. A lot of people say that the second one is never as good as the first one, I beg to differ. This one was just a good, if not better. I don't need to tell you how much Chris liked it either.
Saturday, we went hiking at La Perouse. The views were spectacular, as you can tell by the photos.
Where isn't a view incredible here? We got up around 8 am. Once you're living here you don't want to waste any of the beautiful weekend weather. We had a whole lunch fixed, our water and snacks ready to go. The book that we have - Maui Revealed (don't let the locals know you have this book) - said there was some side path you could take, which Chris read - and believed. It was said to be a 5 mile hike and we were ready. We never really found what we were supposed to find, but it was still so worth it. 
We have both come to like hiking a lot and it's not something we got to do in Houston. Getting out in the fresh air, doing something different together is exhilarating. Study after study shows that couples who do things like that together last longer than couples who don't do anything active together. I can't disagree with that. I still wanted to get some beach time in. Chris keeps saying that I could just live at the beach if I could. I probably would. It's so relaxing. This time we went to Polo Beach, since we hadn't been there before. So far, I think this is my favorite beach. It was like 12:30 p.m. and it wasn't that packed at all nor was it windy. We set up our beach chairs, got our sunscreen on and..... just relaxed. Chris of course took a little catnap. I read the current book I'm reading Nine Rooms of Happiness - look for upcoming blogs on this wonderful and inspiring book. We talked, relaxed some more and relished in the sunny air. Our day was still not done.
Chris later took us back to Makena, where we had our engagement photos shot, to watch the sunset and drink some wine. It was kind of like a mini celebration of our anniversary of being together for three years.
It was a great way to spend the rest of our Saturday. I have the best and most thoughtful fiance ever. I can't wait to make him my husband. Sunday ended up being our cleaning/working out/lazy day. The place needed a good clean; we need a good run and then just time to do nothing. Normally we're running into town to take care of errands. It was nice to do something different and not worry about having to get things done. Not only did we clean our place but we took care of ourselves too with a run. We are running every other day now and it's great! If you do anything with your significant other then get out, enjoy the fresh air and run or walk. It will be great for y'all not only physically but emotionally too.
Another amazing weekend in Maui down. Yea, we could pretty much do this for awhile.
MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR WEEKENDS - OR DAYS OFF AND YOU WILL FEEL SO MUCH BETTER.
Mothers Give You....
HAPPY (LATE) MOTHER'S DAY!
Yesterday was the first Mother's Day we were not with our mothers, and to tell you the truth it was kind of weird. Thanks to Skype, we each got to talk to our mothers and families. My sister was cooking a wonderful meal at home and my brother and sister-in-law, my sister's boyfriend (who is like my big brother), and Steph (a bridesmaid) and her two handsome twin boys, and of course my daddy. It definitely wasn't the same. My sister even sent me a text "Cooking Mother's day dinner definitely isn't the same without you." I couldn't help but smile. But I did give flowers to a co-worker who has four kids and a grandchild; she is also a friend to me: Mrs. Roberta Beeson. She always gives me rides to and from work, lends a listening ear and is just a sweet person. Chris and I also bought some beautiful, potted mums for our neighbor who lives above us. She is a divorced lady who always fixes us food and keeps an eye on our cat. So we paid it forward to the "Mothers" in our life.
We also went to a wonderful Church service where the father recited a great homily about mothers. He said mothers give us roots and wings. They give us roots to keep us ground and wings to let us fly. This is so true and my mom fits right under that category. I am the grounded, self-confident person because I know my roots, where I come from and have a strong family background. She and my father also gave us our wings to explore what we wanted to in life. Without them we wouldn't be where we are and the people who we have become. Chris and I have wonderful mothers (and fathers) and we thank God everyday for them.
I hope you celebrated the Mothers in your life. Not just yesterday but everyday.
Yesterday was the first Mother's Day we were not with our mothers, and to tell you the truth it was kind of weird. Thanks to Skype, we each got to talk to our mothers and families. My sister was cooking a wonderful meal at home and my brother and sister-in-law, my sister's boyfriend (who is like my big brother), and Steph (a bridesmaid) and her two handsome twin boys, and of course my daddy. It definitely wasn't the same. My sister even sent me a text "Cooking Mother's day dinner definitely isn't the same without you." I couldn't help but smile. But I did give flowers to a co-worker who has four kids and a grandchild; she is also a friend to me: Mrs. Roberta Beeson. She always gives me rides to and from work, lends a listening ear and is just a sweet person. Chris and I also bought some beautiful, potted mums for our neighbor who lives above us. She is a divorced lady who always fixes us food and keeps an eye on our cat. So we paid it forward to the "Mothers" in our life.
We also went to a wonderful Church service where the father recited a great homily about mothers. He said mothers give us roots and wings. They give us roots to keep us ground and wings to let us fly. This is so true and my mom fits right under that category. I am the grounded, self-confident person because I know my roots, where I come from and have a strong family background. She and my father also gave us our wings to explore what we wanted to in life. Without them we wouldn't be where we are and the people who we have become. Chris and I have wonderful mothers (and fathers) and we thank God everyday for them.
I hope you celebrated the Mothers in your life. Not just yesterday but everyday.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Cinco De Mayo Celebration on Maui
OK, I know I'm one day late with this post, but better late than never.
Cinco De Mayo is kind of special to us. Three years ago on May 5, Christopher and I hung out for the very first time. I had only been at ENVY about a month or so, and Chris asked me what I was doing for Cinco De Mayo - I would be studying all day. So May 5 comes, and we end up text messaging ALL DAY. I ended up meeting him at Onion Creek. I was with Nikki Trejo - who is a Bridesmaid - and he was with Joel who is also a Groomsmen. Chris had me smiling and laughing the whole time and not to mention he couldn't stop flirting with me. OK, so I flirted with him too.
Ever since then, we have been together. So every May 5 when we were in Houston, we would go back to Onion Creek. Yesterday, since we are on Maui, we of course wanted to keep with the whole Mexican theme. We ended up going to Amigos. A place we hadn't tried yet. But since we live here, we are always looking for new places to try. Amigos was GREAT! It's a super small, place, but good service and GREAT food. We started with some ground beef nachos (no sour cream - I gotta keep healthy here ;) Then he had a burrito with chile relleon and I had Carne Asada. The steak was very juicy and this was some of the best mexican food we had on the island. The only minus was that Amigos - along with all the other Mexican places - don't have queso! What's up with that? None-the-less we still had a great time, along with our Negra Medelos.
It brought back a lot of memories also of where we were and where we are going. If you would have told me that he was the guy I would end up marrying and him making me the happiest I have been, I wouldn't have believed you. This is honestly the best relationship I have been in and I thank God everyday for him. I think he is pretty thankful too. We compliment each other; we like the same things; we finish each other's sentences; we have fun together; we want the same things out of life and our careers; we have the same passion; we both come from great families; we are soulmates. What more could we want?
Three years down and many, many more to go. We have five more months till our wedding and we'll be husband and wife. I like the ring of that.
Hope you're Cinco De Mayo was as good as mine.
In honor of us hanging out three years ago, here is the photo taken on May 5, 2007 at Onion Creek in Houston, TX. A recent photo of us at Amigos will be up soon.
Cinco De Mayo is kind of special to us. Three years ago on May 5, Christopher and I hung out for the very first time. I had only been at ENVY about a month or so, and Chris asked me what I was doing for Cinco De Mayo - I would be studying all day. So May 5 comes, and we end up text messaging ALL DAY. I ended up meeting him at Onion Creek. I was with Nikki Trejo - who is a Bridesmaid - and he was with Joel who is also a Groomsmen. Chris had me smiling and laughing the whole time and not to mention he couldn't stop flirting with me. OK, so I flirted with him too.
Ever since then, we have been together. So every May 5 when we were in Houston, we would go back to Onion Creek. Yesterday, since we are on Maui, we of course wanted to keep with the whole Mexican theme. We ended up going to Amigos. A place we hadn't tried yet. But since we live here, we are always looking for new places to try. Amigos was GREAT! It's a super small, place, but good service and GREAT food. We started with some ground beef nachos (no sour cream - I gotta keep healthy here ;) Then he had a burrito with chile relleon and I had Carne Asada. The steak was very juicy and this was some of the best mexican food we had on the island. The only minus was that Amigos - along with all the other Mexican places - don't have queso! What's up with that? None-the-less we still had a great time, along with our Negra Medelos.
It brought back a lot of memories also of where we were and where we are going. If you would have told me that he was the guy I would end up marrying and him making me the happiest I have been, I wouldn't have believed you. This is honestly the best relationship I have been in and I thank God everyday for him. I think he is pretty thankful too. We compliment each other; we like the same things; we finish each other's sentences; we have fun together; we want the same things out of life and our careers; we have the same passion; we both come from great families; we are soulmates. What more could we want?
Three years down and many, many more to go. We have five more months till our wedding and we'll be husband and wife. I like the ring of that.
Hope you're Cinco De Mayo was as good as mine.
In honor of us hanging out three years ago, here is the photo taken on May 5, 2007 at Onion Creek in Houston, TX. A recent photo of us at Amigos will be up soon.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Engagement Photos, Zip Line Tour/Photo Shoot, Haleakala hiking, Paia Town, Adam Sandler
This past weekend was probably the most jam-packed, fun-filled, exciting weekend we had!
1) We finally had our engagement photos taken!! Yay! I have literally been trying to take these photos since we got engaged(which is now almost a year and a half!) The wonderful and talented Sean Michael Hower took the photos. And I will tell you we were in such good hands! I've worked with different photographers before and i felt very comfortable with him and definitely recommend him for any of your photography needs. Check him out at http://www.mauiweddingmedias.com/
Not to mention our photos came out MAGNIFICENT! We absolutely love them!
Check out the rest on our Facebook page!
2) Another exciting thing happened on Friday: i received my iPad!!! I ordered this thing March 12 and it arrived April 30. Yea that's too long for me or anyone to wait! None-the-less I got it and I haven't stopped playing on it since. This thing really is revolutionary. Everything is so fast! The one thing I was worried about was the typing because it's all touch screen. But it isn't hard at all. In fact, it's super easy! The thing that I don't like right now is that you cant upload any photos yet, or I just don't know how. So far, that's the only thing I see that i would change. Well that and the whole Skype thing. There isn't a camera on this thing and I Skype every week to my parents in Houston. I may just have to break down and buy the camera once they get it. Ok enough about that!
3) On Saturday, we had a zip line tour/photo shoot lined up with Skyline Eco Adventures by Haleakala.The photo shoot was for Maui Time (the alternative weekly Chris is the Art Director for). We hadn't had the chance to do a zip line tour since we've been here, so that was exciting in itself. I was a little nervous at first, but it was sooo much fun! Just a few things I have to say about it: there were only 7 zip lines; it wasn't so much a tour, they just talked about some birds you would see, which BTW we never really saw; and the only fun one was the last zip line which was 750 ft drop and you went about 40 mph, but that's about all my friends. Since we did it for the magazine, we got to do it for free (the wonderful benefits of him working for a local entertainment mag). But I'm not sure i would have paid to do it. I would honestly use that money and go on a helicopter tour instead. Sorry Skyline! Nothing against you! The tour guides were actually awesome!
On a little side note, on our way up there we had a little extra time and stopped at a local stand and had some breakfast. These are the things that I love. These little stands are every where throughout the island. The food is so good, the coffee is fresh, local and delicious! Not to mention there are local flowers that you wouldn't find anywhere else. So gorgeous!
4) After an exciting start to the weekend, we decided to go hike up through Haleakala. "This special place vibrates with stories of ancient and modern Hawaiian culture and protects the bond between the land and its people. The park also cares for endangered species some of which exist nowhere else. Come visit this special place - renew your spirit amid stark volcanic landscapes, sub-tropical rain forest and the unforgettable experience of hiking the back country." How can you not want to go there? The views and scenery were out of this world! It was so serene. We were 10,000 ft, above the clouds. It was just unbelievable. And we live here! We can come back whenever we want! This is what we moved here for. We definitely don't take living here for granted. Studies show that if you do new and exciting things together, or even just taking a walk with your significant other, is such a good thing for your health and your relationship. I agree!
5) Now it was time for lunch. We decided to go to one of our favorite towns, Paia. It's such a laid-back town and has great food, what's not to love? When we were driving down the street, who do we spot? Mr. Adam Sandler himself. For those who don't know and who may be living on a rock, him, Jennifer Aniston and Nicole Kidman are all here in Maui shooting the upcoming movie "Just Go With It" So we actually ran into them at cafe they were eating. I work with his kids, so I have met him and his wife before. We went up to them, made some small talk and Chris actually got a photo of him holding the Maui Time! For evidence:
After that, we ate lunch at Milagros. This food is delicious! Some of the best fish tacos i have tried on the island.
Our day was complete! This weekend was just sooooooo much fun. Along with having a great job, and being here with love of my life, weekends like this make living it worth it. Now we just have to see how we can top this weekend.
I'm sure we'll find a way :)
1) We finally had our engagement photos taken!! Yay! I have literally been trying to take these photos since we got engaged(which is now almost a year and a half!) The wonderful and talented Sean Michael Hower took the photos. And I will tell you we were in such good hands! I've worked with different photographers before and i felt very comfortable with him and definitely recommend him for any of your photography needs. Check him out at http://www.mauiweddingmedias.com/
Not to mention our photos came out MAGNIFICENT! We absolutely love them!
Check out the rest on our Facebook page!2) Another exciting thing happened on Friday: i received my iPad!!! I ordered this thing March 12 and it arrived April 30. Yea that's too long for me or anyone to wait! None-the-less I got it and I haven't stopped playing on it since. This thing really is revolutionary. Everything is so fast! The one thing I was worried about was the typing because it's all touch screen. But it isn't hard at all. In fact, it's super easy! The thing that I don't like right now is that you cant upload any photos yet, or I just don't know how. So far, that's the only thing I see that i would change. Well that and the whole Skype thing. There isn't a camera on this thing and I Skype every week to my parents in Houston. I may just have to break down and buy the camera once they get it. Ok enough about that!
3) On Saturday, we had a zip line tour/photo shoot lined up with Skyline Eco Adventures by Haleakala.The photo shoot was for Maui Time (the alternative weekly Chris is the Art Director for). We hadn't had the chance to do a zip line tour since we've been here, so that was exciting in itself. I was a little nervous at first, but it was sooo much fun! Just a few things I have to say about it: there were only 7 zip lines; it wasn't so much a tour, they just talked about some birds you would see, which BTW we never really saw; and the only fun one was the last zip line which was 750 ft drop and you went about 40 mph, but that's about all my friends. Since we did it for the magazine, we got to do it for free (the wonderful benefits of him working for a local entertainment mag). But I'm not sure i would have paid to do it. I would honestly use that money and go on a helicopter tour instead. Sorry Skyline! Nothing against you! The tour guides were actually awesome!
On a little side note, on our way up there we had a little extra time and stopped at a local stand and had some breakfast. These are the things that I love. These little stands are every where throughout the island. The food is so good, the coffee is fresh, local and delicious! Not to mention there are local flowers that you wouldn't find anywhere else. So gorgeous!
4) After an exciting start to the weekend, we decided to go hike up through Haleakala. "This special place vibrates with stories of ancient and modern Hawaiian culture and protects the bond between the land and its people. The park also cares for endangered species some of which exist nowhere else. Come visit this special place - renew your spirit amid stark volcanic landscapes, sub-tropical rain forest and the unforgettable experience of hiking the back country." How can you not want to go there? The views and scenery were out of this world! It was so serene. We were 10,000 ft, above the clouds. It was just unbelievable. And we live here! We can come back whenever we want! This is what we moved here for. We definitely don't take living here for granted. Studies show that if you do new and exciting things together, or even just taking a walk with your significant other, is such a good thing for your health and your relationship. I agree!
5) Now it was time for lunch. We decided to go to one of our favorite towns, Paia. It's such a laid-back town and has great food, what's not to love? When we were driving down the street, who do we spot? Mr. Adam Sandler himself. For those who don't know and who may be living on a rock, him, Jennifer Aniston and Nicole Kidman are all here in Maui shooting the upcoming movie "Just Go With It" So we actually ran into them at cafe they were eating. I work with his kids, so I have met him and his wife before. We went up to them, made some small talk and Chris actually got a photo of him holding the Maui Time! For evidence:
After that, we ate lunch at Milagros. This food is delicious! Some of the best fish tacos i have tried on the island. Our day was complete! This weekend was just sooooooo much fun. Along with having a great job, and being here with love of my life, weekends like this make living it worth it. Now we just have to see how we can top this weekend.
I'm sure we'll find a way :)
Monday, May 3, 2010
My Next Shopping List Guide
Once I started reading this link -see below- I was stuck for an hour! I love all the email alerts I get from Women's Health. It's so enlightening and I learn something new every time I read it. And knowledge is power right? Once you have the knowledge, the power is second and that will help in having a healthy attitude toward changing your lifestyle, if you truly want to. It's worth a try. What are you waiting for? Reading never hurt anyone :)
I swear, the next time i go to the grocery store, I will be taking my wonderful iPad (look for a blog on how I'm liking my new iPad) and looking at this link for the healthy options I can choose. Find a good website you think i would like, leave me a comment here. I'm always on the look out for any interesting information on eating right and staying healthy.
ENJOY AND HEALTHY EATING!
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/best-packaged-foods-for-women?cm_mmc=ETNTNL-_-2010_04_27-_-HTML-_-1
I swear, the next time i go to the grocery store, I will be taking my wonderful iPad (look for a blog on how I'm liking my new iPad) and looking at this link for the healthy options I can choose. Find a good website you think i would like, leave me a comment here. I'm always on the look out for any interesting information on eating right and staying healthy.
ENJOY AND HEALTHY EATING!
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/best-packaged-foods-for-women?cm_mmc=ETNTNL-_-2010_04_27-_-HTML-_-1
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