Being at home in isolation, socially and physically distancing from others has been a roller coaster of emotions. But as the days pass you start to adapt and things have changed to accommodate our new lifestyle. Here are the best things I have found since being quarantined and ordered to stay home, work from home and remain safer at home. -- I love these innovations and options!

Market home delivery is amazing. Being able to shop online and have the items you have chosen hand delivered to your doorstep saves a lot of time, effort, energy and is exceptionally convenient. I also had a poke delivery service bring poke to my front door as well and that was the most exciting thing about last month. What I love about the freshBOX market is they feature only local treats and products - it is hand delivered in an insulated box with frozen ice packets. Everything is fresh and you get to try new things too. We loved the HI FIVE ULU Waffle batter and even though we didn't have a waffle maker it was a spectacular pancake too! 

With all of this stay at home cooking going on... we discovered the specialty sauces by M from Chef Marvro Restaurant and they were mind blowingly delicious. Imagine pristine culinary french cuisine... what elevates it and takes it to the next level? The elegant and expertly made sauces. These were definitely worth their weight in gold. I loved all of them... Ginger Scallion, Eggplant Miso and Pistou were amazing and inspired us to make more food at home enhanced by these phenomenal sauces. Psst, I even added the Ginger Scallion to my fresh poke and that was unreal. Use sauces to help let your creative juices flow. I feel having great sauce inspires your cooking!

I've always been a big fan of wearing a face mask while traveling. There is something comforting about it and when you aren't feeling well it's a great way to keep your throat warm and to feel secure. I first saw these being worn in public in Asia, notably in Japan about 20 years ago. It is nice to see that as a society we can begin to respect and feel at ease knowing it is ok to opt to wear these in public spaces. With the efforts to reduce the spread of germs I am glad we've all adopted this way of life and have learned to utilize it. Some say they have a hard time breathing, get a mask that is easier to breathe or try breathing through your nose and essentially don't touch your face... or stop touching your face so much. 

I recently ordered a specialty pak from Ahi Assassins and it was probably the best food deal I have consumed this whole year. Because eateries aren't making the usual sales they would normally see on the daily or from events, they are getting creative and offering incentives. This is also a way for them to get rid of inventory and add more value for your dollar. For $25-$100 you can score a huge meal for your whole family and then some to freeze if need be. I saw similar options for other eateries... where you essentially get a whole meal at a discounted price. 

Probably the most convenient and greatest no-contact option around.... preorder via phone or online, swing by and pick up your items by having them hand delivered to your vehicle and go. I have done this at restaurants, stores and shopping centers. This is probably the most efficient and easiest option around. Seriously, I told one girl to just open the backseat and put it in and done. I guess it would be even better if they didn't touch the vehicle but hey door to door service is amazing and so convenient. 

So... I am probably the most affectionate and huggable person you know. I might dare to say I am actually quite famous for my hugs, full, unique, ultimate and with all my heart and body. I am going to go out on a limb and say they are pretty legendary.

Now with the social distancing and physical distancing requirements in place... it has hurt my heart not to hug people anymore. But you may recall when Hawaii's flu season was rampant this winter I tried to initiate a no-hugging policy, so as to avoid getting sick. But I was met with abrasive gestures, multiple scoffs and forced hugs. Fast forward to January and yes, I got sick. It was definitely some sort of corona virus in that I had a fever, cough and was down for about 4 days with a lingering cough for about a month. Luckily when I recovered, and prior to COVID, I went out and got my flu shot - amen. 

Now that COVID-19 has resulted in 4,525,497 known cases globally and 307,395 confirmed deaths (as of May 17, 2020) even with global lockdowns and stay at home orders for millions... I  am noticing some people are still hugging and kissing like there is no risk and no reason not to hug. When this happens I feel a great sense of awkwardness and uncomfortableness. Why? Well... if I am the only one not hugging, then it honestly makes me look like some sort of killjoy or physically and mentally withdrawn from the situation or person. 

The real answer is I rather be safe and not spread germs. I don't know who you've been in contact with and who you have hugged and kissed prior to me... and I honestly tend to have a sore throat often and what if I am sick? Even worse is the possibility of exposure. There are some people who are asymptomatic and show no signs of infection at all; how horrible would it be if I was that person and I brought it to your house and spread it to your entire family?

But as I start to see this sense of rebellion or disconnect from medical suggestions/government orders - I begin to observe that many choose to disregard precautions and live their day-to-day lives like there is nothing to be concerned about. If I am the only person out of 10 who isn't hugging, then I guess it is inevitable that I will eventually contract whatever it is that you may be carrying, and you will contract what I am carrying too.

Luckily, here in Hawaii we are amongst the best places in the world with the lowest COVID-19 infection. I feel that I have taken all the precautions to not get sick and have followed them to a T (since early March). Now as we slowly transition to normal life... I can see people initiating handshakes, hugs and close contact again. I thought perhaps that distancing would be the new norm, but I feel it isn't the case. Many news agencies are reporting contact isolation as the best method to reduce the risk, but those are people who are already infected. 

So here is the question? When will I be comfortable hugging people again? What do I do when people forcibly try to hug me? And should I just bite the bullet and hug again because we are all going to get sick anyway? In the meantime I have tried the shaka, bowing, and touching other parts like feet, butt and elbows - but still people are so awkward and it's just an awkward situation to be in because everyone's boundaries are different. 

Food for thought:
"Hugging loved ones who don’t live with you is “not recommended” until a coronavirus vaccine is found, U.K. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said." - Forbes
​ 

5 Best Spots for Mochi in the Morning
By Olena Heu


Craving something sweet, light, fluffy yet chewy and perhaps a texture that you’ve never encountered before? Enter delightfully delicious mochi pancakes and mochi waffles, that are artfully created using rice flour. This iconic Japanese treat which originally dates back to just before the 800’s is now setting a new trend. Here’s a look at five of the most innovative and mouthwatering mochi pancakes and mochi waffles you must try on Oahu.

​The Nook
Mochiko Chicken & Mochi Waffles has been a mainstay on the menu of this rustic brunch spot for several years now. Double the mochi and double the fun, as the crisp yet juicy texture of the fried chicken also lends itself to the dense yet subtle mochi waffle - a great combo if you ask me. A play on the classic chicken and waffles, this iteration is completely unique and out of this world with the use of Jidori chicken and a decadent bacon maple syrup. This dish is not gluten free, but can be prepared gluten free by request.
The Nook
1035 University Ave #105
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 942-2222 www.thenookhonolulu.com

Koa Pancake House
A staple for breakfast with an impressive menu spanning everything you can imagine from omelets, to benedicts and more… Koa Pancake House has been open for nearly four decades and now boasts Butter Mochi Pancakes and a Butter Mochi Waffle topped with Guava Lava puree. Butter mochi is a more decadent mochi usually a golden yellow hue and includes… yes rich, silky butter. The chewy texture is addicting and a perfect blend of sweet with savory.
Koa Pancake House
6 Locations island-wide
Oahu, Hawaii www.koapancakehouse.com

Yogurstory
Famous the world over for their vibrant purple ube pancakes, the management team at Yogurstory decided to try something new… Ube Waffles. This pairing of ube (purple yam) with mochi flour topped with a sour cream whipped cream will leave your tastebuds dancing. The waffles have more of a spongy texture when compared to traditional pancakes, and the ube syrup is a blend of coconut milk and sweet yam which offers a nutty, creamy and comforting essence.
Yogurstory
815 Keeaumoku Street
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 942-0505 www.yogurstoryHI.com

M.A.C. 24/7 Waikiki
An all day and all night eatery serving unique island favorites along with traditional comfort classics, these Mochi Pancakes are uniquely delicate, alarmingly addictive and easily devoured. Naturally gluten free and available 24 hours a day 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late night snack, the original option is served with a spiced vanilla butter or you can choose to add freshly picked fruits to enhance the flavor profile. Honestly, these pancakes are so yummy you don’t need to add anything to them in this chic, contemporary yet charmingly convenient gem.
M.A.C. 24/7 Waikiki
2500 Kuhio Avenue
Waikiki, HI 96815
(808) 921-5564 www.mac247waikiki.com

Herringbone Waikiki
Weekend brunch just got better when you add Mochi Pancakes from Herringbone Waikiki to the mix. Topped with lilikoi (passion fruit) butter and seasonal fruits, this order of pancakes is almost too beautiful to eat. Lilikoi is a blend of both sweet and sour, so if you would prefer to enjoy the delicate flavor of the gluten-free pancake ask for the sauce on the side. A convenient location at International Market Place along with the idyllic decor, makes this a hot spot for ladies and families who love to enjoy an afternoon meal with flowing mimosas in the tropics.
Herringbone Waikiki
2330 Kalakaua Avenue #316
Waikiki, HI 96815
(808) 797-2435 https://herringboneeats.com/locations/waikiki

Unicorn Food in Honolulu
By Olena Heu

HELLO rainbows, sprinkles, glitter, chocolate sauce, syrups, decadent and sometimes refreshingly satisfying for any sweet tooth. We’re talkin unicorn food, a rainbow inspired fad that doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. Checkout our recent picks for the best spots to find uniquely inspired unicorn offerings.

Chocolate + Vanilla Bakery
As the name implies, this decadent bake shop in Kaimuki offers no shortage of sweet treats. They are known for their luscious bread pudding topped with extravagant flavors and additions. But did you know they also have a specialty rainbow bread unicorn sundae too?
1115 12th Avenue, Honolulu HI

Dipped by Dee
Chocolate covered strawberries is the name of the game for this sweetheart. Dee and her girl gang also conjure up delectable caramel apples, and berry bites to add to the strawberry delights. But none can impress more than white chocolate silver and pink unicorn dipped strawberries available for custom orders.
111 Sand Island Access Road, Honolulu HI

Charmy Hawaii
Famous for its extravagant soft serve crafted into a phenomenally decorated waffle cone… Charmy Hawaii takes exceptional ice cream flavors and melds them into works of fun edible art. Unicorn pineapple ice cream or just the basic unicorn flavor will make anyone smile and add a extra bounce to their step.
1450 Ala Moana Blvd #1360 Honolulu, HI

Urban Local Living Hawaii
This urban cafe nestled in the heart of Kakako serves milk drinks, boba teas and cotton candy goodness. The huge cotton candy bulb on your drink is enough to make you smile, while the rainbow cotton candy cup would make any unicorn prance and dance. People love to photograph their treats and sips for others to gaze at.
685 Auahi Street Honolulu, HI

Zippy’s
It’s soft, creamy, nostalgic and the cake is rainbow. Zippy’s Napoleon’s Bakery has brought back the iconic Rainbow Cake and everyone is rejoicing. This delightful sweet ending is a popular addition to parties, birthdays and celebrations. Slice into the white whipped frosting and inside you’ll find layers of rainbow goodness any unicorn would appreciate.
Locations island wide on Oahu, one on Maui and soon in Las Vegas.

The Best Spots for Saimin on Oahu
By Olena Heu
​
Considered a savory, local, comfort food, Saimin is a staple in Hawaiian homes. The freshly cooked noodles sitting in a clear dashi-style broth is the perfect combination to warm the heart and soul. Similar to ramen, but boasting simple ingredients like fish cake, ham, egg and onions, the plantation workers dined on saimin often daily and many locals still eat it today on a regular basis. With the cooler winter months approaching it’s the perfect end to a chilly evening. Heres a look at the best spots for saimin on Oahu.

Shiro’s Saimin Haven
Influenced by the Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese and Filipino foods, Shiro’s serves freshly made noodles and an abundance of other ingredients. They first opened in 1969 and have been serving a large variety of saimin dishes for every appetite. Try the Portuguese, Korean or Filipino Saimin.
98-020 Kamehameha Hwy
Aiea, HI 96701
91-919 Fort Weaver Rd.
Ewa Beach, HI 96706

Palaca Saimin
The menu is simple…Saimin with our without wonton or your choice of udon and bbq beef sticks. They say if you’re going to make something delicious then stick to it and that’s what Palace Saimin does. They don’t fret about food trends or adding anything new to their menu, instead they serve classic saimin in a comfortable setting without any bells or whistles. Sizes are also simple, small ,large or extra large depending on your appetite.
1256 N. King Street
Honolulu, HI 96817

Dillingham Saimin
One of the original saimin stands since the 1950’s Dillingham Saimin has been serving a secret family recipe to hungry eaters for decades. A shrimp broth foundation and option to add shrimp tempura make this simple dish a bit more decadent. They also serve a plethora of musubi and hearty plate lunches.
1425 Dillingham Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96817

Zippy’s
Known statewide for their 24/7 hours and on the go meals, desserts and more… Zippy’s is an island tradition and with that their saimin is world-famous as well. Classic and piping hot or served with wontons too, with more than 2-dozen locations statewide you can quench your saimin thirst from dawn until dusk or anytime in between. The Zip Min is also a must-try, it’s a saimin with wun tun, shrimp, choi sum, fish cake, seaweed, egg, sweet pork and of course noodles. ​

With about 2 1/2 months in isolation I've been catching up on everything and anything streamable online. Netflix has its most popular shows and fan favorites. I wanted to give you an honest review of the shows that I have enjoyed the most lately. Here's a look at those that were the most entertaining, kept my interest and I would say are binge-worthy. 

Season 1 originally began in 2011 and has now reached 5 seasons, this take on a modern-day Twilight Zone features standalone episodes and each has a strange and unusual twist. Some may seem dark and disturbed while others are just plain satire and suspense. Warning these shows are not for the conservative, as they take on controversial topics and uncomfortable situations. But it is oddly addicting with very original and relevant plot-lines. 

Spoiler alert, all of these people featured on the show are crazy. Unfortunately, I suspected that they would be utilizing the big cats in order to make a profit in the name of breeding and conservation -- and yes they all are. While I think some want to believe these people are in it for the greater good of the species and animal rights, in the end they are seeking fame and mostly fortune - but with that said it is very interesting, produced well and it's almost like watching a circus unravel before your eyes. The only downside is it does seem to glorify misconduct and abuse of animals but in the name of animal rescue. 

Probably the greatest thing to come out during quarantine, this show is gloriously funny, absurd, entertaining, visually appealing, keeps you on your toes and full of laugh out loud hilarity. There is nothing educated, inspiring or academic about this- it is purely a dating reality show wherein the people on it think they are going to a resort to hook up and have sex. But once they arrive they find out they can't be intimate or even kiss or risk loosing the pot of prize money at the end. We needed this mindless, comical and vibrant show to laugh, scoff at and make side bets on. (It's so terrible it's good)

Being of Jewish descent I was interested to see what this show was about. It is a little slow in the beginning but is an in-depth look at what it was like for a real-life Hasidic woman to flee an American orthodox community and an arranged marriage with the hopes of finding herself. in Berlin, Germany. Once it gets going it is really good and captivating. The drama is excellent and then when it ends, it ends. That's it. Apparently there won't be a sequel either - if there were I would watch it. It's very good. 

I was so young when the unibomber drama was unfolding and didn't really grasp the length and severity of what was happening. This is an excellent look back and investigation into how long this person terrorized the country. An excellent documentary that shares a great deal of information. I found this to be extremely valuable and brilliantly done. 

Another reality TV fashion show, but this one has immense talent from around the globe and the garments these designers are able to create are jaw dropping. Well thought out challenges and the dynamic between the competitors is extremely entertaining as they are paired together and then separated once in the finals. Really great production and I enjoyed each episode. 

Oddly bizarre a handful of people fly across the world to live in an apartment building where they never get to see each other in person and can only communicate via social networking - they have to vote each other off in a mishmash of Big Brother Meets, Catfish, Survivor. In this social media and digital world it is really interesting to see how people perceive each other and who they think is being real or fake. There are other versions in other countries and the USA second season is casting now. Very interesting to watch as they seemed to be just like us in quarantine unable to leave the apartment. 

Cute show about an Indian-American teenage girl who goes through the trials and tribulations of high school, her father's death, boys, popularity, friendships and etc. It's a feel good show that keeps you entertained. In the middle it almost seems like the same episode over and over, but then it develops a bit more and it's very endearing. 

A female news anchor fiancee and her cameraman soon to be husband, travel the world for a year to some of the most remote regions to experience what it is like to celebrate and prepare for a wedding in rural villages and communities. The twist is they dated, got engaged and then the boyfriend left and worked abroad for some time, so they haven't really seen one another or been together in each other's company for a while. She's a bit high maintenance and he's rugged so there is conflict and it's very entertaining. 

Presumed dead after a plane crash a cute caucasian boy is found and raised by kung fu warrior monks, then returns home to America to try and re-claim his life and his family's multi-billion dollar business. It's part super hero meets drama action flick. Not realistic at all but surprisingly entertaining for both genders... this was a fun show to watch as a couple after dinner. ​

Some of my all-time-favorite shows to watch (in the past) on Netflix are:
Jane The Virgin
Orange Is The New Black
Dead To Me (Season 2 is out now)
American Horror Story
Schitt$ Creek
Chef's Table 
Ugly Delicious