For close to half a century Elena's Home of Finest Filipino Foods has been feeding the Hawaii community delicious, homestyle filipino cuisine. Lucky for everyone the Waipahu restaurant expanded their location in September (now doubled in size) and launched a new buffet. The all you can eat buffet is served everyday from 8:30am-8pm and is only $11.50 for adults, $7.99 for keiki 7-3 years-old, $2.99 for keiki 2-under. 
You'll find favorites including the trademarked Pork Adobo Fried Rice Omelette, Chicken Papaya, Corned Beef Cabbage, Sari Sari, Pancit, Dinuguan, Adobo and more. It's not a huge spread of glutenous food, but it definitely makes sense. If you were going to come in and order the fried rice omelette, might as well pay just over $2 more and get the entire buffet. 

Here's a look below. 

Elena's Home of Finest Filipino Foods
94-866 Moloalo Street
Waipahu, HI 96797
​(808) 676-8005

Spring is about to get sprung... and one of my favorite people of all time is at the helm in the kitchen at the Top of Waikiki. Literally positioned above the region and towering over the bustling streets filled with shoppers, visitors and diners, Chef Lance Kosaka has unveiled 11 farm-fresh new menu items from the kitchen at the revolving restaurant with panoramic views. 

From Happy Hour bites to vegetarian options and tasty spins on local classics these new dishes are delicious and bursting with flavor. 

Must-try dishes include:
Brussels Sprouts
Tempura Burrata
Pan-Seared Ahi Steak
Vegetarian Cous Cous 

​The Top of Waikiki
2270 Kalakaua Avenue
21st Floor
Honolulu, HI 96815
Open nightly 5-9:30pm
Happy Hour at the bar all night 5-9:30pm
www.topofwaikiki.com
​

While on my first trip to South Korea I stumbled upon a street vendor selling these crisp, brown, steamy, hot treats to children. I had no idea what was in it but had to order some. To my surprise it was a delightfully delicious chewy subtly sweet pancake of amazingness. Filled with cinnamon, peanuts and brown sugar -- I had to go back for more. 

Nothing compares to the very first taste back in Fall of 2016, but thankfully I found another vendor in Seoul to appease my craving of the hotteok pancake yummy goodness! This my friends is ono eats! 

Love colors, photos, videos and fun? You've probably seen it on social media, Color Factory in San Francisco is an amazing pop-up interactive gallery.

"Color Factory is a 12,000 sq.ft. pop-up exploring color as an experience. Visitors move through 2-stories of color in over 15 exhibits; lose yourself in 10,000 colored ribbons, sink into a giant yellow ball pit, catch some rainbows, smell colorful memories and taste a spectrum of treats. Put on your favorite hue and come to us for color." 

The above paragraph summarizes the site perfectly, but if I may add -- the often sold out and reservation only event is a location aimed at focusing on colors, themes, visuals, childhood memories and current social media trends. 
If you have a moment in SF check it out and enjoy all the color in its many forms. 

Temporary location:
575 Sutter Street
​San Francisco, CA
@colorfactoryco 

On a recent annual trip to wine country, I had my fair share of amazing food. Obviously, with some of the best chefs in the country residing in the region the cuisine is extremely gourmet, innovative and full of fresh flavor. One of the things I love about California cuisine is the fact that the dishes are packed full of garden freshness and elements like texture and preparation are executed perfectly. The highlight of my culinary journey was an outstanding brunch at The Girl and the Fig. Known as a staple in the Sonoma community, this hot spot serves up delightful California cuisine with touches of elegant French technique. 

Lucky for us we managed to squeeze our way in for Sunday Brunch! The decor is rustic and charming, You'll find seating inside and outside under a clear canopy tent.

We ordered the:
Grilled Smoked Trout Benedict: it was wonderful and perfectly prepared. The trout added great texture, density and full flavor to a classic brunch staple. Plus the hollandaise was elegant and the combination was sensational. 
Brussels Sprout Salad: had great crunch and freshness from the accompanying kale, bacon lardons, pear and cider vinaigrette. This was a fabulous starter to get our palate ready. 
Croque Madame:  served on a delightfully fresh and fluffy baked brioche bread with brilliant yellow egg yolk, this was actually the first item that I ate when I arrived in Paris 2 years ago. This version was elegant and not as heavy as you'd think. Really nice. 
Fig & Arugula Salad: this was the only disappointing item, as there were only tiny bits of dried fig in the salad which wasn't enough to make it the first  element noted on the menu and their namesake as well. It was ok, overall disappointing. The arugula was tenderly picked and delicately tossed, not too spicy and had moderate flavor, but the actual figs in the fig salad was missing. 
Bacon Sandwich: with a name like that you know it's going to be good. Surprisingly this wasn't as heavy as you'd imagine and was loaded with meats, cheese and topped with frazzled onions. A well-rounded sandwich served with pommel frites (french fries) was a fabulous hangover meal or something to just pick at.
Wild Mushroom Risotto: One of the dishes we all agreed we would return for was this risotto, made with Carnaroli rice, foraged mushrooms, roasted cauliflower and touched with parmesan reggiano the silky, creamy, meaty, earthy, yumminess was decadent yet mildly addicting. Really delicious and perfectly prepared, this was wonderful. 
​Lavender Creme Brûlée: Expertly crafted creme brûlée with the aromatic essence of lavender delighted my sweet tooth. This lovely end was simply divine. 
Meyer Lemon Pudding Cake: Danced on my palate, the blood orange caramel was sinfully delicious and a touch of chantilly really made this dessert dance. Great combination of citrus, creaminess and comfort.  

Overall, this was a delightful and dreamy little cafe. The service was excellent, well-informed, friendly yet easy going. Don't forget to order a cocktail, glass of bubbly or 2 Balsamic Bloody Mary's like me! 

Happy Eating!

the girl and the fig
110 West Spain Street
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707)938-3634

thegirlandthefig.com