Visit Texas: Social House Arlington

While in Arlington, I Google-searched a nearby dinner spot, and one of the first places I found was Social House Arlington.  Reservations were available via OpenTable, so I booked a table, and we were ready for dinner!

Shrimp & Grits

The Shrinp & Grits was served in a Tabasco sauce broth, with Cajun cream corn, Andouille sausage, bacon, and mustard greens.  

Social House III Meat Meatloaf

The three meats in the Meatloaf were Ground bison, pork, and beef.

Sesame Tuna Appetizer

Smoky BBQ Burger

Irish Pork Nachos

The Irish Pork Nachos consisted of house cut potato chips, Ancho pulled pork, avocado mouse, creme fraiche, pico de gallo, and pickled jalapenos.  I thought the chips could've been crisper, and the pork a little more seasoned, but I appreciated just how generous the portion was (I actually ordered it for my meal, and barely made a dent in it!).

Our server was super friendly and efficient, but it seemed like he was a bit unfamiliar with the menu, as we asked a couple of questions and he had to go and find the answer - turns out it was his very first day!  He still gave fabulous service and was very enthusiastic.

Although the food wasn't outstanding, I thought the service was, and the portions for just about everything we ordered were very generous.  

Social House Arlington
1705 N Collins St Suite 101
Arlington, TX 76011

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Mitch's Fish Market & Sushi Bar

Thanks to the hubby for taking me (and the sons) to Mitch's Fish Market & Sushi Bar to celebrate Mother's Day. We didn't go on the actual Mother's Day, since that day is all about our mothers, but it was worth waiting a week for my special meal.

Mitch's is located in a very industrial area near the airport. You would never figure that one of the island's best places for sushi is located in this hole in the wall spot.

The restaurant has undergone a lot of changes throughout the years. It's a lot larger, which means it can accommodate a lot more customers.

There are no teishoku sets, noodles, or fried menu items here. It's basically sushi, sashimi, and grilled seafood. Since it was Mother's Day and the husband was paying, I went all out and ordered the Omakase. :). Unlike most Omakase experiences where you sit in front of the sushi chef and you are served each item one by one, Mitch's serves the items on plates grouped together by type (appetizer, sushi, sashimi, grilled, dessert) and it's delivered to your table.

Here's what was included in the Omakase on this particular evening:

Appetizer: Negi Toro

Grilled: Okra King Salmon Misoyaki (NZ)

Sashimi: (2) Bluefin Otoro, (2) Chutoro, (1) Hotate, (1) Ora King Salmon, (3) Shiromi, 

Sushi: (1) Bluefin Otoro, (1) Maguro, (1) Hamachi (1) Seasonal (I can't recall the name!), (1) Uni,
(1) Ikura

Dessert: Mochi Ice Cream (miso soup was an option)

My brother and sister-in-law ordered a sushi set, sashimi set, and a couple of rolls

10 pc sushi set

Chirashi

12 pc sashimi combo

salmon skin roll and negi toro roll

The husband ordered the Chirashi

Chirashi

And my son, who recently discovered salmon, ordered a couple orders of salmon nirigi and a salmon roll!

 I did not want to see what the bill came out to, but I will say that it was well worth it. The fish was super fresh and so tasty. It also came to our table really fast! I do miss the presentation and innovation that you can get at other Omakase experiences. But for regular sashimi and sushi, this THE place. And if that's not enough to persuade you to check out Mitch's, it's BYOB!

Reservations are recommended.

Open Daily: 11:30 am - 8:00 pm 

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MITCH'S FISH MARKET & SUSHI BAR
524 OHOHIA STREET
808-837-7774

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Visit Maui: Ka‘ana Kitchen

Ka‘ana Kitchen in the Andaz Maui is a stunning restaurant with an equally stunning view, serving up family-style, farm-to-table dishes (ka‘ana means "to share").

We were very fortunate to have been treated to a wonderful, hosted tasting menu, allowing us to enjoy a variety of dishes in four courses.

Watermelon Salad

The Watermelon Salad was simple in presentation, but still so pretty!  Watermelon was served with Big Island Feta, Li Hing Mui, and Candied Walnuts.

Kula Beet Salad

The Kula Beet Salad was served with Orange Goat Cheese, Kale, and a Cinnamon Mac Nut Granola.  This was my choice for the first course, and tt was a refreshing salad.  I enjoyed the added crunch from the crispy kale and the granola, which also balanced out the sweetness of the salad.

Grilled Octopus Salad

Kombu Aged Kampachi

Wagyu Hanger Steak

For the second Course, I chose the Wagyu Hanger Steak.  I'm not much of a steak eater, but this was delicious!  The cut was so flavorful and tender!  It was served with a Green Papaya salad that complemented it nicely.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

For the third course, I opted for the Buttermilk Fried Chicken - because I couldn't resist fried chicken and waffles!  The chicken was seasoned and cooked perfectly - super crispy on the outside, and juicy and tender on the inside, and I thought the Black Sesame Mochi Waffle was an ideal, chewy complement. 

Short Rib Fettuccine

I couldn't resist trying the Fettuccine - which was absolutely divine (and the short rib so soft!).

Seared Scallops

I had to try the scallops too, and although I thought they were great, I liked the accompanying pork belly even more!

I don't know how we made it to dessert, but we did, and of the two we had, I favored the Chocolate Decadence Torte, because I just love chocolate!

Chocolate Decadence Torte

It was indeed rich and decadent!  The Sorbet is perfect for those who prefer fruity, lighter desserts.

Lilikoi Sorbet

Dinner at Ka‘ana Kitchen was fantastic, and I highly recommend it when in the Wailea area!

Ka‘ana Kitchen
3550 Wailea Alanui Dr

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Sweet Party Favors from Fujiya Hawaii

In search of a yummy party favor? Fujiya Hawaii is a great option! I recently ordered their 3 piece chichi dango individually wrapped for $2.75 each. I was able to customize the colors and flavors of the mochi too. I placed the order a couple of weeks ahead of the event and paid over the phone. It was so simple! 

Fujiya also offers an assortment of mochi and chichi dango trays as well as manju sets that are sure to please your guests. While you are there, make sure to check out their selection of handcrafted senbei and li hing gummy candies too! They are open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm and closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Fujiya Hawaii

930 Hau’oli Street, Honolulu, HI 96826

Phone: (808) 845-2921

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Visit Dallas: Kate Weiser Chocolate

While walking around Trinity Groves, I stumbled upon Kate Weiser Chocolate, so of course I had to check it out!

Kate Weiser is known for hand-painted confections that are truly works of art!

They chocolates looked so pretty!  They were beautiful, edible jewels.

I ended up getting come Chocolate Eggs for the kids (it was near Easter when I visited), a Cookie Butter Bar, and a Chocolate Chunk Cookie!

Kate Weiser Chocolates make a great gift, and be sure to treat yourself too!

Kate Weiser Chocolate

3011 Gulden Ln, Suite 115
Dallas, Texas 75212

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Visit Hilo: Waldo's Kitchen

Waldo's Kitchen is a pop-up by Chef Brian Hirata of Naʻau. It's a more casual, family-style experience, featuring popular local eats.

Big Island Farmers Salad with local veggies, house ranch, house bacon, house croutons

 

Soy-Braised Local Grass-Fed Beef Brisket

Fried Noodles with house local pork char siu, local veggies, local eggs 

Mochiko Chicken

Mom's Mac Salad

Kim Chee Fried Rice with house kim chee and house bacon

Bananas Foster Andagi with house ice cream made with local vanilla

Visit www.naauhilo.com for information in future Waldo's Kitchen pop-ups!

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Visit Dallas: Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream

Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream is an Ohio-based chain of ice cream shops, featuring flavors by James Beard Foundation Award winner Jeni Britton.  

There are numerous shops throughout various states, and you can also buy pints of her popular flavors at grocers (even in Hawai`i).

Since we went to a different ice cream shop during our first Ohio visit, we thought we should finally try Jeni's even though we were in Texas.  

Texas Sheet Cake + Gooey Butter Cake

Milkiest Chocolate + Darkest Chocolate

Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flakes + Gooey Butter Cake

I had the Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flakes + Gooey Butter Cake flavors.  

You can't go wrong with a chocolate and PB combo.  I loved the slight saltiness of the pb, and the slightly bitter dark chocolate flecks balanced out the ice cream nicely. 

My fave of the two flavors was the Gooey Butter Cake.  Cream cheese ice cream was mixed with vanilla cake pieces and a caramel-butterscotch swirl.  Such a divine, indulgent combination of flavors!

Visit the Jeni's website to find a scoop shop or grocer near you, so you can enjoy some Jeni's!

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