As with all good things, our time in Brisbane had come to an end. With bags packed, we, however, had one final expedition left in us before saying goodbye to the Queensland city by the river.
We started our morning by hopping into the van of the family-owned and operated Mr. Day Tours for their half day tour package. Val, the owner and tour guide for the day navigated and narrated our course for the day.
Our first koala sighting couldn’t have been any cuter. It was of this adorable little munchkin getting fed supplements. I just HAD to shoot a video of it!
Koala being fed supplements
As we continued, we saw many more, though mostly sleeping in awkward positions.
Sleeping koala
Another sleeping koala
Hey! One’s awake!
We saw a bunch of other animals/creatures along the way like wombats, dingoes, reptiles and birds, but let’s be honest… they were all overshadowed by “the moment” that most of us were looking forward to the entire trip… It was time to hold some koalas baby!
“The moment”! Koala holding time!
And here are the video clips of our various experiences:
Me and the koala
Catherine Toth with her koala
Melissa Chang with her koala
Hawaiian Airlines’ Jeremy Althof (frightened) with his koala
Hawaiian Airlines’ Jesse Starmer with his koala
Eventually, with feed in hand (purchased at the gift shop), we made our way over to the kangaroo section of the sanctuary, which was equally as exhilarating.
This kangaroo smells the feed in my hand. Whatchu t’ink?
Cute baby kangaroo just lounges around next to me
This one let me get close and pet away
Melissa feeds a baby kangaroo
This was quite an interesting scene. It appeared to be a baby kangaroo resting in his mommy’s pouch
And here’s a video of it.
Baby kangaroo rests in his mommy’s pouch
Group of kangaroos just kickin’ it. Kickin’ it… get it? š
We boarded up the van again and headed up to Kangaroo Point Lookout near the Cliffs Boardwalk.
The Cliff Boardwalk sign
The view from inside one of the lookout points
A nice look at the Brisbane River
With the grains of sand slowly vanishing from the top of the hourglass that was our tip, we had just enough time for one more stop: Lunch! The gastropub of choice? A place called The Shelter Bar, one of three restaurants at the Story Bridge Hotel, aptly named for its physical location, sheltered under the popular Story Bridge.
Outside the Shelter Bar
Melissa’s Prime Rib Fillet Burger with bacon, egg, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onion, ranch dressing and beer battered fries ($18)
Cat’s Braised Short Rib Parpadelle with baby peas, rich Napoli sauce and shaved parmesan ($22)
And my personal favorite (if I do say so myself! š )…
My “Aussie Pizza” with double smoked ham, bacon, free range eggs and bbq sauce ($17.50)
With our tummies full, it was time to head to the airport for our 8-ish hour flight home. The Brisbane Airport is very clean and well kept, and Hawaiian Airlines‘ entrance into the market looks to have played a key part in all of it. Here are some sights from the airport.
Hawaiian Airlines flight number 444 (HA444) to Hawaii, although just two days old at the time, was already bustling!
The fancy entrance to the departure area downstairs
Hawaiian Airlines signage at Brisbane Airport
Directions at Brisbane Airport
Lounge areas (with FREE public WiFi! – which is hard to come by in Brisbane) outside the gates.
Neat sand sculpture with our Hawaiian Airlines plane in the background
Although it was a whirlwind 3 day, 2 night visit, we were able to get a lot squeezed into our tight timelines. If the adventures from any part in this series of articles interested you (part I, part II, & this part III), be sure to Fly Hawaiian when booking your flight: http://www.hawaiianairlines.com/Brisbane .
A HUGE Mahalo to Hawaiian Airlines (President and CEO Mark Dunkerley, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Ann Botticelli, Director of Advertising and Promotions Kevin Yim, Ross Saito from Product Development, and the social media team: Asiana Ponciano, Jeremy Althof, and Jesse Starmer, etc.) for the unbelievable opportunity to cover such an event. Mahalos also to my fellow social medialites Kaleo Lancaster, Catherine Toth and Melissa Chang, who made the trip super rad! Yeah, I just said rad. š
And with that, we say Aloha and goodbye to Brisbane. Until we meet again!
Halfway through January folks. How’s da new year treating you? Good I hope! For me, it’s been shmall kine hectic, but always fun to interact with you guys here. Well, whoever is left these days at least. LOL! Much mahalos for continuing to read after all these years and being so supportive of everything! Here’s this week’s pics!
This week’s “Spotted” shot for VH07V is a random one of Bruddah Travis. Not quite sure what he’s doing, but all that matters is that he’s wearing his VH07V tee right? š
* HUGE re-fill order has been placed (the holidays wiped me out)! Hopefully it doesn’t take too long to get re-stocked.
* All order processing and fulfillment for online orders is now going completely through a professional fulfillment house. Thankful to get that load off my chest because I was getting a little burnt out from staying at storage til the wee hours of the night pulling orders. LOL!
* Also working on new styles like a wicker type polo, new styles for women, and new designs. I have at least two ready to go to print and a bunch of concepts in the works (see below).
Our friends’ cat Hachi is still missing! š¦ PLEASE HELP! He has been missing for 20 days now and I need your help finding him. Please Share this blog with all of your Mililani friends so that we can bring him safely home to his owners. Here’s a personal note from them:
Our cat Hachi, has been missing since December 27th. We recently moved back to the Mililani Uka area and we think that he might have gotten disoriented. He is 4 years old, black and white with a pink nose, and is medium/large (14 lbs) in size. His back is more black than white. If he is seen, please text or call 808-542-9385 or 808-469-6960.
The folks at Hawaii Self Storage are back with another exciting storage auction, this time at their Kapolei West location (2009 Lauwiliwili Street). The action starts at 10am on Tuesday, January 22 with registration at 9am. For more information, please call 808-682-0333!
After a 10 hour flight and a long night of heavy and indulgent eating and drinking, a serious siesta in the plush, cloud-like hotel bed was just what the doctor ordered. With the exception of that psychopath Catherine Toth (who decided to wake up early to work out!), the rest of us bloggers headed up to the 30th floor at a reasonable hour the next morning for the Special Club breakfast (served from 6:30am-10am) at Club Sofitel, Australia's largest executive club lounge.
My (2nd helping) breakfast plate with Melissa Chang & Kaleo Lancaster doing their thang
On my plate, you'll notice a little container of Vegemite, a popular spread in Australia made from yeast extract (yes, I got brave). On paper, as a beer lover, I was supposed to enjoy it, but it was definitely something one needed to get used to. Here's Melissa and Cat's take on the Australian specialty:
Refueled and ready, us four blogsketeers embarked on our journey to see Brisbane on the best mode of transportation on earth: foot. The stroll afforded us the opportunity to take in the scenery that Brisbane had to offer.
We made it to the Queen Elizabeth II Park/Parklands area on the banks of the Brisbane River
Nice look back at the metropolitan city we just walked from
Cat, me and Melissa posing along the Brisbane River
As we made our way along the river on Clem Jones Promenade, we noticed that there were a fair amount of joggers and bicyclists getting their exercise on. Here's a site you don't often see in America (at least one that's not destroyed or vandalized): a Community Bike Station, complete with tools, a place to mount your bike for repairs, and even a tire pump!
Community Bike Repair Station along the Clem Jones Promenade
Along Clem Jones Promenade
Panoramic shot of the Brisbane River (click to enlarge)
And then we got to the South Bank Parklands area where we found nice picnic areas, pools, and even a manmade beach called Streets Beach.
Pool at the South Bank Parkland
Manmade beach called Streets Beach
The sights were good enough to get Kaleo, Melissa and Cat a snappin'
On the way back, we headed to the Queen Street Mall main stage to attend the Hawaiian Airlines Consumer Event. The locals got a total kick out of our folks from Hawaii spreading their Aloha with song and dance.
Hawaiian Airlines Consumer Event at the Queen Street Mall in Brisbane Australia
Shortly after returning to our hotel, some of Hawaiian Airlines' execs invited us to join them for an informal lunch in Fortitude Valley's Chinatown district, which was a short 15 minute stroll from our hotel. Twelve hungry Americans pounding "Hawaiian style"? Ouuuuraaaaiiii!
King of Kings Seafood Restaurant in Brisbane Australia
It wasn't long before we found out why.
When in Chinatown…
King of Kings Roast Duck
Just getting started…
Custard Tarts off the Yum Cha menu
One of the highlights of the afternoon was watching Kaleo Lancaster go from blogger to "Dragon Slayer" as he took down the legendary "Dragon Drink", a series of three, increasingly potent drinks that King of Kings is known for. Here's a video I took of the momentous, yet painful looking event.
Kaleo Lancaster takes on the Dragon Drink from King of Kings Seafood Restaurant in Brisbane Australia
After lunch, we headed back to the hotel to unwind before getting ready for another walk through South Bank and meal in Fortitude Valley. Part of the unwinding process naturally included Happy Hour at another visit to Club Sofitel.
Pre-gaming at Club Sofitel with some bubbly
And then, it was off – on foot again! – to South Bank, this time guided by Hawaiian Airlines staffers Jeremy Althof and Jesse Starmer. The sights and sounds of Brisbane at night give a totally different perspective to the scenic city. Highly recommended!
Remember the Treasury Casino & Hotel earlier today? Here's what it looked like at night.
Walking through Brisbane Square, we saw some filming going on, which appeared to be a TV news segment.
Getting reminiscent of Hawaii: here's a gecko sighting. I wonder if it has an Australian accent too? 8)
And here's us in front of it (l to r: Kaleo Lancaster, Melissa Chang, me, Catherine Toth)
Moonlit Brisbane skyline from South Bank
With our restaurant reservation coming up, we jetted off via taxi to our dinner destination: Alfred & Constance, an eclectic collection of random, mini restaurants (sorta), serving food, drinks and desserts. Here's a description of each of them:
The Vanguard Beer Garden & Restaurant: Booze, Beer and sharable feasts
White Lightning Tiki Bar: Tropical drinks and a party that never stops
Alfred's Café: Workday bites, salads, coffee and sweets
Late-Night Dessert Café: Featuring alcoholic juice & boozy smoothy stations
Since Jeremy and Jesse knew the owner there, we had a table waiting for us at the Vanguard Beer Garden. Perfs!
Here's one of two Cocktail Jugs we ordered: Watermelon & Ginger Swizzle, which consisted of Gin & watermelon liqueur shaken with homemade rhubarb syrup & topped with soda. The other one we got was the Pimms & Lemonade jug: Pimms No. 1 & Fresh house made lemon syrup, swizzled down with fresh mint & topped with soda.
Watermelon & Ginger Swizzle (Gin & watermelon liqueur shaken with homemade rhubarb syrup & topped with soda).
Salt & Pepper Squid with Lemon & Sweet Paprika Mayo ($14.90)
Here, they are known for their free-range meats which are cooked whole in wood and charcoal ovens. We went with their popular roast pork with crackling.
250g of Roast Pork carved from the whole pig w/crackling ($29)
Oysters Kirkpatrick (6 for $24). Raw oysters, barbeque sauce and bacon. 'Nuff said.
Cat and Melissa opted for dessert from Alfred's Café. Melissa got the Baklava Muffin, while Cat got the Classic Crème Brulee.
Cat's Crème Brulee ($12)
And there's day 2 in the books. We've got just half a day left in Brisbane, but lots to see & do. Come back next month to witness koala and kangaroo petting, majestic views of Mount Coot-tha and grindz at The Shelter Bar.
Ho! I’ve been slackin’! It’s been almost a month since our last Where In Hawaii post! Gomen ah?
Since the posts have been getting shmall kine lengthy/wordy though, I think I’m gonna start cleaning them up and making them more concise (easier fo read). Start early for da new year. Whachu tink? Let’s give um one try:
* Orders for the Christmas rush has been going absolutely bonkers! Mahalo to all of y’all for your support!
* Online store is OPEN! Check it out at shop.vh07v.com!
The Kukui Children’s Foundation “Celebration of Partnerships”
Representatives from a number of organizations under the umbrella of the Kukui Center gathered to share in a celebration of partnerships to show their appreciation to all those who help their organizations continue to support the people of Hawaii.
It was a whirlwind 3 day, 2-night tour, but we definitely got to experience Brisbane the only way Hawaiian Airlines knows how: with Aloha. Here are some of the sights and sounds that we were fortunate enough to experience.
Hula dancers giving us a nice sendoff
HA443 departs Honolulu at 10:20am every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and arrives in Brisbane (BNE) at 4pm the following day.
Blessing by Kahu Richard Kamanu
The awesome Hawaiian Airlines crew for our HA443 flight to Brisbane
After about 10 hours in the air, we finally get to the beautiful city of Brisbane
These two (Melissa Chang and Catherine Toth) are happy to be on the ground
Our hale for the next few days was the French based luxury hotel chain called Sofitel Brisbane Central Hotel. Conveniently located in the middle of the city, it was in walking distance to quite a few key points during our trip, including ANZAC Square, which was literally across the street. Here's the view from my hotel room window!
Looking down at ANZAC Square from the Sofitel Brisbane Central Hotel
It wasn't long before we had to get dolled up (I wore a tie!) and head down to the Ballroom Le Grand for the official Welcome Gala.
Hawaiian Airlines Welcome Gala
It was a packed house filled with members of the local (Brisbane) media, tour industry professionals, airline executives, and local entertainers Sean Na`auao and Lehua Kalima (formerly of Na Leo), among others.
Lehua Kalima Sings "Waikiki" at the Hawaiian Airlines Welcome Gala
Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO Mark Dunkerley addresses the crowd
And of course, we can't forget about the food p0rn shots! š
Bomboocha wok of fried rice!
My serving of fried rice
Poke samplers
Chef Chai's popular Fried Kataifi Prawns
Following the gala, we decided to take a stroll around our neighborhood.
The Shrine of Remembrance at ANZAC Square
Possibly the best named street in all the land: Edward Street. 8)
Since we weren't that hungry, we just got a side of "chips" (fries in the U.S.) to share.
Chunky Chips with Garlic Aioli ($8.90)
After all that eating and drinking, combined with our jetlag, it was time to call it a night. From the expressions on the ladies' faces, I think they agreed.
Cat and Melissa are either extremely drunk or jetlagged. You decide.
And that's it for our first night in Brisbane. I'll be back again soon to post more about our adventures including South Bank, King of Kings Seafood Yum Cha Restaurant in Chinatown, Alfred & Constance, koala and kangaroo sightings at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, The Shelter Bar, and our departure.
Chad contacted me (VH07V) through Instagram complimenting the brand. We chatted a bit through email and I eventually asked for his address so that I could send him some apparel as a Mahalo! He was nothing but nice with CHOKE aloha so it makes me soooooo happy that all this success is coming to him. I wish I could take credit for his success this season (like the “power of VH07V” gave him good luck or something… LOL!), but it was all him! Hard work pays off!
Here he is supporting VH07V during a press conference earlier this season.
I’ll likely miss posting this Wednesday’s “Where in Hawaii” blog, but there will still be posts galore being made during the two night trip to Queensland. If you’re interested, you can follow along with all the Brisbane merriment through the following links. Rumor has it that Melissa Chang and Catherine Toth will be going on this trip as well! Awesomeness!
The first photo this week is actually not in Hawaii, but it has something to do with us here in Hawaii. If you read my blog last week, I had a big announcement under the “BIG NEWS!” heading. Check it out for a hint for Photo #1.
Points for Photo #1…
* Significance: 5 points
* Country!: 2 points
* Location: 2 points
* General area: 1 point
* Closest street(s)?: 1 point each
* Google Street View link (if get)?: 2 points
* Year photo was taken? (duh!): 1 point
Points for Photo #2…
* Location: 2 points
* General area: 1 point
* Closest street(s)?: 1 point each
* Google Street View link (if get)?: 2 points
* Month photo was taken?: 1 point
* Day of the month photo was taken?: 1 point
* Day of the week photo was taken?: 1 point
* Year photo was taken?: 1 point
* Exact time photo was taken?: 5 points
Points for Photo #3…
* Wat dis?: 2 points
* Location: 2 points
* General area: 1 point
* Closest street(s)?: 1 point each
* Google Street View link (if get)?: 2 points
* Month photo was taken?: 1 point
* Day of the month photo was taken?: 1 point
* Day of the week photo was taken?: 1 point
* Year photo was taken?: 1 point
* Exact time photo was taken?: 5 points
Points for Photo #1
* Best Caption: 3 points (SO FAR: “Hurry up and take the picture already, so we can go eat!!” – DIO, “Make sure Ed uses disposable chopsticks, as you won’t want them back after he’s done.” – DIO)
* Name each person: 2 points each (Melissa, Cat, Ed, Shay, Brandon, Ryan, Meagan – carokun)
* Twitter name for each person: 3 points each! (@catherinetoth @melissa808 @starletshay – carokun)
* Location: 2 points (Kiwami Ramen – carokun)
* General area: 1 point (Waikiki – carokun)
* Closest street(s)?: 1 point each (Kalakaua Ave, Seaside Ave – carokun)
* Month photo was taken?: 1 point (November – carokun)
* Day of the month photo was taken? (duh!): 1 point (13 – carokun)
* Day of the week photo was taken?: 1 point (Tuesday – carokun)
Points for Photo #2
* Best Caption: 3 points (SO FAR: “The sound of running water always makes me pee.” – carokun)
* Location: 2 points (Benihana of Tokyo – carokun)
* General area: 1 point (Waikiki – carokun)
* Closest street(s)?: 1 point each (Kalia Road, Kalakaua Ave – carokun)
Points for Photo #3
* Best Caption: 3 points (“I was rockin’ to da music on da radio while holding my coffee cup in my right hand, while trying to take the pic with my phone in my left hand, plus I had to take the pic quickly so the cop in the next lane wouldn’t see what I was doing.” – DIO)
* Location: 2 points (Neal Blaisdell Arena – carokun)
* Closest street(s)?: 1 point each (Ward Ave. – carokun)
I’ll likely miss posting next Wednesday’s “Where in Hawaii” blog, but there will still be posts galore being made during the two night trip to Queensland. If you’re interested, you can follow along with all the Brisbane merriment through the following links. Rumor has it that Melissa Chang and Catherine Toth are gonna be on this flight too! Awesomeness!
The following photo is not exactly in Brisbane, but it’s at the nearby Tangalooma Resort. I figgah it’s 1) close enough and 2) a good excuse for another eye candy shot. š
This week’s “Spotted” shot for VH07V features a nicely edited video from the fellas at 130 Plus 0. They documented what it took for all of us to come together at this year’s Rice Fest to break the Guinness World Record for the “The World’s Largest Spam Musubi“! You’ll see VH07V sprinkled throughout since we were the official clothing sponsor of the event.
Guinness World Record for “World’s Largest SPAM Musubi”
* Yay! We finally broke 1,000 Likes for VH07V on Facebook! Not bad for just 6 months of being in business (if I do say so myself! š )… As such, we drew the name for our $100 Shopping Spree contest and and randomly selected San Diego personal trainer Palani Mak! Congrats Bruddah Palani.
Where/When you can find VH07V in the coming weeks:
09/15/12: University of Hawaii Football game – Will likely be tailgating near or along the main walkway leading up to Aloha Stadium prior to the 6pm game vs. Lamar. Stop by and say hi.
09/22/12: University of Hawaii Football game – Will likely be tailgating near or along the main walkway leading up to Aloha Stadium prior to the 4:30pm game vs. Nevada. Stop by and say hi.
09/29/12: 3rd Annual Rice Fest – As a sponsor of the event, VH07V will also have a booth at this year’s Rice Fest where we will sell all of our VH07V shirts in addition to the custom event shirt! Come on down to the Ward Warehouse complex to visit our booth any time from 11am-7pm.
10/13/12: University of Hawaii Football game – Will likely be tailgating near or along the main walkway leading up to Aloha Stadium prior to the 6pm game vs. New Mexico. Stop by and say hi.
10/19/12-10/21/12: 48th Annual Food & New Products Show – Get your Christmas shopping done at the Blaisdell all weekend! Come visit us at our booth for a free gift!
10/28/12: Craft Fair at Koko Head Elementary School – VH07V got invited to participate in this small craft fair taking place from 3pm-6pm at Koko Head Elementary School’s cafeteria. Stop by to pick up some VH07V merch if you’re in the area.
11/10/12: University of Hawaii Football game – May be tailgating near or along the main walkway leading up to Aloha Stadium prior to the 2pm game vs. Boise State.
11/24/12: University of Hawaii Football game – May be tailgating near or along the main walkway leading up to Aloha Stadium prior to the 6pm game vs. UNLV. (Taking wifey out for an anniversary dinner)
12/01/12: University of Hawaii Football game – Will likely be tailgating near or along the main walkway leading up to Aloha Stadium prior to the 6pm game vs. South Alabama. Have to go to a party now…
Hawaii Self Storage gives $1.8 Million back to our Community!
Hawaii Self Storage “Community Pride” initiatives have established various programs focused on enhancing literacy, education, teamwork, support to local charities and families in need. They have funded 83 public high school students to go to college, provided 7,700 reading books in local elementary schools, cared for and provided a transition home for 544 abused keiki (Ho’omalu o na Kamali’i), sponsored keiki athletic teams, and invested 1,000s of dollars supporting local, non-profit organizations.
Hawaii Self Storage gives $1.8 Million back to our Community!
Had a fun time hanging out with some old & new friends last night. You may even reconotice _____ Chang and _____ Toth above from the ol’ blogging days on the Honolulu Advertiser. Awwww, the memories…
Fellow Ramen fanatic _____Suyeoka (middle) rounded up a bunch of us foodie types to experience ______ Ramen one more time before it closes. Can you guess where it is?
Points for Photo #1…
* Best Caption: 3 points
* Name each person: 2 points each
* Twitter name for each person: 3 points each!
* Location: 2 points
* General area: 1 point
* Closest street(s)?: 1 point each
* Google Street View link (if get)?: 2 points
* Month photo was taken? (duh!): 1 point
* Day of the month photo was taken? (duh!): 1 point
* Year photo was taken? (duh!): 1 point
* Exact time photo was taken?: 5 points
Points for Photo #2…
* Best Caption: 3 points
* Location: 2 points
* General area: 1 point
* Closest street(s)?: 1 point each
* Google Street View link (if get)?: 2 points
* Month photo was taken?: 1 point
* Day of the month photo was taken?: 1 point
* Year photo was taken?: 1 point
* Exact time photo was taken?: 5 points
Points for Photo #3…
* Best Caption: 3 points
* Why so blurry?: 2 points
* Location: 2 points
* General area: 1 point
* Closest street(s)?: 1 point each
* Google Street View link (if get)?: 2 points
* Month photo was taken?: 1 point
* Day of the month photo was taken?: 1 point
* Day of the week photo was taken?: 1 point
* Year photo was taken?: 1 point
* Exact time photo was taken?: 5 points
Points for Photo #1
* Best Caption (what is she thinking in her head?): 3 points (“I wish these nerds would stop tweeting pics of me working!” – Paco)
* What is she making?: 2 points (Shrimp Linguini with white sauce and Garlic bread – Ynaku)
* Fictional name for her: 2 points (SO FAR: Esmeralda – Ynaku)
* Location: 2 points (Tsukiji’s – carokun)
* Month photo was taken?: 1 point (May – DIO)
* Day of the month photo was taken?: 1 point (22 – DIO)
* Day of the month photo was taken?: 1 point (Tuesday – DIO)
* Year photo was taken?: 1 point (2007 – DIO)
Points for Photo #2
* Best Caption: 3 points (“weren’t you an extra on Finding Nemo?” – Coconut Willy)
* What is the fish with the open mouth saying?: 2 points (TIE: “Eh, Joe you went fut?” – Paco, “Something smells fishy in here…” – DIO)
* Location: 2 points (Hawaii Fishing and Seafood Festival – Otto)
* General area: 1 point (United Fishing Agency – Pier 38 – Otto)
* Closest street(s)?: 1 point each (Nimitz Highway – Otto)
* Month photo was taken?: 1 point (October – Otto)
* Day of the month photo was taken?: 1 point (10 – DIO)
* Day of the week photo was taken?: 1 point (Sunday – Otto)
* Year photo was taken?: 1 point (2010 – DIO)
Points for Photo #3
* Location: 2 points (Ala Moana Shopping Center – carokun)
* General area: 1 point (Ala Moana – carokun)
* Closest street(s)?: 1 point each (Ala Moana Blvd., Kona St., Atkinson Drvie, Kapiolani Blvd. – carokun)
* Month photo was taken? (duh!): 1 point (February – DIO)
* Day of the month photo was taken?: 1 point (14 – DIO)
* Day of the week photo was taken?: 1 point (Thursday – DIO)
* Year photo was taken?: 1 point (2010 – DIO)
As part of the “local media”, I have been invited on board Hawaiian Airlines’ inaugural flight to Brisbane Australia departing in a couple of weeks on the 27th. It will be the only nonstop flight there from Hawaii and the second to Australia (Sydney being the other city) through Hawaiian. My social media friends and counterparts got to enjoy some of the previous inaugural flights Hawaiian took (Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Seoul, New York City and Sapporo), and I could only live vicariously through them, so getting the opportunity myself is pretty dang exciting and quite humbling. Look for some Australian pics & posts from me along the way mate. And if you have any suggestions on what to do or eat, let a brutha know!
In the past, I’ve done ramen, poke, pho, shave ice, acai and more, but I’ve been asked to do this one on numerous occasions so I thought I’d finally put it together… Saimin Adventures – The Search for Hawaii’s Best Saimin – Part I. Check it out when you have some time and let me know if you have any suggestions for additional saimin joints to hit up!
This week’s “Spotted” shot for VH07V features a super talented, local photographer and friend Marc Orbito. Marc, who is the man behind Hungry eYe Photo, took this shot of himself with the Blue/Green colorway because he kinda blended in with the Apple Store Geniuses. Funny with the timing as we just wrapped up a family photo sesh with Marc, and if the one photo he sent over is any indication (he also did my VH07V photo shoots at Kaka`ako Kool & Rainbow Drive In), I know the rest of the photos are gonna be off the hook… as expected! Contact Marc/Hungry eYe Photo for your photographic needs k?
Where/When you can find VH07V in the coming weeks:
09/15/12: University of Hawaii Football game – Will likely be tailgating near or along the main walkway leading up to Aloha Stadium prior to the 6pm game vs. Lamar. Stop by and say hi.
09/22/12: University of Hawaii Football game – Will likely be tailgating near or along the main walkway leading up to Aloha Stadium prior to the 4:30pm game vs. Nevada. Stop by and say hi.
09/29/12: 3rd Annual Rice Fest – As a sponsor of the event, VH07V will also have a booth at this year’s Rice Fest where we will sell all of our VH07V shirts in addition to the custom event shirt! Come on down to the Ward Warehouse complex to visit our booth any time from 11am-7pm.
10/13/12: University of Hawaii Football game – Will likely be tailgating near or along the main walkway leading up to Aloha Stadium prior to the 6pm game vs. New Mexico. Stop by and say hi.
10/19/12-10/21/12: 48th Annual Food & New Products Show – Get your Christmas shopping done at the Blaisdell all weekend! Come visit us at our booth for a free gift!
10/28/12: Craft Fair at Koko Head Elementary School – VH07V got invited to participate in this small craft fair taking place from 3pm-6pm at Koko Head Elementary School’s cafeteria. Stop by to pick up some VH07V merch if you’re in the area.
11/10/12: University of Hawaii Football game – May be tailgating near or along the main walkway leading up to Aloha Stadium prior to the 2pm game vs. Boise State.
11/24/12: University of Hawaii Football game – May be tailgating near or along the main walkway leading up to Aloha Stadium prior to the 6pm game vs. UNLV.
12/01/12: University of Hawaii Football game – Will likely be tailgating near or along the main walkway leading up to Aloha Stadium prior to the 6pm game vs. South Alabama. Have to go to a party now…
Scholarship Opportunities from Hawaii Self Storage!
Need $MONEY for College? Hawaii Self Storage annually awards ten, 4-year $1,000 scholarships to high school students in the community! If you are a senior at Moanalua, Radford, Farrington, Pearl City, Aiea, Waipahu, Campbell, Mililani, Leilehua, Kapolei, McKinley, Kalani or Kaimuki high school, ask your counselor for an application or go to their web site at www.hawaiiselfstorage.com to download today!
I posted something similar yesterday, but in case you missed it, here are all the details for the Common Grains 3rd Annual Rice Fest, taking place TODAY from 11am-7pm at Ward Warehouse. Hope to see y’all there!
Common Grains & JRE 3rd Annual Hawaii Rice Festival
Ward Warehouse TODAY from @ 11am-7pm
12:45pm-1:15pm – “Riceipe” Cooking Contest with returning champ Chef Hideaki “Santa” Miyoshi from Tokkuri Tei, Chef Eric Goodhew from Kincaid’s Restaurant, Chef Jonathan Mack from Caribbean Spice, and Chef Andy Dalan from YogurStory).
1:15pm-1:45pm – “Riceipe” Cooking Contest Judging – Food experts Nadine Kam from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, and Melissa Chang & Mari Taketa from Nonstop Honolulu, and Katie Ka’anapu from Ward Centers
6:30pm-7pm – Contest Winner Announcements and closing remarks
7pm – 2012 Rice Fest concludes
All Day (11am-7pm)
* Brown Rice Donation Center – Brown Rice and monetary donations accepted for Lanakila Meals on Wheels at the Lanakila Pacific / Info booth, Oceanic Time Warner Cable booth, Channel808 booth, and VH07V booth
* Guinness World Recordā¢ attempt – Construction of the world’s Largest SPAMĀ® Musubi in an attempt to break the Guinness World Recordā¢ of 286 lbs!
* Live Tweetup/Scavenger Hunt – Compete in this Tweetup/Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win great prizes!
* Rice Education Booth – Learn all about Rice from the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Professor of Nutrition Dr. Maria Stewart
And let’s not forget about all of the participating vendors & food trucks:
Menu: Mochi: bod-bod butter mochi (butter mochi on top, mochi rice on the bottom), butter mochi, and poi mochi; Cupcakes: chocolate toffee peanut butter, red velvet, and pumpkin; Cookies: chocolate chip with macadamia nuts, oatmeal raisin, and oatmeal coconut chocolate chip
Menu: Osaka Jo, Japanese Pork Taco; Zeus’ Glory, Greek Lamb Taco; Salad de Casbah, Rice, with Tuna, Corn, Cumin, and Spicy Bacon; Damascus, Vegetarian Hummus Tacos; South of the Border, Mexican Ground Beef Taco; Ceylon, Spicy Sri Lankan, beef taco; Curry spiced beef with jalapeno, kimchee, and grilled onion; Moroccan Pomme Frites
I posted something similar yesterday, but in case you missed it, here are all the details for the Common Grains 3rd Annual Rice Fest, taking place TODAY from 11am-7pm at Ward Warehouse. Hope to see y’all there!
Common Grains & JRE 3rd Annual Hawaii Rice Festival
Ward Warehouse TODAY from @ 11am-7pm
12:45pm-1:15pm – “Riceipe” Cooking Contest with returning champ Chef Hideaki “Santa” Miyoshi from Tokkuri Tei, Chef Eric Goodhew from Kincaid’s Restaurant, Chef Jonathan Mack from Caribbean Spice, and Chef Andy Dalan from YogurStory).
1:15pm-1:45pm – “Riceipe” Cooking Contest Judging – Food experts Nadine Kam from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, and Melissa Chang & Mari Taketa from Nonstop Honolulu, and Katie Ka’anapu from Ward Centers
6:30pm-7pm – Contest Winner Announcements and closing remarks
7pm – 2012 Rice Fest concludes
All Day (11am-7pm)
* Brown Rice Donation Center – Brown Rice and monetary donations accepted for Lanakila Meals on Wheels at the Lanakila Pacific / Info booth, Oceanic Time Warner Cable booth, Channel808 booth, and VH07V booth
* Guinness World Recordā¢ attempt – Construction of the world’s Largest SPAMĀ® Musubi in an attempt to break the Guinness World Recordā¢ of 286 lbs!
* Live Tweetup/Scavenger Hunt – Compete in this Tweetup/Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win great prizes!
* Rice Education Booth – Learn all about Rice from the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Professor of Nutrition Dr. Maria Stewart
And let’s not forget about all of the participating vendors & food trucks:
Menu: Mochi: bod-bod butter mochi (butter mochi on top, mochi rice on the bottom), butter mochi, and poi mochi; Cupcakes: chocolate toffee peanut butter, red velvet, and pumpkin; Cookies: chocolate chip with macadamia nuts, oatmeal raisin, and oatmeal coconut chocolate chip
Menu: Osaka Jo, Japanese Pork Taco; Zeus’ Glory, Greek Lamb Taco; Salad de Casbah, Rice, with Tuna, Corn, Cumin, and Spicy Bacon; Damascus, Vegetarian Hummus Tacos; South of the Border, Mexican Ground Beef Taco; Ceylon, Spicy Sri Lankan, beef taco; Curry spiced beef with jalapeno, kimchee, and grilled onion; Moroccan Pomme Frites
World Wide Ed 