Macy’s Friends and Family Coupon

Click the image above to download the PDF coupon.

I got this coupon via email from my mom today and thought I should pay it forward to my family and friends. It’s no secret that the Kam family loves shopping at Macy’s. Knock yourself out!

-NGK

Alan Wong’s offers a true taste of Hawaii

If you’re a foodie in search of a true taste of Hawaii, Alan Wong’s Restaurant is your answer. Just watch the video above and you’ll understand why. Chef Wong is all about giving his guests a true slice of Hawaii, serving things grown off our land and from the sea, in a style all his own. The result is a creative presentation of flavors, textures, and representation of Hawaii’s multi-ethnic heritage on each plate.

I’ve been a fan of Chef Wong’s Hawaii Regional Cuisine since the first time I dined at his King Street restaurant roughly 10 years ago. I’ve been fortunate to dine there many times since and I’m yet to have something on the menu I didn’t like. The Hamakua Springs Tomato, Beet and Avocado Salad with Li Hing Mui Ume Vinaigrette is reason enough for me to go back. It’s a nice restaurant tucked away in an unassuming location in a building you probably wouldn’t expect to find a restaurant of this caliber. The service is always great and the food always consistently delicious. Afterall, the restaurant was ranked #8 in America by Gourmet magazine last year and President-Elect Barack Obama recently dined here on his recent Hawaii vacation.

So when my mom asked “where should we go to eat on Christmas Eve?”, I didn’t even have to think twice before suggesting Alan Wong’s and I’m glad we went. The restaurant featured a five course prix fixe menu that was just remarkable. Here’s how the night went:

AMUSE BOUCHE: Araimo Potato Croquette with Sevruga Caviar

FIRST COURSE (Choice 1): “Oxtail Soup” - Braised Oxtail Terrine, Peanuts, Ginger, Grated Mochi

FIRST COURSE (Choice 2): "Scallop Dumpling” - "Superior" Broth, Spinach, Shiitake Mushrooms

SECOND COURSE: Seared Ahi with Edamame Mousse, Soy Calamansi Sauce

THIRD COURSE: Butter Poached Lobster with Lobster Sausage, Miso Mustard Vinaigrette, Tokyo Negi Sauerkraut

ENTREE: Smoked Kurobuta Pork Chop with Braised Red Cabbage, Foie Gras Bread Dumpling, Ohelo Cranberry Sauce

ENTREE: Maui Cattle Company Beef Tenderloin with Black Pepper Coconut Sauce, Hamakua Mushrooms, Swiss Chard, Baby Beets

ENTREE: Ginger Crusted Onaga with Organically Grown Hamakua Mushrooms, Corn, Miso Sesame Vinaigrette

ENTREE: Red Wine Braised Duck “Sauerbraten” Style with Spice Roasted Pumpkin, Gobo, Hasu, Carrot

DESSERT (Choice 1): “Caramel Dipped Apple” - Ohelo Berry Fruit Cake, House Made Hot Apple Cider with Green Shiso Kanten, Macadamia Nut Praline Ice Cream

DESSERT: “Chocolate Wishes” - Waialua Chocolate Chestnut Cake, Eggnog Truffles, Chocolate Sorbet, Candied Chestnuts

THE BONUS: Chocolate covered macadamia nuts

On this night, Chef Wong and his culinary team received two thumbs up from my mom and dad, my sister Erin, Kelly, Ensen, and me. Kelly and I also decided to go with the wine pairings on each course to enhance the experience, which I highly recommend. It’s amazing what a perfectly matched champagne, sake, and wine can do take a meal to a whole new level.

Next time you’re looking for a wonderful meal in Honolulu, remember Alan Wong’s for that special occasion (and his other restaurant The Pineapple Room at Macy’s Ala Moana too). I’m looking forward to coming back soon!

-NGK

Alan Wong’s Restaurant
1857 South King Street, Third Floor
808-949-2526

The Pineapple Room
Macy’s, Third Floor, Ala Moana Center
808-945-6573

[Video of Alan Wong courtesy of Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau.]

The Cutest Macy’s Personal Shopper

At just 13 months old, Ensen proved to us last night at Macy’s that he’s got fashion sense. Afterall, look at the way the kid is dressed…Quiksilver shirt/shorts and Air Jordan shoes. He definitely dresses better than his father. DAMN!

While Kelly browsed around the children’s section, “Little E” and I had some fun running around checking out the latest fashions. Even though none of the sizes in this section fit me, Ensen didn’t hesitate making some recommendations as my personal shopper.

Those red and black surf shorts he picked out for me were pretty styling…just needed to be in a size 32.

I’ll bet your personal shopper isn’t as cute as ours. Okay, that’s just a proud daddy blogging.

-NGK

The $150 single cup coffee maker

There’s a new boss in the Kam family kitchen thanks to Kelly’s visit to Macy’s the other night. His name is Mr. Keurig and simply put, he’s an amazing single cup coffee maker ideal for parents (or anyone for that matter) on the go. I’m still coming to grips with the price tag of this handsome piece of equipment, but honestly it’s worth its weight in gold (or 25 Starbucks grande cafe mochas if you’re into silly analogies).

What’s so great about it? Well, the fact that it brews a delicious cup of coffee in about a minute and there’s nothing to clean up afterwards is definitely a plus. There’s no coffee pot and parts to wash, filters to dispose of, or coffee to grind. Hallelujah! Not to mention it looks pretty darn cool sitting on the counter and will make for a nice discussion piece when guests come over. Need I say more.?

We’re always looking for ways to make things more efficient around the household, especially with Ensen in the mix. This was definitely one of those “necessary” and “strategic” purchases to simply our lives to some degree. I can live with that.

-NGK

[Photo courtesy of Keurig.com]

Hawaii’s Next Top “Baby” Model?

Dear Macy’s Marketing Director:

If you are are in need of a cute baby boy to model in your next advertising campaign, look no further than our son Ensen. He’s definitely got that fresh “baby next door” appeal that your customers five years old and under can relate to. He’ll also melt the hearts of parents across Hawaii with his sweet looks which is certain to increase sales of your infant wear by at least 200%.

Ensen will work for diapers, baby food, baby mum mum, and straight cash. If you are interested in having him in your next ad campaign, please leave a comment on this post. We sincerely appreciate your consideration.

Aloha,

Nathan and Kelly
(Ensen’s joking parents)

-NGK