We met with Beachhouse Chef Rodney Uyehara at the Hawaii in Real Life tweetup in the Monoa Surfrider. Overlooking the blue Pacific of Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii Melissa Chang and Russ interviewed Chef Rodney Uyehara and sampled his entry for the “Tree to Table – Mango Throw Down” tonight at the Surfrider: Lollipop Lamb Chop with Curried Mango Couscous. This special event is part of the “Mangoes at the Moana” celebration of the mango season.
Melissa Chang tastes Chef Rodney Uyehara's entry for the Mango Throw Down Aug. 27, 2010
Tonight 17 of the best Hawaiian chefs will compete to see who can create the best wine and edible tastings using mangoes as the main ingredient. A panel of celebrity judges will be on hand to pick winners in these categories: Best Use of Mango, People’s Choice, Dessert, and Overall Best Dish.
The public is welcome to this event. Tickets are $85 and available at the door. Proceeds benefit University of Hawaii’s Culinary Institute of the Pacific. The event is tonight from 6 – 9:30 p.m.
Click on the image below to view this episode of “Where Are You Today?”
This week, April M. Williams and the crew of “Where Are You Today?” go back in time to visit Jerome, Arizona. Once a thriving mining town, Jerome is now home to an artist’s colony nestled amongst the relics of days gone by.
On our trip from the Grand Canyon to Phoenix, we stopped by Jerome, Arizona. The mines closed long ago and the town was but a ghost town. For most areas in this predicament, the story would end here as the earth reclaimed the buildings crumbling down the hillsides it was built on.
Not in Jerome. Artists found this quite town near Sedona perfect for living and working. Small shops opened to showcase their works. When tourists driving through the winding turns on Route 89A pulled over to shop, cafes and restaurants opened catering to their needs. Soon visitors found bed and breakfasts sprouting out of newly renovated homes.
A local craftsman creates custom sundials and sells them in town. Did you know they will only be accurate if they are designed for the exact location they will be used?
We had lunch at the Mile High Grill & Inn. Arriving at midday, the restaurant was not crowded. We dined near a large window which lit up the large room. The staff was friendly and helpful.
I had a vegetarian sandwich called Greg’s Aria which was roasted red pepper, pesto, red pepper aioli, and mozzarella on ciabatta bread. I choose tater tots over french fries.
Wondering what else we found in Jerome? Click on the image below to see this episode of “Where Are You Today?”
The Algonquin Farmers Market in Northern Illinois returns. Stop by any Thursday evening from 1 PM – 7 PM at the corners of Harrison & Washington Streets in the heart of beautiful historic downtown Algonquin. Plenty of free parking and a wide variety of vendors showcasing the best of McHenry County. The event runs now through September 30th.
Algonquin Farmers Market McHenry County Illinois
As a bonus, beginning July 15, walk a couple of blocks north of the Farmers Market for music along the Fox River at River Front park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and relax with your neighbors.
Clickon the image below to view this episode of “Where Are You Today?”.
Today we hopped across the state line for the 15th annual Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Winterfest. The event includes helicopter rides, ice fishing derby, food, drink and shopping at local merchants. On frozen Lake Geneva cars, ice fishermen, cars, ATVs and motorcycles, skaters, walkers and dogs intermixed. A few swans patrolled the only unfrozen section of the lake.
The big draw for us is the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championships. This year 15 teams from across the country competed for the title. Earlier in the week I watched as they prepared the first snow mold. A 6 foot wide by 9 foot tall cylinder is packed with snow. Rumor has it that this snow is gathered from the Rockford Airport runway as they clear the path for airplanes. Once the cylinder is partially filled with snow, people stomp on the snow till it is packed solid. These steps are repeated until the cylinder is full. The sculptors use hand tools to create their artwork.
Take a look at a few of the statues and the scene at the festival. Check out the hog on the Harley motorcycle. Click on the image below to view this episode of “Where Are You Today?”
Giuseppe’s La Cantina is a favorite place my family. We have been welcomed by the Brunetti family since 1963 when they opened their doors in Des Plaines, Illinois and our extended family gathers for dinner once a month.
We held our wedding rehearsal dinner there too. Originally started as Nicks’ La Cantina by brothers Nick and Giuseppe, the restaurant has gone through expansions, renovations and transformations through out the years. The place even rose like a phoenix after a fire closed their doors a few years back.
The family business is grateful for customers who have stayed with them through the years. We are now bringing our third generation of our family for dinners. Once again, the family is giving back to the community.
The Brunetti family knows there are those who are struggling through these challenging times and they want to help. They are offering a free, full course Thanksgiving meal for those who have been or are in danger of foreclosure. Reservations are required at (847) 824-4230.
I spoke to Mary this afternoon about the event. She said reservations must be received by Monday to allow her time to order and prepare the turkeys.
If you are in the mood for a great pizza or Italian dish any other day, drop by Guiseppe’s at 1062 Lee Street. Tell them April sent you.
This weekend we made a journey into the city to see the Burnham Plan exhibit at Millennium Parkon the lakefront. It was a trip we contemplated for a while but were discouraged by the time commitment. As we traveled into town, we reminded ourselves why we don’t do this trip very often.
Saturday afternoon at 3:30 PM we started out by car and 100 minutes later had crawled our way as far as Wrigleyville. We stopped there to park our car at reasonable rates. A 10 minute walk to the el, then a 20 minute ride before another 10 minute walk. Over 2 hours of commute time one way.
Now some of you may suggest we opt for public transportation. The train is 20 minute drive from home, runs once an hour and takes 90 minutes then a 20 minute walk to the park. No time or money saved there. The closest el stop is almost an hour drive from home. And buses? Never see them out here.
So now we are at beautiful Millennium Park on a warm late summer evening with my Dad. We took video at the Crown Fountain where children and adults are delighted by the smiling faces and surprise awaiting them.
Millennium Park Chicago Lakefront
Our journey was inspired by the Burnham Plan exhibit with lighting by artist Tracey Dear. After our walk we happened upon Hot Woks, Cool Sushi and had dinner under wall art commissioned by the restaurant. The artwork changes colors like the pavilion across the street. We talked to David, one of the owner of this new restaurant to get the scoop. If you like sushi and art – this is the place to be. The service was slow during our visit. The waitress did not get to our table for over 10 minutes when we arrived. Our appetizers arrived before our drinks. Just open since June, they may still be ironing out a few kinks.
Our diners enjoyed the sushi served and gave it hit marks for freshness and presentation. I recommend the sweet potato and asparagus maki rolls. The tempura was served hot with a batter fried light and crisp. Vegetarian items on the menu were clearly marked.
For the art lover, take a stroll along the long narrow room where each area displays a different artists work. You can read up on the artists in their bios within the menu.
All in all, it was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon. Just wish the commute time was shorter. If the 2016 Olympics land here, perhaps the infrastructure will improve and travel times will drop.
Fourteen years ago John Baur and Mark Summers concocted the Talk Like a Pirate idea. When playing racquetball, they began cursing each other in a pirate like language. They promoted this event annually with mild success. Once Dave Barry and Long John Silver’s restaurants got behind the idea, things went viral.
It served them well. T-shirts, books, and speaking engagements followed. John parlayed this into a move deep into pirate territory with his current home base now St. Croix.
Here’s primer to get you started on talking like a pirate.
At least it is not another Hallmark holiday. To find out more check out the Official Talk Like a Pirate Day website.
To read more about how this annual event got started, read the CNN article.
Tiki’s Grill and Bar has one of the best locations in Waikiki. With a vast view of Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean, this a favorite spot for locals to meet for cocktails and dinner while catching a beautiful sunset.
Tiki’s Waikiki Tweep up Alexis Williams, Kyle E. Williams, Vernon Brown, Aloha Bruce, Carson P. Williams
Just a few weeks ago we were hanging out with friends at Tiki‘s in Waikiki. There was a Twitter organized meet up with Chris Pirillo tech writer for CNN, the night after we got into town. For us, it was a great way to visit with many of our new and old friends at one time. We ended up leaving the party early as we were still on Chicago time. I barely stayed awake till 8:30 there which is 5 hours later on Chicago time. I’m not often awake at 1:30AM.
You can watch video and read moreon this Tiki’s event and other interesting friends.
I ran across one of the photos today of a few of our favorite tweeple. Check out these dudes having a fun time!
We founded a new monthly networking session at Port Edward in Algonquin. Buffet breakfast and lively, thought provoking conversation for just 10$. Best deal in town. All are welcome. First Wednesday of the month from 8:30AM – 10AM. For more info visit our website.
This morning I facilitated our discussion on sparking latent energy. Sparks of ideas were ignited!
April M. Williams @aprilmwilliams leads this morning's Posi+ineCharge
Recently we were in Royal Hawaiian Shopping Centre in Waikiki, Honolulu visiting with our friend Wally Amos in his Chip and Cookie store and talking with customers about their favorite flavors. All five flavors of cookies he bakes are yummy and we had a hard time choosing our favorite.
Top votes went to Chocolate Chip with Macadamia Nuts. Here’s how the people voted. What is your favorite?
