Review: Chocolate fix at Lappert’s Ice Cream

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Lappert’s Ice Cream has always been a tradition for us. We always get a few chocolate milkshakes and they were the highlight of the sweet treats we’d consume. When we were over on Kauai we went to Lappert’s at Coconut Marketplace and the milkshake was incredibly runny, way more milk than ice cream used. We chalked it up to the person wasn’t used to making them or something. Then we had one at the Hanapepe location and ran into the same problem. Oh, I see. You’ll still charge $6 for a milkshake but now you’re going to jip me on the ice cream at all locations. We almost crossed Lapperts off our list until we went to the Lappert’s that moved from Koloa town to the new Kukui’ula Shopping Center in Poipu. We discovered something that is now something we obsess over…dark chocolate ganache gelato.

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Yes, that’s delectable ganache poured over the top of the dark chocolate gelato. It is one of those simple pleasures in life that makes you sink back in your chair and smile. Gelato is much more dense than ice cream so the chocolate flavor is much more intense. You add the silky, rich texture of the ganache to it and you have the best chocolate treat you’ve ever had.

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So while we can no longer recommend the chocolate milkshakes, we have to overwhelmingly recommend regardless of where you’re staying on Kauai, head on down to Kukui’ula Shopping Center in Poipu to enjoy Lappert’s Dark Chocolate Ganache Gelato. Enjoy one for us!

Diners, Drive In’s and Dives in Hawaii

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diners_guy_078_lead Hawaii Magazine reported that Diners, Drive In’s and Dives host Guy Fieri was cruising the island of Oahu for some local restaurants to show off on his show. Looks like an air date for that show has been set. Tune in to Food Network on Monday, April 5th at 10pmEST to see which restaurants made the cut!

Here are the restaurants in the running:

Poke Stop- In Waipahu Town Center, 94-050 Farrington Hwy, E-4, Waipahu, (808) 676-8100; and 95-1840 Meheula Pkwy, Mililani (808) 626-3400

Hank’s Haute Dogs- 324 Coral St., Honolulu, (808) 532-4265; and in the International Marketpace, 2330 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki, (808) 924-9933

Rainbow Drive In- 3308 Kanaina Ave. Honolulu, (808) 737-0177

Nico’s at Pier 38- Pier 38, 1133 N Nimitz Hwy., Honolulu, (808) 540-1377

Highway Inn- 94-226 Leoku St., Waipahu, (808) 677-4345

Photo: Food Network

Maui’s first Whole Foods opens tomorrow

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Here are some of the local Maui vendors featured at Whole Foods:

Healing Dragons (vog tea), Pala`au (body care). Bee Kine (surf wax), Rainbow Ridge Farm (goat milk soap), Kula Herbs (soap), Noni Biotech (noni juice), Top Maui Restaurants (restaurant guidebook), Aftersea Aesthetics (glass water bottles), Ali`i Kula Lavender (lavender culinary creations), Surfing Goat Dairy (goat cheese),
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Mangolicious treats at Big Island’s Parker Ranch Friday

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If you’re going to be on the Big Island this Friday, make sure you stop by Parker Ranch in Waimea.

All the way from Hilo, Hawaii, County Economic Council, “Rainbow Falls Connection” will be tasting their famous Mango Butter Spread! The perfect gift to take home, and don’t forget at least one jar for yourself! Experience the scrumptious flavor of island mango. Their fresh butter, lavosh, honey, and other Hawaiian treats, are 100% Made in Hawaii with the freshest island ingredients. You will also purchase with a purpose: All sales support the programs that help low income community members gain skills to become self- sufficient. Parker Ranch Store is proud to support our local businesses, and hope you will join them on Friday, November 20th, from 9am-1pm for a taste of the Big Island!

Can’t make it to Hawaii? Click below and go to the “Kitchen and Pantry” section and you can buy from there!

Spicy treats available at Big Island Candies

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We have always loved Big Island Candies. Their chocolate dipped macadamia shortbread is some of the best we’ve ever had. They have unique items like those featured in the Hawaiian Da Kines category (chocolate covered squid anyone?) to truffles and now this new treat Hawaiian Red Chile Toffee.

Description: We carefully cook our Hawaiian red chili butter toffee in small batches to bring out its rich butter taste and crunchy bite. It is studded with roasted almonds with a touch of hickory smoke salt and the subtle heat of the small fiery Hawaiian chili pepper. We coat it with rich dark chocolate for a tantalizing treat. Contains 13 or more individually wrapped pieces.

Be sure to stop by Big Island Candies to give your loved ones a unique taste of the islands.

Lovin’ the Papaya Seed Dressing

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My husband loves papaya seed dressing. He can be torn whether or not to get the bottled kind or pick up these packets. His decision is final…the packets win. You only need to have some white vinegar and canola or vegetable oil on hand to enjoy this treat whenever you like. We bought a medium plastic cruet with a plastic top to keep the contents fresh just for this dressing. I can say that unless you want a thick, mayo like consistency, do not use olive oil! He learned that the hard way! These make great little souvenirs to bring back for people if you’re looking to share a unique taste of Hawaii. While they are made by the same manufacturers as Kauai Kookie, you can find them at most places in the islands from ABC Stores to Walmart or if you’re on Kauai, stop by their outlet store in Hanapepe. The next time you’re in the mood for a departure from the ordinary come salad time, consider Hawaiian Hula Dressing Papaya Seed Dressing Mix!

Picture courtesy of ABC Stores.

Experience local goodies at the Parker Ranch

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Gourmet Chips, Local Waimea Experience

Friday, August 7th: Jessa Candy presents Parker Ranch Store’s Horse Chips! Made in Waimea with love and care, especially for Parker Ranch, by Jessica Lindsey. She has carefully crafted with gourmet Hawaiian coffee, macadamia nuts, and coconut, some mouth watering brittle candies. Made the old fashioned way and with the flavors of the Islands, these wonderful confections are light and buttery. The perfect gift to take home. Come share an experience with Parker Ranch on Friday August 7th, from 9am to 1pm.

Support the Kauai Sunshine Markets

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More and more people are shopping at farmers markets these days. That shouldn’t stop just because you’re on vacation! Matter of fact, it’s the best way to get some great local produce, mingle with some locals and support the local economy! If you find yourself on Kauai, they have several great farmers markets on different parts of the island on different days of the week. To find out the schedule, click here.

2 restaurants merge spaces on Kauai

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If you haven’t been to Kauai for a little while and go to the Coconut Marketplace looking for Eggbert’s for their famous banana pancakes, you might initially freak out if they’re not in the location you remember. Fear not, you can still get those fluffy flapjacks just head on down to Kauai Hula Girl Grill and Bar. The two restaurants now share the same space on the north side of the shopping center. (Closest to the Plantation Hale hotel) Personally, we love their ham and swiss omlette but they have lots of great breakfasts to start your day of exploring the island!

If you want a small example of their offerings and contact info, click here.

Get some yummy treats Friday at Parker Ranch!

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If you live on or are going to be on the Big Island this Friday, make a point to stop by paniolo country up at Parker Ranch!

Friday, March 27th: Come in and Enjoy a Taste of Hawaii Island! Mama Ella’s cookies are a must have, in four delicious and unique flavors, Pineapple Coconut, Lilikoi, Poha, and Chocolate Chippers! Their private label Parker Ranch Paniolo cookies are made right on the Island, just for Parker Ranch Store! They are proud to have George and Ella, as their private bakers, create such a mouth watering delicacy and the perfect gift to take home. They are all short bread based, and include the best flavors of the Islands. Join them on Friday, 9am-1pm. Not able to be there in person? Da kine! Click below and get them shipped to your neck of the woods!