Monday, June 18, 2012

City Cafe

1518-F Makaloa St.
Honolulu, HI 96814

City Cafe may not look like much from the outside, but inside they offer a variety of bubble teas, shave ice, sandwiches, and other food options. On a side street off of Ke'eaumoku, City Cafe is near both Ala Moana shopping center, Walmart, and Don Quijote market.

I literally have driven past City Cafe hundreds of times without realizing it was there. It's location isn't bad, there are so many stores and restaurants in the area, but there are only few parking stalls. It can be difficult to find parking right in front of the shop. Nevertheless, it is an easy walk from any of the nearby shopping areas.


My Order: Jasmine Green Milk Tea Slush

  • Taste: creamy texture, great jasmine tea flavor, not too sweet
  • Boba: excellent texture with a slightly sweet tea taste
  • Price: $3.50 for tall (16 oz.)

I really enjoyed my bubble tea from City Cafe. I found nothing wrong with it. I can't wait to go back and try more flavors and their Taiwanese style shave ice.

City Cafe also has very reasonable prices. Although when I went, I saw a sign saying that starting July 1st they are raising their prices due to the economy and the rising costs of goods. Hopefully the price increase won't be too much.

I am giving City Cafe 4 bubbles for now since I haven't had the opportunity to try more of their offerings.

4 out of 5 bubbles

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Epcot

On my vacation in Orlando I went to Walt Disney World's Epcot park. I have to say I love the World Showcase portion of Epcot. I completely buy into the constructed authenticity of each country. For those unfamiliar with Epcot here is the website. The main thing I enjoy about Epcot is all the food offered in each country. When I go to Epcot, it is to eat.

Mexico
There are some great margaritas, nachos, and typical Mexican fair. You can learn about tequila and buy lots of handmade Mexican crafts.
Passion fruit Margarita



Norway
In this country there is a Norwegian bakery and a crazy viking boat ride. Here we tried an almond pretzel which was more like a flaky pastry in the shape of a pretzel. It was delicious.
Norwegian Bakery
Almond Pretzel
Troll
China
I think China has the worst options food wise. It is basically the same kind of things you'll get from a cheap Chinese take-out place. There is a huge gift shop and a nice pond.














Germany
Mmm Germany has some delicious sausages with sauerkraut and there is a wine section where you can taste different German wines. 


Italy
Italy also has a lot of wine to offer along with some Italian restaurants. Instead of going to the restaurants I just got gelato, delicious.
Gelato


Japan
There are a few small food stands but Japan mainly has sit down restaurants. Japan definitely has the best shop. It is huge with all sorts of Japanese snacks, ceramics, and even anime stuff.











Morocco
There is great food and ambience in this section. It is so pretty. The hummus, pita, meats, and veggies are very delicious.




France
France is very picturesque with lots of cute shops and a great little bakery.


United Kingdom
The UK has a great little pub that serves fish and chips along with other British cuisine. There was a real Brit with me at Epcot and he even approved of the quality of the fish and chips. 
fish & chips

Scotch egg



Epcot also has an America and Canada section but I didn't really spend time in either.

Monday, June 4, 2012

HP Drinks

On vacation in Orlando I visited Universal's Islands of Adventure where the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located. I tried butterbeer and pumpkin juice there.

Butterbeer (left) and Pumpkin Juice (right)

Butterbeer
I am rather indifferent towards HP, I find LOTR to be much better. However, I was surprised by how much I liked butterbeer. Butterbeer tastes like cream soda topped with a thick and sweet butterscotch cream. It is sweet but just as sweet as any soda. They offer a unfrozen and frozen versions for $3.25 and $4.25 respectively. The unfrozen one is carbonated but I think the frozen one is better and less sweet. 


Pumpkin Juice
I thought I would like pumpkin juice more than butterbeer, but I wasn't a huge fan. It tasted like apple cider with extra pumpkin spice flavorings. I thought the pumpkin juice had too much added flavoring and I couldn't drink too much. You can get the pumpkin fizz too which is just a carbonated version of the juice.

Just a short post now, more to come about my time in Orlando...