Brunch Perfection: Brother’s Cafe – Namba, Osaka

I love breakfast.

I absolutely do and in addition to coffee, I have to have it every morning or I have no energy for the rest of the day.  Sometimes I might also get a little grouchy.  But I don’t like to have it too early in the morning.  The best breakfast is eaten after 10am but before noon.   Oh yes, so sorry…. that actually makes it brunch.  So I retract my statement.

I love brunch.  I do.  🙂

Another highlight during our trip to Japan was the food.  So much food!!!! Of course Japan has the most exquisite selection of food and they are served to perfection.   From the sushi to the takoyaki to the noodles to the broiled salmon to the supermarket bentos, everything was just… perfect.

And for brunch lovers like me who are searching for the PERFECT breakfast/lunch cafe, let me introduce to you Brother’s Café.

BrothersCafe1_HoneyAubrey

Brother’s Café is a quaint little pancake house in Namba, Osaka- their second location is in Umeda.  Brother’s Cafe serves a variety of pancakes, toasts and sandwiches.  They also serve coffee, which smells decadent as you enter the shop, and matcha.  It was here that I was introduced to spoon pancake-  a pancake soooo fluffy you can eat it with a spoon.  Spoon pancake is limited to their Namba location and takes 20 minutes to bake.  It tasted heavenly and worth the wait.

Here are photos, I’ll let you swoon (and maybe even drool a little ;P)

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Coffee & Matcha Love
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One of their specialized toasts, with grilled vegetables and chili sauce
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Cornflake french toast
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Another version of their sweet & savory french toast
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The undeniably delicious and one-of-a-kind spoon pancake

Still drooling?  Here’s a quick little video of our dine-in…

Brother’s Café is a cozy restaurant that can satisfy even the biggest sweet tooth…..including me!

Aloha,
Honey

The Power of Honey

There is something about Honey.

No, not me, honey – honey. Like Honey, as in Honey Bee.

Honey is one of the most powerful food on the planet.  

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Besides the fact that it has a shelf life of almost forever, Honey is proven to have a vast list of health benefits for the whole body.  It’s literally liquid gold. A sweet, golden fluid from beehives loaded with antibacterial and antifungal properties that when kept in its raw state, can be stored for centuries and still be edible. Honey contains hidden nutritional and medicinal value used for thousands of years, and can be traced back to Ancient Egyptians.

One tablespoon of honey = 64 Calories, 0% Fat

Here are some amazing health benefits of Honey:

1. Helps with Allergies: Aid in reducing allergy symptoms because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Natural Energy Booster: Honey has high-carbohydrate load without the processed sugar. Honey’s natural sugars also prevent fatigue during exercise.
3. Cold Relief:  Soothes sore throat and is a natural cough suppressant.
4. Memory Booster: Honey helps the brain absorb calcium, helping to enhance memory and prevent cognitive decline and dementia.
5. Anti-Cancer: Studies show that honey possesses carcinogen-preventing and anti-tumour properties.
6.  Wounds and Burns:  A natural remedy containing antibacterial properties prevent infection and functions as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing swelling and pain, and even scarring.
7. Skin & Beauty Must-Have:  Honey helps prevent acne, deep-clean pores, decrease wrinkle and fine lines and increase cell renewal.

Isn’t Honey just undeniably remarkable?!!  Sweet and powerful there is no denying it.

Below are some of my Beauty Faves with Honey as a key ingredient::

sweetlikehoney_beautybuys

  1.  Garnier “Honey Treasures” Whole Blends Repairing Shampoo- A delicious fragrance of royal jelly, honey, and propolis extracts strengthens hair and helps prevent split ends and breakage.
  2. Touch in Sol “Feel Like Honey Moon” Skin Base- A honey and collagen-based rejuvenating skin primer that supports smoother skin for flawless makeup application.
  3. The Body Shop “Honeymania” Hand Cream- Helps soften and protect hands with light, juicy moisture.
  4. Laura Mercier “Crème Brûlée Honey Bath”A foaming, honey-scented moisture bath.
  5. Farmacy “Honey Potion” Antioxidant Hydrating Mask – This super hydrating mask with natural honey sugars is rich in amino acids and essential B vitamins.
  6. The Face Shop “Honey” Face Mask – The honey extract, with its nourishing properties, reveals younger looking, invigorated skin. Shop local @thefaceshophawaii
  7. Burt’s Bees “Honey” Moisturizing Lip Balm – This natural balm helps nourish your dry lips with a touch of golden Honey and Vitamin E, leaving them soft, supple and super happy.
  8. Josie Maran “Divine Drip Honey Butter Balm”This indulgent body balm combines two ancient holistic ingredients—Honey and 100% Pure Argan Oil.
  9. Freeman Beauty Infusion “Manuka Honey” Hydrating Cream Mask – Manuka Honey softens while skin-plumping Collagen helps to improve elasticity and restore smoothness.
  10. Marc Jacobs “Honey” Fragrance- A sunny, delicious floral—energetic and alluring, with a sparkling, golden touch. The perfect mix of brightness and warmth. See a my previous post introducing this fragrance back in 2013.

 

Stay sweet & lovely darlings,

(The Real) Honey

Happy Pi(e) Day! A recipe of No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

It’s March 14th, aka 3.14, aka short for mathematical ratio of a circle, aka pi (3.14159265359 and it goes on).  What makes it most important this year is it is Rounded Pi Day, 03.14.16.  Get it?  This year we can round it up to four digits!

So in honor of  Pi Day and all things with a circumference, I baked pie.  Because what’s round and sounds like pi?  😉 Ok, well, I made pie.   I came across a delicious no-bake recipe of No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie from AllRecipes.com and decided to try it!

With a little bit of tweaking of the toppings, here is the end result:

It’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious!!!  Especially for those whole love peanut butter AND chocolate.

Below is my version of this recipe, (No Bake) Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

INGREDIENTS
(1 1/2) cup powdered sugar
(1) 8 oz. package cream cheese
(1) cup peanut butter (your choice, smooth or crunchy, I used smooth Skippy peanut butter)
(1) cup milk (I used 2% reduced fat milk)
(2) 8 oz. frozen whipped topping — (or (1) 16 oz. package)
(2) 9-inch graham cracker crust

TOPPINGS
Chocolate Syrup (I used Hershey’s double chocolate sundae dream)
Chocolate Bar (I used Lindt Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Torte)

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together.
2. Mix in peanut butter and milk. Beat until smooth.
3. Fold in whipped topping.
4. Spoon into two 9 inch graham cracker pie shells; cover, and freeze until firm. Should be frozen between 2 1/2 – 3 hours.
5. After pies are frozen, squeeze chocolate syrup in zig zag motion.
6. Grate some parts of the chocolate bar and sprinkle on pies.
7. Cut remaining chocolate pieces and add as topping.

The great thing about this recipe is you can also make it “low fat” by substituting ingredients with their light versions- light cream cheese, skim milk, light whipped topping and reduced fat peanut butter.

Unlike the infinite and complex pi number, this pie is so  simple to make, so easy as pie!

Happy Pi Day!!!

 

 

 

Comfort Soup for the (Cold) Soul — Arroz Caldo

Today I had the (unpleasant) experience of feeling under the weather. Stuffy nose, sore, itchy throat, pounding headache and constant sneezing. Ughhhhhh. Fortunately, this happens very rarely as I like to believe I have one of the best immune systems. When the sickness comes around I also like to deny that it’s there. I’m admitting it now because, sigh, I’m getting older. (Yes, another ughhhhhhhh!)

Growing up in a Filipino family, my mother always made arroz caldo to soothe our sickness.

What exactly is arroz caldo? It is a type of congee (rice porridge) that originated from the Chinese, but officially named by the Spaniards as “Arroz Caldo” since the Filipino natives had a hard time pronouncing Chinese terminology. Anyway, mama’s arroz caldo was easy to digest, keeping our tummy warm from the cold was the best medicine. Psychologically that must also be another reason why I hated and denied being sick because it made me miss her even more. Arroz Caldo was the closest thing to her being by my side again. I never learned her recipe, so as an adult, whenever I would get sick I’d seek the best arroz caldo in the island. So far, Thelma’s Restaurant in Waipahu is the most comforting.

Tonight, I was brave enough to make my own. (Recipe below)

ArrozCaldoRecipe_HoneyAubrey

 

 HONEY’S ARROZ CALDO

(Serves 4-5)

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

1 tbsp Olive Oil
3 Garlic Cloves (peeled and minced)
1/2 cup Onion (minced)
1/4 cup Root Ginger (peeled and minced)
1 lb Chicken (cut or shredded – you can add more if you’d like)
1 cup Jasmine Rice (uncooked)
2 tbsp Fish Sauce (I used Patis)
7 cups Water
2 Chicken Bouillon Cubes

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:

4-5 Boiled Eggs (depending on how many you’re serving)
1/4 cup chopped Scallions (green onions)
3 Lemons (sliced) or lemon juice

HOW TO COOK:

In a big pot, sauté garlic, onion, and ginger in oil. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned, add fish sauce and continue to cook for a few more minutes. Add rice, until lightly browned, then add water and bouillon cubes, and bring to a boil. Make sure to remove scum from rice that floats to the surface of the pot. Lower heat, continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until chicken is tender and rice is thickened and cooked. Serve immediately, as it tastes better hot. Garnish on top with sliced boiled egg, green onions and a hint of lemon or lemon juice.

——

Surprisingly, it turned out not-so-bad. Although I hope this comforts you in your not-so-good days as it did for me tonight.

 

Honey

Happy National Dessert Day! –Roy’s Melting Hot Chocolate Souffle Recipe!!! ;)

Happy Monday everyone!

Today, October 14, is National Dessert Day, which means if you haven’t done so, CELEBRATE the day by treating yourself to all things SWEET!!!!!  Cookies, cake, cupcakes, candies, ice cream-  anything to your heart’s desire darlings!

My absolute favorite dessert, which is by far the BEST in the world, a heavenly creation from Roy’s Restaurants… Classic Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé! I have compared it to every other similar dessert that I can find in other restaurants, and absolutely nothing can beat this delicious, decadent piece of sin… 🙂

RoysSouffleA flourless chocolate cake with a hot, molten center, served with raspberry coulis and vanilla ice cream.

OMG yummy.

Officially referenced from Roy’s Restaurant Recipes page, you can attempt to make your very own Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé:

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup sugar
3 tbsp. cornstarch
4 eggs plus 4 egg yolks
12 tbsp. butter
8 oz. semisweet dark chocolate (make sure to use a good quality)

PREPARATION:

In a mixing bowl, combine sugar and cornstarch. In a separate bowl, mix eggs and yolks together. In a saucepan, bring butter to a simmer, then add the chocolate. Mix until the chocolate is smooth and begins to simmer along the edges. Combine this chocolate mixture with the sugar and cornstarch and mix thoroughly. Add eggs and mix at low speed until sugar is dissolved and mixture is smooth. Refrigerate overnight in a bowl.

Preheat oven to 375º. Line 4 metal soufflé rings with parchment paper and coat with non-stick spray. On a baking sheet, place each ring on a square of parchment paper. Fill 2/3 of each ring with the filling. Bake for 28-30 minutes. Remove the baking sheet. While holding each mold with tongs, slide a metal spatula underneath and transfer to a plate. Gently lift the mold off, remove the paper and serve with ice cream.

Of course, if you are not the in the mood to bake, or are just simply craving it at the moment, you can visit any of Roy’s Oahu locations below:

ROY’S KO’OLINA
Ko’Olina Golf Club
92 Ali’Inui Dr
Kapolei, HI 96707

ROY’S WAIKIKI
Next to Embassy Suites
226 Lewers St.
Honolulu, HI 96815

ROY’S HAWAII KAI
Hawaii Kai Town Center
6600 Kalanianaole Hwy.
Honolulu, HI 96825

ENJOY!!!! Have a sweet night!


Honey

Chopstick, Wine…. & Paris!!!!

Tonight, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend one of the most amazing events I have ever experienced, thanks to my sister, Natalie….

The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce produced their 12th annual “Chopsticks and Wine” event at the Hawaii Convention Center entitled “Ooh La La…” a petite Paris, featuring Hawaii culinary delights and unlimited wine 😉 

More photos later, but here is an idea of my outfit for the evening.  Stripes & red- very Parisienne!

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Photo Credit:::

Dress from Dorothy Perkins

Red Pumps by Casadei

Cross-body bag by Marc Jacobs

 

Bonne nuit,

Honey

Happy 30th Birthday, Susan Page Modeling!

Hawaii’s leading talent training and development center will be celebrating its 30th Birthday in April!

Three decades of scouting, developing and placing well-trained models and talent in local, national, and international projects, Susan Page Modeling is without a doubt THE best modeling school and talent center not only in Hawaii, but in all of the Pacific Region.

I’m so proud to be with this company, over six and almost seven years of glamour and madness 😉

To commemorate the big three-O, Susan Page Modeling will be having a Charity Event entitled “Queen of Hearts” on Sunday, April 28th at the Manoa Grand Ballroom. Lead by SPM’s very own Shawn Torres-Akiyama and Krystal Wright, this fun-filled, red-carpet brunch buffet will include a fashion show featuring SPM models in today’s hottest trends from top local retailers: T&C Surf Designs, Cinnamon Girl, Valerie Joseph and Brandy Melville; vendors in the beauty and fashion industries will be in attendance and a silent auction! Of course, I, on behalf of Fashion With A Mission will be there, helping direct the fashion show 😉 My first set of handmade feather earrings will be sold at the vendor booths.

Susan Page Modeling Charity Event Flyer

This Charity Event will is a benefit to Child and Family Service of Hawaii. Since 1889 CFS has been supporting more than 15,000 individuals each year through more than 30 social service programs throughout the islands. Child and Family Service serves children, teens, families, and our elderly, and is dedicated to the mission of strengthening families and fostering the healthy development of children. 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales and silent auction will support Child & Family Service’s domestic abuse shelter in Leeward, Oahu.

ChildandFamilyServiceLogo

Visit their website at www.childandfamilyservice.org

Queen of Hearts is a fabulous way to celebrate Mother’s Day early this year! A wonderful event with a great cause, this is a special tribute to Mothers, Daughters, Tutus, Aunties, Sisters and supporting Husbands, Dads and Brothers!

Tickets Prices
$30 for adults (11 years old +, includes Brunch Buffet)
$20 for kids (4 – 10 years old, includes Brunch Buffet)
4 years are under are free (+ $10 if interested in Brunch Buffet)

For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.susanpagemodeling.com
Click on ANNIVERSARY link.

Hope to see you there!

Love,
Honey

What’s Bakin Miss Honey? Peanut Butter & Toffee Cookies ;)

Sunday evening my inner domestic goddess decided she wanted to bake cookies.

Using scraps I found in my cupboard and fridge, and a little bit of help from google (on substituting baking powder for baking soda), I created my super delish version of Peanut Butter & Toffee Cookies.

PeanutButterToffeeCookies

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INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup Natural Honey Peanut Butter
1 large egg
1/2 cup Heath toffee bits

MIXING DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together.
In a separate bowl (large) beat butter and sugar using an electric mixer- setting on high. Beat until light and fluffy.
Add peanut butter and egg and beat until smooth.
Change mixer setting to low. Slowly add flour mixture.
Stir in toffee.

BAKING DIRECTIONS

Drop 1 tablespoon of batter onto baking sheets about 1 inch apart
Flatten with a fork if you like.
Bake until edges are golden brown, about 15 minutes.
Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy!!!! Tastes even yummier with milk!!!

Love,
Honey

Superfoods for Superhair

Aloha everyone!

After my post “Locks of Youth- Secret to Luscious Hair” I have had numerous inquiries on what hair products I use on a daily basis.

Nothing fancy, really.  Just Head & Shoulders (2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner), and Herbal Essence (Volumizing Conditioner).

Here’s a secret for ya: Using the right shampoo and conditioner alone does not give us the luxurious locks we crave.  Our diet plays an important factor, as a memorable saying goes, “You are what you eat,”… the health of your hair depends a lot on the food you consume.  Just like the rest of your body, your hair needs balanced doses of protein, vitamins, minerals, and oils to grow.

Here are ten Superfoods for Superfabhair. 

EGGS

Eggs are one of the best protein sources you can find. They contain lots of biotin (which helps strengthen hair and nails) and vitamins B5, B12, and D.   In addition eggs also contains sulfur, a tress-boosting mineral.

SALMON

Salmon is filled with protein, iron and omega-3 fatty acids, a high-quality protein source that is loaded with Vitamin B-6 and B-12, which produces red blood cells to carry oxygen to follicles.  A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids can result to a dry scalp and dull hair.

AVOCADO

Avocados contain lots essential fats and are a great source of biotin, which is key to growing healthy hair. Biotin helps hair grow thicker, stronger, and longer.  You can even apply avocado directly on to your hair as a hair mask, adding body and shine to your hair.

CARROTS

Carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A, which aid in having healthy scalp and shiny hair, and not to mention good vision 😉 If shiny, well-conditioned hair is what you want, you need to have a healthy scalp, so keep munching on those carrots.

OLIVE OIL

Olive oil contains essential Vitamin E.  In addition, the polyphenols in olive oil help control inflammation which can damage hair follicles as we get older.  Like avocado, you can also apply olive oil directly on your hair, especially in winter or on humid days.  Combing on a tablespoon of olive oil can tame frizzy hair and help moisturize your mane.

FLAX SEED

Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.  They also contain lignans- plant-derived chemicals that act as antioxidants.  Flaxseed help prevent hair loss and boost hair strength.

DARK GREEN VEGETABLES

Dark green vegetables like spinach and broccoli provides iron and calcium, as well as Vitamins A and C.  Your body uses these minerals and vitamins to produce sebum, an oily secretion from your hair follicles, which naturally conditions your hair and promotes hair growth.


WALNUTS

Walnuts provide zinc and fatty acids. Walnuts have alpha-linolenic acid, an omega 3 fatty acid that help condition and moisturize your hair.

BEANS 

Beans are another example super food for healthy hair. Beans provide good amounts of protein for hair growth, as well as iron, zinc and biotin. A deficiency in biotin can result in dry, brittle hair.

YOGURT

Yogurt contain calcium, a mineral that is vital in the role of hair growth.  It contains whey and casein, both excellent high quality protein sources necessary for a healthy scalp and hair.  For better results, opt for unsweetened Greek yogurt instead of the sweet,colorful yogurts.
Next time you visit the store, try adding these items on your shopping cart.  Your chances of having healthy, shiny, luscious locks may be as close as your nearest supermarket 😉
Love,

Honey

Sometimes cheating is okay…really.

Sigh…

Summer is coming up, and the island girl in me needs her beachin’ body back.

So…I have decided to once again put on my workout shoes, and go back into a strict no-rice, salad, fish and vegetables only, no ice cream, French fries, cupcakes, cookies, or chocolate…. and absolutely no stardust, sparkles and pretty rainbows diet.

After browsing through April’s issue of Muscle and Performance Magazine, I was relieved. Interestingly enough, there was an article that promotes cheating…on your diet. Written by Matthew Kadey, “The Cheat Sheet” explains why it’s perfectly fine to occasionally give in to your anti-diet cravings.

If cravings are driving you crazy, don’t wallow in misery: FIGHT BACK AND CHEAT. Planned cheating can conquer cravings and even help your physique continue to progress into awesomeness.

Here’s the few good reasons why:

BOOST YOUR METABOLISM
Many diets involve some degree of calorie restriction, and after a period, your brain thinks you’re in starvation mode therefore telling your body to slow down your metabolism. A break from dieting can interrupt this slowdown with your sudden intake of extra calories, keeping your metabolism revved for additional fat burning.

BOOST YOUR HORMONES
Leptin, a metabolism-revving and fat burning hormone, has the tendency to fall when calorie intake drops. Think: if your body is low on calories, it releases less leptin to keep the little energy it has. Consuming more calories increases leptin levels further boosting your metabolism.

BOOST YOUR ENERGY
Cutting down your calories can leave you feeling weary, especially during workout sessions. Occasional cheating can help restore energy, giving you more ability to train hard.

BOOST YOUR NUTRITION
Consuming foods that are not part of your diet can help you intake nutrients that you may be missing out on. For example, vitamins and anti-oxidants that aide with muscular recovery and growth not present in high-protein food can be found on carbohydrate-rich food that is not normally part of your diet regimen.

BOOST YOUR DIETING SUCCESS
Cheating in your diet program allows you a much-needed mental break from a repetitive, monotonous meal plan. You’ll look forward to your cheat day, and you’ll be able to keep your sanity during your strict diet, rather than completely falling apart and giving up. I have done this, countless of times. Yes, darling there is room for donuts or cupcakes, and flat, sexy abs ;).

BOOST YOUR SOCIAL LIFE
You can eat dinner with your friends and not have to count calories in your head. And you don’t have to spend Saturday night home alone either.

YAY. Let’s make a toast to a brand new, healthier, cheating you. “Good luck to a leaner, fitter, sexier you.”

**Holds up my Krispy Kreme Donut**

Love,
Honey