Kaukau Las Vegas, NV - Food Review

Guava Chiffon Cake - broke da mout!

Island Flavor, Las Vegas, NV

Visit my new foodie Instagram page! @hawaiigirltastyadventures 

Besides climbing, I love food! Well to be specific, I love Hawaii local food, with Hawaiian and Asian food coming in at a close second. There aren't any eateries here in New England dedicated to Hawaiian food, unless you count the "Poke" eateries. Poke is a raw fish salad served as an appetizer. In Hawaii, traditional Poke consist of cubed Ahi, Maui onions, Inamona, Limu, green onions and maybe (little bit kine) sesame seed oil. There are many other variations, but my second favorite is Shoyu Ahi Poke, in which the cubed Ahi is marinated in shoyu, specifically Aloha Shoyu!

I have yet to see a Poke eatery here in New England that has nailed the traditional and authentic Ahi Poke. Most, if not all, offer bowls with choices of white or brown rice. But there many other "extras" that can be heaped onto that bowl of rice. You can express your "Poke" and create your own bowl. You can even create one that doesn't have raw fish, but cooked chicken. And it's still called a Poke Bowl even if it's not recognized as Poke anymore. As for Poke Burritos, I've never tried one and not too sure if I'd want to. I'll stick to the traditional and authentic styles of Poke over any of the "fusion" styles.

While visiting Las Vegas, NV, I've had the opportunity to dine at many places. But whenever I'm in town, I purposely eat at a Hawaiian eatery, because I can't get that here in New England. 

Food - it's an adventure!

Island Flavor - http://www.islandflavor808.com/
This eatery but far, is THE BEST place to get authentic Hawaiian cuisine in the Las Vegas area. There are "Daily Specials" and the serving portions are HUMONGOUS! Hawaiian music is piped throughout the dining area to enjoy while dining. Every Friday and Saturdays they feature live music performed by local musicians. Freshly made Spam Musubi goes fast so hurry to get yours before they run out daily! Many, many island favorites here! And the waitstaff is super friendly and attentive. Gift cards also available for purchase.

Hawaiian Style Ahi Poke

(several 'styles' to choose from)

Aloha Friday Special - Lau Lau Plate

Served with Lomi Salmon, Haupia, Mac Salad and Rice

Tuesday Special - 

Fried Noodle topped with Teri Chicken

Kalbi Ribs

Live Hawaiian Music - Island Flavor, Las Vegas, NV

Cinnamon's - http://cinnamonsvegas.com/
Ate breakfast here the day we left and wished that we had found it sooner! Everyone who has eaten here raves about it and now I know why! The food here is excellent. We were the first ones through the door and to be seated when they opened at 7am (weekday). The decor and ambiance made me feel like I was back home in Hawaii. I especially love listening to Hawaiian music while we dined. Our waitress was attentive and the owner came over once to ask if she has taken our order. 

Guava Chiffon Pancakes (I ordered the Shortstack)
These are just plain Buttermilk pancakes with Guava Sauces

Portuguese Sausage, Eggs & Toast

L&L Hawaiian BBQ - http://llhawaiianbbqlasvegas.com/
We ate at several different locations throughout Las Vegas. Known for its "Hawaiian Comfort Food", you'll find fast food Hawaiian/local fare here. Everything from Hawaiian Sun Drinks to Kauai Kookies and handmade Spam Musubi. Punchcard available.

Ahi Poke

Saimin Spam Bowl (takeout)

Kauai Kookie

Aloha Hawaiian BBQ
No website for this business but we ate at the 4990 W Craig Rd #4, Las Vegas, NV 89130 location. This looks like L&L Hawaiian BBQ with the same fare. I've tried their "Malasadas" and their version reminds me of Dunkin' Donuts Munchkins rather than the soft donuts I grew up eating. Staff here are super helpful and friendly.

Ahi Poke

Ice Land - http://www.icelandvegas.com/
Vegan ice cream - yaaaassss please! Serves regular ice cream as well as vegan/non-dairy! Only ate here once, the prices are a bit high. They also serve Gelato and rolled ice cream. Location is in a very busy plaza at the northeast corner of the equally busy Rampart and Charleston Boulevards. Tasty sweetness perfect on a warm desert night! 

I had the Vegan Coconut cone!

Bachi Burger - https://bachiburger.com/
Not Hawaiian but a climbing friend highly recommended this eatery and so glad I got a chance to eat here! The food is not something I usually eat, but it was extremely tasty and I found the presentation of the dishes to be very appealing. The waitstaff is very attentive. 

Bone Marrow Jam

Bachi Fish Burger

BBQ Bachi Burger

Just Fries with Pineapple Ketchup

Hot Matcha Green Tea

Portuguese Donuts with Coffee ice cream 

and Raspberry on the side

2018 Daytona 500 - Florida

Pano of racetrack from our seats
Daytona International Speedway - Florida

Spent 5 days accompanying my father-in-law, enjoying the warm Florida weather and experiencing NASCAR racing at the Daytona International Speedway. Originally, my father-in-law was supposed to experience the Ride Along but it was delayed by 2 hours due to fog, then cancelled altogether. Unfortunately, they offer no refunds so my father-in-law will have to make/pay for plans to travel back to Daytona again or to other Ride Along experiences at other tracks. It was my first time at Daytona and it was a great experience to watch the races, win some cool swag and see the cars, the race track and the in-field up close. Although I grew restless sitting for a couple of hours, I was able to get up and walk laps along the stadium. Enjoy some photos taken of our time in Daytona at the races!

The Fanzone was a pretty cool place to be! We got to see the in-field up close. It was cool to see the cars in the Pit Garages. But it was even cooler to be able to walk on the race track. I got to sign my name on the finish line! WOOT!

Swag - cool winnings!

Racing's North Turn Beach Bar & Grill

Driving along the Daytona Beach

Kennedy Space Center - Florida

Pano shot - Space Shuttle Atlanis

Kennedy Space Center - Florida

While in Florida to watch the races at the Daytona International Speedway, my father-in-law and I spent some time visiting the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. If I can recall, the last time I was here was with my father-in-law, husband and our two girls some 25 year ago! A lot has changed so its good to be back to visit to see those changes. 

One of those changes is the addition of the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit. This was the last exhibit we saw before we had to leave for the track, but it by far, was the most breathtaking exhibit. If you are ever in Florida, make it point to go visit the KSC and especially the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit. In the first room of the exhibit we watched a short film about the start of the shuttle era. Then we were guided through a set of doors into another theater. An announcement was made not to go past the blue line (up front) or to touch the screen, and photography and video are not allowed. The short film is projected onto the walls as well as the screen and at the end of the presentation, the screen becomes transparent. At first I could't believe what I was seeing. I did a double-take and was like, "whoa, no way....it really is the Atlantis!" I heard the folks in the room gasp (I know I did!) and then everyone stared in silence and wonder! Then the screen retracted upwards and we were guided into the large exhibit arena that is home to the now retired Atlantis shuttle. It was an amazing and breathtaking experience, I almost cried! 

Hubble Space Telescope

Underside

And the Forever Remembered Memorial

Heros & Legends Exhibit

We took the 35 minute bus tour past the Vehicle Assembly Building as well as several launch pads. The buses are very comfortable, air-conditioned, with seats that sit up high and outlets for charging your Smartphones. The tour takes you to the Apollo/Saturn V Center where you can shop, view more exhibits and eat at the Moon Rock Cafe.

The bus driver served as our tour guide and photography was highly encouraged.

Vehicle Assembly Building with Bay Door opened

The crawler-transporter carries the space shuttle between 

the Vehicle Assembly building and the launch pads along the

Crawlerway (gravel track). Top layer: Tennessee Alabama River rock

Some wildlife

Petroglyph Wall - Short Walk

Petroglyph Wall, Red Rock Canyon, Nevada

After lunch my husband and I took a drive on the Scenic Loop of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. We stopped at a couple of places along the loop, but at the Willow Spring picnic area, we took the easy and short Petroglyph Wall trail to view the Petroglyph Wall. The trail is way too short to be called a hike. But it's a pleasant walk and the Petroglyphs are both fascinating and beautiful to look at.

Along the trail

The trail crosses Red Rock Wash

Gorgeous views from the trail

Las Vegas is nicknamed the "9th Island"
For lunch we dined at the Island Flavor on Durango Drive in the Windmill Plaza. This eatery was highly recommended and I now know why. Their menu is full of Hawaii local favorites, the serving portions are huge (compared to Aloha Kitchen), the prices won't break your pocketbook and the service is quick and full of ALOHA! We walked in and the place was filled with local Hawaiians.....it was like being back on the islands! The walls are decorated with hula implements and posters and photos of the islands. And there's Hawaiian music playing overhead while you dine. Original owners are from the Big Island and the chefs also own Island Style Cafe in San Diego, CA. I give this place 5 stars and highly recommend if you want to dine on Hawaiian local food! From now on this is my go-to place to kaukau, always! 

Hawaiian Style Ahi Poke (1/2 pound)

Ronnie always orders Kalbi Short Ribs. 

It comes with rice and Mac salad. Had a bite

of the Mac salad and it tastes like home!

They have "Daily Specials"

This was the Tuesday Special

Noodles and Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

And for dessert we split the Guava Cake!

I'm in love!

Crack Climbing - Instruction #2

Another great lesson with Tino! For today's lesson I climbed the vertical crack using both hand and foot jams! Warmed up by climbing a couple of easy routes and practicing "locking off" on each hold and climbing squarely. At first it was awkward but once I got onto the crack, it made sense. As for my feet, it felt insecure. I want to trust my feet like I do ice/rock climbing. But I'm such a newbie crack climber that I'm still trying to figure out the feel of a correct foot jam. Today's lesson reminded me of what it felt like when I first started learning to rock/ice climb. I guess with more time and practice I'll get the hang of it! :) Woot! Woot! Love crack climbing!

Sore but happy feet