I’m finally feeling better today, and just my luck, it’s
Friday! I think last night’s dinner
would have brightened anyone’s spirits – we threw it together using what we
already had in the kitchen, and it was the perfect Polynesian feast. First and foremost (we can’t take credit for
these) were the shrimp infused steamed rice noodles. They were featured on my parents’-in-law food
tour (which they raved about), and they brought some home for Lloyd and I to
try. They were melt-in-your-mouth
heavenly. Just imagine the best homemade
dumpling you’ve ever had combined with a fluffy hot savory burrito. They have been made for generations by
scratch here in Honolulu’s China Town,
but according to the food tour guide, the family may not be able to continue
their labor-intensive craft much longer!
How tragic if these noodles are some day no longer in the world.

For our protein, we grilled our last Tamashiro’s fish – the tuna-esque
opah. The marinade this time was olive
oil, salt, pepper, freshly-grated ginger, and plum powder (a citrusy, sweet Asian
spice my mother-in-law picked up in China
Town). For fruits and veggies we had tangy grilled
pineapple and comforting sauted cabbage.

Tonight we’re all headed to stay in Waikiki. We’re having our first dinner out at the French restaurant La Mer, and I can’t
wait. It’s unique for us to have had so
many meals in, but I have to recommend it to anyone who has the ability while
traveling. We’ve saved so much money and
calories, and it’s been fun cooking and eating together as a family.

Here is an article from today about a new study showing kids of families that eat at least five meals a week together — all the way through the teenage years — have better eating habits.