Matsumoto Shave Ice – Hawaii 2013

As I mentioned on our visit to Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, our trip to the North Shore was a bit overcast and rainy.  We were driving though Haleiwa after a couple more car navigation snafus while stopping by Ehukai Beach (to see the Banzai Pipeline) and Laniakea Beach (to see the sea turtles) and noticed a long line of people standing in the rain waiting for shave ice.

Lawson Station (Moana Surfrider) – Hawaii 2013

Lawson Station has an interesting history.  For instance, from the name, you wouldn’t really expect to find a Japanese convenience store.   Lawson actually has roots in Ohio where it was originally known as Lawson’s Milk Company back in 1939 (that’s probably why their logo has a big milk container on it).

Honolulu Cookie Company (Waikiki Beach Marriott) – Hawaii 2013

If you walk down Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, you’re sure to notice all of the Honolulu Cookie Company shops that tempt you with their delicious signature shortbread creations.  First started in 1997 by the Sung family, they have rapidly grown from a wholesale provider to having 9 shops in Oahu including the one located at the Waikiki Beach Marriott that opened in 2008.

Magoo’s Burgers – Hawaii 2013

One of the most prominent landmarks in Waikiki (besides the endless number of ABC Stores that dot the area) is Diamond Head which is a volcanic tuff cone that looms over the city.  It’s also a popular hiking location because of the expansive views that it affords from the rim of the crater.

The Cheesecake Factory (Waikiki) – Hawaii 2013

Kalakaua Avenue is the place to go in Waikiki if you’re looking for shopping in a picturesque setting.  The Royal Hawaiian Center is a four-level shopping mall that spans three buildings on Kalakaua and is owned by the private Kamehameha Schools.  More importantly, you can find The Cheesecake Factory here (which is a must if you’re goiong to fuel your shopping spree).

Edible Arrangements (Kitsilano) – Pearadise Celebration

Over the years, we’ve become a fan of the fruity offerings of Edible Arranagements.  Aside from the high sugar content, it would seem to be a healthier choice when compared to a large box of chocolates and tastier than a flower arrangement. 

Macaron Day 2013

So, apparently there’s a whole day dedicated to macarons and that day was today.  I’m not sure why I like macarons… perhaps it’s a subliminal thing since I like macaroni and cheese so much?  Hmmm… macaron and cheese?  Could that be the next big food trend?

The Pie Shoppe – Smallest Pie Shop in Vancouver?

Late last year, The Pie Shoppe opened up in a little nook located in Chinatown.  If you walk along Gore Street, you couldn’t be blamed for missing this little shop next to Lok’s Produce.

The Pie Hole – Savory and Sweet Pies

As I mentioned on my last post on The Mighty Oak, one of the main reasons for visiting was to pick up fresh baked pies from The Pie Hole in Vancouver.  There’s a few other places that they supply and your best bet right now is to check their twitter feed @pieholevan as they usually tweet when they make deliveries.

Froshberg Gelato

Froshberg Gelato is a new mall-based franchise outlet serving up a variety of gelato flavours – their latest location being in Richmond Centre’s new Dining Terrace next to the other dessert-themed Pinkberry.

West Restaurant – Sunday Brunch

Back in December, we were really trying to avoid the local malls because we knew they would be packed full of shoppers.  Fortunately, Vancouver has lots of shopping areas besides germ-riddled malls… such as Granville Street.  I’ve never really noticed West Restaurant nestled amongst the other stores before as the exterior is a bit understated.

Bella Cakes & Pastries

The first time I drove through the Sapperton area of New Westminster, the first thought to hit me was how the main thoroughfare (East Columbia Street) reminded me of the “Main Street” of a quaint little town in the middle of nowhere.  Sapperton was named after the Royal Engineers, Columbia Detachment (known as Sappers) who had barracks nearby.