YumSugar

From Alan Wong to 7-Eleven, Here's a Taste of Oahu

YumSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:30:52 -0700

While I have been enjoying staycations, it was nice to recently have a real vacation in Oahu! Sure the beaches are outstanding, but the food is even better. The Hawaiian islands have experienced a bit of a food revolution: Gone are the days when everything was shipped from the mainland. Now the islands make use of their own resources from both the land and sea. The results are wildly delicious. Here, you'll find a taste of my favorites.

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Chef Roy Yamaguchi Talks About Life, TV, and Celebrating 20 Years of Roy's

YumSugar — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:28:31 -0700

This year, award-winning Chef Roy Yamaguchi is celebrating 20 years of Roy's, his eponymous high-end restaurant chain. He's throwing himself a big party and is celebrating at his restaurants around the globe. I recently had a chance to talk with him, and he was such a delight! He has morning breakfast rituals with his son, and got into cooking to meet ladies! To find out more about Chef Roy, including what he thinks of the current celebrity-chef trends, read more.

YumSugar: Thanks for chatting with us so early [it was 8:30 a.m. his time].
Roy Yamaguchi: Oh it's not that early, I've been up since 5 or 5:30. I usually get up and have breakfast with my son.

YS: What did you have for breakfast?
RY: There are two places I go for breakfast. One place is called Zippy's, it's a local coffee shop sort of place, and the other is Ruger Market. Today I went to Ruger Market. I go with my son and we always order the same thing, chicken long rice. Basically it's chicken that's cooked with rice noodles. We always get that, and the ahi poke and the pork laulau. And what we do is we always sit on a bench right outside the market near the parking lot.

YS: So it's been 20 years since you opened up the first Roy's. Did you ever think it would grow into an internationally-acclaimed enterprise?
RY: No, but at the same time, when we first started - actually that's a question I get asked a lot. What happened is that even I never thought we'd get this big, what I did was surround myself with very talented people.

YS: So what have you learned after all this time?
RY: For me, I've learned every day. The greatest thing about my role is that every day there's something new that happens to our company or to myself. There's not really one thing that comes to mind, but it's a great learning experience. I'm able to use my mind, my eyes, my hands, and my passion to work with every situation. Every day I wake up and feel energized to come to work.

YS: Speaking of passion, how'd you get started?
RY: I had a friend in high school, he asked me if I would consider taking home ec. I said I don't know what that is. He said don't worry about it, we'll be able to meet a lot of girls. [Laughs] I took it with him and fell in love with it. Don't get me wrong, my father loved to cook, he made most of the meals at home. So I already had that experience at home. I took home ec and a light just shined. At the end of the semester we made a Thanksgiving dinner and I invited the school counselor as my guest. He really enjoyed it and he said, "Hey Roy what do you want to do with your future? Cooking could be something interesting."

YS: Have you ever talked to him again?
RY: Unfortunately, he passed away years ago, but I did have a chance to talk to him and the teachers that wrote the recommendations.

YS: Is there anything you'd do differently in your career?
RY: Well, no, not different. At the end of the day, I think the greatest thing that can happen to an individual is that you can learn from your mistakes. Before Roy's, I had a restaurant that didn't work out. Those things are heart wrenching and tough, but because of situations like that, I was able to decide to open Roy's and really figure out what I wanted to do and how I wanted to do it.

YS: What's your opinion of the word "fusion"?
RY: Well, when I first started out, fusion was not a bad word. Then halfway into it, fusion became a bad word all of a sudden. Then you turn around and today it's a good word again. To me, fusion never had a bad connotation. It's just what I did. I come from being raised in Japan and then the US and then living in Hawaii, you know what I mean?

There's cross-cultural things that make our world what it is today. So fusion's needed to infuse cultures into things, but some people were doing weird things. But to me, fusion means progress. A lot of thinking is needed to put it together in a way that's better than the stand alone. So to me, fusion is a great word. It's telling people who we are.

YS: What do you think of the whole celebrity-chef culture?
RY: Well, there's two sides to the story. First there's the old-school celeb chefs who have become popular because of their great reputation in the culinary world. Then there's your so-called celebrity chefs that have made it through media via TV or Internet. And I mean, I'm not saying it's right or wrong, or one is better or not, but my personal opinion is that great chefs have gone through a lot of hard work building a foundation and spending time as an apprentice and working at restaurants. Then there's the chefs that become popular overnight because of TV. I'm not saying you have to cook a long time to be a great chef, I mean some people can cook for 50 years and still be a lousy chef. Years aren't really a big factor, but at the same time, when you do build a foundation, then you become a solid individual.

As for celebrity stardom, I think it's great for the industry and makes it more well known. But I don't want the people who have made it big via media to get, well how can I say it, get cocky, or think they're the greatest things ever. That would kill the industry. They should continue to educate and institute, because they're who the young kids look up to.

YS: Thanks for talking with us, I don't want to take up too much more of your time. Do you have any words of advice for the home cook?
RY: Keep it simple. Not everyone can afford to go out and buy kobe beef, but try and buy the best you can and the freshest you can. Stay organized and have everything ready. A good kitchen is a happy kitchen.

If you're interested to learn more about Chef Roy - he was so much fun to speak with! - you'll be able to see him at the remaining dates of his 20^th Anniversary Culinary Tour.

San Francisco, CA - Thursday, April 10
Chicago, IL - Thursday, May 22
Philadelphia, PA - Tuesday, Aug. 19
New York, NY - Wednesday, Sept. 17
Atlanta, GA - Tuesday, Sept. 23
Baltimore, MD - Thursday, Sept. 25

For more info, contact the Roy's near you.

Find It: Papaya Seed Dressing Mix

YumSugar — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:43:11 -0800

Today my dear friend FabSugar brought over a sad empty packet of Papaya Seed Dressing Mix. Apparently both she and her mom picked up a few packets when they were in Hawaii this Thanksgiving and have just run out. She wanted to know if I could help her track it down and lucky for her (and the rest of you), I have!

The Papaya Seed Dressing Mix is available in a 2 oz. bag. To prepare, you just add the mix to white wine vinegar (Fab used champagne vinegar for a better kick!) and then dilute with water. According to FabSugar, this dressing is similar to a light vinaigrette, only with a subtle papaya flavor that is not too sweet - like many other fruit flavored dressings.

There was a tiny bit of mix left in the packet that FabSugar gave me, however it wasn't enough to make any dressing. The mix is white with black flecks and is a granular blend of salt, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, dehydrated papaya seeds, spices and a gum stabilizer. Out of curiosity I decided to taste it. It was salty, with a kick of sweet and you could definitely taste the garlic and onion powders. I think I may try to make my own flavoring mix someday, but until then we can always order Papaya Seed Dressing Mix for $2.50 a bag. It's also available in a low-calorie version: six 1.2 oz bags for $14.50.

Update: The link for the regular version of the Papaya Seed Dressing now says "Under Construction." Seems a bit weird... you can also buy it at the 2nd link, but you have to buy several bags.

How about you, do you have any weird food items that you need help finding? Drop me a line and I'll see what I can do!

American Airlines Hopes Boston Market Meals Will Take Off

YumSugar — Thu, 14 May 2009 14:00:16 -0700

Perhaps Virgin America's move to take flight with absinthe has inspired other airlines to focus on its in-flight services. American Airlines has announced that it will begin serving items from Boston Market on select flights.

Beginning tomorrow on flights to and from Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and Hawaii, American will offer a bevy of menu items from the chain popular for its rotisserie chicken. The $10 selection includes the Carver sandwich, the Beef Brisket Grinder, and the Italian Grinder, as well as the Chicken Caesar, Market Chopped, and Italian Chopped Salads. The airline plans to serve the selection to additional routes starting July 1.

The familiar Boston Market brand could be welcome on airlines, which are not usually known for their selection of food. Still, even though I haven't been to a Boston Market in a while, I don't recall shelling out anywhere near $10 for a sandwich. Would you order Boston Market on your next flight?

Source

The Hills Food Quiz: Episode Six, "Playmates Bring the Drama"

YumSugar — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:45:31 -0700

As usual, girl drama ensues this week on The Hills. Heidi and Spencer continue to work out their trust issues, while Audrina and Brody find themselves suffering the consequences of the missteps they took during their trip to Hawaii. Were you around for all the juicy details? Find out when you take our quiz.

To get all the fashion from last night's episode, check out CelebStyle!

Photo Courtesy of MTV

Take the quiz

The Hills Food Quiz: Episode Five, "I Always Had a Little Crush"

YumSugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:30:25 -0700

On this week's episode of The Hills, Lo, Audrina, Stephanie, and Lauren crash Brody, Doug, and Frankie's all-boys trip to Hawaii. Without their respective love interests nearby, Audrina and Brody only have eyes for each other. Meanwhile, back in Hollywood, Heidi introduces Spencer to her ex-boyfriend for the first time. Were you attuned to all the delicious details? There's only one way to find out!

To get all the fashion from last night's episode, check out CelebStyle!

Photo Courtesy of MTV

Take the quiz

Is Your Local Starbucks Closing?

partysugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:15:51 -0700

By now you must have heard that Starbucks is closing 600 of its stateside coffee shops. Last week Starbucks released the official list of the closing stores with a grand total of 616 closures. The closing stores are company-operated stand alone locations; no bookstore, super market, or airport Starbucks will be shuttered. A recent study by analyst Sharon Zackfia, found that 54 percent of the closing locations are within two miles of another Starbucks. The study also breakdowns the closures by region:

The central part of the country will lose about 13 percent of Starbucks stores that are operated directly by the Seattle company. The Southeast will lose 10 percent, the Northeast 8 percent and the West 5 percent.

After checking the list, I'm relieved to see that none of the Starbucks I frequent are closing. To find out which stores are vanishing in your neighborhood, check out the complete list and read more.

Alabama
parkway e @ roebuck plaza 9190 pkwy birmingham al
university & 20th 801 20th st s birmingham al
hwy 59 & cr 4 3800 gulf shore pkwy gulf shores al
29th & firefighter 1830 29th ave s homewood al
madison square mall 5901 university dr huntsville al
i-65 & spring hill 3451 spring hill ave mobile al
dauphin & du rhu 9 du rhu drive mobile al
old shell & mcgregor 4401 old shell rd mobile al
airport & foreman 6601 airport blvd mobile al
university & old shell 5611 oldshell rd mobile al
foley beach & canal 4725 main st orange beach al
rocky ridge & morgan 2531 rocky ridge rd vestavia hills al

Arkansas
hollywood & hwy 18 1301 main st blytheville ar
hwy 264 & dixieland 105 s dixieland lowell ar
hwy 270 & i-30 1900 mlk drive malvern ar
i-55 & hwy 64 320 bancario marion ar
hwy 67 & mccain 4120 e mccain north little rock ar
pinnacle hills & northgate 3351 pinnacle hills pkwy rogers ar
pinnacle hills promenade 2203 s 45th st rogers ar
hwy 59 & rena 2008 fayetteville rd van buren ar

Arizona
i-10 & sunland gin 4985 n sunland gin rd eloy az

California
garfield & valley 1 e valley blvd alhambra ca
katella & 57 fwy 2420 e katella ave anaheim ca
bellevue & winton 1861 bellevue rd atwater ca
baker & mojave pointe 56383 mojave pointe baker ca
bellflower & belmont 16601 bellflower blvd bellflower ca
harbor walk 328 first st benicia ca
shattuck & cedar 1600 shattuck ave berkeley ca
imperial & laurel 703 e imperial hwy brea ca
brea union plaza 2435 e imperial hwy brea ca
brentwood & nancy 7760 brentwood blvd brentwood ca
castaic & lake huges 31818 castaic rd castaic ca
e palm canyon & monty hall 68718 e palm canyon dr cathedral city ca
3rd & h st 3037 h st chula vista ca
otay ranch town center 2015 birch rd chula vista ca
monument & erickson 2250 monument blvd concord ca
mckinley & magnolia 115 n mckinley st corona ca
dos lagos 2795 cabot dr corona ca
rosemead & garvey 9327 garvey ave el monte ca
center & bruceville 8785 center pkwy elk grove ca
san pablo & park 4125 san pablo ave emeryville ca
visalia & belmont 1102 visalia rd exeter ca
sierra & i-15 3840 sierra ave fontana ca
sierra lakes pkwy 16645 sierra lakes pkwy fontana ca
herndon & marks 7010 n marks fresno ca
first & shields 3089 e shields fresno ca
e fifth & hwy 101 831 e fifth st gonzales ca
mission and sorenson 26953 mission rd hayward ca
sanderson & stetson 3511 w stetson ave hemet ca
flordia & sanderson 2801 w florida ave hemet ca
san juan & miller 1280 san juan rd hollister ca
florence & mt view 2901 florence ave huntington park ca
clinton & hwy 49 711 state hwy 49 jackson ca
valley view & firestone 16610 valley view ave la mirada ca
pch & boat canyon 636 n pacific coast hwy laguna beach ca
sr 173 & corona circle 312 state hwy 173 lake arrowhead ca
lake forest & muirlands 22621 lake forest dr lake forest ca
del webb & sun city 1520 del webb blvd lincoln ca
banner st & star st 14820 star st lodi ca
crenshaw & vernon 4371 crenshaw blvd los angeles ca
vermont & mlk 1005 w martin luther king blvd los angeles ca
mammoth & meridian 436 mammoth rd mammoth lakes ca
limonite & pat's ranch rd 6253 pat's ranch rd mira loma ca
marguerite & college dr 28171 marguerite pkwy mission viejo ca
trabuco hills 27775 santa margarita pkwy mission viejo ca
standiford & tully 3430 tully rd modesto ca
ramona & mission 4467 e mission blvd montclair ca
atlantic & garvey 141 n atlantic blvd monterey park ca
nason & fir 27110 eucalyptus ave moreno valley ca
norwalk entertainment center 12200 civic center dr norwalk ca
holt & san antonio 562 w holt blvd ontario ca
euclid & philadelphia 2254 s euclid ave ontario ca
grove & philadelphia 2200 s grove ave ontario ca
foothill & i-15 12592 foothill blvd rancho cucamonga ca
hwy 111 & rancho las palmas 71743 hwy 111 rancho mirage ca
cypress & civic center 760 cypress ave redding ca
california & placer 1701 california st redding ca
1299 university 1299 university ave riverside ca
canyon springs & corporate ctr 2692 canyon springs pkwy riverside ca
promenade @ truxel 3630 n freeway blvd sacramento ca
auburn & madison 5040 auburn blvd sacramento ca
stockton & mack 7800 stockton blvd sacramento ca
mira mesa 9450 mira mesa blvd san diego ca
missiongorge rd 6171 missiongorge san diego ca
1st & market 101 market st san diego ca
college & lindo pesso 5131 college ave san diego ca
euclid ave & federal blvd 1722 euclid ave san diego ca
university & aragon 6511 university ave san diego ca
30th st & el cajon 2990 el cajon blvd san diego ca
national & 36th 3582 national ave san diego ca
park & university 3830 park blvd san diego ca
11th & c 1122 brdway ave san diego ca
metreon 101 4th st san francisco ca
901 market street 901 market st san francisco ca
lincoln & willow 1167 lincoln ave san jose ca
1st & lyon 1640 e 1st st santa ana ca
golden valley & soledad canyon 26503 golden valley rd santa clarita ca
lincoln & montana 732 montana santa monica ca
1620 mendicino ave 1620 mendocino ave santa rosa ca
madera & royal simi valley 1368 madera rd simi valley ca
tweedy & otis 4184 tweedy blvd southgate ca
n lake & jack pine 775 n lake blvd tahoe city ca
newport & el camino real 14001 newport ave tustin ca
newport & main 13681 newport ave tustin ca
mountain square 386 s mountain ave upland ca
bear valley & hesperia 17080 bear valley rd victorville ca
la paz & valley center 14689 la paz dr victorville ca
mooney @ caldwell 3530 s mooney blvd visalia ca
ygnacio & north main 2001 n main st walnut creek ca

Colorado
121 st & sheridan 12161 sheridan blvd broomfield co
conifer town center 27191 main st conifer co
16th & wynkoop 1750 16th st denver co
colorado & alemda 320 s colorado blvd denver co
denver newspaper agency bldg 101 w colfax ave denver co
colfax & wadsworth 1509 wadsworth blvd lakewood co
hwy 119 & martin 15 ken pratt blvd longmont co
the shops at centerra 5897 sky pond dr loveland co
hwy 34 & denver 1385 n denver ave loveland co

Connecticut
prospect hill 137 prospect hill rd east windsor ct
1201 king's hwy 1201 kings hwy fairfield ct
wethersfield ave 682 wethersfield ave hartford ct
evergreen walk 301 evergreen way south windsor ct
windsor locks 209 ella grasso turnpike windsor locks ct

Washington D.C.
21st & l street 2101 l st washington dc

Delaware
seaford commons 22888 sussex hwy seaford de

Florida
altamonte mall 451 e altamonte dr altamonte springs fl
altamonte mall-kiosk 451 e altamonte dr altamonte springs fl
promenade at bonita bay 26841 s bay dr bonita springs fl
us 41 & pelican landing pkwy 24630 s tamiami trail bonita springs fl
desoto square 303 us hwy 301 blvd w bradenton fl
countryside mall ii 27001 us hwy 19 n clearwater fl
kapok cove & mcmullen booth 904 n mcmullen booth rd clearwater fl
lake ida rd & jog rd 13910 jog rd delray beach fl
coconut point 2 8017 plaza del lago dr estero fl
six mile cypress & colonial 9390 six mile cypress pkwy fort meyers fl
edison mall #3 4125 cleveland ave fort meyers fl
altamont ave & mcgregor blvd 2059 altamonte ave fort meyers fl
gulf coast town center 9903 gulf coast main st fort myers fl
1100 w broward blvd 1100 w broward blvd ft lauderdale fl
cr 210 & nature walk 3055 cr 210 w jacksonville fl
phillips & baymeadows 8060 phillips hwy jacksonville fl
forsyth & main 11 e forsyth st jacksonville fl
treasure coast square mall 3306 federal hwy nw jensen beach fl
abacoa ii 1200 town center dr jupiter fl
lakeland square mall 3800 us hwy 98 n lakeland fl
lakes mall 3399 n state rd 7 lauderdale lakes fl
sw 160th st & us 1 9600 sw 160th st miami fl
us 41 & golden gate pkwy 2128 tamiami trail n naples fl
immokalee rd & i-75 2405 tarpon bay blvd naples fl
750 ne 125th st 750 ne 125th st north miami fl
paddock mall 3100 sw college rd ocala fl
sr 200 & sw 114th 9548 sw hwy 200 ocala fl
west oaks mall 9401 w colonial dr ocoee fl
orange park mall 1910 wells rd orange park fl
kingsley & blanding 410 blanding blvd orange park fl
wells & blanding 1907 wells rd orange park fl
orlando fashion square mall 3351 e colonial dr orlando fl
oviedo marketplace 1515 oviedo marketplace blvd oviedo fl
boynton beach mall 801 n congress ave palm beach fl
downtown @ the gardens 11701 lake victoria gardens palm beach gardens fl
gardens mall iii 3101 pga blvd palm beach gardens fl
pga commons central 5100 pga blvd palm beach gardens fl
davis hwy @ university pkwy 8101 university pkwy pensacola fl
coral square mall 9439 w atlantic blvd pompano beach fl
becker rd & turnpike 650 sw becker rd port st lucie fl
30a & winston 5 main st rosemary beach fl
seminole mall downstairs 155 towne center cir sanford fl
seminole mall upstairs 155 towne center cir sanford fl
hwy 30a & watercolor 1735 county hwy 30a santa rosa beach fl
sarasota square mall 8201 s tamiami trl sarasota fl
lakeshore mall 901 us hwy 27 n sebring fl
eglin pkwy & plew ave 1198 eglin pkwy shalimar fl
6th ave & 6th st s 625 6th ave s st petersburg fl
us 1 & market pl 4209 se federal hwy stuart fl
2223 se ocean blvd 2223 se ocean blvd stuart fl
ocala & w tennessee 800 ocala rd tallahassee fl
racetrack rd & hillsborough 13811 w hillsborough ave tampa fl
university mall 2164 e fowler ave tampa fl
citrus park ii 8021 citrus park tn ctr tampa fl
buffalo ridge 4046 wedgewood ln the villages fl
indianriver mall 6200 20th st vero beach fl
city place ii 650 s rosemary ave west palm beach fl
cr 545 & stoneybrook w pkwy 15502 stonybrook w pkwy winter garden fl
winter park village 480 n orlando ave winter park fl

Georgia
vinings 2941 paces ferry rd atlanta ga
roswell rd @ i-285 5841 roswell rd ne atlanta ga
peachtree @ 17th 1375 peachtree st ne atlanta ga
ga aquarium 250 park ave w atlanta ga
east-west connector & powder springs 2860 e-w connector austell ga
mall of georgia ii 3333 buford dr buford ga
us 80 & mall rd 2011 veterans pkwy dublin ga
pleasant hill plaza 1630 pleasant hill rd nw duluth ga
gwinnett mall 2100 pleasant hill rd duluth ga
veterans memorial pkwy & buckner blvd 836 veterans memorial pkwy mableton ga
macon mall 3661 eisenhower pkwy macon ga
bass rd & starcadia cir 1693 bass rd macon ga
east-west connector & s cobb dr 4624 camp highland rd se smyrna ga

Hawaii
waiakea center 301 maka'ala st hilo hi
malolo sand island 120 sand island access rd honolulu hi
victoria ward center 1200 ala moana blvd honolulu hi
hokua 1288 ala moana blvd honolulu hi
maui marketplace 270 dairy rd kahului hi

Iowa
lindale mall 4444 first ave ne cedar rapids ia
coral ridge mall 1451 coral ridge ave coralville ia
northpark mall 320 w kimberly rd davenport ia
main & 2nd 201 n harrison st davenport ia
division & locust 1736 n division st davenport ia
asbury plaza 2515 nw arterial dubuque ia
merle hay & johnston 5340 merle hay rd johnston ia
capitol village 2209 university dr boise id
meridian 1742 e fairview dr meridian id

Illinois
stratford square mall 617 stratford square mall bloomingdale il
the promenade bolingbrook 627 e boughton rd bolingbrook il
river oaks center 96 river oaks ctr calumet city il
market place mall 2000 n neil st champaign il
rte 6 & ridge 27243 w saxony dr channahon il
plummer & rte 4 1140 commercial ct chatham il
altgeld & lincoln 2475 n lincoln chicago il
ashland & atgeld 2454 n ashland ave chicago il
95th & western 2347 w 95th st chicago il
roosevelt & homan 3350 w roosevelt rd chicago il
pill hill-95th & stony island 1753 e 95th st chicago il
167th & crawford 4019 w 167th st country club hills il
vermillion & lakeshore 3100 n vermillion danville il
north & york 291 n york st elmhurst il
harlem & george 2848 n harlem ave elmwood park il
87th & kedzie 8738 s kedzie ave evergreen park il
grand & mannheim 10335 w grand ave franklin park il
rte 34 & henderson 1890 n henderson st galesburg il
nameoki & johnson 3457 nameoki rd granite city il
20505 n hwy 12 20505 n hwy 12 kildeer il
homer township 14124 s bell rd lockport il
rte 23 & etna 110 etna rd ottawa il
sterling & i-74 4221 n sterling peoria il
north & lathrop 7601 w nave river forest il
south holland 401 e 162nd st south holland il

Indiana
wayne & calvary 1426 n wayne st angola in
i-74 & sr 229 14 alpine dr batesville in
sherman & albany 1718 churchman ave beech grove in
sr 1 & lowe's 2133 n main st bluffton in
carmel 2316 e 116th st carmel in
rte 53 & 109th 10761 brdway crown point in
lloyd expressway & red bank 5000 w lloyd expressway evansville in
sr 3 & lincoln 1703 n lincoln st greensburg in
greendale centre 789 us 31 greenwood in
38th & meridian 3778 n meridian st indianapolis in
96th & allisonville 9642 allisonville rd indianapolis in
the precedent 3855 e 96th st indianapolis in
fall creek & college 2910 n college ave indianapolis in
w 38th & gemco 5060 w 38th st indianapolis in
16th & sharon 3021 w 16th st indianapolis in
keystone & national 3801 s keystone ave indianapolis in
sr 3 & parkview 1902 s memorial dr new castle in
metropolis mall 2499 futura pkwy plainfield in
rte 6 & augusta 6200 us hwy 6 portage in
us 50 & jackson park 1250 e tipton st seymour in
cleveland & portage 3600 portage rd south bend in
speedway & cunningham 5945 crawfordsville rd speedway in
us 41 & hart 2605 hart st vincennes in

Kansas
college & pflumm 13430 college blvd lenexa ks
95th & quivira 11780 w 95th st overland park ks
central & tyler 8971 w central wichita ks

Kentucky
s danville bypass & brenda 3491 s danville bypass danville ky
euclid & upper 535 s upper st lexington ky
hubbards & westport 285 n hubbards ln louisville ky
poplar level & hess 3009 poplar level rd louisville ky
hwy 68 & paris bypass 320 letton dr paris ky
hwy 27 & jefferson 2049 s hwy 27 somerset ky

Louisana
corporate blvd & energy dr 5720 corporate blvd baton rouge la
siegan & perkins 8729 siegan ln baton rouge la
airline and highland 19970 highland rd baton rouge la
perkins & bluebonnet 7777 bluebonnet blvd baton rouge la
i-10 & siegen 6556 siegen ln baton rouge la
coursey & market 14241 coursey blvd baton rouge la
essen ln & mancuso 5565 essen lane baton rouge la
airline hwy & harry dr 8183 airline hwy baton rouge la
burbank & bluebonnet 9837 bluebonnet blvd baton rouge la
loyola & duke 3117 loyola dr kenner la
verot school rd & pinhook 115 verot school rd lafayette la
pecanland mall 4700 milhaven rd monroe la
i-20 & pines 6730 pines rd shreveport la

Massachusetts
middlesex turnpike burlington 47 middlesex turnpike burlington ma
dartmouth mall 200 n dartmouth mall dartmouth ma
ewton centre 70 union st newton ma
emerald square mall 999 s washington st north attleboro ma
sharon five post office square sharon ma
stoughton 425 washington st stoughton ma
shrewsbury st marketplace 225 shrewsbury st worcester ma

Maryland
park place 2 park place annapolis md
harborplace 301 s light st baltimore md
belvedere 5911 york rd baltimore md
collington plaza 3524 ncrain hwy bowie md
beltsville i-495 10240 baltimore ave college park md
easton dudrow farm 28601 marlboro ave easton md
montgomery village plaza 18314 contour rd gaithersburg md
cloppers mill shopping center 18066 mateny rd germantown md
fairwood green village center 12530 fairwood pkwy glenn dale md
pikesville 1433 reisterstown rd pikesville md
saint charles towne center 11110 mall circle waldorf md
westfield 11160 veirs mill rd wheaton md

Maine
bangor mall 663 stillwater ave bangor me
bangor broadway 652 brdway bangor me

Michigan
fairlane town center 18900 michigan ave dearborn mi
buhl building 535 griswold st detroit mi
millender center 333 e jefferson ave detroit mi
jefferson & e grand blvd 7201 e jefferson detroit mi
eastpointe 22511 gratiot ave eastpointe mi
corunna & linden 4455 corunna rd flint mi
groesbeck & utica 31205 utica rd fraser mi
gaylord 1251 w main st gaylord mi
rivertown crossing 3700 rivertown pkwy grandville mi
canal & 44th 4375 canal sw grandville mi
w washington 1925 w washington greenville mi
gull rd & sprinkle 5625 gull rd kalamazoo mi
grand river & saginaw 3201 e grand river lansing mi
eastwood towne center 2941 preyde blvd lansing township mi
ludington 4551 w us hwy 10 ludington mi
twelve oaks mall 27500 novi rd novi mi
meridian mall 1982 grand river ave okemos mi
downtown rochester 439 main st rochester mi

Minnesota
e main frontage rd & prospect 2221 e main frontage rd albert lea mn
northtown mall 599 northtown dr ne blaine mn
radison rd & 109th 2331 108th lane ne blaine mn
brooklyn blvd & 55th 5512 brooklyn blvd brooklyn center mn
66th & hwy 252 615 66th ave n brooklyn center mn
brooklyn blvd & 69th 6901 brooklyn blvd brooklyn center mn
east burnsville 14637 country rd 11 burnsville mn
nicollet & hwy 55 250 e traveler's trail burnsville mn
coon rapids 3450 124th ave nw coon rapids mn
main st & hwy 10 2740 main st coon rapids mn
round lake & hwy 10 13131 riverdale dr coon rapids mn
hwy 15 & torgerson dr 1140 torgerson dr fairmont mn
grant & western 2280 grant st faribault mn
hastings & hwy 55 1731 n frontage rd hastings mn
lincoln square 3156 century ave n mahtomedi mn
madison & hwy 22 1881 madison ave mankato mn
warren & stadium 1680 warren st mankato mn
e southview dr & main st 1201 e main st marshall mn
125th & central 12555 ulysses st ne minnapolis mn
hwy 7 & co rd 101 5101 county rd minnetonka mn
hwy 36 & hwy 5 5980 neal ave n oak park heights mn
rockford square 4000 annapolis ln plymouth mn
tyler rd & mall dr 144 tyler rd n red wing mn
w circle dr & 26th 2665 commerce dr nw rochester mn
marschall & 17th ave 1539 17th ave e shakopee mn
242 w 7th 242 w 7th st. paul mn
lifestyle cnter 9000 hudson rd woodbury mn

Missouri
clayton and baxter 14815 clayton rd chesterfield mo
sr n & i64 7827 hwy n dardenne prairie mo
graham & i 270 1261 graham rd florissant mo
howdershell & dunn 6045 howdershell rd hazelwood mo
w florissant @ lucas & hunt 8031 w. florissant ave jennings mo
13th & main 1 e h&r block way kansas city mo
hwy 150 & hwy 291 3701 sw hollywood dr lees summit mo
sr k & weldon spring 4581 hwy k o'fallon mo
elm & sh-370 3788 elm st st. charles mo
union station 1820 market st st. louis mo
manchester & sappington 10025 manchester rd st. louis mo
telegraph & erb 6070 h telegraph rd st. louis mo
euclid & laclede 9 neuclid ave st. louis mo
7th & russell 2000 s 7th st st. louis mo
hwy 100 & s pointe 3081 phoenix center dr washington mo
lockwood & rock hill 234 w lockwood webster grove mo
hwy 94 & ofallon 5851 wwood dr weldon springs mo

Mississippi
i-55 & hwy 6 100 house-carlson dr batesville ms
lakeland & layfair 204 a e layfair dr flowood ms
hwy 98 & lake forgetful 6136 hwy 98 w hattiesburg ms
i 55 & main 1903 main st madison ms
hacks & goodman 7058 hacks cross olive branch ms
i-20 & pearson 403 riverwind rd pearl ms
northpark mall-the mills 1200 e county line ridgeland ms

North Carolina
chatham downs 141 chatham downs chapel hill nc
wilkinson blvd 3220 wilkinson blvd charlotte nc
northlake commons 9335 center lake dr charlotte nc
piedmont town center 4620 piedmont row dr charlotte nc
worthington 1520 overland park ln charlotte nc
providence rd & sharon amity rd 2921 providence rd charlotte nc
firetower rd & arlington blvd 1889 e firetower rd greenville nc
valley hills mall 1960 hwy 70 se hickory nc
nash street 2113 nash st wilson nc
harper hill commons 4912 country club rd winston salem nc

North Dakota
kirkwood mall 868 kirkwood mall bismarck nd
university & 16th 1601 university drive fargo nd
13th & 25th 1310 25th st fargo nd
i-29 & 13th ave 3402 13th ave s fargo nd

Nebraska
hwy 370 & 36th 3811 twin creek dr bellevue ne
23rd & clarkson 610 e 23rd st fremont ne
2nd & w 42 st 4116 2nd ave kearney ne
120th & blondo 2012 n 117th ave omaha ne
center & 63rd 6303 center st omaha ne
hwy 370 & 72nd 1423 papillion dr papillion ne
72nd & giles 8440 s 72nd st papillion ne

New Hampshire
rochester shoppes 160 washington st rochester nh

New Jersey
hammonton nj 80 s white horse pike hammonton nj
newark/broad st 744 brd st newark nj
ridgew00d 10 wilsey square ridgewood nj
west belt plaza 57 route 23 s wayne nj
willingboro 4364 route 130 n willingboro nj

New Mexico
wyoming & menaul 2270 wyoming albuquerque nm
hwy 550 & hwy 64 500 w brdway ave bloomfield nm
n main & temple 2800 n main st las cruces nm
n main & walmart access 4506 n main st roswell nm

Nevada
horizon ridge & horizon dr 65 e horizon ridge pkwy henderson nv
mission center 1340 e flamingo rd las vegas nv
maryland parkway - unlv 4626 s maryland pkwy las vegas nv
eastern beltway 2390 e serene ave las vegas nv
sahara & buffalo 8000 w sahara las vegas nv
desert inn & decatur 4810 w desert inn rd 3 las vegas nv
buffalo & washington 7595 w washington ave las vegas nv
jones & flamingo 6100 w flamingo rd las vegas nv
paradise & harmon 4480 paradise rd las vegas nv
tropicana & eastern 2510 e tropicana ave las vegas nv
charleston & brush 5181 w charleston blvd las vegas nv
ann & painted mirage 5590 painted mirage rd las vegas nv
durango & charleston 950 s durango dr las vegas nv
sky pointe & buffalo 6515 n buffalo dr las vegas nv
centennial & simmons 6360 n simmons st n las vegas nv
north mesa plaza 1513 w craig rd north las vegas nv
lake mead & rancho 3720 lake mead blvd north las vegas nv
1st & sierra 50 n sierra st reno nv

New York
bay ridge 8414 third ave 8414 3rd ave brooklyn ny
cedarhurst 426 central ave cedarhurst ny
central islip town centre 101 s research pl central islip ny
walden galleria mall 2000 walden ave cheektowaga ny
rte 11 & hogan rd 7897 brewerton rd cicero ny
central avenue kohls center 1818 central ave colonie ny
douglaston plaza 242-02 61st ave douglaston ny
east aurora 160 main st east aurora ny
east meadow 2330 hempstead turnpike east meadow ny
carrier circle 6570 weighlock dr east syracuse ny
elwood 1946 jericho turnpike elwood ny
fulton ave 123 fulton ave farmingdale ny
geneseo 4262 lakeville rd geneseo ny
union turnpike 8989 union turnpike glendale ny
atlas park 8000 cooper ave glendale ny
greece 2150 ridge rd w greece ny
broadway mall 385b brdway mall hickville ny
islandia 1750 veterans hwy islandia ny
lockport 5774 s transit rd lockport ny
mamaroneck ave 320-322 mamaroneck ave mamaroneck ny
1675 broadway 1675 brdway manhattan ny
galleria at crystal run one galleria dr middletown ny
old country road 106 old country rd mineola ny
sweetheart corner 3911 brewerton rd n syracuse ny
new hyde park village 1441 jericho turnpike new hyde park ny
400 madison avenue 400 madison ave new york ny
1600 broadway 1600 brdway new york ny
46th & fifth ave 565 fifth ave new york ny
madison & 44th 340 madison ave new york ny
macy's 5th floor - herald square 151 w 34th st new york ny
poughkeepsie galleria 2001 s rd poughkeepsie ny
1 roslyn rd 1 railrd ave roslyn heights ny
watt st 24471 watt st schenectady ny
southampton 20 nhwy southampton ny
southold 53345 route 25 southold ny
forest promenade 1756 forest ave staten island ny
palisades center 4451 palisades ctr dr west nyack ny
westbury 467 old country rd westbury ny
the source mall 1504 old country rd westbury ny

Ohio
1505 fifth ave 1505 w fifth ave columbus oh
yukon building 601 n high st columbus oh
reynoldsburg 6144 e main st columbus oh
dublin, sawmill & hard 7561 sawmill rd dublin oh
the shops at fallen timbers 3100 main st maumee oh
richmond town square 691 richmond rd richmond heights oh
ohio valley mall 67800 mall rd st. clairsville oh
maxtown 925 n. state st westerville oh
high st 530 n high st worthington oh

Oklahoma
main & wayne 1610 n main st altus ok
hwy 66 & country club 1100 s lynn riggs blvd claremore ok
29th & linda 4755 se 29th st del city ok
danforth & santa fe 2015 w danforth rd edmond ok
15th & santa fe 2141 w 15th st edmond ok
sheridan & gore 1204 nw sheridan rd lawton ok
hwy 69 & comanche 427 s george nigh expy mcalester ok
shawnee & 6th 591 w shawnee muskogee ok
122nd & pennsylvania 12124 n pennsylvania ave oklahoma city ok
memorial & may 3131 w memorial oklahoma city ok
broadway extension & britton 125 w britton rd oklahoma city ok
western & 89th 9201 s wern ave oklahoma city ok
14th & bradley 2400 n 14th st ponca city ok
hwy 62 & meadow creek 1702 s muskogee ave tahlequah ok
81st & mingo 9524 e 81st st tulsa ok

Oregon
tanasbourne - haggens 18000 nw evergreen pkwy beaverton or
cornell & 188th 1887 nw 188th ave hillsboro or
hawthorne ii 1864 se hawthorne blvd portland or
20th & division 2045 se division st portland or
clackamas town center ii 11860 se 82nd ave portland or
tillamook shops 1701 wilson river loop rd tillamook or

Pennsylvania
trexlertown 6379 hamilton blvd allentown pa
logan valley mall route 220 & goods ln altoona pa
chestnut plaza 118 e chestnut ave altoona pa
neshaminy mall 707 neshaminy mall bensalem pa
downtown bloomsburg 34 e main st bloomsburg pa
new britain 290 w butler pike chalfont pa
dallas 184 memorial hwy dallas pa
palmer town center 677 s 25th st easton pa
north hanover 189 eisenhower dr hanover pa
paxton street 3462 paxton st harrisburg pa
3rd & market 225 market st harrisburg pa
granite run mall 1067 w baltimore pike media pa
english village 1460 bethlehem pike north wales pa
station squre-bessemer court 5 station square dr pittsburgh pa
plymouth meeting mall 500 w germantown pike plymouth meeting pa
muhlenberg 3225 n5th st reading pa
stroudsburg 1000 shoppes at strouds rt 611 stroudsburg pa
upper moreland 2770 eon rd upper moreland pa
warrington route 611 711 eon rd warrington pa
rt 611 willow grove 1107 eon rd willow grove pa
wyomissing ii 798 woodland rd wyomissing pa

South Carolina
e main st & drayton rd 1855 e main st spartanburg sc

Tennessee
appling & us 70 7610 us hwy 70 bartlett tn
hwy 58 & hwy 153 4503 hwy 58 chattanooga tn
nonconnah pkwy & houston levee 4630 merchant park cir collierville tn
hwy 51 & lanny bridges 1625 hwy 51 s covington tn
i-40 & pine ridge 1796 roane state hwy harriman tn
highland & baltimore 112 e baltimore st jackson tn
strawberry plains & i-40 7228 region lane knoxville tn
dexter & germantown 1645 n germantown pkwy memphis tn
germantown & market plaza 2293 n germantown pkwy memphis tn
riverdale & maltan 3586 riverdale rd memphis tn
hwy 96 @ mall circle drive 207a stones river mall blvd murfreesboro tn
stones river mall kiosk 1720 old fort pkwy murfreesboro tn
hwy 64 & hwy 194 7275 hwy 64 oakland tn

Texas
south arlington 1201 w arbrook arlington tx
cooper & green oaks 5435 s cooper arlington tx
collins & green oaks 2733 n collins arlington tx
matlock & bardin 4645 matlock arlington tx
s congress and academy 1007 s congress austin tx
mopac & slaughter 5000 w slaughter austin tx
hwy 83 & boca chica 100 expressway 83 brownsville tx
us 377 & us 67 300 w commerce brownwood tx
spid & weber 3920 s padre island dr corpus christi tx
staples & doddridge 3738 staples corpus christi tx
greenville & matalee 3715 greenville ave dallas tx
preston & beltline 14891 preston rd dallas tx
lovers lane & greenville ave 5500 greenville ave dallas tx
camp wisdom rd & hwy 67 3431 camp wisdom rd dallas tx
skillman and audelia 9090 skillman st dallas tx
northpark mall ii 8687 n central exp dallas tx
lbj & montfort 5631 lbj fwy dallas tx
illinois & westmoreland 3403 w illinois ave dallas tx
coit & 635 7995 lbj dallas tx
pleasant run & hampton rd 900 n hampton rd desoto tx
cedar ridge & wheatland rd 107 s cedar ridge dr duncanville tx
montana & mcrae 9615 montana rd el paso tx
spring valley & midway 13901 midway rd farmers branch tx
camp bowie & hulen 4603 camp bowie fort worth tx
hulen mall 4800 s hulen st fort worth tx
mccart & altamesa 6221 mccart ave fort worth tx
fm 423 lebanon 5605 fm 423 frisco tx
warren & dallas pkwy 6801 warren pkwy frisco tx
firewheel town center 470 coneflower dr garland tx
shepherd & farnham 3821 shephard houston tx
i-45 & red ripple 6001 n fwy houston tx
hwy 249 & antoine 12503 tomball pkwy houston tx
main & dallas 914 dallas st houston tx
fannin & preston 1018 preston houston tx
westheimer & briargreen 14333 wheimer rd houston tx
bellaire & wilcrest 10611 bellaire blvd houston tx
fannin & macgregor 6400 fannin st houston tx
deerbrook mall 20131 hwy 59 humble tx
hwy 77 & general cavazos 1401 e general cavazos kingsville tx
zapata hwy & chestnut 2201 chestnut laredo tx
town east mall 2228 town e blvd mesquite tx
hwy 271 & white street 901 s jefferson ave mt pleasant tx
lamar & loop 286 3855 ne loop 286 paris tx
i-27 & hwy 70 1301 i-27 north plainview tx
preston & hwy 121 8600 preston plano tx
coit and hwy 190 340 coit rd plano tx
collin creek mall 811 n central exwy plano tx
hwy 75 & park blvd 1881 central exwy plano tx
i-35 & red oak 502 n i-35 red oak tx
cherry & business 35 1205 hwy 35 n rockport tx
hwy 59 & hwy 36 27943 sw fwy rosenberg tx
59 & hwy 762 24406 sw fwy rosenburg tx
san pedro/bitters 13429 san pedro ave san antonio tx
rio grande & laurent 1310 e rio grande victoria tx
valley mills & waco dr 4300 w waco dr waco tx
green oaks & hwy 183 500 b hwy 183 w white settlement tx
us 287 & maurine 2009 maurine st wichita falls tx

Utah
37th & harrison 3685 s harrison blvd ogden ut
1914 w & 126th s 1868 w 12600 s riverton ut
cottonwood creek 7835 s highland dr salt lake city ut
1700 s & 2000 w 1642 s 2000 w syracuse ut

Virginia
spotsylvania towne centre 137 spotsylvania towne ctr fredericksburg va
madison crescent 8006 crescent park dr gainesville va
power plant 1984 power plant pkwy hampton va
patrick henry mall 12300 jefferson ave newport news va
stonewall plaza 240 rivendell ct winchester va

Washington
grays harbor haggens 1213 e wishkah st aberdeen wa
burlington & gilkey 1030 s burlington blvd burlington wa
top foods wenatchee 10 grant rd east wenatchee wa
top foods federal way 31515 20th ave s federal way wa
kent haggens 26015 104th ave sw kent wa
orting retail center 211 washington ave orting wa
hwy 101 & del guzzi dr 108 del guzzi dr port angles wa
15th ave e 328 15th ave e seattle wa
denny & aurora 620 denny way seattle wa
met park ii 1220 howell st seattle wa
23rd & madison 2201 e madison ave seattle wa
45th & stone way 1218 n 45th st seattle wa
northgate mall ii 301 ne northgate way seattle wa
42nd & sw alaska 4704 42nd ave sw seattle wa
market and garland 3907 n market st spokane wa
rainier pacific building 1498 pacific ave tacoma wa
southcenter & minkler 17100 scenter pkwy tukwila wa
orchards 6700 ne 162nd vancouver wa
top foods - yakima 2203 s 1st st yakima wa

Wisconsin
fox river mall 4301 w wisconsin ave appleton wi
oakwood mall 4800 golf rd eau claire wi
losey & denton 1422 s losey blvd lacrosse wi
findlay plaza 2825 university ave madison wi
central & mcmillan 1710 central ave marshfield wi
8th & wood 1951 8th st wisconsin rapids wi

West Virginia
the highlands 36 fort henry rd tridelphia wv

Source

Fast & Easy Dinner: Hawaiian Skillet Chicken

partysugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 06:45:50 -0700

Make midweek meals more exciting by using ingredients that take your family on a culinary vacation. Unlike other exotic recipes, this one utilizes familiar, everyday components like brown sugar and soy sauce. You'll travel to the tropical paradise of Hawaii with this simple chicken dinner. The chicken is seared and topped with a flavorful pineapple sauce. To find the recipe please read more.

Hawaiian Skillet Chicken
From Mary King

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup flour
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola, corn, peanut)
Hawaiian Sauce:
1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, with juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon flour
rice, for serving

Directions

Remove tenderloin from chicken breast to allow it to cook evenly. Salt and pepper all of the chicken. Place flour on a plate and coat the chicken (including the tenderloins) on both sides with flour, pressing to make sure it adheres. Shake off excess flour.
In a large, heavy skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the skillet, without crowding the pan, work in batches and add more oil if necessary. Sauté chicken for 4 minutes, without moving, it will become nicely brown. Adjust the heat--up or down if needed. Turn the cutlets and continue to sauté for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until chicken is evenly browned and cooked throughout, (tenderloin pieces take less time, 2 minutes per side) Transfer the chicken to a plate and remove the skillet from the heat.
Add the pineapple with the juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, cloves, paprika and salt to the pan. Return the skillet to medium heat and stir for a minute. Add the tablespoon of flour and continue to heat the sauce, stirring to collect any remaining juices and brown bits from pan, and allowing it to thicken slightly (about 2 minutes). Pour the sauce over the chicken and serve with white rice.

Serves 4.

Print recipe with images | without images

Let's Dish: Top Chef 4.13 - Going Whole Hog

YumSugar — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 02:02:33 -0700

In the first half of this season's finale, we went from four Top Chef contestants, to three. It was a real treat of a challenge with loads of fresh Puerto Rican produce, and some high stakes drama. It was a fun watch, but the end might not please a lot of you, so let's start talking about it. Did you watch? Tell us what you thought in the comments! To check out my talking points, read more.

First of all, Lisa's new hair-do: Love it or hate it?
The tropical fruit spread looked great, but do you remember the one from Hawaii in season two? This one was nothing compared to that one, no?
Did you see the scene where Richard nearly caught fire? At first I thought it was a weird CG effect.
Would you eat that pig on a spit?
Stephanie said she tried to pair chefs and sous chefs who got along well. Do you think that was true?
Have you missed Andrew's one-liners?
How awful would you have felt if you were Dale? Also, weren't you impressed with Stephanie's ability to keep cool and go with it?
How is Richard going to get that car home from an island? More seriously, how did you feel about his win?
Were you surprised to hear that Antonia was going home?
What do you think about Lisa's congratulations comment and Richard's bronze medal comment? Do you think it was bad form for them not to say congrats, or do you think it was bad form for her to call it out?
What have you thought of this season so far? Who are you rooting for?

View 25 Photos ›

Photos courtesy of Bravo

Top Chef - What In The World?! (Finale Part 1 Recap)

YumSugar — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 16:46:26 -0800

Holy... what the... oh my good golly... seriously what happened last night!? I can NOT believe the outcome. Warning there are big time spoilers and shockers here, so if you've got it waiting at home, then go watch it and come back tomorrow with your comments, because believe me, you're going to have some!

For the rest of you, let me just start by saying were you as surprised as I was? I totally thought I knew who was going to be eliminated, I even thought I knew who was going to win, looks like I was WRONG.

To read the full recap for the Hawaiian themed Finale Part 1, read more

Alright, so the show starts off by visiting each of the four finalists as they're packing up and getting ready for their trip. This year they can bring their own special ingredients, utensils and whatever else they might want to make their dishes sparkle. I'm not 100% sure what I think about this. Part of me thinks they should all be given the same even playing field, same ingredients, same gadgets, etc. However, I guess they all had the opportunity to bring whatever they wanted, so it's not like it was unfair.

Once they arrive in Hawaii, the chefs are whisked off via helicopter to Waipio Valley where they are greeted by Chef Alan Wong and our beloved (or hated, depending on which camp you fall in) judges. This time, instead of battling a clock, the contestants are treated to a fantastic Hawaiian feast featuring Poi, Lau Lau, Lomi Lomi Salmon and Poke. While there Chef Alan Wong tells them inspiring tales about how "every dish tells a story." When the feast is over they're told to get back for a good night's rest because tomorrow is an elimination round and (get this!) TWO of them would be going home!

Now is where I'd like to interrupt the recap to point out the commercial. Did you notice that since there was no sponsored elimination challenge, there was now a sponsored have a drink of Korbel champagne break instead?? Just a personal rant, I'm tired of the blatant ads...

Alright, so where was I? Oh yes, elimination round. The next morning the chefs each had to prepare two dishes for Chef Alan Wong's birthday feast. The twist is that they had to rework the traditional Hawaiian dishes (like the ones they ate the night before) in three hours, giving each dish the chef's own personal twist.

First up was Sam with:

The judges seemed to enjoy his dish and liked the way the salty paired with the sweet - I'm pretty sure they even joked about wanting seconds.

Next up was Elia with:

Ahi Poke with Olives, Capers & Lemon Confit
Snapper Steamed in Ti Leaves with Carrots & Bell Peppers

The judges felt it wasn't traditional enough and that the olives were over powering.

Then it was Ilan with:

Lau Lau with Squid & Morcilla (Blood Sausage)
Saffron Haupia Frita (a coconut and saffron dessert)

Padma didn't seem to enjoy the dish, complaining about an itch in the back of her throat, but the other judges didn't seem to mind. Tom even declared that it was a "perfect marriage of the two cultures."

Finally it was Marcel with:

Hamachi Poke with Pineapple Poi
Lomi Lomi Salmon with Tomato Water and Chili Pepper Foam

Even though he spent an eternity explaining his dish, the judges were in love and Gail even felt that Marcel "really hit a home run."

In the end, it seemed like the judges were really torn about who to bring to the finals and who to send packing. Guest Judge Alan commented that "it's not about picking the worst dish, it's about picking the best." They decided on Marcel pretty quickly (stating that they loved his beautiful and adventurous food) and they knew they wanted to send Elia packing (again, they felt her food was too far removed from Hawaii). However they were torn between Sam and Ilan. I, in my own naive way, assumed it was built in Bravo TV editors creating drama for us. I mean, how could Sam NOT MOVE ON? Seriously, how could he not move on? He'd been my shoe-in from the beginning. WHAT?? When they told him to pack his knives and go, my mouth FELL ON TO THE FLOOR.

Well, that's that. One episode left and we now have the battle between Marcel and Ilan. I'm not as thrilled as I was, but I am anxious to see what happens in the finale.

Okay, now that you've got the recap, let's get the talking points. Let's discuss the following:

Padma says Ilan's dessert reminds her of the funnel cake and that it was a good thing, but I thought they HATED the funnel cake?
Tom stated that Sam's dish wasn't cooked. Do you agree?
I've been wondering why everyone thinks Sam is so hot, but after yesterday's episode, I totally understood.
Do you think the humidity played any role in their food? All the chefs looked rather glossy during the challenge.
How cute were they all on the helicopter?
Elia complaining that Marcel cheated. Do you think she was out of line? Do you think Ilan didn't back her up once he saw the judges were unhappy?
And finally, what do you think of this outcome, were you as shocked as I?

View 8 Photos ›