Under the Banyan Tree

A Banyan Tree is an East Indian tree grows out aerial shoots that grow down into the soil forming additional trunks.  They are amazing to see as they are large and mysterious looking.  I always enjoy seeing them while in Hawaii so I thought I would share it with my readers:)

Zoo

I loovvveee animals and decided to go to the zoo while in Hawaii.  The last time I visited a zoo was San Diego Zoo 4 years ago. It was a Saturday afternoon in the summer so of course it was beyond crowded. This time I went on a weekday and the zoo was pretty empty making for the perfect visit.   

I walked up to the giraffe exhibit and all giraffes were standing together at the back their area.  I am standing alone in the viewing area and giraffe looks straight at me and walks to right in front of me.  It was pretty amazing, the giraffe just stood there as I took pictures.  As a crowd drew he walked away.

I was wondering why the zebra's white stripes didn't look too white.  Then they started rolling around like dogs and the answer became pretty clear.

One of the best parts of the Honolulu Zoo is that it is across the street form the Waikiki Beach and has views of Diamond Head throughout the zoo. 

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Steak Tacos & Pico de Gallo

One of my favorite things about eating out is getting to experience new foods and new twists on foods.  I sometimes fall in a cooking rut where I cook the same things over and over again.  So I often find new inspiration when eating out.  Recently I went to a Mexican restaurant named Barrios.  It was definitely some of the best Mexican food I have had in a while (and I loooovvveee Mexican food).  The pico de gallo was amazing- not only were the ingredients super fresh but they used cherry tomatoes giving the salsa a sweeter than normal taste.  I order the skirt steak tacos which were tender and full of great flavor.  So of course I had to make this for myself:)  

First I off I must admit that I rarely use recipes (yes when baking, but barely when cooking).  I come from a family where a recipe consists of an ingredient list with terms like "some", "you'll know",  and "when you have good flavor". It used to drive me nuts but unfortunately I now do the same thing!  So bare with me:)  

For the steak I first marinated it in olive oil and baking soda (enough to make a paste consistency).  I once read that baking soda is great for making meat tender.  I marinate for 10-15 minute minutes and then rinse the meat really well.  Next I heat up some olive oil, add chopped green onions, sweet onions, jalapenos, parsley (I forgot cilantro), and basil (I love basil).  I let that cook for a few minutes, then add the steak and season with kosher salt and pepper.  Once the meat is done add tortillas and your favorite toppings and voila. 

For the pico de gallo I used halved cherry tomatoes, jalapenos, onions, green onion, parsley (again no cilantro), kosher salt, and pepper. The ratio of the ingredients should mostly be tomatoes (maybe 70-80% ish) to the rest of the ingredients. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes in the fridge. 

Notice the cut limes in the photos from Barrios?  I thought they made a mistakes in giving me these tiny pieces of limes.  But once I tried it, I realized that it contained enough lime juice to squeeze over one taco.  So of course I had to copy this!



Any questions email me at theredsee@gmail.com and I will try to explain better:)

Play Ball

Entrance of the stadium  

Blue Angel Pilots

Home town hero Ichiro.  It was cute seeing all the fan signs in Japanese cheering him on.

I never go to any sporting event without getting cotton candy.  Ever!

This adorable girl made it impossible to get one of the players to throw you the ball at the end of each inning. Check out her pink, purple and blue mitt!

                   While I had a good time, I will always be a Chicago girl at heart. 


A few weeks back I went to my first Seattle Mariners game.  First off all it is the best baseball field I have ever seen! They had every type of food literally- BBQ, Sushi, Thai, Seafood and Chowder, Pasta, Pastries, and sooo much more.  I ate soo much- polish sausage, half a philly cheese steak, french fries, soda, cotton candy, dips ice cream, chocolate covered strawberries, and beer! It was ridiculous.  It was a great game against the Texas Rangers and the Blue Angel Pilots threw out the first ball.  The Seafair is huge in Seattle so to see the pilots up close was pretty nice.  It was a great way to spend a warm summer night!