Crane Media | Hawaii Video Blog

I received a email this morning from a past groom, Andrew Roth, who has been working on a web based marketing project called PLAY.   The website promotes group buying over the Internet, where groups of people leverage their collective buying power to achieve unique rates and promotions with local businesses.

Yesterday they launched the first promotion with JJ Dolans, the Irish Pub in Chinatown famous for its pizza.  The deal with JJ Dolans is $15 for $30 in food and beverage. To get the deal, a minimum number of people need to sign up for it. They achieved the minimum quota of 25 sales at 9:14am yesterday morning and have a maximum of 500 that expires at the end of this Sunday.

What an amazing concept to help local businesses and local people.  Check it out and sign up to receive their special of the day via email.

A couple of weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to be invited by the Westin Moana Surfrider to take part in their introduction of the Beach House restaurant.  I was a little out of place (being the only non-event planner) and at the same time, excited to be amongst the company of Hawaii’s finest planners.  One of those individual is the extraordinarily talented Laura Lewis.  Here is what she had to say about the experience.

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originally posted by Parasol Events

Last Wednesday, I lunched as a guest of the Moana’s catering department at the Beach House Restaurant. This was the previous site of the Grand Salon (remodeled as part of the Westin management change) where many happy couples celebrated their weddings.

To my delight, I learned that the space is now available for wedding receptions! The view remains as stunning as it always has been while the furnishings and decor have a modern casual beach feeling. One more wonderful option available to my clients:)

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We are thankful for a lot of things.  This year, we were guests of the Louis’ for Thanksgiving dinner.  It was turkey with a mexican twist.  Thank you Dave, Lupe, Missy, Devon, Steven and Gilligan!

Just some photos from tonights OWA Christmas Party.  We dined at Ploi Thai Restaurant and I must say that the food was AMAZING!  I love pad thai, summer rolls, yellow curry and the list goes on.  I highly recommend checking it out!  They have regular dinner seating downstairs and a private party room upstairs where we had our gathering.

It seems not only has the Banyan Tree Ballroom been renovated, the food was kicked up a notch as well.  We wedding vendors talk a lot about the different places we get to eat on a weekly basis.  And the Hale Koa is always up on the list.  Who would’ve thought the military could provide such great food.  Anyhow, the mahi mahi last night was off the hook!  Perfect texture and flavor!  I was trying to control my portion size but after having the first bite, I had to go back for a second piece of it.  I skipped out on dessert instead.  Thanks to a great team of vendors, last night was a huge success!  Congratulations to newlyweds, Joyce & Destin!

Credits:

Videography | Crane Media
Coordination | A Perfect Day
Photography | Shawn Starr
Make Up | Christine Gardner
Video/Photo Booth | ScreenBooth by Crane Media

It surprises me when someone who has lived here most of there lives tells me that they’ve never been to Side Street Inn. “What have you been doing for the last 30-40 years of your life!?”, I wonder to myself.

Anyhow, we (Kris Labang and I) got the priveledge of bring two of our friends there for their virgin experience. We had the famous pork chops along with the fried rice, spicy chicken and yakisoba. My only regret is that it messed with my diet once again. But it was a good time had by all. Thanks to Kris Labang who picked up the tab!

Ok, so did I mentioned that I like to cook? One of my favorite ethic foods is Thai food. In a single dish you can taste about 15 different flavors all in one bite. So I decided it would be cool to share some of our favorite recipes. Keep in mind that these are recipes that we actually make. Although they may sound complex, we really wouldn’t make it if it took too much time. So here you go. If it sounds good to you, I hope you try to make it. It’s a lot of ingredients but really, it’s not that hard.

 

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8-10 servings

1-2 pounds chicken breast (or thighs), cut into 2″ chunks

1 medium round onion, diced

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

3-4 cloves of garlic, crushed

2 stalks lemongrass, sliced julienne

5-6 kafir lime leaves, crushed (if available)

1-2 tablespoon green Thai curry paste

1 can bamboo shoots, shredded

1 can baby corn

1 large eggplant, sliced julienne

2 cans coconut milk

2-3 tablespoons chicken bouillon

salt and pepper to taste

1 bunch Thai basil to garnish

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Sauté onions in oil until caramelized (about 5 minutes). Set aside.

In medium-high heat, brown garlic in oil. Add lemongrass and kafir lime leaves. Slowly add in chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Cook chicken for about 5 minutes. Add in the cooked onions.

Add the green Thai curry paste into chicken. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a boil. While it’s boiling, add in the bamboo shoots, baby corn and eggplant. Season with chicken bouillon. Garnish with Thai basil only when it’s ready to be served.

This past week I got the chance to be involved with a Bank of Hawaii commercial. Whereas I am usually the one behind the camera, I got the chance to be in front of it. It was role reversal for me. Just like my brides, I was the one that needed to wake up early to get on set for makeup and wardrobe.

The 30 second commercial was directed by none other than Tim Savage. It’s always a pleasure to work with Tim. He’s got such incredible vision and yet remains one of the most humble people I know - not just in the industry but in life.

Things went very well. The weather was cooperative and we wrapped up by lunch time. Then all of us had lunch at “Little Village” in Chinatown. By the way, two big thumbs up for “Little Village”.

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