ML Interest Tag: tiki

Disneyland Has a Secret New Dole Whip & There’s Only 1 Spot to Get It

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Calling all Dole Whip fans! Now you can score your sweet pineapple fix in a whole new way with Disneyland’s secret Dole Whip dish that’s only available in one place.

The new Tropical Hideaway restaurant nestled between the Enchanted Tiki Room and the Jungle Cruise has been serving up some unique dishes on its tropical-inspired menu since it opened early this year in Disneyland. There’s one item you won’t find listed on the menu, but if you ask nicely you can enjoy a bacon-covered Dole Whip.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtTiiMrAzIL/

The Tropical Hideaway menu includes several delicious desserts, including two new Dole Whip options: orange-pineapple and raspberry-pineapple, as well as the Loaded Whip, which is an orange and pineapple swirl Dole Whip topped with mango, pineapple, orange slices, coconut, chocolate cookies and candied hibiscus.

If you feel like being a little more adventurous, however, ask for yours topped with smoked, candied bacon.

So what does it taste like? According to Forbes contributor Julie Tremaine, “It’s like Hawaiian pizza. It shouldn’t make sense, but it does.” You’ll just have to try it for yourself, because hey—any excuse for a Disney trip is a good one.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: HarshLight via Flickr

 

RELATED STORIES:

Disneyland Offers Guests a Sneak Peek at Its New Tropical Hideaway

Valentine’s Day Is Here for a Whole Month at Disneyland & Love Is in Bloom

Disneyland’s Lunar New Year Welcomes the “Year of the Pig” with Disney Magic

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Say Aloha to San Diego’s Best Hawaiian Experiences

by Cherie Gough

Dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway? We can’t promise you a trip to Waikiki Beach, but we can tell you about the best tropical experiences San Diego has to offer. From hula and fire dancers and fruity cocktails to shave ice and Hawaiian food served up with island flair, read on for a list of ways to channel Hawaiian vacation vibes without leaving town!

photo: Duke’s La Jolla 

Duke’s La Jolla
We love Duke’s La Jolla for its decor, ocean view and especially for being so kid-friendly. They make it super easy to dine with the keikis (kids) in tow. Duke’s awesome Keiki Bingo game serves up a scavenger hunt which awards kids with  special prizes. With the littles occupied, focus your attention on the gorgeous surroundings and enjoy a cocktail. Order delicious small bites to share like the poke tacos, Korean sticky ribs, or crab wontons or delight in some of San Diego’s finest, freshest seafood.

Insider Tip: Make a reservation, especially if you want to score an outside table.

Duke’s La Jolla
1216 Prospect St.
La Jolla, Ca 92037
858-454-5888
Online: dukeslajolla.com

photo: Kelly Powell

Tiki Golf and Dole Whip Truck at Belmont Park
A trip to Belmont Park is always on the books for summertime fun. To add a bit of the tropics to this adventure, hit Tiki Town Adventure Golf. This 18-hole Polynesian-themed course features a talking Tiki and a volcano that erupts when someone gets a hole in one.

Read about more of our favorite miniature golf courses here.

3114 Mission Blvd.
San Diego, Ca 92109
858-488-1971
Online: tikitownadventuregolf.com

Make the day even sweeter by visiting the Dole Whip truck located directly under the Sky Ropes Adventure. The coveted Dole Whip used to only be found at the Dole Plantation in Oahu. Now this tasty, creamy treat can be yours during a trip to Mission Beach. Order an original Whip, or one swirled with vanilla soft serve, or even a float!

3146 Mission Blvd.
San Diego, Ca
858-228-9283
Online: belmontpark.com/restaurants/dolewhip

photo: Mo H. via Yelp

Island Style Cafe
Owned and run by a Hawaiian family, this casual restaurant serves up authentic grindz in Tierrasanta. If you’re looking to eat mountains of food, relax in flip flops and plan your next trip to Hawaii, this is your spot. Enjoy huge portions plate lunch style served with mac salad. We love their Loco Moco, a hamburger smothered in gravy, and their crunchy, juicy Korean chicken. Their daily specials offer delicious variety. We recommend stopping in on a Wednesday for curry.

Insider Tips: If your favorite Hawaiian fare is traditional kalua pork, visit on a Friday, the only day it’s served. Don’t miss their homemade POG, a combination of passionfruit, orange and guava juices. Closed Mondays.

5950 Santo Rd., Ste K
San Diego Ca 92124
858-541-7002
Online: islandstylecafe.com

photo: Shirley H. via Yelp

Wahine Kai Shave Ice
When you think of the North Shore, do you dream of light, fluffy shave ice? At this small shop, pile your shave ice high with authentic Hawaiian flavors like guava or lychee and add condensed milk or a scoop of coconut pineapple ice cream. You’ll also find great Kona coffee and an aloha spirit here, where the vibe and the tunes reflect laid-back Hawaiian culture.

10545 Scripps Poway Pkwy.
San Diego, Ca 92131
858- 831-0931
Online: wahinekaishaveice

photo: Catamaran Resort Hotel

Sunset Luaus at Catamaran Resort Hotel
For an unforgettable family outing this summer, we recommend this splurge-worthy affair. The Catamaran Hotel’s Sunset Luaus feature amazing entertainment including hula and fire dancers that create an authentic Hawaiian feel. Kids love the rhythms of the fast-paced music and interactive entertainment. Sunset Luaus have been known to call all the kiddos onto the stage to learn the hula.

Every guest receives a lei and is treated to an all-you-can-eat buffet and a mai tai for parents. Little ones will enjoy tasty choices just for them like Hawaiian chicken and pineapple and ham pizza. Luaus are held Fridays at 6 p.m. from June 22 -Aug. 31, and Tuesdays, from July 17-Aug. 21.

Insider Tip: Stick around after the luau ends to grab a photo on the lawn with the Polynesian performers.

3999 Mission Blvd.
San Diego, Ca
858-488-1081
Online: catamaranresort.com/dining-entertainment/sunset-luaus

photo: Kara P. via Yelp

The Grass Skirt
Time for some adult conversation and a real date night? If your Hawaiian dreams are filled with tiki lounge fun and fruity drinks, head to The Grass Skirt in Pacific Beach. Its secret entrance through the freezer door of adjacent restaurant Good Time Poke starts the evening with adventure. Once inside, you’ll be immersed in a tiki world surrounded by hula girl lamps, a wall filled with glowing sculls and a tiki idol fire pit on the patio. The atmosphere is right for letting your hair down. Go ahead! Fill your glass with a tipsy tentacle made with black rum and several tropical liqueurs. Munch on their acclaimed pork belly bao buns or on an order of fresh, savory poke. The evening will have you proclaiming, “Ono!” (Delicious!)

910 Grand Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92109
858-412-5237
Online: thegrassskirt.com

photo: Cee M. via Yelp 

Fairweather Rooftop Bar
You wouldn’t expect to find aloha vibes while watching a Padres game, but Fairweather Rooftop Bar, one of San Diego’s best rooftop locales, offers a super relaxed tropical atmosphere with a great view of the game. Succulent wall planters, tiki god beer handles and plentiful sunshine create an afternoon perfect for lounging with friends. Make it a girls’ day out and order up classic tiki cocktails complete with colorful umbrellas.

Insider Tip: The bar is upstairs from Rare Form Delicatessen.

795 J St., Fl. 2
San Diego, Ca 92101
619-578-2392
Online: fairweatherbar.com

–Cherie Gough

RELATED STORIES:

San Diego’s Best Poke Dining for Date Night

Say Aloha to a Dreamy Family Vacation at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

12 Stunning Resort Pools That Have Day Passes for Families

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Now Open: Duke’s La Jolla Serves Up Fun for Families

by Leah R. Singer

Have you been dreaming of a relaxing trip to the Hawaiian shores, sipping a fruity cocktail while the kids are entertained? We can’t take you on a trip to Waikiki Beach, we can give you a taste of tropical paradise at San Diego’s newest restaurant. Duke’s La Jolla is now open and offers all the features of a Hawaiian vacation, without having to board an airplane. And the best part about Duke’s (aside from the amazing cuisine, of course) is how kid-friendly it is. We’ve got your insider’s guide to this awesome La Jolla restaurant.

Photo: Duke’s La Jolla

What to Know About Duke’s
The restaurant’s namesake, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1890. He grew up in carefree Waikiki with the ocean as his playground, doing what he loved – mostly swimming, surfing, canoeing and bodysurfing. At the age of 21 he won his first Olympic gold medal, then went on to represent the United States in the Olympics for 20 years, winning not only medals but the hearts of people all over the world. He is remembered as a swimmer not just for remarkable speed, but for his grace in the water, his good humor, and his sportsmanship.

What’s Great About Duke’s
The La Jolla restaurant resembles Duke’s surfing lifestyle and displays surf boards, tiki torches and tropical decor. In fact, as you approach the restaurant on Prospect Street, you’ll see the Duke Kahanamoku statue in front of the historic fig tree on the ocean side of the street. Parents will love the relaxing atmosphere of the restaurant’s back patio that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. And kids will have fun trying to spot the seals ans sea lions hanging out on La Jolla Cove.

Duke’s menu is especially delicious with items ranging from fresh fish to fillet. We suggest you order the poke taco appetizer that’s filled with raw ahi, shoyu, maui onions, avocado and wasabi crème fraiche. Trust us, it’s delicious! If you’re in a cocktail mood, you can’t go wrong with the mai tai. And you don’t want to leave without a slice of their original hula pie. This dessert is a chocolate cookie crust, macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, toasted macadamia nuts and whipped cream. Need we say more?

Duke’s for Kids
What we love about Duke’s is how the restaurant is super kid-friendly and they make it easy to dine with little ones. After arriving at your table, a server will bring the keikis (kids) a two-sided coloring menu with crayons that come in their own wooden tiki holder. The menu itself has tons to keep small diners occupied with a maze, tic tac toe, and a customize your own surf board drawing.

But what’s really cool is the Duke’s Keiki Bingo game. Kids are charged with finding several items inside the restaurant, including black shoes, pineapple, surfboards and more. Once all the items are found and a blackout occurs, kids can bring the bingo board to the host counter to get their special prize. How’s that for keeping the kiddos entertained?

Little dudes and dudettes will love the cuisine with dishes like panko friend chicken, keiki filet steak, fresh fish and chips. All dishes are served on a cute fish-shaped plate and are super affordable with some entrees starting at $7. If the little ones want a sip of mom’s mai tai, order them a guava and passion fruit juice and the nice staff at Duke’s will even serve it with a tropical flower.

Tips for a Happy Dining Experience
Parking can sometimes be tricky in La Jolla. When you’re dining at Duke’s, you can use the public valet parking or garage parking for a fee. You can also drive around for free street parking.

If you’re heading to Duke’s for dinner, we suggest a reservation, especially if you want to score an outside table.

Turn lunch or dinner into a day at the shores and visit the Murals of La Jolla while you’re there. You can also check out the seals and sea lions, or take a trip into Sunny Jim Cave. Walk a few blocks away from Duke’s and visit Warwick’s, the country’s oldest independent bookstore. It’s kid’s section can’t be beat!

Duke’s La Jolla
1216 Prospect St.
La Jolla, CA 92037
858-454-5888
Online: dukeslajolla.com

Have you eaten at Duke’s yet? What did you think of the experience?

— Leah R. Singer (photos too, unless otherwise noted)

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Flashback! Old-School Games You Wish Your Kids Played

by Gabby Cullen

Back before iPads had the monopoly (pun intended) on your kid’s free time, there were board games. From silly to serious, we rounded up some nostalgic picks. You’ll find ones that make you say “I remember that!” as well as a bunch the whole family can still enjoy.

1. Old Maid: It was a card game any kid could master as long as you kept a straight face and didn’t get stuck with the Old Maid! With quirky characters like Milkman Mo, Ballet Betty and Fifi Fluff,  you gotta wonder — how many rounds did you play on rainy days?

Spotted on Pretty Little Studio

2. Aggravation: Let your kids aggravate each other the same way you did with your siblings with the classic marble race board game. Roll the die, jump the board and don’t lose your marbles!

Spotted on Ebay

3. Battleship: You never had more fun sinking ships than when trying to beat your best pal! Let your video gamers have a hand at this classic war game for some old-time entertainment.

Spotted on Etsy

4. Chutes and Ladders: Nothing like climbing to the top and having to slide back down again. Going way, way back, this slippery slope of a game has been entertaining kids for generations. Find a re-vamped version like Chutes and Ladders Super Hero Squad for a modern-day touch.

Spotted on Etsy

5. Boggle: Before Bananagrams were a hit, Boggle was the go-to game for exciting word play. Shake up the lettered die, flip the timer and go! What was the weirdest word you ever found?

Spotted on Amazon

6. Trouble: It was the Pop-o-Matic feature that made this game irresistible. Over and over again, you would roll the dice by popping the plastic in the middle of the board. Try playing this on your next game night; we guarantee everyone will want to get into Trouble.

Spotted on Ebay

7. Don’t Break The Ice: It’s like a wintery version of Jenga — only with hammers and blocks of ice. Who didn’t crack the cubes a few thousand times before getting it just right?

Spotted on Ebay

8. Bed Bugs: Recently re-released by Patch Toys, this hilarious, squirming, pick-em-up motorized game from the ’80s is back. Kids always have a blast trying to pluck those creepy crawlers out of bed. Sleep tight and don’t let the bedbugs bite!

 Spotted on Ebay

9. Fireball Island: After crossing the bridges and avoiding pitfalls, the giant tiki always seemed to drop the dreaded fireball right as you reached the ruby treasure. With light up “idols” and marble ramps, it was easy to get fired up on game night.

Spotted on Amazon

10. 13 Dead End Drive: If you got out alive you might just inherit riches. Trying to knock off other players with three dimensional traps like the the chandelier, the bookcase and yes, that fireplace, made this Clue-like game irresistible to kids in the ’90s.

Spotted on Amazon

11. Pick-up Sticks: Five, six … pick up sticks! This classic game has been around for decades and never goes out of fashion. Simple without being boring, it made you shout for joy when you got that final stick.

Spotted on Ebay 

12. Crossfire: A favorite with the little dudes in the ’80s, Crossfire was like a mini hockey table with rapid-fire marble launchers attached. And that commercial complete with epic battle and lightening storm? Priceless.

Spotted on Amazon

13. Cootie: Kids have been building cooties since 1949 and it never gets old. This tabletop game for up to four will have you waxing on about the olden days while building new memories with your own family.

Spotted on Ebay

14. Sorry: It was never so easy to say sorry while sending your opponent back to home base! Kids as young as six can handle this board game, and it’s a blast to bump family members off their track.

Spotted on Ebay

15. The Game of LIFE: With taxes, jobs, and all that “real-life” stuff, whether you ended up in the mansion with no kids or the shack with two sets of twins, the road down this game was always an adventure.

 Spotted on Etsy

16. Girl Talk: Instead of texting about boys, we had Girl Talk. Which mom out there didn’t play a round or three during a Saturday sleepover? And how many “zits” did you end up wearing?

Spotted on Ebay

17. Jumanji: Yes, you had rhinos and lions chasing you down the board. No, you didn’t have the potential danger of sprouting a monkey’s tail out the back of your pants. Based on the book and movie, this jungle game was an adventure in itself. And it’s okay to admit it — you always secretly hoped Robin Williams would show up for some fun.

Spotted on Ebay

What were some of your favorite games as a kid? Share with us in the comments! 

— Gabby Cullen

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Hawaii-3-Oh! A Luau-Themed Party You Gotta See

by scott wardell

Even though the leaves may be turning a gorgeous shade of orange and brown, doesn’t mean that throwing a tropical luau-themed birthday party is out of the question. If you’re looking to imbue a bit of summer into your drab fall or winter birthday parties, here’s an excellent idea courtesy of our friends Marisa and Lisa at LA Party Stylists. Marisa, mom to Lillie, decided to take her daughter’s love of hula dancing to the next level. Not only were Marisa and Lisa (she even took the photos!) kind enough to share their photos of the sweet birthday party, but they also gave us some inside tips on how this celebration came together. Ah, to be the daughter of a party planner. We all can dream, right?

When you’re the daughter of a party planner, extraordinary birthday parties are the norm. For Marisa’s daughter’s third birthday party, she took her little one’s love of hula and tiki torches to a whole new level with this awesome celebration that featured hula dancing and a tiki piñata.

The party took place in Marisa and Lillie’s backyard, which would be really easy to emulate if you live in a warmer climate like Los Angeles. If your city isn’t blessed with year round sun, then host your luau party indoors with bright tropical decorations such as tablecloths, streamers and other colorful decor to recreate a tropical island.

Believe it or not, Marisa made the hula girl cake. She dishes to us that you simply need to use a Wilton doll cake pan. The trick is to use a grass frosting tip to get the grass skirt effect. To make the cake a little larger and more substantial for her entire party, Marisa baked another 9 inch round cake, stacked the doll cake on top of it, and then frosted them together. Just a little bit of ingenuity, creative flair, and patience and you can easily make your own hula girl cake!

Head to your local bakeshop for hula girl and tropical cookie cutters. Lillie insisted that her mom make hula cookies but only if they had blonde hair like hers!

If you’re in Los Angeles, head to Party City and Moskatels in Downtown L.A. for all of the store-bought party goods. If you don’t live in the SoCal region, call up your local party shop or check out Etsy for some personalized goods.

All the printed matter for Lillie’s third birthday was designed by Gretchen Postiglione at P.Ink Creative and the party favors were personalized Hawaiian t-shirts from Etsy vendor 98Bottles.

A birthday party, especially when there are antsy little kids involved, wouldn’t be complete without tons of activities. Here, Marissa brought in a hula dancer and three musicians. After the show, the dancers taught the kids some hula dance steps. There was also swimming and water tables filled with soapy water for those non-hula inclined. We love how even the dads are getting into the hula.

A special thanks to our friends Marisa and Lisa at LA Party Stylists for sharing their inspirational photos and ideas. Do your kids love to hula? Do you think they’d love this theme? Share with us your thoughts on this party and the photos in the comment section below. 

RELATED STORIES:

A First Birthday Party Goes Camping

A Totally Awesome Rock Star’s Birthday Party 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement