While gift shopping at the Ala Moana Nordstrom, there was an interesting food marketing taking place at the entrance of Nordstrom Cafe, next to the men’s shoe department.

They were giving away free bite size sampler which I thought was a great way to introduce new customers with their offering. This time, they were giving away appetizers. Both of them were delicious, and the waitress was kind to even show more inside.

Luckily, we were the first ones before more people started arriving. If you are looking for quick and easy meal, try this place out. We’ll definitely eat here one day.

Over the weekend, we were invited to one of the Buddhist temples to partake in bon dancing and the matsuri. There are many Buddhist temples here on Oahu and many of them provide matsuri for people to enjoy the cultural dancing, ethnic foods, and entertainment that have been passed for many generations.

This was our first ever matsuri attended on this island, and we had a good time seeing the differences and how much involvement there are in the community. Unlike the real big matsuri in Japan this was fairly a small one, but there were many people enjoying about everything.

Most of the young generation had to learn from the leading dancers ahead.

L-R: Stacy, Vena, Lance and Emiko.

Even though the people did not know how to dance, their participation was more than enough to make it a fun matsuri night.

And speaking of participation, there were lots “oji-chan” and “oba-chan” who actually knew how to dance to almost all the music. That surprised me a lot!

It was international too.

This is Lance trying to keep up the rhythm. He’s actually a native from Guam.

The cafeteria was packed with everyone trying out musubi, beef stick, saimin, and mochi.

Ira-shai mase!

Emiko’s co-workers and friends.

The matsuri in Makiki was fun with everyone taking part in this event. It was a nostalgic moment to think back since my sister, cousins, friends and family would all participate in the Guam matsuri held at the Ypao Beach Park. Guam matsuri was quite fun with many games, shops, and the fruit stands. Those hot and humid nights were always a nice memory to ponder.

Co-worker and myself had a fun afternoon laugh about a new Vietnamese Restaurant in Kapahulu.

A Vietnamese restaurant owned by a Korean national with a Filipino last name has opened in Honolulu.

Pho 38 recently celebrated its grand opening on the corner of Palani and Kapahulu avenues. The 1,800-square-foot eatery’s specialties are Vietnamese noodle-soup combinations and teriyaki-chicken plate lunches.

There are more than 30 items on the menu.

http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2008/08/11/daily45.html

I’m still confused, but the chef must have a multi-ethnic background in terms of 30 food items.

Today, Longs Drugs was bought by CVS Caremark Corporation.

Rhode Island-based CVS said today it’s buying Longs Drug Stores Corp. in a deal valued at $2.7 billion, excluding the assumption of debt.

Longs has 521 drugstores in California, Hawaii, Nevada and Arizona and also operates Rx America, a prescription benefits management program that services more than 8 million members.

While the Longs stores in the continental U.S. will be converted to the CVS brand, the 39 stores in Hawaii will retain the Longs’ brand, CVS Chief Financial Officer David Rickard told The Associated Press in an interview.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080812/BREAKING03/80812042

Hawaii’s Longs has been a long tradition and service of providing prescription drugs and also the various daily commodities and gifts for the tourists. The business has been quite successful and always packed during the peak hours. Everybody living here knows the favorite yellow coupon book which lists their sale items. Though the sale items run out quickly, everyone still goes to Longs and it’s a local favorite. With the recent acquisition, I hope all the employees are kept and the new company continue the tradition that has been such a success for a long time. I am sure the employees are what makes a company successful.

Waikiki Nei (website) is a new theatrical stage show which opened in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center on the 4th floor. This is something new in the entertainment industry where they spent lots of time and money to build a sophisticated venue for a stage show (Waikiki Nei) and a premier night lounge called Level 4 (L4). Their lighting and sound system is incredible.

I was invited to their 2nd relaunch showing as the first pre-opening (during the last days of July) was not that good due to technical difficulties and theatrical organizations. I was impressed by their show and recommend seeing how Waikiki was born and how generations have surpassed since then. Though things have gotten very modern, the “Aloha” is something that has never changed or died. The lightings are incredibly colorful and if you like colors, this is something you have to see. If you are new to the island and have interest in theatrical performances, this is also a good way to learn and enjoy the Hawaiian entertainment.

The stage show is about 80 minutes long with no intermission. I recommend wearing something warm as it could get cold. After the show, there are many restaurants and a new food court that are available so dinner is right there.