5 Things We Love is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. What are you loving this week? Send a brief description of your latest favorite thing, where to find it and how much it costs, along with your name and contact info to features@staradvertiser.com.

HiBlend sandwich flavors will amaze

Weeks after devouring HiBlend Health Bar & Cafe’s smoked salmon and bacon sandwich ($10.95), I’m still dreaming about the amazing flavor in every bite. Toasted sourdough bread is topped with cream cheese, diced red onion, tomatoes, avocado, spinach, perfectly smoked salmon and thick-cut peppercorn bacon with choice of dressing. My favorite is the citrus garlic aioli, but they also offer pesto aioli and avocado aioli. Every sandwich comes with an organic mixed green salad drizzled with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. HiBlend, in the Samsung Plaza at 661 Keeaumoku St., also offers fresh salads, bagels, acai bowls, waffles, juices and smoothies. Call 721-7303. — Alyssa Amasol

For taste of purple, try Yogur Story

I think we can all get behind a brunch spot that lists more than one purple item on the menu! Sure the Ube Pancakes are delicious, decadent and, of course, bright purple, but have you tried the Taro Latte? It’s slightly sweet and refreshing, and the purple color makes for a royal start to any day.

Before I moved to Oahu, I would see Facebook posts from Yogur Story by my Honolulu friends and colleagues and wished we had one on Maui. Yogur Story, at 815 Keeaumoku St., did not disappoint. There’s a hip, clean, modern vibe with an Asian twist and the food is delicious and varied enough to appeal to all palates. Call 942-0505. — Erin Smith, honolulupulse.com blogger

TonyMoly has latest in skin care

It’s always fun to browse the shelves at Korean beauty stores, where cosmetics fiends can get their hands on the next big trends in skin care, including snail mucous and chia seeds. The Korean beauty boutique TonyMoly in the Likelike Plaza, 745 Keeaumoku St., is home to skin care lines and color cosmetics in a range of luxurious to cute packaging that makes you want to fill your shopping basket.

They include Pocket Bunny Sleek Mist ($11.98) you can spritz on when your skin feels parched. Panda’s Dream White Magic Hand Cream ($13.98) moisturizes and whitens, and the panda-shaped jar is cute enough to move out of the bathroom and onto your desk, because that office air conditioning is doing you no favors. And, just as at all the other Korean beauty stores, there’s always a free sample or two awaiting those who make a purchase. Visit tonymolyhawaii.com. — Nadine Kam

So Gong Dong’s tofu soup comforts

I am obsessed with the soondubu at So Gong Dong. At first glance you’ll think you’ve been served boiling lava. But don’t be intimidated by the fierce appearance of this Korean soft tofu soup when it arrives at your table bubbling up in a cast-iron bowl. You’ll find satisfying comfort in the rich, bright-orange broth and custardy tofu. Crack a raw egg over the top for added creaminess and depth. The 11 varieties include pork, beef and seafood, for $8.99. And no shame if you’re a wimp like me when it comes to spiciness: The mild version is well within your range. Visit So Gong Dong at627 Keeaumoku St., across from Walmart; 946-8206. — Christie Wilson

Itchy Butt: It’s better than it sounds

When a friend told me about a place called Itchy Butt, known for its chicken, I didn’t believe him. But there it was at the corner of Kinau and Keeaumoku streets. We ordered the whole chicken, cut into pieces, with half garlic and half Korean. It came with fried potatoes, cabbage salad, daikon, a bottle of soda and two sauces. The delicious, deep-fried Korean chicken was tossed in a sweet chili sauce with just a touch of heat. My friend said the only thing he would’ve added is Wet-Naps. Whole chickens are $22; half-chicken order, $12. The tiny takeout joint is at 1229 Keeaumoku St. Call 942-4845. — Michelle Ramos