Mochi, andagi are among favorites at Megumi

Megumi Restaurant, a hidden gem at 45-556 Kamehameha Highway, has been serving up yummy local favorites since the early 1970s. Mine are the delicious Okinawan sweet potato mochi ($1.10 apiece) and andagi (75 cents each). Other popular menu items include teri hamburger patty and sweet-and-sour sparerib plates ($9.25/$7.25 mini), fried chicken ($2.50 to $3.50 apiece), maki sushi (85 cents each or $5 a roll), chow fun ($3 per serving) and fried rice ($2). The restaurant, run by the Nakamine family, is open from 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. but plan to visit early: Once they run out of items, they won’t be making any more that day. Call 235-4329. — Nancy Arcayna

Koi pond offers delight for keiki

When I was young my grandma would take me to Valley of the Temples Memorial Park to visit my grandpa’s grave. Sometimes, before going home, we would make the drive farther into the mortuary to the Byodo-In Hawaii Temple. We would walk to the small store to the right of the temple and my grandma would buy me a bag of fish food for $1 ($2 today). I loved how the koi would open their mouths and suck at the surface as I threw small handfuls of pellets into the water. It wasn’t long before the pond changed into a mass of moving color as the koi swarmed to get the food.

There aren’t as many koi in the pond today, but you can still see the joy on kids’ faces as they make their own memories. Temple hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $3 adults, $2 seniors and $1 children. Cash only. Visit byodo-in.com. — Michelle Ramos

World of Aahs stocks its shelves with unique sodas

World of Aahs bills itself as a candy, costume and party supply store, and there’s lots of that stuff on the shelves. But there’s no overlooking the rows upon rows of glass bottles here. Glass bottle versions of popular soft drinks like Coke, Pepsi, Mountain Dew and Sprite are cool novelty items, but it’s more fun to explore other brands. Recent trips have turned up bottles of Moxie Cola (one of the first mass-produced soft drinks in the United States), Brownie Root Beer (a Michigan-based brand that dates back to the 1920s) and Avery’s Swamp Juice (made in the same Connecticut facility for more than a century).

Feeling really adventurous? Buffalo wing, sweet corn and other off-the-wall flavors are also on sale. Priced at $2.99 to $3.99 per bottle, the sodas aren’t cheap, but you can pick up a sixth bottle for $1.50 when buying five bottles at full price. World of Aahs is on the lower level of Windward Mall. Call 247-2137. — Jason Genegabus

Koolau Farmers nursery plants seeds of gardening knowledge

I enjoy going to Koolau Farmers to pick up plants and gardening accessories because the staff is friendly, knowledgeable and willing to take the time to offer advice on how to grow the greenery you buy there. On a recent trip to the Kaneohe nursery, I found this lovely, handmade, 4-inch pot by Makaha-based artist Lynn Eiko Wallenhorst, who signs her works simply “Eiko.” The turquoise glaze reminds me of the color of the ocean on the windward side. While there, I also picked up a beautiful Ching Hua Magic Flame Heart orchid to put in it. The pot cost $11.99, and the orchid $24.99.

Koolau Farmers is at 45-580 Kamehameha Highway with additional shops in Kailua, Kalihi and Moiliili. Visit koolaufarmers.com. — Nina Wu

Deluxe Pastry Shop bakes up delicious pies, custard puffs

Tucked in the corner of 45-1042 Kamehameha Highway, in a run-down building dominated by a coin-operated laundry, is Deluxe Pastry Shop. With just a weathered banner bearing its name, it’s not as flashy as Kaneohe Bakery next door. But those who seek it out will be rewarded with custard puffs ($2.35): layers of flaky dough stuffed with perfectly sweet custard, striped with chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar.

The pastry shop is also my go-to stop to pick up a pie on the windward side. My family loves the classics, and Deluxe Pastry Shop’s apple pie ($15.05) strikes the right balance of apple chunks and gooey cinnamon sauce tucked in a buttery crust. Call 247-4235. — Donica Kaneshiro

This week we continue our recurring feature spotlighting stuff you have got to do, see, hear, wear, use or eat in Oahu neighborhoods. Today: Kaneohe. Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. Send your suggestions to features@staradvertiser.com.