French-trained chef delights with delicate, decadent treats

Honolulu pastry chef Sarah Parker of LBH (Little Bites of Heaven) whips up classic French confections with a Hawaii twist. They certainly elevated the dessert table at the potluck where I met her. Parker, a local girl, studied at France’s L’institut National de la Boulangerie Patisserie and worked in Paris. Her frothy miniature taro “choux” cream puffs, caramel bars capped with tiny green tea macarons, and 3-inch chocolate eclairs take you to cloud nine without overeater’s guilt. My fave, the lilikoi tartelette, is topped with gold dots and a fat, sparkly raspberry filled with creme Chantilly. Enchantee!

Pastries are made to order, $3 to $5.75 each, in both miniature and regular-size versions — perfect for parties, but call two weeks ahead to order. Visit littlebitesofheaven.net or call 354-1754. — Mindy Pennybacker

Rix’s racks boast fetching islandwear for women, too

I went into Rix Island Wear at Ward Warehouse to buy my husband an aloha shirt and came out with two summery shifts for myself. To my surprise, in the back of the store, I found a couple of racks of women’s clothing in the same bold Polynesian motifs and retro prints that have made Rix a wardrobe must-have for isle guys.

The simple cotton dresses, available in sizes up to 3x, provide some shape at the waist and are a carefree choice for shopping, the beach and family outings. Affordably priced at $39.95, you can understand why I had to have more than one. — Christie Wilson

Perfect your look with Zamora add-ons

Clothing purchases are only one part of the fashion equation. Every designer knows that the way one styles, or puts together outfits can make or break a runway collection. Now you can pick up accessories and jewelry straight off designer Kini Zamora’s spring runway show at his Aiea studio/retail space, The Clique by KZ.

Fingerless half gloves in gold or black ($5) lend a stylist’s touch to day or evening ensembles, and you can pick up semiprecious bead jewelry from Pharaoh Beads, with bracelets priced from about $30 to $60. The Clique by KZ is at 99-1132 Iwaena St., second floor; call 375-3521. — Nadine Kam

Small succulents get new homes in repurposed vessels

While reporting on Small Kine Farm’s mushrooms in Waimanalo, I happened upon the neighboring Once Again Succulents and was instantly charmed. There I found a vast array of adorable miniature succulents, any of which would add a fetching touch to a small space — think end table or office desk. The tiny plants also happen to be the favor du jour for weddings and other special events.

Genevieve Bowden, who runs the business with her husband, Matt, loves turning wood, glass bottles, mugs and teapots into inventive receptacles for the succulents. Individual plants are $3 apiece, with special pricing when purchased in multiples. Find them at farmers markets at Windward Mall, Kapiolani Community College and Mililani. For large orders, email onceagainhawaii@gmail.com. — Joleen Oshiro

Cafe offers artful blends of refreshing flavors

I can’t remember the last time I’ve eaten a gummy bear. And now that I’ve tried the White Gummie Bear tea-lemonade from LemonTea Cafe, I think I’ll stick to drinking them. Offered in 16-ounce ($4.55) and 20-ounce ($4.95) servings, I like mine with the cafe’s signature lemon tea made with black tea, honey and fresh lemon slices, but other options are available. LemonTea’s “lemonade mixologists,” as owner Alan Vuong describes them, are adept at creating the more than 20 flavors on the menu. Samples are provided before each drink is served to ensure satisfaction.

The first sip of a White Gummie Bear gives me Haribo candy flashbacks, but what I really like is how the drink changes as you work your way through it. Let it sit long enough for the ice to melt, and muddle the lemon to add dimension. It’ll make you wonder why you hadn’t started drinking black tea sooner.

LemonTea Cafe has locations at Pearlridge Center, inside Kakaako’s Salon Blanc and at Kamehameha Shopping Center. Keep up with the latest creations by following @lemonteahawaii on Instagram. — Jason Genegabus