There are so many reasons I love my job. The latest is what I’m munching on at this moment — for research, right? — at my keyboard. It’s called Mochi Choco, a delight that brings together all kinds of ono items in one perfect snack: chocolate, mochi and scrumptious fillings such as coffee, sesame seeds and peanuts.
My favorite is sesame — the seeds ground to fill a round of mochi about the size of a silver dollar. That mochi is dipped in chocolate for an easy-to-hold, perfectly portioned treat. It’s great for an afternoon break, with a couple of sips of coffee.
One box of Mochi Choco includes five individually wrapped morsels. Find them at Don Quijote for $1.59 (though I recently got them on sale for $1.39). They’re also sold at Marukai and in shops around Chinatown.
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Joleen Oshiro, Star-Advertiser
Luau benefits Waialua High
Since 2007 Dole Plantation has organized a luau to benefit the Waialua High School robotics team, raising $80,000 over the years for team travel.
This year’s luau takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 12 at the plantation. All proceeds go to the team.
Tickets are $40, for sale through May 11 at the plantation or from robotics team members. Call 637-8292.
Find gifts for mom at pop-up
CookSpace at Ward Warehouse is hosting a quick-stop pop-up Saturday for last-minute Mother’s Day shopping.
The Mom-Up runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with such tasty gift ideas as pastries and sweets from Kitchenette by chef Jackie Lau; brownies from Buttertooth Club; and bottled herbs, spices and teas from Herbologie Studio.
They’ll be joined by artisans selling jewelry, handmade flowers, handbags, calligraphy and cards. Call 695-2205.
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Star-Advertiser staff
New episodes of ‘Ingredients’ debut
Lucky we live Hawaii, where we get first dibs on viewing the Emmy Award-winning series “Family Ingredients,” the first local project to hit PBS’ national prime-time lineup. The travelogue-food show premiered last month at the Honolulu International Film Festival’s Spring Showcase.
At 5 p.m. May 15, episodes focusing on Japan (with chef Alan Wong) and Okinawa (with Hisae Uki of Sun Noodle) will screen at the Hawaii Okinawa Center in Waipahu, at 94-587 Ukee St. Tickets: $20, $7 children ages 7 and under.
The fee includes a bowl of Okinawan soba, and the event also features Okinawan cultural performances. Tickets, which benefit the Hawaii United Okinawa Association, are sold at the center. Call 676-5400.
If you miss it, don’t worry: You’ll still get to see the shows before the rest of the nation. PBS Hawaii is kicking off the series June 22, well before its July premiere elsewhere.
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Joleen Oshiro, Star-Advertiser
