Gold bars use kiawe as base

I love discovering products that are both good for me and make me feel good about buying them. ‘Ai Pohaku’s Waianae Gold ‘Aina Bars fit that description, with two types of treats made with an unlikely ingredient common throughout the islands.

According to ‘Ai Pohaku founder Vince Kana‘i Dodge, kiawe trees have grown in Hawaii for nearly two centuries but were never used for food. Dodge discovered in 2006 that indigenous people from the southwestern United States milled mesquite wood into flour; he also traveled to Argentina in 2012 to visit with the indigenous Wichi, who have used kiawe flour for hundreds of years.

Dodge’s two ‘Aina Bars are made with kiawe bean-pod flour, organic ground peanuts and organic raw honey. Blondie bars then add Hawaiian sea salt; Brownie bars use organic cacao for a chocolate note.

While kiawe flour produces a noticeable grittiness, the peanuts and honey balance things out and make it seem like you’re eating an energy bar.

Find the bars at Oahu Down to Earth stores. A 6-ounce container of Blondies is $10.79; Brownies are $12.39; a 50-50 mix is $11.59. They’re also sold at the Waianae Store, Kahumana Cafe Store and Kokua Market. Call 478-6492 or visit waianaegold.com for info.

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Jason Genegabus, Star-Advertiser

‘Next chapter’ of CPK comes to Mililani

California Pizza Kitchen extended its empire this week, opening an outpost in Town Center of Mililani on Monday.

The new restaurant reflects what the chain calls its “next chapter design,” with a stand-alone bar and open kitchen.

The location is also rolling out several new seasonal dishes that will be introduced April 25 in other CPKs statewide. These include two Power Bowls — high-protein salads that total less than 650 calories — and a lemongrass chicken dish.

Preview “play days” last week benefited the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, allowing members, their families and other invited guests to eat free while giving the staff some practice. Diners were then invited to make donations.

The Mililani CPK is the company’s first Central Oahu location and the eighth on the island. It is part of a statewide expansion expected to double the chain’s presence in Hawaii in the next five years.

The restaurant is at the central entrance of the shopping center, between Times Supermarket and Longs Drugs, a space formerly occupied by Waldenbooks.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays and until 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Call 379-3650.

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Betty Shimabukuro, Star-Advertiser