MATCHA MATCH
Big Island Candies, whose signature product is milk chocolate-dipped macadamia nut shortbread, has come out with two new items using popular Japanese ingredients — green tea, azuki beans and mochi.
The items are available only at the Hilo flagship store and through its mail order department at 800-935-5510. At the Ala Moana store only, the new matcha azuki shortbread cookies will be available as a special for the month of June for $15.
The Matcha Azuki Shortbread Assorted Combo aligns the matcha green tea and red bean flavors for the first time for $13.75 a box. Included are 19 cookies striped a green band of matcha; nine are half-dipped in icing.
The second new item is the Chocolate Mochi Brownie for $10, as chewy and gummy in texture as traditional mochi, presented in a plastic bento tray for cutting into portions.
A wide assortment of cookies and other confections may be ordered online at bigislandcandies.com. — Pat Gee, Star-Advertiser
NEW TEA CAFE OFFERS MILLE CREPE CAKES
If you’re the type who finds respite in a cup of tea and a slice of cake, head out to Waikiki Beach Walk to partake of both at the new boutique cafe Waikiki Tea.
The menu is full of options: green, oolong, black and herbal teas, plus teas with island flair, such as Kauai Passion Fruit Paradise or jasmine paired with mamaki. There are iced teas, and Kona coffees both hot and iced.
But it seems the allure of the cafe is equally about its selection of mille crepe cakes, namely Lady M cakes, from New York City. The cakes are made of layers of crepes. Flavors include a signature cake layered with pastry cream, green tea and passion fruit.
The pastry case also includes Chocolat Arcen-Ciel, a chocolate cake layered with dark and milk chocolate mousse, and Gateau Fromage, a cheesecake with shortbread cookie crust.
The cafe is at 234 Beach Walk. Call 886-6000. Visit waikikiteahouse.com. — Joleen Oshiro, Star-Advertiser
