Saturday, November 12, 2011

What happened to Mocha Java Cafe?

Friends used to chide me for going to Honolulu's Mocha Java Cafe whenever I got the chance. It's overpriced and has spotty service, they'd say. But it's recognized as one of the most vegan-friendly places in O'ahu, I'd counter. They even have a special vegan menu! Alas, I think I'm now done with the place. The vegan menu has been nowhere to be seen in my last couple of visits. To make matters worse (much worse), I was served an obviously non-vegan dish after being assured it was vegan. I don't know why tofu scramble - an obvious selection for people who don't want eggs or meat (i.e., likely vegans) - would be made with cheese. But it is at this place. It's probably time for the Vegetarian Society of Hawai'i to stop touting Mocha Java as a vegan's haven. Next time I'm in the area I'll probably eat at Kaka'ako Kitchen.

Friday, November 11, 2011

I love The Loving Hut

On a recent visit to Honolulu, I ate at a Loving Hut restaurant for the first time. What a joy to know that everything on the menu is vegan! No need to ask questions or give special instructions. The food was tasty, prices reasonable, and service fast and friendly. I'll be back.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Sunday, June 19, 2011

For the visting (or local) vegan: Where to volunteer (or donate money) on Maui

East Maui Animal Refuge
http://www.booboozoo.org/Volunteer.htm 

Hawaiian Islands Land Trust
http://hawaiianislandslandtrust.org/read-our-blog/

Leilani Farm Sanctuary
http://www.leilanifarmsanctuary.org/

9th Life
http://9thlifehawaii.org/help.shtml

Feline Foundation of Maui
http://www.mauicats.com/

Haku Baldwin Center
http://www.facebook.com/hakubaldwincenter

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/involved/volunteer_maui.html

For the visiting vegan: Where to eat on Maui

Ono Gelato (multiple locations)

Fresh local fruit makes for vibrant vegan gelato.

Whole Foods Market (Kahului)

The Wednesday salad bar ($5.99/lb. instead of $7.99) is a must.

Fresh Mint (Pa`ia)

Our only all-vegan restaurant (primarily Vietnamese) is open 5-9 p.m.

Veg Out (Ha`iku)

The setting is ultra-casual; the food is ultra-tasty.

Hawaiian Moons (Kihei)

They have the cheapest brown rice on the island and usually have great chili or soup to go with it.

Alive & Well (Kahului)

This place also has great soup, plus some decadent desserts.

Maui Tacos (multiple locations)

Come for the famous salsa bar; return for the cheap prices.

Mana Foods (Pa`ia)

Maui's best grocery store also has a great deli and dessert case.

Cafe Des Amis (Pa`ia)

The veggy curry wrap comes with mango chutney.

Cafe Mambo (Pa`ia)

They have the best selection of vegan appetizers and small dishes of any sitdown restaurant

Stella Blues (Kihei)

This is one of the few places that offers a hearty vegan breakfast.

Maui Coffee Roasters (Kahului)

If you're into almond-milk lattes and whole-wheat bagels, this is your place.

Down to Earth (Kahului)

The prices have gone up a lot over the years, but there's no doubt this all-vegetarian place has a good deli and salad bar.

Mala (Wailea)

This high-end place offers great ocean views, occasional celebrity sightings, and multiple vegan entrees.

Simply Healthy Cafe (Wailuku)

Open for weekday lunch only, this place offers the best vegan bargains on the planet, including a veggie plate lunch with sweet potatoes, taro, brown rice, and a salad for $5.50.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Let's get moving: Alternatives to commuting by car

Let's get moving: Alternatives to commuting by car

". . . automobile use is a major contributor to global warming. Perhaps only the meat industry ranks as high as the transportation sector among the components of the economy that cause climate change."