Melissa Chang

Frolic Contributor

Melissa Chang graduated from the University of Hawai‘i with a degree in journalism and has been blogging since 2007, mostly on food and travel. She works primarily in social media, so you can find her on Twitter and Instagram.

 

 

Articles

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Surviving France without your smartphone

You probably heard by now that I got pickpocketed upon arrival in Paris, on my way to meet my niece Ahnya in Beaune. Listen, I’m not  a newbie at solo travel and have been to more dangerous places in the…

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Learning about bourbon at DK Steakhouse

Every so often, DK Steakhouse will have special themed events: wine, vodka, Localicious, or tie-ins with holidays. You can find out about these events through their website or newsletter (which unfortunately is hard to find), or on their social media…

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Cheap fun eats in Tokyo

Tokyo can be expensive, but there are many cheap, filling restaurants that are popular with the city’s denizens. I saw some great spots on this trip, but didn’t have enough time to go in. There was the ramen shop right…

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Aloha Tokyo! Visiting Hachiko and the 47 ronin

One of the first things people do when they visit Tokyo is head to Shibuya station, where the famous statue of Hachiko the dog has stood for the last 67 years. Throughout Japan, Hachiko’s dedication to his master Hidesaburo Ueno —…

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Aloha Tokyo! Quick trip through the Big Mikan

Whoosh! I’m back in Tokyo for a few days, and everyone is asking why I’m only here for a short time. Well, it is actually a perfect alignment of different things that brought me here. I’m actually headed to France…

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Hawaii: In Real Life ~ The Headquarters

There’s a new studio in town, and it’s run by some well-known names in Hawaii dance circles. Jee Kalua and Liam Soares (formerly of Hype 5-0, America’s Best Dance Crew season 5) recently opened The Headquarters in Aiea, giving people…

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Did this: Ocean Vodka’s Ultimate Cocktail Showdown

Last year, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa had their first Ocean Vodka cocktail recipe contest and had an intimate, sit-down dinner with their finalists and a handful of people. I’m sure it was nice, but in keeping with the fabulous events…

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Lānaʻi: The VIEWS at Manele Bay

I am not into sports, but I do know that golf is one of the more popular activities for people visiting Lānaʻi. And although the hotels are undergoing renovations, the golf course and its restaurant are still open.Director of Golf Scott…

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Hawaii: In Real Life ~ Candy Bar Hawaii

Sweet tooths rejoice! A new candy store — the first of its kind in Waikiki — has opened at Waikiki Beach Walk on Lewers Street.The biggest feature of the store is its vast international collection of bulk candies, from pearly…

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Something new: Ginza Sushi

If you went to Ward Centre recently, you probably didn’t notice that Ninja Sushi — facing Auahi Street next to Z Pizza — has a new name. About three weeks ago, the take-out sushi joint turned into a sit-down restaurant…

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Dining at the Four Seasons Lana’i

Lāna‘i is the state’s smallest island, but that doesn’t mean there’s not much to see, do, or eat. We had some amazing meals at the Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay. You can get a range of options at Nobu Lanai,…

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Preview: Ocean Vodka’s Ultimate Cocktail Showdown

If you’re headed to Maui this weekend, you may want to check out a fabulous event at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa with celebrity Hawaii chefs and an amazing array of new Ocean Vodka cocktails. Ocean Vodka’s Shay Smith…

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Did This: Maui Ag Fest 2015

Hundreds of people flocked to the annual Maui Agricultural Festival this past weekend in Waikapū, the biggest event on the island by the Maui Farm Bureau. It’s probably one of my favorite events on the Valley Isle, and I was lucky that…

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A Lana’i adventure with Island Air

Olena Heu and I recently were invited on a familiarization tour of Island Air and the island of Lāna‘i. What a cool girls’ getaway, right? I hadn’t been to Lāna‘i in about 10 years, and had never flown Island Air, so…

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Koko Head Cafe’s secret menu

By now you know that most, if not all, restaurants have some kind of off-menu items or combos that you can order, anytime, and impress your friends while enjoying an extra special meal. Double double animal style? Check. Sriracha breakfast…

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Hawaii: In Real Life ~ frozen Primo Popcorn

By now you’ve tried Primo Popcorn, the classic snack in zany gourmet flavors. They’ve been coming out with new ones since I first did a blog video with them, but now they’re giving their customers a fun, new experience with 77 K~orn:…

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Something new: Golden Pork Tonkotsu Ramen Bar

IKKA Dining Project President Taro Takenaga (center) with Executive Vice President Shunta Fukui and manager Masahiro Isoda. There’s a new ramen spot in town, and it’s going to give the others a run for their money. Japan-based IKKA Dining Project,…

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Wang Chung’s new food menu

Wang Chung’s, the popular karaoke bar in Waikiki, unveiled its new food offerings at a special media event last night. Owner Danny Chang and chef Randy Sanchez created a whimsical menu of Asian- and Latin- inspired dishes to go with their…

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Party pics: Kani Ka Pila Grille’s anniversary bash

Kani Ka Pila Grille, known for featuring nightly live performances by renowned local entertainers, celebrated its sixth anniversary last night in grand style. The Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort transformed its pool deck into a big pa’ina with two stages…

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Irish whiskey flights at 12th Avenue Grill

In case you didn’t know, 12th Avenue Grill owner/chef Kevin Hanney is 100% Irish and takes his St. Patrick’s Day celebration seriously. On March 15, 16, and 17, the restaurant will have Irish-themed specials to get everyone into the spirit.…

Cafe Kaila’s new dinner menu

Chrissie Kaila Castillo, left, owner of Cafe Kaila, and one of her managers. Cafe Kaila has been a mainstay for breakfast at Market City Shopping Center for years, known for their waffles and pancakes — but did you know they…

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Something new: Billy’s Killer Southern BBQ

Okay, Billy’s Killer Southern BBQ is actually not new. If you know the food truck, you’ve had Billy Zimmerman’s BBQ at the Lot of Food Trucks or Best Buy, or at his restaurant in Mapunapuna. But most of you don’t…

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Did this: Mahi’ai Matchup 2015

As you saw when I toured Hawai’i Island a couple of years ago, there’s a lot of exciting things happening in agriculture around the state, thanks in part to the programs Kamehameha Schools has in place for their 365,000 acres…

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Japengo’s secret menu

Every restaurant has some form of off-menu items, and Japengo is no exception. Chef Jon Matsubara — who has been invited to cook at the prestigious James Beard House this June — said he has a long list of secret dishes…

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Where real Chinese eat Chinese food

I’m going to confess: This roundup has been three years in the making. Chinese people can be a pain in the ass when you’re trying to get an opinion on Chinese food. There’s no loyalty with the chefs, so they’re…

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Treetops reopens at Paradise Park

There aren’t a lot of individual restaurants in metro Honolulu that can accommodate large parties, so it’s nice to hear that the Treetops at Paradise Park has reopened after closing at the end of 2013 for renovations. The park itself…

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Chinee like me: Chinatown gau

This weekend is the big celebration: On Friday, February 13, you’ll see lions dancing through Chinatown for Choy Cheng; and on Saturday, February 14, Maunakea Street will be closed all day and night for the big street festival and parade.

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Hawaii: In Real Life ~ Chinatown Express

It’s that time of year! Chinese New Year is February 19, where we will be welcoming in the year of the ram. If you are at the Chinatown festivities this weekend, you’re likely to get some gau, jai, and jin…