Caffeine and coffee!!!

The roast has a tremendous effect on the amount of caffeine that is going to end up in a cup.

Most people think that the darker the roast, the deeper the taste, there is more caffeine in a darker roast. Actually, that is not true.  The longer you roast coffee, the less caffeine it has.  The heat of the roasting process breaks down caffeine while it’s still in the bean.  So, a medium roast has the most caffeine, a dark roast has less, and a French roast has the least of all!  The other determining factor in the amount of caffeine a cup of coffee has is the variety of coffee bean.

Most people enjoy the milder taste of Arabica much more than the harsh flavors of the Robusta. Arabica has about 1 to 1.5 percent caffeine, as opposed to 3.2 to 3.5 percent for Robusta. The ‘label’ I really like is Buddha’s Cup which is a ‘sipping coffee’ with beautiful textures and flavors, meant to be savored on a lanai, watching a golden Kona sunset with a ‘green flash’.

Of course, if you want a little extra caffeine, just make your coffee a little stronger. And what I mean by that is to use more coffee-to-water when you brew it.  I use two-thirds of a cup of ground coffee to 35 ounces of water.  I say go big or go home!

But to me, Kona coffee is all about taste. It is a premium coffee, with a premium price. Robusta is more for the lower grades of coffee found in the supermarket. Arabica gives you both mildness and a depth of enjoyment you just can’t get with the other varieties. If you want a little more caffeine in your coffee, but still want superior taste, go with a lighter roast of an Arabica from Kona, and you have the best of both worlds.

If, however, you want the minimum amount of caffeine in a really premium cup of coffee, you probably want a ‘peaberry‘ coffee.

Buddha’s Cup can be purchased through the grower or through the Green Flash Café on Alii Drive.

Now, just imagine sipping that great cup of coffee from one of my oceanfront units here at the Kanaloa-at_Kona resort.  I have two units available; one is unit 3702 which is a 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom (sleeps 6) – has A/C and all the accoutrements you could  possibly imagine and the other is unit 3403, a 1 bedroom / 2 bathroom (sleeps 4) which is fully loaded as well.

Use this economic downturn to your advantage - contact us for unprecedented pricing!

Many Thanks!
Al
808.333.8977

Post originally from: Hawaii condo rentals

The BEST Kona Coffee – Brewing Tips!

I have 2 very special oceanfront units at Kanaloa-at-Kona; Units 3702 (2 bedroom / 2 bathroom sleeps 6) -(view nightly rates) – (view availability) and 3403 (1 bedroom / 2 bathroom sleeps 4) – (view nightly rates) – (view availability) that I am offering 25% off for stays through April 1, 2009. These units are delightful, very comfortable, private, and offer many wonderful features including free wireless. The Kanaloa-at-Kona Resort complex features many amenities including 3 pools/Jacuzzis, security, night-lighted tennis courts, barbeque area, oceanfront restaurant, and championship 36-hole golf course nearby.

This is the view from your Lanai!! Watch the beautiful sunsets and feel the warm Hawaii breezes ...

View Unit 3702 Video Gallery
Unit 3702 Printable Flyer

View Unit 3403 Video Gallery
Unit 3403 Printable Flyer

Feel free to give us a call at 808.333.8977 or contact us via our online form for more information.

There are so many exciting things to do and explore on the Big Island of Hawaii…if you want to sample the local flair of tropical fruits and vegetables, organic greens, 100% Kona Coffee, jams, jellies, freshly baked goods, fresh cut flowers, potted orchids, farm-fresh eggs, macadamia nuts, ….all while listening to local Hawaiian music…. check out the Keauhou Farmer’s Market located in the Keauhou Shopping Center on Saturdays from 8-12.   My 2 oceanfront units are just about a 2 minute drive to this fun FEST!!

We love referrals as well – receive an extra 10% off your next booking when you refer a friend with a confirmed booking!

Thank you!

808.333.8977
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Post originally from: Hawaii condo rentals

25% Off Spectacular Oceanfront Units at Kanaloa-at-Kona

Below is a list of my favorite restaurants near the Whaler, and Nohonano Resorts in Maui. Please feel free to post your comments on any of these places, I have eaten at them all and these are my favorites. By no means an exhaustive list, please list your favorites in the comments.

Mahalo,

Susan.

• Lahaina Grill 808-667-5117 – Very upscale, great atmosphere, special night out.  My favorite pick for a special dinner.  Must make reservation in advance.
• Hard Rock Café 808-667-7400 – Good hamburgers, noisy but fun.
• Hula Grill 808-667-6636  – In Whaler’s Village, convenient, fun ambiance.  2 minute walk from The Whaler.
• Leilani’s 808-661-4495 – In Whaler’s Village; two restaurants in one; go to more casual one on the beach, inexpensive – great hula pie for dessert!  2 minute walk from The Whaler.
• Maui Tacos 808-665-0222 – Several locations, great tacos, fun for lunch, also great with kids.
• Pacific’O 808-667-4341 – Good appetizers, lovely location – go for drinks (not for dinner) to watch sunset.  Sit at the bar.
• Paia Fish Market 808-579-8030 – Good fish tacos
• Plantation House 808-669-6299 – Good for Sunday brunch, pretty setting on a golf course, open air, expensive.
• Roy’s Kahana Bar & Grill 808-669-6999– Very good filet mignon and good food in general, to die for chocolate soufflé, casual ambiance a real favorite of mine, very close to Nohonani
• Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar 808-669-6286 – In Kapalua near the Ritz Carlton, less than 10 minutes from Nohonani, delicious Japanese food, excellent and fun, great for drinks as well.
• The Pineapple Grill 808-669-9600, Very good food, on a golf course in Kapalua, very lovely, less than 10 minutes from Nohonani.
• Sarentos on the Beach 808-875-7555.  Excellent food; great ambiance; directly on the water.  Go early (5:45) to see sunset.  Make reservation, can be combined with a shopping trip at the nearby Wailea Shopping Center. expensive but worth it.
• Ma’alaea Grill 808-243-2206 – Beautiful setting on ocean; very good food, casual, located in an outdoor shopping center with a few fun shops to browse.
• Lahaina Store Grille & Oyster Bar 808-661-9090 – Very good seafood, fun ambiance (not to be confused with the Lahaina Grill above)
• Giovanni’s 808-661-3180 – Good for pizza; underneath and behind the restaurant is a great secret hamburger/beer restaurant!

Post originally from: Hawaii condo rentals

Susan’s Favorite Places To Eat on Maui

At the Farmers Market you find booths selling all kinds of fresh Big Island grown fruits and vegetables.  You will find different varieties of mangos, papayas, avocados, pineapples, guavas, passion fruit, bananas and many other kinds of fruits and vegetables.  You will also find locally grown Kona coffee, flowers, honey and nuts.

We like to buy an assortment of tropical fruits from the Farmers Market and make a salsa out of them. We put this salsa over fresh, off the boat, Mahi Mahi or Ahi that we buy at the fish market in the boat harbor north of town.  This makes a great dinner to eat on the lanai of Na Hale O Keauhou L-4 as we watch the sunset over the water and enjoy our panoramic ocean views.

In addition to food you will many many other booths selling great locally made crafts such as jewelry, art and clothing all at reasonable prices.  I usually take home some of the well made but inexpensive jewelry for my assistant and some of the ladies in the office.  They love it!

Post originally from: Hawaii condo rentals

Kona Condo Rental Fresh Food Shopping

As an island chain surrounded by the great Pacific Ocean, Hawaii naturally has some of the best seafood to offer and the fishermen of Maui provide some of the freshest catch. Below are a few of Maui’s most popular food fish.

Grab your favorite at a local grocery store or relish the flavors and textures at a few of Maui’s award-winning restaurants. The stars denote island favorites.

Ahi – The early Hawaiian’s gave this yellowfin tuna its name, meaning fire, due to the smoke that arose from the friction of fishing ropes rubbing against the gunwhales of their wooden canoes while pulling the enormous fish in.

Ahi can weigh up to 440 pounds and their body is a dark metallic blue, changing to silver on the underbelly. Both dorsal and anal fins are bright yellow.

The flesh is light pink, changing to dark red due to the oxidation of pigmented protein when exposed to air. Larger fish have a higher fat content, which is more desirable for raw dishes. Most ahi is cooked seared to rare and is very popular for sashimi or blackened for Cajun cuisine.

* Roy’s Restaurant’s Hawaiian Blackened Island Ahi with Spicy Soy Mustard & Butter

Mahi Mahi – These surface-dwelling fish are also known as dolphinfish and rarely live beyond three or four years. In Hawaiian, Mahi Mahi translates to strong-strong, but they seldom exceed 33 pounds.

When alive, Mahi Mahi are beautifully colored gold, blue and green, but their hues quickly fade after they’ve been hooked. The moist, flaky flesh is light pink when raw and turns white when cooked. It is slightly sweet and is faintly reminiscent of chicken.

* Mama Fish House’s Mahi Mahi Macadamia Nut Saute with Tropical Fruit Salad

Ono – Ono means “good to eat” in Hawaiian. It is also called wahoo and can weigh up to 180 pounds, but they are typically caught between 8 and 30 pounds. The white flesh is delicate, flaky, sweet.

Hapu`upu`u – This grouper, or sea bass, can change its skin color to blend into its surroundings. Most hapu’upu’u found in Hawaiian markets are black, but they can range from brown to reddish.

They typically weigh between five and ten pounds when caught, but groupers are known to weigh up to 220 pounds. The clear white flesh is very delicate and often served steamed or used to make a sweet-and-sour fish head soup

* Seahouse’s Taro Crusted Sea Bass with a Green Papaya Salad

Opakapaka – Opakapaka, or pink snapper, are found at depths ranging between 180 and 600 feet below the surface.

They are a relatively slow-growing fish; 12 to 18 pounders can be as old as 10 years. The clear, light pink flesh has a higher fat content in the winter, which produces better sashimi.

Opakapaka is often referred to as the “most important bottomfish species in terms of total landed weight and value in Hawaii.”

Onaga – Commonly referred to as red snapper, these bottom fish dwell at depths reaching 1,000 feet beneath the ocean surface and range between 10 and 40 pounds.

The light pink flesh is similar to opakapaka, but a little softer and moister. Local Hawaiians traditionally serve onaga at ceremonial events such as New Years Eve, weddings or birthdays. Onaga sashimi is better in winter due to a higher fat content on the fish.

Ulua – Ulua are also known as Pampano or, when under 10 pounds, papio. They are fast-swimming predatory fish and are typically caught by rod and reel from beach. Their white fillets are delicious cooked in a variety of ways.

Opah – These Moonfish are one of most commercial fishes in Hawaii. They range from 60 to over 200 pounds and their four types of flesh are each a different color. The meat located behind the head and along the back is somewhat orangish while the belly is a pale pink and slightly stringy. Along the cheeks is dark red flesh and inside the breastplate is a brightly liver colored.

Except for the breast meat, which turns brown and tough when cooked, all the flesh turns white when prepared. The large-grain flesh is fatty and rich and in high demand among the restaurant business.

* Lahaina Fish Company’s Grilled or Blackened Opah

Nairagi – Widely know for its long sharp bill, the striped marlin ranges between 40 and 100 pounds. They are very strong and often dangerous to land. The light pink to orange red flesh is tender and often eaten smoked or served raw

Hebi – Also known as the spearfish, the hebi ranges from 20 to 40 pounds. It has an amber-colored flesh that is rather mild and it is typically found grilled or broiled.

Mama’s Fish House in Kuau
Waterfront Restaurant in Ma’alaea
Buzz’s Wharf in Ma’alaea
I’O Restaurant in Lahaina
Pacific’O Restaurant in Lahaina
Sea House Restaurant in Napili
Lahaina Fish Company in Lahaina
Roy’s Restaurant in Lahaina or Kihei
For sushi try Sansei in Kihei or Ka’anapali

Post originally from: Hawaii condo rentals

Fresh Catch on Maui