Mexica Tiahui

Sorry....I don't want to PO any Aztecs. But spell check, thinks it is smarter than me. It's "Mexica Tiahui"

Meh-hee-kah Tee-ah-hoo-ee

Convocation

A calling together, a time to recognize. A page in our book of life is being turned. A new chapter is upon us.

Being a High School parent, was a great chapter. It was exciting and fluid, a clear goal in mind, college! These paragraphs filled with sense of purpose. Always excited to flip the next page. Football, girls, dances, pictures, soccer, injuries, fundraisers, so on and on, and finally college visits, tours, counseling & applications.

78,000 students applied at SDSU this year. Only about 8,000 were accepted. With this type of ratio we were assured by one of the faculty speakers, Dr. Blaylock, that our children were academically prepared to begin college.

However, in this new chapter they were going to begin to have to take responsibility. Daily they will be faced with a series of choices. These choices will shape who they will become. As parents in this chapter we can offer advice and support. But we no longer are making their choices. We now simply have to trust that what we have done to nurture, teach, and prepare our children to be responsible had been enough.

Connor offered a promise at convocation with 8,000 other new students to ultimately accept responsibility. "Mexico Tiahui" or "Always March Forward" this is part of the SDSU Aztec motto and tradition.

Letting go, but a new bond has formed with child (student) and parent. Now not just a new chapter but a whole new story. Aztecs for life!

Cary Peterson Chef/Owner Kohala Burger & Taco, Kohala Coast Catering

Move in Day

Wow! What a whirlwind of a day. It started early with a total repack (in the hotel valet) of our rented Hyundai Sonata, obviously the perfect car for moving around 4 adults, an entire dorm room full of stuff and a year's supply of toilet paper.

I've got to commend the SDSU Residential Community Staff, as they did an expert job of choreographing the chaos. It was super organized and very friendly.

We met Connor's roommates (his dorm mate Dylan, supplied the SI Kate Upton decor) and some of their parents. A great group of people.

Tomorrow is our last official student / parent activity. Where we will march (literally as we will be accompanied by the SDSU Marching Band) into Viejas Arena with 11,000 other new Aztec students, their parents and staff. Should be a rush.

Then we've got to "let go" and "let God" with our son. It's bittersweet. I'm gonna miss this guy so much! But I am so proud.

Cary Peterson Chef/Owner Kohala Burger & Taco, Kohala Coast Catering

Tacos Tacos Tacos

There may be no better venue, than San Diego, in the US if you are a taco lover.

I am, that is, a taco lover. Here are a few from yesterday. On the advice of my 5th grade teacher "Mr. Leshner" we ventured up to India St. To try the Blue Water Seafood Market.

First off this place is spotless. A little market up front with an ample selection of fresh fish. It all looked great, packed in crisp white display coolers. The filets nestled atop a foot or so of crushed ice. The ice was doctorates with Corona's and Limes. All of us in Hawaii should consider ourselves lucky, as the Mahi was listed at $26.95 a pound.

I picked the fresh swordfish taco. The corn tortillas are made next door at the "World Famous" El Indio Shop. More on them in another blog as it is a mandatory "Taco Stop" the fish was an ample portion for $5.00 but again under seasoned, they called it a chipotle marinaded. It was topped with lots of green cabbage, chopped tomato and onions. No salsa, it came with their own "white sauce" which was very mild. Kind of a lime mayo. Still I wish I had some salsa!

The fish tasted nice and was perfectly cooked. Connor went with Dan's....oops I mean Mr. Leshner's recommendation and tried the Fresh Fish Sandwich made with Hawaiian Albacore or what we "Locals" call Tombo. I was fortunate enough to get a bite in. It was very good.

I also tried the Beer Battered Lobster Taco, it came with a side of a warm and creamy tomatillo sauce that was a bit like a chowder it tasted really good on its own but I didn't feel it worked well to compliment the lobster.

Thanks for following and thanks for all the comments and ideas. We moved Connor in today. So more on that and an awesome burger from Cheesecake Factory forthcoming. All the best.

Cary Peterson Chef/Owner Kohala Burger & Taco Kohala Coast Catering

Peanut Butter & Jelly

Yesterday was dorm shopping. Thankfully we are in San Diego where shopping is king. Our Hilton Hotel room is "ground zero" for the city's premier centers.

So just up an on ramp and down another and there it is Costco, across the parking lot ....Target (2 Floors) So many choices it is easy to get overwhelmed ....I know we have target and Costco in Kona but neither compare in size or selection to these two coliseums of product to plunder.

Upon Connor's graduation from Hawaii Prep, his football coach delivered the commencement speech. Coach Jordan Hayslip reminded the class of 2014 to "Never underestimate the Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich"

This is true in life and a good lesson to try to deliver and receive our best values from each day. The PB & J in it's own simplicity it is loaded with value: it's tasty, portable, inexpensive, full of protein, energy and nutrients , easy to make, good for breakfast, lunch, dinner & dessert.

When faced with so many choices keep the PB&J in mind.

Stay tuned for 2 new taco reviews.

Cary Peterson Chef/Owner Kohala Burger & Taco Kohala Coast Catering

Little Italy

We finally recovered from our breakfast coma and got our first peek at Connor's dorm.

After a bit more shopping and a few misguided laps "via Siri" around Mission Valley we opted for a bit of nostalgia for dinner. As some of you know Stephanie and I went to high school together here in the San Diego area. Stephanie's father, Jim, who was Sicilian, lived to take us to Filippi's in Little Italy.

This place is a classic, a cramped authentic Italian market and deli up front at the entrance and a giant restaurant in the back. Empty Chianti bottles hang in the trellised ceilings everywhere you look,

autographed and graffitied with notes from "diners past". Red checkered table cloths and the lights just low enough to miss the 60 plus years and maybe millions?? of marinara covered meals that have been served here.

We opted for the large Antipasti Salad which came covered with generous slices of Mortadella. A tangy Italian dressing and plenty of pepperoni and peperoncini. Bonus to this salad is the hand cut "dice" shaped and sized chunks of Parmesan cheese. The real deal at this place is the "sauce" it's just awesome and authentic. The pizza crust is a bit too doughy and thick for my taste. But gimme that Italian Sausage, Meatball and sauce and I'm good.

A great trip down memory lane. It's amazing to think that a nervous dinner in 1984 with the "girlfriends" parents would develop into all this 30 years later.

Cary Peterson Chef/Owner Kohala Burger & Taco, Kohala Coast Catering

Gotcha Covered

First full day in San Diego. We had decided many months ago that we would get Connor new bedding for his dorm rather than shipping from Hawaii. So first stop Macy's, Tutu had a coupon. These types of experiences really test the family dynamics as we all try to press our will. Me basics, cost. Mom, neutral. Tutu high fashion, "don't worry I've got a coupon". Connor says he doesn't care but seems to really only want "plain" no patterns or too much design. No need to stick out yet. Just get me "covered".

Went for a late breakfast. I found this place on Yelp. Hash House a Go Go, (a social media monster) this place is the "Hawaiian Style" of Hillcrest. They have come up with the master plan of social media marketing. Everyone just has to take a picture of their food and post it. Plates & portions are massive. Loaded with mostly unnecessary carbs. I first ordered the chicken and waffle plate, until I saw one. It was about a foot tall and looked like it would require a nap. With wayyyy Too much to do, I opted for the $15.95 Avocado Bacon Cheeseburger a double patty with a thin cheddar skirt. I have to say I really liked the firm sesame seed bun (although way too small for the size of the meat) which held together well. The beef was under seasoned for my taste but good quality and tasted fresh. Avo was old, brownish and "smushed", bacon was thick and chewy. Steak fries??? Not a huge fan. Plate was garnished with some sort of sauce and "bammed" a la Emeril Lagase with; of all things red and yellow peppers. Like I said it looks great from the other table.

Connor had the Biscuits & Gravy, OK, but just overkill. The biscuits were the size of softballs, on a thick bed of mashed potatoes. He is a solid eater and maybe got through a 3rd? This fresh watermelon lemonade drink was nice with another extravagant presentation.

Bigger isn't always better but giant portions and attractive presentations give the diner a sense of value. Then by posting your "pre-eaten" plate to your social media you are also giving your unequivocal endorsement and approval. This is a great formula for a busy restaurant, even if the food is just OK. As far as needing to eat for the next day or so..... ....you're covered from breakfast to bedding.

Check out our dinner visit to, Little Italy, tomorrow..

Cary Peterson Chef/Owner Kohala Burger & Taco Kohala Coast Catering

We have arrived in the Bear Flag "Republic"

We made it into San Diego late last night. All our bags came, but we're headed back to recover a phone. Our first adventure mishap.

California's Bear Flag symbolizes a spirit of independence, first raised in Sonoma in 1846. The rebellion was short lived as was the republic..it only lasted a few weeks in that summer of '46.

Hopefully this spirit will be impressed upon our son as he embarks on his own quest for knowledge and independence.

Cary Peterson Chef/Owner Kohala Burger & Taco Kohala Coast Catering

And we're off!

Honolulu International Airport. First leg down, headed to San Diego, where my son, and KBAT Veteran, Connor will be attending SDSU.

Excited to be an Aztec and a "little bit" on his own. He claims he'll be doing the cooking at his new apartment style dorm.

....Until a little later. I'll be keeping you all, who care to read or follow, up to date. Along with getting you up close and personal with some of California's best Tacos and Burgers.

Mahalo

Cary Peterson Chef/Owner Kohala Burger & Taco Kohala Coast Catering

Pic test

Kawaihae

Blog pic test from Da Harbor

Cary Peterson Chef/Owner Kohala Burger & Taco Kohala Coast Catering

Blog Test

Aloha

TESTING LINK

Sent from my iPad

Credit Cards

Aloha, On Saturday April 12, 2014 we were affected by a power outage. Upon power returning, our Credit Card terminal was "fried" we will be unable to process credit cards for purchases. Beginning Sunday April 13 - Tuesday April 15. We are very sorry for the inconvenience. However we will be open for cash only business. Mahalo

Cary Peterson Chef/Owner Kohala Burger & Taco Kohala Coast Catering

Honest Abe $5 Special

Today! Feb 12, 2014 (Lincoln's Birthday) only! Get our Double Bacon Delux Chesseburger & Fries for only $5 available from 11am-3pm. It's only advertised on the web so you gotta ask for the "Honest Abe $5 Special' No Changes No Subs! Oh..... and did we mention No Changes and No Subs. Please & Mahalo.

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Super Bowl Freebies & Policies

Its Finally here! Its a special day at Kohala Burger & Taco. We've got our Super Bowl Taco Feast for $24.99 1 Doz Build your own Crispy Beef Taco Bar We currently have several "Pick Up" Time Slots still available, but order now! Our CARRY-OUT Line Closes NOON - KICKOFF first come first serve during that time! We are open 11am - Halftime Don't forget we are the BIG ISLAND'S PEPSI HEADQUARTERS - FREE PEPSI, MTNDEW, & GATORADE all day when you spend $5 Dollars. 1 per person present. You've got to be here to get it, but don't worry you wont miss a minute of the game....you can watch on our 3 flatscreen TV's and Stadium Sound! GO BRONC-HAWKS!

  KOHALA BURGER & TACO, LLC Kawaihae Shopping Center 61-3665 Akoni Pule Hwy. Ph: 808-880-1923 Fax:   808-880-1924 www.KohalaBurgerandTaco.com

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