Hawaii raised. Smoked in Texas. Bringing the world together one bite at a time.
I cook to preserve the essence of Old Hawaii—its flavors, its stories, and the memories that shaped me. When I moved to Central Texas in 2015, I was surprised by how much it reminded me of my childhood in Waianae, just without the beaches. I’ve loved exploring which Hawaiian plants can survive the Texas heat, playing tennis under wide‑open skies, and diving deep into the world of Texas BBQ.
I’m always learning—whether it’s a new cooking technique, a better tennis strategy, or discovering a tiny family‑run restaurant with unforgettable food. The people here remind me of the “Uncles” and “Aunties” back home. We may not be related, but we build family through simple meals and shared stories.
The home‑cooked dishes Mom and Dad made were full of flavor and always tasted even better the next day. I’ve adapted some of their recipes to be a bit healthier—using monk fruit instead of sugar or swapping butter for brisket‑tallow, staying true to my mom’s “waste not, want not” philosophy. They would have loved the way Texas flavors blend with a Hawaii twist.
I built this website the same way I cook: using what I have, drawing inspiration from the places I’ve eaten, and keeping things practical. I still print recipes on paper, and I encourage you to copy, paste, and make them your own. I like having photos of ingredients and steps because I can’t remember everything—and I’m always tweaking recipes anyway. When I’m stuck on what to cook, I use the search bar for ideas.
Let’s keep our family recipes alive and continue to share the aloha.