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Hawai`i Chocolate Festival not so sweet |
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| I was excited to hear about the Dole Cannery event on February 26th, so marked my calendar for the countdown. Wow, Chocolate is one of my favorite food groups, along with Bacon !
I forgot to order my ticket at $20 online, so gladly paid the $25 at the door. The entry fee gave you ten “sample tastings” at the vendors’ booths. Entering the exhibit hall I saw a few booths up front, then notice a huge line at Choco le’a tucked into the corner. Hmm… long line of people waiting = good stuff! |
 Choco l'ea Chocoliciousness! |
| These folks had a terrific display and were so friendly! Owner Colins Kawai started making chocolates as a hobby and everybody loved them so much that he went into full production. I had to try several, so gave up three of my ten “tastes’ for three luscious truffles. | |
 Tiki's Shooters!
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Wandering around I spied several booths with sliver size samples… no Scrooge Samples for me, I want to actually get a taste! So I strolled among the vendors until I spied Tiki’s Grill and Bar ! Hmm…I’ve eaten dinner there, held special events there, but…Chocolate? Lo and behold, shot glasses of delectable Mocha Mousse appeared before me. I should have had two!
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A new kid coming to town is Ricard Chocolat, of New York. Chocolatier to such trendy types as Versachi and the Ritz, his truffles are little works of art. Had to buy a box for a treat for later. I think they will be at the Hyatt in Waikiki soon. Want more chocorazzii pics?  Richard's Bon Bons The Expo was to run from 12-5PM, but by 2:30 many vendors were out of samples. Rather disappointing as I had arrived around 1:30. I tried a few vendors that were indifferent if not downright rude to the people waiting in line; not going to spend my tastes there! I had three tastes left, so I went back to Choco le’a. These folks are that good and nice, I spent six out of my ten tastes at their truffle table! All in all the experience was ok, but not as professionally done as other similar events I’ve attended. Most of the samples were chintzy… and you should never run out of samples that early into the show. And there were several empty booths, the vendors never even showed up. Also, there were very few places to sit down which was not fun with my two artificial hips. Or for Mom’s with kids. Or anybody that wanted to sit down, actually. Would I go to another event if they put one on? Maybe. It was really overpriced for what it was. But I have selective amnesia when it comes to Chocolate experiences. And Bacon.  Do not taunt the Chocolate Fairies! Aloha,
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Archive for ◊ March, 2011 ◊
• Wednesday, March 09th, 2011
Category: Entertainment, Fun Stuff, Hawaii Eats!
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• Monday, March 07th, 2011
Putting your furry friends to rest |
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Put my best kitty pal to sleep this morning, she was very sick. First night without her in fifteen years will be hard, but I didn’t want her to suffer. |
 Ipo Baby 12.26.1996 - 3.7.2011 |
| So she can get a good purr laugh in Heaven…
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Category: Fun Stuff
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• Sunday, March 06th, 2011
Don’t go it alone, I can help! |
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| I have just earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert® (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance, with a particular emphasis on short sales. At a time when millions of homeowners are struggling with the possibility of foreclosure, the skills and education amassed by me will help benefit Oahu area residents and communities.
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 Not a good thing! |
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| Short sales allow the distressed homeowner to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even if it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures. | |||
 If you or anybody you know is facing falling behind on your home payments, call me. I can help.
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Alex Charfen, co-founder and CEO of the Distressed Property Institute in Austin, Texas, said that “Agents such as Biz Kellam with the CDPE Designation have valuable perspective on the market, and training in short sales that can offer homeowners real alternatives to foreclosure, which can be devastating to credit ratings. These experts better understand market conditions than the average agent, and can help sellers through the complications of foreclosure avoidance.” |
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Category: Buyers & Sellers Tips, Press Buzz
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