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Nadine sez...

Cheesecake fans swooned when The Cheesecake Factory arrived, but in the battle for cheesecake supremacy, there's a new kid in town.

While The Cheesecake Factory has got A Taste of New York beat when it comes to variety of flavors, cheesecake purists turn up their noses at the idea of chocolate or Oreos in their cheesecake.

And for some, nothing but size matters, and A Taste of New York wins in that arena. Depending on your point of reference, its size might be compared to a hat box, a drummer's tom or a chef's toque.

Slices of the old-fashioned cheesecake measure about 3-by-8 inches, and staffers say it's not unusual to see four people digging into that slice. Of course the price, at $9.95 per slice plus $1 for cherry or blueberry topping, encourages sharing.

A Taste of New York Deli & Market
1137 11th Ave.
Call: 737-DELI (3354)

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CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM

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Jackie sez ...

I'm a book lover, and love nothing more than finding an early edition of an old, favorite book at a garage sale or used-book drive. With the Library of Hawaii hosting its huge annual book sale at McKinley High beginning Saturday -- more than 100,000 items will be available -- I'll be spending a few hours stocking up on mysteries, thrillers and pop fiction ... so hands off! It all goes to a good cause, your local library.

Michelle sez ...

It's a great inexpensive and activity-packed weekend to spend with the family. First, head over to the Contemporary Museum for the ArtSpree, which is totally free, to participate in the art-related activities, and watch the various demonstrations and performances. Then, it's off to the Leeward side where kids become game pieces at Pearlridge's "Gigantic Games" exhibit, also free for participants. Parents can join in on the fun or snap a few pictures for the family album. Then, after grabbing a quick bite, settle in for a viewing of "Fantastic Four," which, besides the food, is the only thing you'll have to pay admission for.

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