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Nadine sez...

A trip to the North Shore with friends provides a nice break before the crazy season, whether you're thinking ahead to the holidays or the traffic that rolls in with the winter surf.

But, be careful who you bring if you're stopping for shave ice. Some townies can't go anywhere without whining, whether it's about the long lines in front of Matsumoto's or the lack of condensed milk and mochi balls.

Come on, this is the country.

Townies who need their condensed milk and mochi ball fix should stay where they are and head to Waiola Store where a small shave ice runs $1.75 for two flavors and a large runs $2. Each add-on (mochi balls, condensed milk, azuki beans, vanilla ice cream) costs 50 cents. I must admit, condensed milk does lend a smooth, creamy consistency. Just the remedy for our continuing steamy weather.

» Place: Waiola Store, 2135 Waiola St.
» Call: 949-2269

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Betty sez ...

The Taste at Kapolei has a lot of positives that have nothing to do with food:

» It's on the west side, where dining events of this magnitude are few.
» The ticket price is reasonable for an all-you-can-eat event.
» The family can come because it's outdoors and has a Kids Zone (catered by McDonald's). Not to mention the fireworks in the end.

Most important, though, is the cause: scholarship and educational programs for Leeward schools. The eating's not bad, either, with 20 restaurants participating. They range from the hometown Azul and Roy's from right there in Ko Olina, to Bluwater Grill, from all the way across town in Hawaii Kai.

The event runs 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Ko Olina Resort's fourth lagoon. Tickets are $60 in advance; $75 at the door. Children are $30. Buy tickets at Kapolei Chevron or Kunia 76. Call 275-3010.

Michelle sez ...

I enjoyed the movie "The Full Monty" so I'm looking forward to seeing Diamond Head Theatre's production of the humorous musical. I've been told that the performers are going "full monty," but we'll see.

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