What do you cook in Aulani?

[adamak]

Those who had a kitchen on vacation, what are your favorite things to cook in Oahu? I don't want to do the regular pasta dish that I can do at home. What's fresh stuff can you get in Safeway? At this point, I just plan to eat poke until I can't.

 

[OKW Lover]

Safeway has everything you could want for a meal. I wouldn't begin to narrow it down but suffice to say you can prepare things well beyond a "regular pasta dish". Its just limited by your culinary skills.

 

[happymommy]

We stay at the Marriott next door, and I cook a lot when we're there. I do lots of things on the grill, whatever the family wants (one trip 3 years ago we had a large group, 12 in all at one point in our own villas, so we did a couple of large dinners to share - I got boneless skinless chicken thighs and Yoshida's sauce at Costco, marinated them in large ziploc bags for a couple days, and we had a ton of chicken teriyaki). We also get frozen burgers at Costco - easy to make. We usually get a veggie tray from there, some salads, fruits, and sometimes sashimi.

Also Target has things for breakfast, rice, seaweed, juices.

I try to have a plan for a few meals ahead of time, so I can pack some spices. We tend to stay a long time (always it's been 2 weeks every other year, but next summer I'm going for 4 weeks with my DD, and my DS and DH are coming the last two weeks). I'd rather eat healthy and not spend a fortune eating out! I also bring other kitchen items sometimes, and buy things like Pam cooking spray for the grill and making eggs, nonstick reynolds wrap, but I can bring ziploc bags, food storage containers, extra tongs, etc....

Sometimes I'll make a pasta salad - cook pasta, rinse and cool it, toss tomatoes and cucumbers sliced up and add italian dressing (and I like to add Spike seasoning - it's my go to spice, great on meat and fish too). Let it sit at least a few hours & it's a nice side dish.

We do most of our shopping at Costco and Target (or Walmart). I don't care for Safeway on Oahu, but if there's something I need that can only get there I'll go.

 

[adamak]

Thanks. I like the pasta salad idea. I can take that and eat by the pool. Why don't you care for Safeway? I don't have costco membership. Is Target's grocery selection good enough?

 

[happymommy]

Target's selection is not really that great, honestly! But if we stop there on our way from the airport, it's enough for breakfast items, a couple snacks, some booze (it is vacation) and soft drinks.

I was just spoiled living on Oahu to shop the commissary, so Safeway is often pricey to me. I get into my "cheap" mode when I can do Costco and Walmart and Target, but Safeway is fine really. I just recall buying cereal for like $2 a box and it was $6 at Safeway, or chicken for $3 a pound when it was double that (but that was 20 years ago) so I just had issues with their prices. I had no idea how many locals could afford to shop there. I don't think their prices have risen so much though, and it's better not buying in bulk if you don't need it!

I have run in there for a few ingredients, since they will have what you need. Chili beans (yes, I have made chili, LOL), a few fresh produce things (pricey, but some are).

I would suggest it may be worth it to look into a Costco membership. If you are not satisfied, I believe they will refund you.

They have snorkels too - we've gone through so many sets over the years! My kids started out with the kids' ones (learned very young) then progressed. I learned though to only pack a couple sets as they got older, as not all of us would be out at once.

Between the snorkels, food items, and also stuff to take home for souvenirs (coffees, chocolate covered macs, etc...) it is worth it to shop there. And booze.