Big Island Candies: Cookies & Chocolate in Hilo, Hawaii

(photos credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

A familiar sight on flights departing our of Hilo, Hawaii is passengers carrying packages of treats from Big Island Candies. Since 1977, the company has become known for meeting and maintaing their sole purpose of creating the finest hand-dipped chocolate covered macadamia nut cookies in the world. I was in Hilo again this past week for business and I was among those travelers carrying delicious goodies from Big Island Candies.

Their popular shortbreads are made with locally farmed eggs, Hawaiian cane sugar, no preservatives, high-grade chocolate, locally-grown macadamia nuts and real butter. Their other premium confections are made with equal quality. Visitors to their shop and factory in Hilo, Hawaii can watch through large picture windows the hand-dipping of cookies and macadamia nuts. It's probably not by accident the sweet aroma of baked goods fill the air. Samples are offered to guests as soon as they enter and other samples await among the shelves in the beautifully decorated store.

To prove that chocolate can go with almost anything, their line of Hawaiian Da Kines treats are local favories dipped in chocolate: ika (dried squid), li hing mui (dried sweet-salty plum seeds), mochi balls (ball-shaped Japanese rice crackers), sakura arare (rice crackers in the shape of cherry blossoms) and puffed rice.

But its their shortbread cookies famously diagnolly hand-dipped or plain that are the best. Shortbread cookies come in original, chocolate, chocolate chip, lemon, kona mocha and even sugar-free flavors. Newer versions include coconut, green tea and sesame. Extra indulgence awaits in the caramel and chocolate dipped shortbreads.

Besides the cookies their delicate brownies are becoming favorites. Among their other fine products are macadamia nut biscotti (drizzed in white or chocolate waves) and Kona coffee. Adding to the irresistibility are the exquisite and refined packaging complete with luxurious ribbons are their every changing line of gift boxes filled with various selections of their cookies and candies beautifully displayed in the store and photographed in their catalog.

The company has resisted to expand their retail presence or wholesaling beyond their one shop on the Big Island of Hawaii. However their product are shipped in huge volumes via their mail order and online presence. Even locals find that unless they know someone is returning from Hilo or are willing to pay the express mail shipping charges, enjoying anything from Big Island Candies is a rare treat.

Visit bigislandcandies.com for more information. The gift shop at their factory located at 585 Hinano Street in Hilo, Hawaii (conveniently near Hilo International Airport) is open daily 8:30am-5:30pm.

Goodbye Northwest Airlines Logo

Though Northwest Airlines is no more having been merged into Delta Airlines, the logo should be remembered for its deceptive simplicity. The logo is meant to represent a compass with the little triangle pointing Northwest within the cirlce. Of course the "N" and "W" of "North" "West" is also pictured in the logo graphic. Above were the two incarnations of the logo using the compass design. The logo at top was used from 1989. The "N" in some branding including the entire word "Northwest". The compass was retained but the rest of the logo was replaced in 2003 with the intials of the airline.

Many of us can remember the airlines when it was called Northwest Orient when it sported the logo below.

Broadway Discount Tickets: BroadwayBox.com, Offers and Codes

(photo credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

Many visitors to New York are still unaware of discounted tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway productions outside of the TKTS discount booths. One resource for reduced-priced tickets is BroadwayBox.com which has become a valuable central resource in finding discounts up to 50% well before the day of performance.

Behind These Discount Offers
Most of these discounts are offered in association with marketing campaigns for each production. Some offers present efforts by producers to secure an advance box office. But most are to to fill those unsold seat for show times in the next few weeks. Where the TKTS discount booth is known for its last-minute half-price tickets, the discounts on BroadwayBox.com help producers fill unsold seats with audiences willing to purchase tickets in advance. The ticket buyer receives discounted tickets up to 50% without having to stand in line for an unknown commodity of seats at each show.

For newer shows, the discounts are offered to bring audiences in to build word of mouth. Playbill.com, theatremania.com, broadway.com, broadwayworld.com and the website for each Broadway production allows visitors to sign-up to be on electronic mailing lists. By doing so, ticket buyers are notified when discounts are offered. The discounts on BroadwayBox.com are the similar to these discounts.

These various advance discount offers are for upcoming performance in the next month though some shows will have discounts that extend over a longer period. But don't bother looking for a discounted ticket for a performance six months from today.

These discounts are usually for only select seats in the auditorium. The prime seats are either sold-out or being held for those who may be still willing to pay full-price (or premium prices) closer to the actual performance date. This can mean the seats offered at a discount are only for less popular performance times such as Tuesday or Wednesday night or the last few rows of seats or for seats along the sides. Any seat unsold by these pre-sale marketing efforts will likely be up for grabs at the TKTS booth on the day of performance.

Screen shot of the BroadwayBox.com website home page.

Using BroadwayBox.com
Find on the left the list of Broadway and off-Broadway plays and musicals on the home page. Though often used for New York shows, tabs at the top indicate the website has offers available for productions in London, Las Vegas and Orlando. Two other tabs list offers for concerts and sports. BroadwayBox.com also lists the "High-Demand Shows" that are unlikely to offer any discounts.

Click on the chosen production and you may find multiple offers available. Some discounts are only available to the end of the month while others expires in three months. Some discounts are better than others but each are only offered for limited performances. Two of them may save 35% on regularly-priced seats while the other is 40%. Click "View Discount" or scroll down. Read carefully when the discount expires and for which of the weekly performances and seats in the auditorium it is applicable. Most shows will only have one or two offers available at any one time.

Screen shot of iPhone app

There will be instructions on how to redeem each offer. The key is using the given code which can be used online at each show's authorized ticketing outlet, at the box office or by phone.

Broadway shows that use telecharge.com as the authorized ticket outlet will use broadwayoffers.com for purchase of discounted tickets. The home page will have a box to enter the promotional code. Once entered and accepted a window will open that will show the details of the offer. After that the check-out process is the same as if purchasing full-price tickets online.

For discounts for use on ticketmaster.com, ticket buyers find the performance date first and then apply the code under "Enter offer code/password". Once the code is accepted, ticketmaster.com will indicate which seats are available for the offer.

Ultimately these discounts can mean huge savings for families on vacation and for those seeing as many plays and musicals as possible. A BroadwayBox.com app is available for the iPhone and iPad.

(photo credit: broadwaybox.com)

My Recent Experience Using Discounts & The 'Catch Me If You Can' Discount
I normally visit New York city for a week where I could see up to ten shows. These discounts have allowed me to save at least two-hundred dollars or more in total on some of these production each year. My visit to New York this year provided savings at 'Catch Me If You Can', 'Sister Act', 'Priscilla, Queen of the Dessert' and 'Death Takes a Holiday'. The ticket I purchased for 'Catch Me If You Can' is normally priced $137. But a discount offer provided a savings of $62 dropping the price to $75 for a front row center orchestra aisle seat for a Friday night. A discount as good as this one for such a great seat on a prime night is rare and speaks more of the show's struggle at the box office rather than the quality of the production.

As for the other shows I saw, 'The Book of Mormon' had no offers available while discounts  for other musicals such as 'How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying' and 'War Horse' were for very bad seat locations that I opted to pay full price for these shows.

How Much Does A Broadway Show Cost To Produce?

'Shrek the Musical' cost $25 million 

The New York Times published an article this week by Patrick Healy called "The Staggering Cost of Broadway" with comments by producer Maria Friedman ('Boeing-Boeing', 'The Norman Conquests' and 'La Cage Aux Folles' revivals). It's an enlightening article that goes into some detail about explaining the economics of producing a musical or play on Broadway. It also gives insight on why ticket prices are so high in New York.

The article reveals some interesting facts and figures:

• The 2011 London revival of Harold Pinter's play 'Betrayal' cost £350,000 (about $565,000) on the West End and an additional £65,000 ($105,000) to pay weekly operating costs. The same production would cost $2.8 million on Broadway.
• Only about 20 percent to 30 percent of new shows each year turn a profit on Broadway.
• Union-negotiated contracts also stipulate the number and wages of crew members, musicians and others who are expected to work on a Broadway show; there is far greater flexibility in London.
• Broadway plays cost at least $2.5 million to mount.
• Intimate Broadway musicals that hold down expenses (such as 'Next to Normal') can cost $4 million.
• Bigger-scale Broadway musicals can cost $10 million to $15 million. 
• 'The Book of Mormon' cost $9 million.
• 'Shrek the Musical' cost $25 million 
• 'Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark' cost $75 million

Click HERE for the full article on nytimes.com.

'Spider-Man Turn Off The Dark' cost $75 million

'Ghost The Musical': Trailer & What The Press Said

Check out the brand new official trailer for 'Ghost The Musical'. The pre-West End run finished seven weeks of performances with 100,000 people seeing the show. The show is now playing at the Piccadilly Theatre in London. Click HERE to see more videos from the musical. 'Ghost The Musical' Original Cast Recording available on CD.

From the press....

Charles Spencer for The Daily Telegraph: "This may not be a great musical, but it is a highly entertaining one that looks to set to keep audiences laughing, gasping and sniffing back the tears for a long time to come."

Paul Taylor for The Independent: "It's all seamlessly inventive and full of synaesthetic pleasures, but it can't fully compensate for the shallowness in other department."

Henry Hitchings for The Evening Standard: "With Superb special effects and engaging performances, Matthew Warchus's production certainly has plenty of dazzle."

See the previous post for production photographs. Click HERE for the full set of posts about 'Ghost The Musical'. For more info visit ghostthemusical.com.

At Opening Night: 'Ghost The Musical' stars Andrew Langtree (Carl), Cassie Levy (Molly),
Richard Fleeshman (Sam) and Sharon D Clarke (Oda Mae Brown).
(photo credit: Sean Ebsworth Barnes)

'Ghost The Musical' Opening Night in London

'Ghost The Musical' at the Piccadilly Theatre

Cassie Levy and Richard Fleeshman
(all production photos: Sean Ebsworth Barnes)

The much anticipated production of 'Ghost The Musical' officially opened at the Piccadilly Theatre in London on July 19 after previewing from June 24. The musical is currently booking for performances to January 28, 2012.

Reading about the combination of the stars and creative talents and seeing photos of the pre-West End run, this is one of the few times I was immediately taken to consider seeing a movie turned stage musical. Normally I immediately question on what purpose can be had bu adapting the film for the theatre. Until I get to see the production to give a real assessment, this post includes new production photographs. The next post will include the musical's trailer and review excerpts from the popular press. Click HERE for the full set of posts about 'Ghost The Musical' including those regarding the pre-West End tryout run.

Matthew Warchus directs 'Ghost The Musical' starring Richard Fleeshman and Caissie Levy as Sam and Molly in the roles made famous by Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. Co-starring are Sharon D. Clarke as Oda Mae Brown and Andrew Langtree as Carl in the roles originated on film by Whoopi Goldberg and Tony Goldwyn. The musical features new music by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics and Glenn Ballard and features the classic song "Unchained Melody" iconically associated with the film. Bruce Joel Rubin adapts his Oscar winning screenplay for the stage. 'Ghost The Musical' Original Cast Recording available on CD.

'Ghost The Musical' is a timeless fantasy about the power of love. Walking back to their apartment one night, Sam and Molly are mugged, leaving Sam murdered on a dark street. Sam is trapped as a ghost between this world and the next and unable to leave Molly who he learns is in grave danger. With the help of a phony storefront psychic, Oda Mae Brown, Sam tries to communicate with Molly in hope of saving and protecting her.  Learn more at ghostthemusical.com.

Caissie Levy and Richard Fleeshman

Caissie Levy and Richard Fleeshman

Caissie Levy

Caissie Levy and Richard Fleeshman

Richard Fleeshman and members of 'Ghost The Musical' company.

Sharon D. Clarke

Andrew Langtree

Richard Fleeshman, Caissie Levy and Andrew Langtree

'The Book of Mormon' Shop: I Went to New York And This Is the T-Shirt That I Bought

Not on the best terms with God today? Express your true feelings with the
 Hasa Tee. "Hasa Diga Eebowai" means "F*@# You, God" in the native Ugandan
 language. Please refer to track #4 on the Book of Mormon Original Cast Recording.

You know a couple of months ago I wrote a post about a website where people could post their crap souvenirs. Well I may or may not have succumbed to making such purchases on my recent visit to New York City. But in the euphoria after seeing the hysterical musical 'The Book of Mormon' all logic was pushed aside as I left with not one but three t-shirts (or tees). Now I rarely fall prey to making purchases at the concession stand at musicals other than the souvenir program and poster so the fact that I purchased these tees says something about either the quality of the musical (written by Trey Parker & Matt Stone of "South Park" fame with Robert Lopez of 'Avenue Q' fame) or my enjoyment of the show or both.

Besides the standard tee of the logo slapped on the front of the shirt, marketers have taken advantage of the humor and subject of the show for other shirt designs. This is one of the few shows in recent memory where the concession stand was still quite busy even after everyone exited the auditorium. Based on what I observed at the show, the "Hasa Diga Eebowai" was the top seller.

Visit bookofmormonbroadwaystore.com to purchase these tees and other collectibles from the show's Mission Shop. These tees sell for $30-$35 online (before shipping) and at the show. Manufactured of 100% cotton they are available in sizes small to X-Large. All photos and tee descriptions (above and below) from the 'The Book of Mormon' Mission Shop page.

Wear this tee and fit right in with your Mormon Missionary friends!
Tee features tie image on front with 'The Book of Mormon' logo and
name tag with the phrase "God's Favorite Musical".

Above and below: Standard tee with the 'The Book of Mormon' logo on
the front. Back of the shirt says "God's Favorite Musical" in orange.

The LEGO Aloha Tower by LEAHI

The Aloha Tower in LEGO form
(image credit: TheHopefulTraveler)

The Aloha Tower today
(image credit: davidkoshi/flickr)

It seems this is a trend for this week. Another post about LEGO. This time about one of Hawaii's most recognizable landmarks, the iconic Aloha Tower, replicated into LEGO brick form. On my way to view a Saturday matinee I came across the Kid's Day event today at the Kahala Mall shopping center. It featured a display of the tower and other creations by LEAHI (LEGO Enthusiasts Association of Hawaii).

The real Aloha Tower opened in 1926 and is located on Pier 9 of Honolulu Harbor. Today the tower greets passengers arriving via cruise ship into Honolulu. At 10 stories and 184 feet in height, the Aloha Tower was for decades the tallest structure in the state. Visitors can visit the Aloha Tower for free daily from 9:30am to 5pm and view the city from any one of its four viewing balconies. The Aloha Tower Marketplace, a shopping and dining destination, surrounds the tower.

The Aloha Tower in the 1930s
(image: alohatower.com)

The LEGO Qantas A380 Plane

(all photos: thebrickman.com)

The previous post covered the appearance of the LEGO Love Boat at Brickworld Chicago by creator Ryan McNaught. After viewing his website thebrickman.com, I couldn't help to admire his LEGO replica of a Qantas A380 jumbo jet complete with detailed interior for the 2010 Brickworld convention.

Comprised of 35,000 LEGO pieces and measuring seven feet in length and six feet wide, the model took Australian McNaught eight months to build. Moving parts of the model include the front landing gear, two rear landing gear doors and parts of the wing. The interior reveals passengers stretching their legs in the aisles and reclining in their seats.

Visit thebrickman.com to learn more about McNaught's LEGO masterpieces and view more photos of the LEGO Qantas A380.

The LEGO Love Boat at Brickworld Chicago

(all photos: thebrickman.com)

Of particular interest at this year's Brickworld, the largest convention of adult fans of LEGO to share their creations of LEGO bricks, held in Chicago last month is the LEGO Love Boat. With interest from cruisers, travelers and LEGO afficionados alike, the creation received national coverage especially when Gavin MacLeod who played Captain Stubing on the television series "The Love Boat" made at appearance along the LEGO designer and brick creation of his boat.

Created by 36-year-old Australian Ryan McNaught, one of only 12 certified LEGO builders in the world, the LEGO Love Boat (as it was dubbed in the press) is made up of more 250,000 LEGO bricks evoking the original Pacific Princess cruise ship that was the setting for the long running television series.

The LEGO ship measures over ten-feet long by five-feet high and includes 450 miniature people, a moving anchor, bow thruster, propeller and a lifeboat that can be raised and lowered. Visit McNaught's website thebrickman.com to see more of his LEGO creations.

Rewind NYC: La Maison Du Chocolat

The Rockefeller Center location on 49th Street. A second entrance is
 located along the 30 Rockefeller conccourse.
(image credit: Kevin Sharkey)

Since I did not have a chance to visit La Maison du Chocolat during my visit to New York last week, I thought I would take a look back when I visited this chocolate boutique in 2008.

Decadent and expensive. Two simple words to describe the not so simple confections at La Maison du Chocolat. Many would see such a shop as strictly for fans of high-end chocolate delights but it probably wouldn't hurt to try one of the blissfully sweet treats at least once.

The boutique's timeless array of chocolate ganaches start at about $2 per piece or available in signature boxes ($9-$75). Otherwise choose from their collection of pralines, fruited chocolates, eclairs, tarts and cakes.

The shop has become famous for their macarons. Despite costing almost $3 per piece don't be surprised to find the the shop sold out of these creations before closing each day. Various flavors of ganache (raspberry, Arabica coffee, salted caramel) are sandwiched between soft Macaron shells. Definitely heavenly delights to partake once in a while. Couple it with one their chocolate drinks for that extra indulgence ($9).

The boutiques selection of macarons.
(image credit: nicknamemiket/flickr)

Chocolates in the display case.
(image credit: abakedcreation.com)

The company's fine creations are sold online at lamaisonduchocolat.com. The New York boutiques are the only retail locations in the United States. International boutiques are located in Paris, Cannes, London, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Some items are not sold online and may be exclusive to the boutiques. Back in 2008 I picked up a selection of preserves that I'm not sure are still available. For those traveling, the boutique also sells insulated bags to cushion the delicate chocolates for the journey home.

Visit lamaisonduchocolat.com for more information. The boutique at 30 Rockefeller Center is on 49th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-7pm; Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 12pm-6pm. Other Manhattan locations: 1018 Madison Avenue (the first New York location which opened in 1990) on the Upper East Side and 63 Wall Street.

Learn about the recipes from the La Maison du Chocolat pastry chefs in these books:
La Maison du Chocolat: Timeless Classics with a Twist by Gilles Marchal
La Maison du Chocolat: Transcendent Desserts by the Legendary Chocolatier and the company's founder Robert Linxe

Interior of Rockefeller Center location.
(image credit: abakedcreation.com)

My purchases from 2008: square of chocolates, preserves and insulated bag.
(image credit: TheHopefulTraveler)