It’s finally my favorite season of the year — Christmas!This year, I’ve been attending so many Christmas parties that I haven’t been able to blog as much as I wanted. Today, I’m excited to share a little story from our pink-themed Christmas party, which we hosted for Leo’s daycare friends a couple of weekends ago.…
Last weekend, we went and visited Seattle Aquarium. We were all excited for the new renovated aquarium. It was a such a fun family outing. 지난 주말, 가족 모두가 기대하던 시애틀 아쿠아리움(Seattle Aquarium)에 다녀왔어요.리노베이션된 새로운 아쿠아리움이 오픈했다고 해서 정말 설레는 마음으로 출발했습니다.오랜만에 가족끼리 즐거운 주말 나들이였어요. Seattle Aquarium https://share.google/xvkx6Fvjzj10CyEJ7 Tickets:Adult ticket is $50, and kids…
A few days ago, I shared a little story on Threads about living with my in-laws.I honestly didn’t expect such a warm response… but so many of you left the kindest comments, and it truly meant a lot to me. 🥹 며칠 전에 스레드에 시부모님과 같이 사는 이야기를 올렸는데생각보다 너무 많은 분들이 따뜻한 댓글을 남겨주셔서…
In Korean culture, food is everything. We say “Did you eat?” instead of “Hello.” My mom was the same — she cooked the most amazing meals for our family, three times a day, every single day. And one of her very best recipes was Galbi (갈비, Korean short ribs).
Now here I am, living in Seattle with my own family, slowly becoming a true K-mom like her. For me and Leo’s birthday dinner, I decided to bring back that tradition and cook Galbi at home. It turned out so delicious, and my whole family loved it. 💛
한국 문화에서 밥과 음식은 정말 중요한 존재예요. 우리는 “안녕?” 대신 “밥 먹었어?”라고 묻곤 하잖아요. 저희 엄마도 마찬가지였어요. 매일 아침부터 저녁까지, 온 가족을 위해 정말 맛있는 식사를 해주셨죠. 가족들 밥 먹이는 게 우리 엄마의 사명이었던 듯해요. 그 중 가장 자신 있는 레시피가 바로 갈비였어요.
이제 나도 시애틀에서 내 가족과 함께 살다보니 점점 더 엄마처럼 K-엄마가 되어가고 있어요. 이번에 Leo 생일 겸 제 생일 저녁으로, 집에서 갈비를 만들어보기로 했답니다. 결과는… 너무 맛있었고, 우리 가족 모두가 완전 행복했다는 💛
🥢 What you need
Beef short ribs – I used American Wagyu Short Ribs from Costco (so good for special dinners!) but any short rib works since the marinade does the magic.
소갈비 – 저는 특별한 날이라 코스트코 미국산 와규 갈비 사용했어요. (와규 아니어도 양념 덕분에 충분히 맛있어요!)
양파 1개
사과 또는 아시아 배 1개
마늘 15쪽
미림 1컵 (또는 남은 스프라이트/배즙 사용 가능)
간장 1컵
설탕 ½컵
매실 농축액 3큰술
참기름 2큰술
후추 약간
*(👉 온라인에서 쉽게 구할 수 있는 아시아 배와 제가 추천하는 미림 브랜드 링크 참고!) *
🥢 Steps to make Galbi
Soak the ribs in Sprite (or Coke) for 2 hours to tenderize the meat and draw out impurities.
Rinse under running water.
Blend onion, apple/pear, garlic, and Mirin until smooth.
Add soy sauce, sugar, plum concentrate, sesame oil, and pepper.
Marinate ribs in this mixture for at least 2 days in the fridge. (If you want to save some, freeze after marinating — it’s a lifesaver for busy moms!)
Cook on skillet, stove, or grill — whatever you have.
The result? Juicy, tender, flavorful Galbi that tastes just like home. We literally finished everything in one sitting.
Cooking this recipe made me feel closer to my mom — and I can’t wait to pass this tradition on to Leo too. 💛 Would you like me to share more of my K-mom recipes here on the blog? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
이 레시피를 만들면서, 엄마가 해주던 그 맛과 정성을 다시 느낄 수 있었어요. Leo와 함께 이 전통을 이어가고 싶네요 💛 혹시 제 K-맘 레시피 더 보고 싶으세요? 댓글로 알려주시면 더 많이 공유할게요! 오늘도 읽어줘서 감사합니다.
As parents, the space we think about the most—and the space our kids spend the most time in—is definitely the playzone. Today I’m sharing the IKEA kids’ items we’ve been loving,plus a few extra pieces that make our play area feel warm, cozy, and functional.(All product details are listed below 👇) 아이가 집에서 가장 오래…
Welcome! I’m Ran, your favorite K-Mom friend. Blending my Korean roots with everyday mom life, I love sharing practical tips, K-mom recipes, self-care routines, and family moments that inspire joy and balance. 💛 안녕하세요! 여러분의 K-맘 프렌드, 란입니다.한국적인 뿌리와 매일의 엄마 라이프를 섞어가며 실용적인 팁, K-맘 레시피, 셀프케어 루틴, 그리고 가족과의 순간들을 공유하고 있어요. 💛…
Starbucks just dropped the cutest new merch —I couldn’t resist, so I got a few pieces myself. 🤎The Hello Kitty items were already gone (of course 🥲),but these little bear cups are adorable. 요즘 스타벅스 신상 굿즈들이 너무 귀엽게 나왔더라구요 🤎나도 결국 몇 개 Get!유명한 헬로키티 시리즈는 이미 품절이었지만 🥲곰돌이 컵들이 너무 귀여워서 친구 생일…
Welcome! I’m Ran, your favorite K-Mom friend. Blending my Korean roots with everyday mom life, I love sharing practical tips, self-care routines, and family moments that inspire joy and balance. 💛
안녕하세요, K-Mom 란입니다. 한국적인 뿌리와 일상 속 엄마의 삶을 함께 녹여내며, 실용적인 팁과 셀프케어 루틴, 그리고 가족과의 소소한 행복을 나누고 있어요. 💛
The first week of September is always a busy one for our family because it’s both Leo’s and my birthday! Our special days are only four days apart. This year, Leo turned 2 years old. I can’t believe how fast time flies—I still remember how tiny he was when he was born, and now he’s a big boy who talks nonstop!
9월 첫째 주는 우리 가족에게 항상 바쁜 시기예요. 바로 저와 레오의 생일이 있기 때문이죠! 저희 생일은 4일 차이밖에 안 나는데요, 올해 레오는 두 돌을 맞이했어요. 시간이 정말 빠르죠. 아기 때 작디작던 모습이 아직도 생생한데, 이제는 하루 종일 말도 잘하고 활발한 꼬마가 되었답니다.
Last year, we threw a big birthday party for him with family and friends, but this year we kept it small and cozy, just for us. For our combined birthday dinner, we splurged on Japanese A5 Wagyu beef from Costco (the marbling was gorgeous!) and also picked up prime beef ribs to make Galbi—Korean marinated short ribs that are savory, tender, and full of flavor. We did Korean BBQ style cut and steak cut for the special day.
작년에는 가족과 친구들을 초대해 성대하게 돌잔치를 했는데, 올해는 가족끼리만 조용하고 아늑하게 보냈어요. 생일 저녁을 위해 코스트코에서 일본 A5 와규를 사왔는데, 마블링이 정말 예술이었어요! 그리고 갈비도 함께 준비했답니다. 갈비는 한국식 양념 소갈비로, 짭조름하면서도 감칠맛 나는 최고의 요리죠.
For Leo’s cake, we went with the cutest Baby Shark cake from Tous les Jours, a Korean bakery near H Mart in Bellevue. It cost $47, which is a little pricey, but it came with singing Baby Shark toppers that double as toys. Totally worth it! Leo loved it—especially since Baby Shark is one of his favorite songs.
레오의 케이크는 벨뷰 H 마트 옆에 있는 한국 베이커리 ‘뚜레쥬르’에서 샀어요. 아기 상어 케이크였는데, 가격은 47달러로 조금 비쌌지만, 노래하는 아기 상어 피규어 토퍼가 들어있어 장난감으로도 쓸 수 있었어요. 무엇보다 아기 상어는 레오가 제일 좋아하는 노래라서 정말 딱 맞는 케이크였답니다. 🎂
He also enjoyed the Wagyu so much, asking for more over and over. Watching him enjoy the food (and blow out his candles multiple times because he loved it so much) made the night even more special.
레오는 와규도 너무 맛있게 먹으면서 계속 “더, 더!”를 외쳤고, 촛불 끄는 것도 너무 좋아해서 여러 번 불어보게 해줬어요. 그런 모습이 너무 귀엽고 사랑스러웠어요. 새삼스레 언제 이렇게 컸나 하고 눈물이 찔끔.
Leo was showered with gifts from us, his grandparents, and other loved ones—he is such a lucky and loved little boy. 💛 (I will share the reviews on his toys he got in the future posting. Stay Tune!) As for me, I was spoiled too! My husband gifted me a Labubu “Fall in the Wild” figure that I had on my wishlist forever, plus a pair of Hunter boots I’ve wanted since moving to Seattle. I can’t wait to wear them this fall!
선물도 정말 많이 받았어요. 저희와 할아버지, 할머니, 그리고 다른 가족과 친구들까지 레오를 가득 사랑해주셔서 너무 감사했답니다. 저 역시 남편에게서 너무 멋진 선물을 받았어요. 오랫동안 위시리스트에 있던 라부부(Labubu) 피규어 ‘Fall in the Wild’와, 시애틀에 이사 오면서부터 갖고 싶었던 헌터 부츠까지! 올가을에 신을 생각을 하니 벌써 설레네요. 🍂
That was our cozy little birthday celebration this year. What about you—how do you like to celebrate your kiddo’s birthday? 🎂 I’ll also be sharing my Galbi marinade recipe in my next post, so stay tuned. Thanks for reading!
이렇게 우리 가족의 소박하지만 특별했던 생일 파티가 마무리되었답니다. 여러분은 아이 생일을 어떻게 보내시나요? 저는 다음 글에서 갈비 양념 레시피를 소개할 예정이니, 꼭 다시 방문해주세요! 읽어주셔서 감사합니다. 💛
Weekends are always for the park.When we decided to move to the Seattle area, it was mainly for one reason —to raise our child surrounded by nature. 주말이면 늘 아이 데리고 동네 공원에 갑니다. 시애틀로 이사 오기로 한 가장 큰 이유도아이에게 좋은 자연 환경을 주고 싶어서 였어요. Now, whenever we visit little playgrounds tucked inside…
How about a matching scarf moment this winter?I’m really into this kind of effortless, minimal styling —it looks cozy, warm, and still feels so chic. 🤎 이번 겨울엔 역시 이런 신경 안 쓴 듯 자연스러운 스카프 스타일링이 대세인 듯!코지하고 따뜻해 보이면서도, 세련된 무드가 딱 내 스타일 🤎 Try pairing your scarf with your jacket in…
Welcome! I’m Ran, your favorite K-Mom friend. 요즘 완전 빠진 홈 네일 키트 💅🏻 I found the perfect mom-friendly nail kit — and honestly, everyone thinks it’s my real nails. 😂Every time I wear them, someone says, “Your nails look so pretty!” 이거 붙이면 진짜 다들 “네일 어디서 했어?” 라고 물어봐!가짜 네일인데 너무 자연스럽고 예뻐서…
Last Sunday, our family spent the day at Remlinger Farm in Carnation—a nostalgic trip for my husband, whose parents used to take him there for the pumpkin patch when he was little. For my in-laws, this was their first visit back in over twenty years, making the day feel extra special.
지난 일요일, 저희 가족은 카네이션에 있는 렘링거 팜(Remlinger Farm) 으로 피크닉을 다녀왔어요. 시댁 부모님이 예전에 남편을 어릴 적에 펌킨 패치에 여기에 데려오셨던 추억이 있다고 하시더라구요. 남편과 시부모님은 이번 방문이 무려 20여 년 만의 첫 방문이었답니다.
🎟 Admission was around $29 per person (children under two are free—so Leo was happily our little free rider!). At first, we thought the price was a bit steep, but once we saw how many rides and activities were included, it turned out to be a great value.
입장료는 어른 1인당 약 $29이었고, 레오는 2세 미만이라 무료였어요. 처음에는 조금 비싸다고 생각했는데, 막상 들어가 보니 농장에서 즐길 수 있는 다양한 놀이기구와 액티비티를 생각하면 정말 알찬 가격이었어요.
Meeting the Animals 🐐
We started in the small barn, where Leo got to meet farm animals up close for the very first time. His eyes lit up as he touched the goats and bunnies—animals he had only ever seen in books or on TV. Watching him discover them in real life was such a joy. There were donkeys, goats, sheeps, pig, rabbits and chickens. We saw donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, and chickens. They seemed a little tired, which I guess makes sense — being surrounded by people all day and getting petted nonstop must be exhausting!
먼저 작은 헛간에 가서 동물들을 구경했어요. 레오에게는 인생 첫 농장 동물 만남이었는데, 책이나 TV에서만 보던 동물들을 실제로 보니 너무 신기해하고 만져보면서 즐거워하더라구요. 동물들도 토끼, 돼지, 당나귀, 염소, 양, 그리고 닭 등 다양하게 있었어요. 동물들이 조금 우울해보였다는게 아쉬웠다는… 그래 너희도 갇혀서 매일 사람들이 만지고 구경하면 싫겠지ㅠㅠ
Rides & Toddler-Friendly Fun 🎠
Once we entered the main area, we were surprised by how many rides the farm offered—and the best part? Most of them were toddler-friendly! We took a scenic ride on the mini train around the farm, cruised twice on the antique cars (Leo’s absolute favorite), and he even rode the boat ride, carousel, and bunny ride all by himself.
그다음에는 본격적인 놀이기구와 액티비티가 있는 메인 구역으로 갔는데, 생각보다 탈 것이 정말 많아서 깜짝 놀랐어요. 특히 좋은 점은 대부분의 놀이기구가 아이 친화적이라서, 레오처럼 아직 어린 아기들도 탈 수 있다는 거였어요. 저희는 가족이 함께 농장을 도는 미니 기차도 타고, 레오가 가장 좋아한 앤티크 자동차는 두 번이나 탔답니다. 레오는 혼자 보트, 회전목마, 토끼 라이드를 타기도 했어요.
Beating the Summer Heat ☀️
Since it was nearly 90 degrees that day, we were ready for a break after a few rides. Thankfully, we found the bouncy area under the shade —Leo’s paradise! He jumped, ran, and laughed nonstop for almost 30 minutes. Honestly, we had just as much fun watching him as he did playing.
그날은 기온이 90도에 달해서 금방 지치긴 했지만, 다행히 ‘바운스 하우스’ 구역을 발견했어요. 레오가 정말 좋아해서 거의 30분 동안 뛰고 구르며 신나게 놀았답니다. 처음엔 남편이랑 저도 같이 뛰었는데, 이거 정말 힘들더라구요? 저희는 금방 지쳐서 앉아있었다는…
Picnic & Lunch 🥪
We packed homemade bagel sandwiches (yes, you can bring your own food and drinks inside!) and added on a few bites from the farm café—garden salad, French fries, and two cold Cokes. The food was fresh, tasty, and reasonably priced, which was such a nice surprise for a family-friendly spot like this.
We also noticed a large birthday party area on site. With affordable food, endless activities, and space for kids to run wild, Remlinger Farm seems like a dream venue for children’s parties.
점심은 저희가 직접 만든 베이글 샌드위치를 가져가서 먹었고, 농장 안에서 샐러드, 콜라 2잔, 그리고 감자튀김을 사 먹었어요. 농장 내 음식이 꽤 맛있고 가격도 합리적이라 마음에 들었어요. 전체적으로 가족 친화적인 분위기라 파티를 하기에도 좋더라구요. 실제로 생일 파티 공간이 크게 마련되어 있어서 아이들 생일 장소로도 정말 추천할 만해요. 외부 음식 들고 들어갈 수 있게 해주는 것도 좋더라구요.
Final Thoughts 🌻
Our day at Remlinger Farm was everything you’d want in a summer family outing—fun rides, great food, happy kids, and just the right mix of nostalgia and new memories. We’ll definitely be back again. What a perfect summer picnic it turned out to be. If you have any other picnic place recommendations, please share with me on the comment!
저희 가족은 정말 즐거운 시간을 보내고 왔고, 꼭 다시 가보고 싶을 만큼 만족스러웠습니다. 정말 즐거운 여름 가족 피크닉이었어요 🌻 가족 단위로 놀러가실 곳 찾는다면 추천해요. 아이 데리고 피크닉 할 수 있는 다른 재미있는 곳 아시면 추천해 주세요.
Everyone’s been showing off their Trader Joe’s mini tote bags today — so of course, I went out after dinner to see if I could grab one too. 😅But apparently my neighborhood moms are on another level… totally sold out! Not even one left. So instead, I picked up a few other little treasures to…
Welcome! I’m Ran, your favorite K-Mom friend. Blending my Korean roots with everyday mom life, I love sharing practical tips, K-mom recipes, self-care routines, and family moments that inspire joy and balance. 💛 안녕하세요! 여러분의 K-맘 프렌드, 란입니다.한국적인 뿌리와 매일의 엄마 라이프를 섞어가며 실용적인 팁, K-맘 레시피, 셀프케어 루틴, 그리고 가족과의 순간들을 공유하고 있어요. 💛…
Welcome! I’m Ran, your favorite K-Mom friend. Blending my Korean roots with everyday mom life, I love sharing practical tips, K-mom recipes, self-care routines, and family moments that inspire joy and balance. 💛 안녕하세요! 여러분의 K-맘 프렌드, 란입니다.한국적인 뿌리와 매일의 엄마 라이프를 섞어가며 실용적인 팁, K-맘 레시피, 셀프케어 루틴, 그리고 가족과의 순간들을 공유하고 있어요. 💛…
Leo, my almost 2-year-old, goes to daycare during the day, and one of my favorite little routines is taking him to the park after I pick him up. I just love watching him run around and enjoy himself—it feels like pure joy. I also try to explore different parks so he can have new little adventures.
Last week, we checked out the splash pad at Urban Plaza in Kirkland, and later last week, had a sweet playdate with his friend Sena at Tot Lot Park.
We recently checked out the splash pad at Urban Plaza—perfect for toddlers. Parking is easy, there’s a QFC nearby for quick grocery runs, Shake Shack for snacks, and Starbucks for parents’ coffee breaks. 🌞💦
The splash pad has toys, a bubble machine, and even clean towels provided. Plus, a big playground right next door means more playtime after splashing around. Ideal spot for a summer afternoon with little ones!
커클랜드 어반 플라자 안에 스플래쉬 패드가 있어서, 아이들 데리고 오후에 놀기 딱 좋아요. 🏖️ 주차는 어반 플라자 주차장을 이용하면 되고, QFC도 있어서 놀고 난 뒤 장보기도 편리해요. 엄마 입장에서는 일석이조! 😉 바로 옆에는 Shake Shack Burger도 있어서 아이들 간식을 사기 좋고, 스타벅스도 마주 보고 있어서 아이들 보는 동안 커피 한 잔 하기도 편리해요. 공간도 깨끗하고 관리가 잘 되어 있어서 만족스러워요.
여름 시즌에는 아이들이 놀 수 있는 장난감과 버블 머신까지 설치되어 있고, 깨끗한 타월도 제공해준답니다. 이 얼마나 좋은 공간인지! 게다가 스플래쉬 패드 바로 옆에는 큰 공원과 플레이그라운드도 있어서, 물놀이 후 바로 옆 공원으로 이동해 더 놀 수도 있어요. 여름에 아이들 데리고 방문하기 딱 좋은 장소랍니다. 🌞💦
탓 랏 파크는 이번에 처음 가봤는데 정말 신기한 놀이터더라구요. 사람들이 더이상 안쓰는 장난감, 특히 자동차 장난감들을 잔뜩 갖다놔서 아이들이 정말 정신없이 좋아하고 시간 가는 줄 모르고 놀았어요. 친구 세나랑 같이 이 자동차, 저 자동차 다 타보고 만져보고 뛰어다니는 모습이 얼마나 귀엽던지! 둘이 나란히 앉아서 중간에 간식도 먹고, 또 모래놀이 하면서 한 참을 더 놀다가 집에 왔내요. 리오가 생각보다도 더 좋아해서 앞으로 자주 갈 예정이에요. 옆에 예쁜 가든이 있어서 꽃구경 하는 재미도 있었어요.
We visited Tot Lot Park for the first time recently, and it was such a fun discovery! 😆 The park has lots of toys that people no longer use, especially little cars, and Leo couldn’t get enough. Watching him and his friend Sena zooming around, climbing in and out of cars, and running everywhere was just too cute! 💕
They had a snack break in the middle, played in the sand for a while longer, and eventually headed home. Leo loved it even more than I expected, so I can see us coming back here often. Plus, there’s a beautiful garden right next to the playground, so we got to enjoy some flower watching too.
We’re always looking for new toddler-friendly spots in Kirkland. Which parks do you and your kiddos love? Share with me in the comments!
여기 말고도 아이들이랑 가기 좋은 Kirkland 공원 더 있으면 추천해주세요! 댓글 남겨주시면 감사합니다. 마미들, 오늘도 좋은 하루 되세요~
Welcome! I’m Ran, your favorite K-Mom friend. Blending my Korean roots with everyday mom life, I love sharing practical tips, K-mom recipes, self-care routines, and family moments that inspire joy and balance. 💛 안녕하세요! 여러분의 K-맘 프렌드, 란입니다.한국적인 뿌리와 매일의 엄마 라이프를 섞어가며 실용적인 팁, K-맘 레시피, 셀프케어 루틴, 그리고 가족과의 순간들을 공유하고 있어요. 💛…
As you know, I’m a fashion designer — and I love to dress up. But what I love even more is dressing up my kid. 🥰I try my best not to go overboard with shopping since kids grow so fast and most clothes only last a few months. But still… I can’t resist picking up…
Welcome! I’m Ran, your favorite K-Mom friend.Blending my Korean roots with everyday mom life, I love sharing practical tips, K-mom recipes, self-care routines, and family moments that inspire joy and balance. 💛 It’s getting cold and rainy here in Seattle, and I’ve been loving the crisp air and the beautiful autumn leaves.With this weather, I…
It was our 3rd anniversary on August 6th, so we decided to treat ourselves to a fancy dinner—something we hadn’t done in a while. With a toddler at home, date nights are rare since finding a babysitter isn’t easy. That’s why this night out felt extra special.
We chose The Butcher’s Table, one of the most highly rated steakhouses in Seattle.
올해 8월 6일은 우리 결혼 3주년이었어요! 그래서 정말 오랜만에 제대로 데이트다운 데이트를 해보기로 했어요. 아기랑 같이 지내다 보면, babysitter 구하기도 쉽지 않고… 둘이서만 저녁 먹으러 나간 게 정말 얼마 만인지 모르겠어요. 이번엔 시애틀에서 제일 평이 좋은 스테이크하우스 중 하나인 The Butcher’s Table에 가봤어요. 완전 기대하고 갔는데 진짜 너무 좋았어요.
Parking downtown is usually a nightmare, but we found a free lot across the street at the Amazon building—what a nice surprise!
먼저 주차! 레스토랑 바로 맞은편 Amazon 건물 주차장에 댔는데 주차가 무료였어요…! Downtown에서 이게 말이 되나요? 😂 (이것만으로도 벌써 기분 좋아짐.)
The restaurant itself is stunning. Upstairs has a more casual, bar-lounge feel with leather chairs, dark wood tables, and high ceilings. We were seated downstairs in a cozy corner booth overlooking the dining area, which felt much more like a classic steakhouse. The interior downstairs was gorgeous: black-and-wood accents, a wine-colored marble wall behind the fireplace, and an overall modern-classic vibe. To make the evening even more special, the restaurant surprised us with two complimentary glasses of champagne to celebrate our anniversary. Such a thoughtful touch!
레스토랑은 2층은 바 & 라운지 스타일이라 좀 더 캐주얼하고, 우리는 1층 클래식한 스테이크하우스 스타일 공간에서 식사했어요. 천장이 높고, 전체적으로 다크 우드 + 블랙 인테리어에 와인색 대리석 벽이 너무 멋졌어요. 고급스러우면서도 따뜻한 분위기. 우리를 코너 부스로 안내해줬는데, 자리에서 전체 홀을 한눈에 볼 수 있어서 뷰도 좋았어요. 그리고! 샴페인 두 잔을 서비스로 주셨답니다. 결혼기념일 축하한다면서요 🥹 너무 감동…
We went all out with our dinner:
Appetizers: chilled prawns, grilled mushrooms, Caesar salad, and smoked bone marrow
Main: a massive 48-ounce Tomahawk steak (my first time trying one!)
Sides & Drinks: crushed potatoes and two glasses of cabernet red wine
Everything was delicious, but the Caesar salad stood out—it was unlike any other we’ve had before, topped with loads of cheese. No surprise there, since The Butcher’s Table is owned by Sugar Mountain, the same company behind Beecher’s Cheese. The prawns were tasty, though we wished they were a bit less cooked, but the avocado-wasabi sauce made up for it.
이날은 그냥 풀코스 제대로 즐기자! 하고 갔어요.
🍤 오늘의 스페셜 칠드 새우
🥗 시저샐러드
🍄 구운 버섯
🦴 스모크 본매로 (골수!)
🥩 48oz 토마호크 스테이크 (!! 처음 먹어봤어요!)
🥔 감자 사이드
🍷 카베르네 와인 두 잔
시저샐러드는 꼭 추천하고 싶어요! 위에 치즈가 엄청 많이 올라가 있는데, 이게 그냥 평범한 시저샐러드가 아니에요. 알고 보니 이 레스토랑은 Beecher’s Cheese도 소유한 Sugar Mountain 그룹이 운영하는 곳이더라고요. 치즈가 맛없을 수가 없죠 ㅎㅎ
새우는 살짝 더 덜 익었으면 좋았겠지만, 와사비 아보카도 소스랑 같이 먹으니까 너무 맛있었고, 구운 버섯은 향이 진짜 최고였어요.
The Tomahawk steak, though, completely stole the show. It was enormous, perfectly cooked medium, juicy, tender, and flavorful. I especially loved it with chimichurri and yuzu kosho, but even a simple sprinkle of salt was divine. The smoked bone marrow was incredibly rich—unlike anything I’d ever had before.
그리고 메인… 🥩 토마호크 스테이크!!! 비주얼부터 압도적… 진짜 엄청 커요. “이걸 다 먹을 수 있을까?” 했는데 결국 거의 다 먹었어요ㅋㅋㅋ 고기가 진짜 부드럽고 육즙 가득. 소금만 찍어 먹어도 맛있고, 치미추리나 유주 코쇼 소스랑 같이 먹어도 진짜 잘 어울렸어요. 본매로(골수)는… 말잇못. 이렇게 신선하고 고소한 골수 처음 먹어봤어요. 입에서 그냥 사르르 녹아요.
To finish, the staff surprised us again with a complimentary dessert. After all that food, I was too full to try their famous bone marrow ice cream (next time!), so we chose a refreshing raspberry sorbet. It even came with a candle, which made the moment extra sweet.
디저트도 서비스로 주셨어요! 우리가 이렇게 많이 먹고도 디저트 시키니까 약간 놀라신 듯 했지만 ㅋㅋ 너무 배불러서 본매로 아이스크림은 못 먹고, 라즈베리 소르베로 마무리했어요. 초에 불 붙여서 가져다주셨는데 너무 기분 좋더라구요🕯️💗
Overall, the food was amazing, but what impressed us the most was the service. Our server was professional, attentive, and warm, striking the perfect balance throughout the evening. Nothing felt rushed or overlooked—it really elevated the whole experience.
We left feeling so full and happy, and we can’t wait to come back with our family for another special occasion. The Butcher’s Table gave us exactly the kind of classic steakhouse experience we were looking for—and more. 🥂✨
무엇보다도 이날 제일 좋았던 건 서비스였어요. 서빙해주신 분이 너무 프로페셔널했고, 처음부터 끝까지 세심하게 챙겨주셔서 기분이 너무 좋았어요.
결론: 음식도 분위기도 서비스도 다 만족 💯 다음엔 가족들이랑 같이 오고 싶은 곳이에요. 오랜만에 제대로 된 클래식 스테이크하우스 경험, 너무 좋았어요.
It’s officially pumpkin season in Seattle! 🍂The mornings and evenings are getting chilly, but the daytime still feels warm and cozy. You can see autumn all around — the colorful leaves, crisp air, and that golden sunlight that makes everything feel magical. I love pumpkin season, so we decided to visit Carpinito Brothers Farm in…
Welcome! I’m Ran, your favorite K-Mom friend.Blending my Korean roots with everyday mom life, I love sharing practical tips, K-mom recipes, self-care routines, and family moments that inspire joy and balance. 💛 안녕하세요! 여러분의 K-맘 프렌드, 란입니다.한국적인 뿌리와 매일의 엄마 라이프를 섞어가며 실용적인 팁, K-맘 레시피, 셀프케어 루틴, 그리고 가족과의 순간들을 공유하고 있어요. 💛 We…
Welcome! I’m Ran, your favorite K-Mom friend.Blending my Korean roots with everyday mom life, I love sharing practical tips, K-mom recipes, self-care routines, and family moments that inspire joy and balance. 💛 안녕하세요! 여러분의 K-맘 프렌드, 란입니다.한국적인 뿌리와 매일의 엄마 라이프를 섞어가며 실용적인 팁, K-맘 레시피, 셀프케어 루틴, 그리고 가족과의 순간들을 공유하고 있어요. 💛 Last…
I went to my beautiful friend Cassie’s birthday party in Kirkland, and it was such a perfect day. The party was at her sister’s gorgeous beach-front house, and the weather was sunny and warm — just right for enjoying the view and soaking up the sun.
이번 주말, 아름다운 친구 캐시(Cassie)의 생일파티에 다녀왔어요. 파티는 커클랜드에 있는 캐시 언니의 멋진 바닷가뷰 집에서 열렸는데, 마침 날씨도 화창하고 따뜻해서 바다와 햇살을 마음껏 즐길 수 있어 너무 행복했죠.
Her sister hosted the most charming floral-themed tea party. We all wore floral print dresses, sipped rosé, and enjoyed the prettiest desserts. Cassie has been such a special friend to me ever since I moved to Seattle — and fun fact, we share the same birthday! (Both Virgos 💫) How amazing is that?
캐시의 언니가 준비한 테마는 ‘플로럴 티 파티’였어요. 모두 꽃무늬 원피스를 입고, 향긋한 로즈 티와 달콤한 디저트를 즐겼답니다. 데코도 너무 이쁘고 디저트도 다 너무 맛있어서 너무 좋더라구요. 언니가 얼음 안에 생화를 얼려서 데코한 걸 보고 다음 파티에는 나도 해봐야겠다고 생각했어요. 너무 예쁘더라구요.
She’s one of the sweetest people I know — with a big heart, an amazing mom to her two sons, and a wonderful wife. We first met through our husbands, but we quickly connected because we’re so similar in so many ways. I’m so happy I got to celebrate her birthday, meet her sister and friends, and spend such a lovely day together. I honestly feel so lucky to have found friends like Cassie here in Seattle — my life would be so different without them.
캐시는 제가 시애틀로 이사 온 이후로 제게 큰 힘이 되어준 소중한 친구예요. 게다가 우리 둘 생일이 똑같다는거! (둘 다 처녀자리♍) 얼마나 신기하고 특별한 인연인지요. 그녀는 두 아들의 좋은 엄마이자, 멋진 아내이고, 마음이 넓고 따뜻한 사람이에요. 남편들을 통해 처음 만났지만, 많은 부분에서 닮아서 금세 친해졌어요. 이번 생일을 함께 축하하며 그녀의 언니와 친구들도 알게 되어 정말 기뻤어요.
After tea, we did a sip & paint while watching the beautiful water view. It was so much more fun than I expected! I realized how much I love painting — I haven’t painted like that since I graduated college, and it brought back so many memories. I even painted the scenery right in front of me to remember the moment.
그리고 이날 ‘Sip & Paint’도 했어요. 바닷가 풍경을 바라보며 와인을 마시고 그림을 그렸는데, 생각보다 훨씬 재미있었어요. 대학 졸업 이후 이렇게 제대로 그림을 그려본 건 처음이라 옛 추억이 새록새록 떠올랐고, 다시 그림을 자주 그리고 싶다는 마음이 들었어요. 저는 그 순간을 간직하고 싶어서, 눈앞의 바다 풍경을 그림으로 담아봤답니다.
The older I get, the more I realize how precious every moment is. I want to soak it all in and never forget how lucky I am — to be surrounded by such amazing people in such a beautiful place I once dreamed of. So here’s to life! And if you’re reading this, I hope your life is filled with joy and beauty, too. 💛
나이가 들수록 매 순간이 얼마나 소중한지 깨닫게 돼요. 함께 웃고, 기뻐하고, 아름다운 곳에서 좋은 사람들과 시간을 보내는 이 모든 순간이 참 감사해요. 이곳에서의 삶이 늘 꿈꿔왔던 모습이라는 게 믿기지 않을 만큼 행복해요.
그래서 오늘은 이렇게, 우리의 삶에 건배를. 이 글을 읽는 모든 분들도 자신만의 행복한 순간을 가득 누리시길 바라요. 🌿💛
Welcome! I’m Ran, your favorite K-Mom friend.Blending my Korean roots with everyday mom life, I love sharing practical tips, K-mom recipes, self-care routines, and family moments that inspire joy and balance. 💛 Last weekend, we celebrated Leo’s and my birthday with our friends’ families in BC Vancouver, Canada. I’ve been to Vancouver once before and…
Welcome! I’m Ran, your favorite K-Mom friend. Blending my Korean roots with everyday mom life, I love sharing practical tips, K-mom recipes, self-care routines, and family moments that inspire joy and balance. 💛 Just like that, it’s fall in Seattle! Summer left so abruptly without even saying goodbye. I can feel the crisp morning air…
In Korean culture, food is everything. We say “Did you eat?” instead of “Hello.” My mom was the same — she cooked the most amazing meals for our family, three times a day, every single day. And one of her very best recipes was Galbi (갈비, Korean short ribs). Now here I am, living in…
보통 나의 하루는 똑같이 흘러가요. 아침 8시 30분, 아이를 등원시키고 출근. 오후 4시 퇴근 후 아이 픽업 → 공원에서 놀기 → 저녁 식사 → 목욕 → 재우기. 그러다 보면, 어느새 나 먼저 잠들어 있는 패턴의 반복인데요.
이렇게 하루가 온전히 ‘아이 중심’으로 돌아가다 보니, 내가 좋아하는 것, 내가 좋아하는 공간 같은 건 종종 잊고 살게 되더라구요. 그런데 얼마 전, 내가 좋아하는 것과 공간이 모두 충족된 완벽한 저녁 시간을 보냈어요.
그건 바로, 예쁘게 꾸미고 힙한 식당에서 친구들과 밥 먹기.
Most of my days look exactly the same. Drop my kid off at school at 8:30 AM → head to work. Get off at 4 PM → pick up my kid → play at the park → dinner → bath → bedtime. By the time I put my little one to sleep, I often end up falling asleep first.
With life revolving entirely around my child, it’s so easy to forget about the things I love or the places I enjoy. But recently, I had an evening where both my favorite things and places came together perfectly. It was none other than dressing up and dining at a chic restaurant with friends.
이번만큼은 “예쁜 곳에서 먹자!” 하고 찾아낸 곳이 바로 El Encanto. 커크랜드(Kirkland) 호숫가 옆에 새로 오픈한 멕시칸 레스토랑이에요. (참고로, 커크랜드는 코스트코 브랜드 이름의 ‘그 커크랜드’가 탄생한 도시. 호수를 끼고 있는 덕분에 부동산 가격이 높은 부촌으로도 유명하죠.)
We decided, “If we’re finally meeting, let’s go somewhere pretty!” and found El Encanto, a newly opened Mexican restaurant right by the lake in Kirkland. (Fun fact: Kirkland is the birthplace of Costco’s “Kirkland Signature” brand. With its stunning lakeside views, it’s also known for its high-end real estate.)
여름 저녁, 노을이 물드는 호숫가 뷰와 세련된 인테리어까지… 이미 기대감 상승! 실제로 가보니, 화이트와 우드톤이 어우러진 미니멀하고 모던한 스페니시 스타일. 과하지 않고 편안한 분위기가 마음에 쏙 들었어요.
미국에서 요즘 유행하는 ‘Mocktail(논알콜 칵테일)’ 메뉴도 있었지만, 오늘만큼은 오랜만의 외출이니 마가리타 한 잔! 🍹 그리고 음식은… 말해 뭐해. 다 맛있었어요. 추천은 세비체와 플렌테이션 칩이 나오는 애피타이져랑 피쉬타코 그리고 그릴문어 디쉬 였어요. 문어 정말 쫀득하고 스모키한 향이 나면서 맛있더라구요.
The moment we arrived, the setting was magical—warm summer evening, golden sunset over the lake, and a beautiful modern Spanish-style interior. Minimal, airy, and tastefully done in white and wood tones—just my style.
While trendy restaurants in the U.S. often offer a variety of mocktails, tonight called for a classic Margarita. 🍹 And the food? Absolutely delicious.
Our favorite was ceviche with plantation chips, and grilled octopus dish.
물론, 오랜만에 예쁘게 꾸몄으니 사진도 필수. 마침 친구의 폴카닷 드레스와 나의 블랙&화이트 아웃핏이 찰떡이라 사진도 완전 만족.
사실, LA에서 시애틀로 이사 온 뒤 가장 아쉬웠던 건 ‘내 취향의 식당 찾기’였어요. LA에는 예쁘고 힙한 식당이 워낙 많아서 매주 고민이 행복했는데, 시애틀에 와보니 만족스러운 곳을 찾기 힘들더라구요. 그런데 이번에 El Encanto를 발견하면서 음식, 뷰, 인테리어까지 모두 만족!
오랜만에 친구들과 수다 떨고, 마가리타에 살짝 취한 채 바라본 호숫가 노을은 최고의 힐링이었어요. 역시 시애틀의 여름은 너무 아름다워요. 다음엔 꼭 다시 와야지.
Of course, a rare night out means photos are a must. My friend’s polka-dot dress and my black-and-white outfit made for a perfect color combo—photos turned out beautifully.
Since moving from LA to Seattle, my biggest struggle has been finding restaurants that fit my taste. In LA, I was spoiled with endless hip, beautifully designed spots. Seattle has fewer options that check all my boxes—until now.
El Encanto had it all: food, view, and interior. Catching up with friends, sipping margaritas, and watching the sunset over the lake left me feeling completely recharged.
Welcome! I’m Ran, your favorite K-Mom friend. Blending my Korean roots with everyday mom life, I love sharing practical tips, self-care routines, and family moments that inspire joy and balance. 💛 안녕하세요, K-Mom 란입니다. 한국적인 뿌리와 일상 속 엄마의 삶을 함께 녹여내며, 실용적인 팁과 셀프케어 루틴, 그리고 가족과의 소소한 행복을 나누고 있어요. 💛 The first…
Last Sunday, our family spent the day at Remlinger Farm in Carnation—a nostalgic trip for my husband, whose parents used to take him there for the pumpkin patch when he was little. For my in-laws, this was their first visit back in over twenty years, making the day feel extra special. 지난 일요일, 저희 가족은…
Leo, my almost 2-year-old, goes to daycare during the day, and one of my favorite little routines is taking him to the park after I pick him up. I just love watching him run around and enjoy himself—it feels like pure joy. I also try to explore different parks so he can have new little…
📸🏖️와이키키, 호놀룰루, 노스쇼어에서 꼭 가야할 곳들, 내가 좋아하는 곳들 추천 – 여행 계획 짜는 팁
📸 Places to Visit
🏖️ Beaches 해변가
Waikiki Beach (Kid-Friendly) 와이키키 해변
If you’re staying in Waikiki, this beach is right at your doorstep. I loved the beach in front of Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa — it’s protected by seawalls, so the waves are gentle and the water stays shallow. Great for kids!
보통 하와이, 오아후에 오시면 와이키키에 많이 숙소들 잡으시더라구요. 그러면 걸어서 이어지는 해변가를 다니시기에 너무 가깝고 편리하고 좋죠. 보통 호텔들마다 호텔 비치가 딸려있는데 저는 그 중에서도 메리엇 호텔 뒤에 비치가 제일 좋더라구요. 비치에 낮은 방파제를 설치해둬서 파도가 높아지지 않고 늘 잔잔해서 아이들 놀기에 안전하고 좋거든요. 어른들끼리 가는 여행이라면 다른 비치가 파도 타기에도 수영하기에도 더 좋을거에요.
💡 Parking Tip: Skip the overpriced hotel parking and park at the Honolulu Zoo lot — just $1.50/hour (max 4 hours), and they’ll text you when your time’s almost up so you can extend from your phone. Amazing.
호텔에 머무신다면 파킹 걱정 없으시겠지만 주변 에어비엔비에 머문다면 와이키키 주차비 정말 장난아니죠. 이번에 제가 정말 최고 와이키키 파킹 꿀팁 드릴게요. 와이키키 비치 끝자락에 위치한 호놀룰루 동물원 파킹랏이에요. 시간당 $1.50 이라 스트릿파킹 미터기보다 싼 가격인데 4시간 맥스로 넣고 주차할 수 있구요, 최고는 시간이 익스파이어 될 때 쯤 파킹랏에서 문자가 와요. 시간을 문자로 더 연장시킬 수 있답니다! 파킹 걱정 없이 여유롭게 다닐 수 있어서 너무 좋았어요.
On the windward side of Oahu — this beach is breathtaking. Soft white sand, turquoise waters, and the iconic Mokes in the background. Just note that it’s a residential area with limited parking, so go early.
아름답기로 유명한 라니카이 비치. 파킹이 조금 불편해서 아침 일찍 가야한다는 점 잊지마세요. 너무 아름답고 운 좋은 날에는 바다거북이나 바다표범과 같이 수영할 수 있는 아름다운 비치.
Iconic hike with panoramic views. Hike is not too intense, but the road is not paved all the way, and have stiff staircases at the end of the course. Not a stroller friendly, and wear your sneakers and bring water.
아이코닉한 다이아몬드 헤드 하이킹. 건강한 성인 어른이 하기엔 그렇게 힘들지 않은 대략 1시간 정도 소요되는 하이킹입니다. 아이와 가시는 분들은 준비를 좀 더 하셔야 할 거에요. 정상에 가까울 수록 가파른 계단이 많이 나오고 그늘이 없어서 많이 더워요. 물 꼭 준비하시고 올라가주세요. 하지만 정상에 올라가서 보는 뷰는 정말 모든 고됨을 잊을만큼 아름답습니다. 주차와 입장권을 미리 예약해야 올라가실 수 있어요.
Easy hike with waterfall. Beautiful easy hike through the botanical garden. Fun part of this hiking is you can jump into the water at waterfall. Bring your swimsuit and get ready! Entrance fee is Adult, $25. Senior ; Adult, $10.
여기 정말 좋아하는 곳이에요. 와이메아 보테니컬 가든. 하와이의 아름다운 열대꽃들 감상하며 느긋하게 걷다보면 어느새 산 속의 폭포에 도착해요. 폭포수 밑에서 수영할 수 있는 정말 특별한 경험을 할 수 있는 곳이에요. 하와이 원주민들의 문화도 경험하는 액티비티 센터도 곳곳에 있어서 하이킹이 지루하지 않아요. 입장료는 어른 $25 입니다. 60세 이상은 할인 받아서 $10 이에요.
📍Waimea Botanical Garden 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Emotional, educational experience. If you are into WW2 history, this would be a great experience. It takes a half of the day to visit all the museums inside. There’s 4 sights you can visit – USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, Aviation museum and submarine museum. To visit USS Arizona memorial, you should make a reservation ahead for the boat tour. Entrance fees for each museums are different, check the website.
전쟁 역사 덕후라면 꼭 가봐야 할 곳! 가장 아이코닉한 아리조나 선, 배틀쉽 미주리, 잠수함 박물관 및 에비에이션 박물관 까지 있는 엄청난 규모의 박물관입니다. 저희는 너무 계획없이 가서 배틀쉽 미조리 보는데 거의 반나절 걸렸어요. 물에 잠겨있는 아리조나선 보는 곳은 보트 타고 들어가야하는데 그 보트를 미리 예약해두시는게 좋을거에요. 아니면 무한정 대기를 해야해서 보기가 힘들어요. 배틀쉽 미주리와 에비에이션 뮤지엄은 버스를 타고 이동하는데 이동시간 및 대기 시간 포함하면 꽤 오래 걸립니다. 배틀쉽 미주리 가시면 한국말로 무료 투어도 해줘요. 그래서 펄 하버 뮤지엄 가시려면 시간 넉넉히 잡고 가시길 추천 드립니다. 입장료도 각 박물관 마다 따로 내야해서 꽤 비용이 소요됩니다. 링크 참고하세요.
Once home to the last monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom, this historic palace offers a fascinating glimpse into Hawaii’s royal past. Advance reservations are required for the interior tour, so be sure to book online before you go. A must-visit for history lovers!
하와이 왕국의 마지막 왕족들이 살았던 역사적인 궁전으로, 하와이의 독특한 문화와 왕실 이야기를 생생하게 느낄 수 있는 곳이에요. 내부 투어는 사전 예약 필수이니 꼭 온라인으로 먼저 예약하세요. 하와이 역사에 관심 있는 분들이라면 특히 재미있게 둘러볼 수 있는 추천 명소입니다.
Book one! It’s magical and fun experience. Crab & steak dinner with cocktails, and enjoy hula dance shows with beautiful sunset.
Whale watch snorkeling
North Shore Day Trip Plan🍍🌊
If you’re thinking about visiting the North Shore, it’s about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Waikiki — so I highly recommend renting a car for the day. It’s totally doable as a one-day trip, and if you plan ahead, you can hit all the must-see spots and make the most out of your North Shore adventure.
와이키키에서 45분에서 1시간 정도 소요되는 North Shore지역을 방문하실 때는 렌트카가 있으면 편리해요. 렌트카비용도 만만치 않은 하와이니까 하루 플랜을 잘 짜서 한 번에 다 보고 오면 좋겠죠? 제가 추천하는 노스 쇼어 여행 루트에요.
Here’s my suggested itinerary:
🌿 Waimea Valley Start your day early to beat the heat and enjoy a peaceful walk through the beautiful botanical gardens. The waterfall at the end is such a refreshing treat — bring your swimsuit if you want to take a dip!
🍤 Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck A total must! Grab their famous garlic shrimp plate for lunch (so good), and while you’re there, check out the other food trucks nearby — lots of yummy options!
🌺 Haleiwa Town This cute little town is perfect for walking around. Stop by Matsumoto Shave Ice for a classic treat, and don’t miss the Snoopy store for fun souvenirs.
🍦 Dole Pineapple Plantation Before heading back, swing by the Dole Plantation to browse the shop and treat yourself to their legendary pineapple soft serve. It’s a classic Hawaii moment.
이른 오전 출발 – 와이메아 보테니컬 가든 방문 – 지오반니 슈림프 트럭 방문, 점심 – 할레이와 타운 방문 (마츠모토 세이브 아이스와 스누피 샵 등 방문 할 수 있어요) – 돌 파인애플 플렌테이션 방문 (기념품 샵 구경하고 파인애플 아이스크림 먹기) 이렇게 하면 중요 포인트들 다 방문하고 하루 마칠 수 있어요.
What do you think about my recommendations? It feels great after I wrote down all the places I went. Made me wanna go back to Hawaii again soon. Do you have any other recommendations? Please share with me on the comments!
저의 추천지들 어떻게 생각하시나요? 늘 다녀와서 사진만 보다가 이렇게 다 정리하고 나니 뿌듯하네요. 쓰다보니 또 가고 싶어지는 하와이. 하와이에 다른 추천할 만한 광광지나 액티비티 있으면 댓글로 공유해 주세요.
It was our 3rd anniversary on August 6th, so we decided to treat ourselves to a fancy dinner—something we hadn’t done in a while. With a toddler at home, date nights are rare since finding a babysitter isn’t easy. That’s why this night out felt extra special. We chose The Butcher’s Table, one of the…
I went to my beautiful friend Cassie’s birthday party in Kirkland, and it was such a perfect day. The party was at her sister’s gorgeous beach-front house, and the weather was sunny and warm — just right for enjoying the view and soaking up the sun. 이번 주말, 아름다운 친구 캐시(Cassie)의 생일파티에 다녀왔어요. 파티는 커클랜드에…
보통 나의 하루는 똑같이 흘러가요.아침 8시 30분, 아이를 등원시키고 출근.오후 4시 퇴근 후 아이 픽업 → 공원에서 놀기 → 저녁 식사 → 목욕 → 재우기.그러다 보면, 어느새 나 먼저 잠들어 있는 패턴의 반복인데요. 이렇게 하루가 온전히 ‘아이 중심’으로 돌아가다 보니, 내가 좋아하는 것, 내가 좋아하는 공간 같은 건 종종 잊고 살게 되더라구요. 그런데 얼마 전,…
We escaped to Hawaii with Leo, my parents and my brother and soaked in every warm, slow moment. It was chaotic, beautiful, and everything in between. Traveling with toddler is not easy, but definitely worth it. I loved watching Leo having so much fun at the beaches and get so excited with all the activities we did together. Here’s what we loved the most — in case you ever need a happy escape to Oahu.
🍽️ Where to eat (Mostly in Waikiki)
Duke’s Waikiki
Iconic beachfront spot at the Outrigger resort. Coconut shrimp, galbi tacos, and cheeseburgers were all amazing — but don’t miss the Hula Pie for dessert. Tip: Go for lunch to avoid the dinner crowds and enjoy the ocean view!
Honestly, we were surprised by how good the food was! There’s live music, pretty decor, and an open-air space overlooking Waikiki’s streets. Order the pork ribs and coconut shrimp — and trust me, end your meal with the Piña Colada Cake. So good.
You’ll see this chain all over, but the one inside the Royal Hawaiian Center was our favorite. Perfect spot for a macadamia nut latte, poke bowls, or an acai bowl. Bonus: Their shave ice (especially near the beach locations) is also really good.
📍 Coffee: 2301 Kalākaua Ave #C215, Honolulu, HI 96815
My favorite coffee spot in Waikiki. Their Kona coffee is smooth and rich, and the Kouign Amann is a must. Located in the International Market Place (bottom floor).
📍 Kuhio Mall Entrance, 2330 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
A casual spot by Chef Roy Yamaguchi serving Hawaiian-Japanese fusion. Very family-friendly with live music and even complimentary kids’ meals (yes, with guava juice!). We loved the miso-glazed dishes and pork belly bao. And the ramen was amazing.
Spam musubi heaven. So many varieties and perfect for a quick bite on the go. They have multiple locations — just look for the one closest to you!
📍 2330 Kalākaua Ave (Kuhio Mall Entrance)
Chez Kenzo Bar & Grill (Local Gem)
Chez Kenzo (Japanese Izakaya-style Pub) This place had such a fun local vibe. Go during happy hour (5–7pm) — all menu items are $9 and the portions are great for sharing. If you’re craving Japanese pub food at an awesome price, this is your spot.
One of our all-time favorites in Hawaii. Walking in feels like you’ve been transported straight to Japan — so cozy and authentic. They offer BYOB, so bring your favorite drink if you want to sip something with your meal. Don’t leave without trying their desserts — especially the fried mochi with red bean. So good.
Perfect for big groups and big appetites! They’re known for their generous portions and Hawaiian-style comfort food. The kalbi, fried chicken, and fried rice are must-tries. Tip: Make a reservation — it gets packed, especially with large parties.
There’s 2 locations, I usually goes to Kapahulu location.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck – The garlic butter shrimp is signature dish you need to try in Hawaii, and Giovanni Shrimp truck is one of the most popular garlic shrimp truck. We tried Shrimp scampi, Hot& spicy shrimp and Lemon butter shrimp. They are all good, but Scampi was my favorite. Hot & Spicy is pretty spicy but addicting. You have to try, this place is the MUST!
These were my favorite places to eat in Oahu island. I will share places to visit in next post. Are you going to Hawaii? If you have any other recommendations in Oahu, please share with me!
📸🏖️와이키키, 호놀룰루, 노스쇼어에서 꼭 가야할 곳들, 내가 좋아하는 곳들 추천 – 여행 계획 짜는 팁 📸 Places to Visit 🏖️ Beaches 해변가 Waikiki Beach (Kid-Friendly) 와이키키 해변 If you’re staying in Waikiki, this beach is right at your doorstep. I loved the beach in front of Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa — it’s protected…
We escaped to Hawaii with Leo, my parents and my brother and soaked in every warm, slow moment. It was chaotic, beautiful, and everything in between. Traveling with toddler is not easy, but definitely worth it. I loved watching Leo having so much fun at the beaches and get so excited with all the activities…
Summer Playdates & Sweet Moments at Bellevue Downtown Park This morning started bright and early — I was up before Leo, packing a little snack bag for his playdate with his friend, Sena. I kept it simple and fun: homemade inarizushi, fresh fruits, Go-Gurt, overnight oats with berries (a.k.a. our “mush”), and a handful of…
Summer Playdates & Sweet Moments at Bellevue Downtown Park
This morning started bright and early — I was up before Leo, packing a little snack bag for his playdate with his friend, Sena. I kept it simple and fun: homemade inarizushi, fresh fruits, Go-Gurt, overnight oats with berries (a.k.a. our “mush”), and a handful of animal crackers.
After daycare, we headed straight to Bellevue Downtown Park — one of our favorite local spots. In the summer, they open up a water play area that’s such a hit with kids. It’s complete with a little waterfall and lots of space to splash around. Leo’s been a few times, but this was Sena’s first visit, and it was so fun watching them take it all in together.
The park itself is a little gem in the middle of the city. There’s a big loop where you can stroll around the lake and waterfall, and if you’re lucky, spot a few duck families gliding by. Right next to it is a huge playground with all kinds of fun rides and climbing structures. It’s always buzzing with happy energy.
What makes it even better? It’s walkable from Bellevue Square Mall, and nearby you’ll find treats like Molly Moon’s Ice Cream and Nana’s Green Tea — perfect for post-playdate pick-me-ups. Matcha for the moms, ice cream for the kiddos. Win-win!
Leo and Sena had the sweetest afternoon together — running around, giggling, and just being their joyful little selves. Leo especially loved Sena’s family dog, Aldo, a 10-year-old cockapoo who joined us on our walk. Leo was so proud to hold the leash and gently pet him while we strolled around the park. (somehow I didn’t get a good photo of them together laughing.. next time, I will try to capture the moment.)
One of my favorite parts? Watching Leo and Sena interact so kindly — taking turns, chasing each other around, and laughing like they didn’t have a care in the world. When it was time to say goodbye, they hugged ten times. TEN! My heart melted.
Days like this are what summer is all about — sunshine, simple joys, and watching our little ones make sweet memories together. We’ll definitely be planning another playdate soon.
The Slower Days 