Go bananas for Magnolia’s latest pudding

Fans of Magnolia Bakery’s classic banana pudding will find a new treat awaits. A chocolate version features layers of chocolate pudding, Oreo wafers, banana slices and chocolate shavings.

The chocolate-banana pudding launched last month at Magnolia Bakery locations in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, and made it to Hawaii last week.

The pudding is available at the Ala Moana Center bakery cafe and kiosk in small ($3.50), medium ($5), large ($6.50) and 64-ounce party bowls ($35).

Kiosk hours are 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays. Cafe hours are 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays. Call 942-4132. — Nadine Kam, Star-Advertiser

Come see See’s at a new Ala Moana location

Though goodness knows there are now endless new ways to satiate a sweet tooth at Ala Moana Center, sometimes nothing will do but a long-standing favorite. That is surely the case for See’s Candies fans, who can celebrate their favorite store’s move into new digs Thursday, closer to Centerstage at the former Slipper House location, with free lollipops for keiki and See’s totes to the first 50 customers. It all begins at 9 a.m.

And while something like a spiffy new space is great, it’s also wonderful when other things stay the same — like See’s tradition of offering each guest a free piece of chocolate from its selection of more than 100 varieties. Call 943-1960. — Joleen Oshiro, Star-Advertiser

Ume flavor accents vinegar’s tang

Ume vinegar, also called plum vinegar, is simply the best vinegar ever.

It is guaranteed to bring brightness and life to a salad of plain greens with its ume-and-red-shiso tang.

Kazuyo Takagi, wife of Star-Advertiser Business Editor David Butts, makes a delicious vinaigrette- style salad dressing using 3 parts oil, 1 part plum vinegar, with garlic and ginger (minced or grated), salt and pepper to taste.

This strong vinegar would also perk up a dipping sauce with its bright umeboshi flavor.

A 10-ounce bottle is a little more than $5 at Whole Foods Market. Other brands can be found at Asian markets. — Erika Engle, Star-Advertiser