CONSPICUOUS BY OUR ABSINTHE

Absinthe has only been legal for a couple of years, after being banned for decades, so the cachet of the forbidden still clings to this herb-based, high-potency drink. The technique for drinking it is distinct and ritualistic. Traditionally, a serving is prepared by placing a sugar cube on top of a specially designed spoon that's put on a glass holding a shot of absinthe. Ice-cold water is then dripped over the sugar cube, diluting the absinthe to a three-to-one ratio. If you are curious and think you have what it takes to handle it, at $20 a glass, it's served elegantly at Lewers Lounge at the Halekulani, 2199 Kalia Road; 923-2311, www.halekulani.com.

— Lacy Matsumoto

GETTING A LEG UP ON FALL FASHION

Craze alert: Leggings are huge for fall. They're on the top trends lists for Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and the fashion mags.

Honolulu designer Sierra Dew is right on trend, creating one-of-a-kind hand-painted leggings that make a fun fashion statement. They're a great way to perk up a tired outfit. Prices range from $55 to $75.

Find them at Riches Kahala or online at www.sierradew.com or www.sierradew.etsy.com.

— Paula Rath

SMILE AND SAY CHEESECAKE, OTTO

It's a good thing that people like Otto (below), an old-school punk rocker who's been making his remarkably smooth and creamy Otto Cakes for nearly 20 years, are taking risks and starting new ventures, even in the midst of this economic downturn. Folks are flocking to his new Chinatown shop Otto Cake: Gourmet Cheese Cake. It's about time; until now, Otto only sold his delights to friends, by word of mouth, and wholesale to various local coffeehouses and restaurants.

With his sweet shop just two weeks old, his cakes have been so popular with customers that he's been baking overtime to just keep up with demand. Otto is bound for success, using fresh ingredients, with his cakes made fresh each day on location, all by hand, one at time. We like the hand-painted menu, listing three items: a slice of cake $5, iced toddy $3, or hot coffee $3. Cheesecake flavors change daily, with about four varieties available any given day (often posted at twitter.com/Ottocake). It's unlikely you'll get bored by any lack of variety, as he's got about 86 flavors and counting on his list to choose from. Check out what's inspired him today, and we expect you'll be going back again and again. Otto Cake, 1160 Smith St., 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 6 a.m.- 10 p.m. Fridays, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays.

— Pualana Lemelle

BELGIAN EXPLORATION IN KAIMUKI

At the Interisland Terminal, there are no planes, flight attendants or baggage. There is only art. The organization calling itself Interisland Terminal plans to present an ongoing series of exhibitions that question the nature of innovation and challenge artists to address social and political issues facing Hawai'i. Its current show in Kaimuki is being held in a short-term leased space, with unframed charcoal drawings on cotton rag paper placed throughout the boxy storefront. The drawings, inspired by 1950s and '60s National Geographic magazines and their depictions of explorers, are by Belgian artist Rinus Van de Velde (above). By its nature, it's ephemeral, so visit soon. Interisland Terminal, 3583 Wai'alae Ave., noon-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, noon-4:30 p.m. Sundays through July 26; www.interislandterminal.org.

— L.M.

SALES & BARGAINS

• Some things are better in summer, and here's one: Starbucks' grande cold drink promotion. Buy a drink before 2 p.m., and redeem your same-day receipt for a special $2 grande Frappuccino or other cold drink. Think of it as a refreshing bargain dessert. Redeemable at select locations, ask cashier for details.

• Sales alert: The latest markdowns we saw at Ala Moana Center:

— Up to 70 percent off lots and lots and lots of super chic summer clothes at BCBG.

— Juicy offers an additional 30 percent off on-sale stuff.

— Sandals, pumps and more are now marked up to half off at Nine West.

— The sale racks are overflowing at Lululemon. Check out the jackets, bras, pants and cute bosom-enhancing tops.

— And don't forget Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale, with lots of fall's must-have wardrobe staples and then some!

• Sometimes even we lack a little wardrobe inspiration — it happens to everybody, right? When that happens we turn to our favorite source: the sartorialist blog, http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com. Go there for nearly daily stunning photos from around the globe, picturing folks in stunningly beautiful ensembles, offering inspiration from diverse viewpoints. The blog has been recognized by some of the best magazines and designers, and it's a keyhole you'll want to peep through to see just how folks are dressing today, 5,000 miles or more away.

— Pualana Lemelle

WHAT’S ON YOUR IPOD?

Diplo (who headlines July 31 at NextDoor)

1. "Strange Things," John Holt

2. "Memories," Beenie Man

3. "Jacqueline," Hugh Mundell

4. "One More Night," Busy Signal

5. "Red Red Wine," UB40