May 30, 2012
May 29, 2012
Palace Saimin
Old fashioned saimin houses are slowly falling off the map, but there's one saimin house that seems to still be going strong - Palace Saimin. The restaurant is very simple in every aspect - decor, kitchen, and menu. There is nothing chic, trendy or novel about this place, but that's what's so great about it. It's a place where you can come in your t-shirt, shorts and slippers and enjoy a hot bowl of old fashioned saimin coupled with a pair of meaty BBQ sticks.
Palace Saimin is located across from the Kalihi Post Office (you can see the post office in the reflection). Cross your fingers that you'll be able to score a parking space right in front of the restaurant.
Casual dining!
Casual dining!
Simple menu. Saimin or udon? Can't decide? Order the saidon!
They used to have weird hours, but now their hours are really easy to remember.
Wonton Min
They used to have weird hours, but now their hours are really easy to remember.
Wonton Min
Saimin
They serve old fashioned, curly saimin
My hubby thinks their BBQ meat sticks are the best on the island. They are very tender, moist, and not overcooked.
They love Yelpers!
Palace Saimin
1256 North King Street
(808) 841-9983
1256 North King Street
(808) 841-9983
May 24, 2012
Highland Inn
When we went to the Pearl Highlands Shopping Center Food Court recently, I went to Ming's Canton Food and DH went to Highland Inn.
He ordered the Mini Bar-B-Q Chicken Plate, which comes with rice and choice of 2 vegetables.
He said the food was decent, but the price for the mini sure wasn't mini - it was over $7!
I think next time he'll order food from another restaurant in the food court.
Read More
He ordered the Mini Bar-B-Q Chicken Plate, which comes with rice and choice of 2 vegetables.
He said the food was decent, but the price for the mini sure wasn't mini - it was over $7!
I think next time he'll order food from another restaurant in the food court.
Highland Inn: 1000 Kamehameha Hwy; Ste 220, Pearl City, HI 96782; 808-455-9599
May 20, 2012
Ming's Canton Food
After doing some shopping in the Pearl Highlands Shopping Center, our family headed to the food court for lunch.
I ended up at Ming's Canton Food after seeing a special for Oyster Sauce Chicken on Crispy Noodle (for just over $5).
It was a generous portion of chicken and noodles.
Compared to other restaurants' Oyster Sauce Chicken, I thought it was okay, but I've had a lot better. I would have preferred if the chicken were boneless, and it didn't seem as tasty as other restaurants', but it was reasonably priced and lasted me for several meals.
Read More
I ended up at Ming's Canton Food after seeing a special for Oyster Sauce Chicken on Crispy Noodle (for just over $5).
Compared to other restaurants' Oyster Sauce Chicken, I thought it was okay, but I've had a lot better. I would have preferred if the chicken were boneless, and it didn't seem as tasty as other restaurants', but it was reasonably priced and lasted me for several meals.
Ming's Canton Food: 1000 Kamehameha Hwy; Pearl City, HI 96782; 808-455-8869
May 18, 2012
Daiichi Ramen and Curry
The last time Island Views, Island News visited Daiichi was back in February of 2010. Gem posted an enticing picture of their chicken katsu curry rice.
Daiichi Noodles Cafe has been a favorite of mine, not for the authenticity, but for the selection and value. The ramen is not the kind that you'll find in Japan, but it's good enough to satisfy your hunger and craving for noodles. The rice plates consist of a bed of rice on a large plate, topped with savory items such as chicken katsu curry, mabo tofu, or mochiko chicken.
Can't decide on what to order? Don't worry, they have combos. Their combos come with a mini serving of ramen (although the mini is more like a regular serving) plus either one or two choices from the list of sides (gyoza, fried rice, chicken katsu, spam katsu, mini curry rice, mochiko chicken, etc.).
Before you head down here, print their coupon from Valpak. They do not accept mobile coupons so you must bring a print out of the coupon.
Daiichi Noodles Cafe has been a favorite of mine, not for the authenticity, but for the selection and value. The ramen is not the kind that you'll find in Japan, but it's good enough to satisfy your hunger and craving for noodles. The rice plates consist of a bed of rice on a large plate, topped with savory items such as chicken katsu curry, mabo tofu, or mochiko chicken.
Can't decide on what to order? Don't worry, they have combos. Their combos come with a mini serving of ramen (although the mini is more like a regular serving) plus either one or two choices from the list of sides (gyoza, fried rice, chicken katsu, spam katsu, mini curry rice, mochiko chicken, etc.).
Before you head down here, print their coupon from Valpak. They do not accept mobile coupons so you must bring a print out of the coupon.
Happy Hour is 2:30 pm - 5 pm: free gyoza with purchase of a regular plate.
They are family-friendly and do not use MSG.
Dining area
Counter seating overlooks the open kitchen
Chicken katsu curry on rice
Mochiko chicken (with the combo)
Spam katsu
Miso ramen
Shrimp Katsu salad
Daiichi Ramen and Curry
99-084 Kauhale Street, Building A
(808) 486-7432
Open Daily 10:30 am - 9:30 pm
Free parking; take out available
New Location:
1029 Makolu Street, Ste. E (across from Pearl City Wal Mart)
(808) 455-9898
99-084 Kauhale Street, Building A
(808) 486-7432
Open Daily 10:30 am - 9:30 pm
Free parking; take out available
New Location:
1029 Makolu Street, Ste. E (across from Pearl City Wal Mart)
(808) 455-9898
May 14, 2012
Mac 24/7 Bar and Restaurant
When Mac 24/7 first opened in Hawaii, the talk was all about the Pancake Challenge. Here's the challenge: Eat 3, 14″ pancakes topped with either blueberries, walnuts and chocolate chunks; pineapple, coconut and macadamia nuts; or cinnamon streusel w/ vanilla glaze in 90 minutes or less. Winners get the pancakes for free, a t-shirt, and a photo on the Wall of Fame in the restaurant and on their website.
Adam Richman of Man vs. Food put Mac 24/7 on the map when he came to Hawaii and took the Pancake Challenge (watch it here). He didn't complete the challenge successfully, forty two other brave souls have, and their names and pictures can be found in the Mac 24/7 "Hall of Fame" on Mac 24/7's website. I spotted world famous competitive eater Joey Chestnut on the Hall of Fame. He currently holds the fastest time of 15 minutes. The fastest woman on the list is "Jane Dough" (sounds like she didn't want to give her real name) at 24 minutes.
Rest assured, you don't have to take the challenge to eat here. Mac 24/7 has a regular menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. There isn't anything noteworthy about the food - it's your run of the mill hotel eatery that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Adam Richman of Man vs. Food put Mac 24/7 on the map when he came to Hawaii and took the Pancake Challenge (watch it here). He didn't complete the challenge successfully, forty two other brave souls have, and their names and pictures can be found in the Mac 24/7 "Hall of Fame" on Mac 24/7's website. I spotted world famous competitive eater Joey Chestnut on the Hall of Fame. He currently holds the fastest time of 15 minutes. The fastest woman on the list is "Jane Dough" (sounds like she didn't want to give her real name) at 24 minutes.
Rest assured, you don't have to take the challenge to eat here. Mac 24/7 has a regular menu with breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. There isn't anything noteworthy about the food - it's your run of the mill hotel eatery that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can't miss the entrance to the restaurant.
They have a big seated area with a nice view of the garden.
I like these bar-style seating areas, equipped with flat screen TVs.
Freestyle eggs ($14) - potatoes, toast, choice of meat, and eggs.
The Mac Daddy Pancake Challenge ($16) - three 14" pancakes with blueberry topping. We didn't attempt the actual challenge but we ordered the pancakes just to see what it was like. It was big on size, but not on taste. The two of us ate about 3/4 of one pancake at the restaurant and took the rest home.
The pancakes are served with three different syrups - maple, coconut, and guava.
I took this picture so that you can appreciate the enormity of the pancakes.
Mac 24/7
Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel
2500 Kuhio Avenue
(808) 921-5564
Hilton Waikiki Beach Hotel
2500 Kuhio Avenue
(808) 921-5564
May 10, 2012
Asahi Grill
A couple of weeks ago, the girls and I went to the Freestyle Invasion Concert at the Neil Blaisdell Center, and we decided to have dinner before the concert at Asahi Grill (thanks to @nanigurl for her review, which was the deciding factor on where to eat dinner).
We arrived at Asahi Grill fairly early - about 5:30, so fortunately there were still a lot of empty tables.
I ordered the Chicken Cutlet and requested Fried Rice instead of white rice (extra charge for Fried Rice).
Everything was DELICIOUS - and the Fried Rice was some of the best I've had anywhere!
Another friend had the Hamburger Steak.
Although there were a total of 6 of us I ended up taking only two photos - but everyone's food looked really good and we all left stuffed and satisfied.
The food was REALLY good, the service was friendly (our server even asked us if we all wanted separate checks), and I can't wait to take DH there!
Read More
We arrived at Asahi Grill fairly early - about 5:30, so fortunately there were still a lot of empty tables.
I ordered the Chicken Cutlet and requested Fried Rice instead of white rice (extra charge for Fried Rice).
Another friend had the Hamburger Steak.
Although there were a total of 6 of us I ended up taking only two photos - but everyone's food looked really good and we all left stuffed and satisfied.
The food was REALLY good, the service was friendly (our server even asked us if we all wanted separate checks), and I can't wait to take DH there!
Asahi Grill: 515 Ward Ave # A Honolulu, HI 96814; 593-2800
May 5, 2012
Doraku Sushi
It took me a while to get myself to try this place. It's not that I'm not a big fan of sushi or Japanese food, because I LOVE them both. But, it's a chain restaurant that originated out of Miami, FL, so how authentic could it be?
It's really not that authentic, but that's not what they are aiming for. They are hip, modern, and inventive. You won't find any Japanese tourists here, but you'll see a lot of people, especially during happy hour (5-7 pm).
It's really not that authentic, but that's not what they are aiming for. They are hip, modern, and inventive. You won't find any Japanese tourists here, but you'll see a lot of people, especially during happy hour (5-7 pm).
We scored one of the few tables overlooking Kalakaua Avenue.
Hamachi Carpaccio
Shrimp Tempura
Doraku Tuna Tataki
Japanese Style Garlic Steak
White Dragon Roll
Ginger Chicken Karaage
Chilean Sea Bass Nabanzuke
Chilean Sea Bass Nabanzuke
Overall, I thought the food was OK - nothing spectacular or out of this world. For the price, you can find better value elsewhere. But the ambiance is pretty cool and it seems like a place that is fitting for people looking to socialize over drinks and light pupus.
Happy Hour is from 5-7pm daily (excluding holidays) and you have to sit on the special table located in the middle of the restaurant.
Check-in on Four Square for a 10% discount.
Doraku Sushi
Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, 3rd Floor
2233 Kalakaua Avenue
(808) 922-3323
Reservations accepted, except for Happy Hour
Validated parking (free for the first hour, then $1 per hour thereafter for up to 4 hours)
Kaka'ako (coming soon - September 2012)
Pacifica Condominium, bottom floor
1009 Kapiolani Blvd.
Happy Hour is from 5-7pm daily (excluding holidays) and you have to sit on the special table located in the middle of the restaurant.
Check-in on Four Square for a 10% discount.
Doraku Sushi
Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, 3rd Floor
2233 Kalakaua Avenue
(808) 922-3323
Reservations accepted, except for Happy Hour
Validated parking (free for the first hour, then $1 per hour thereafter for up to 4 hours)
Kaka'ako (coming soon - September 2012)
Pacifica Condominium, bottom floor
1009 Kapiolani Blvd.
Cupcake and Things
Several weeks ago, after having lunch at Brick Oven Pizza, we decided to visit Cupcake and Things for dessert, which was just a very short walk from Brick Oven Pizza.
Despite the not-so-good reviews I found online, I decided to give them a shot anyway.
There were lots of delicious-looking cupcakes...
... and I ended up choosing a Cookies N Cream cupcake ($2.99)
It cost $2.99, and I thought it was okay. I prefer moist, flavorful, rich cupcakes and frostings, and this cupcake was very light and airy - including the frosting. It looked a lot better than it tasted, and I personally didn't think it was worth $3.
DS2 ended up getting the Vanilla Blueberry Parfait.
It cost $3.99, and he really liked it (I gave it a taste too and thought it was pretty good).
I thought the employees were very friendly and helpful, and although I didn't think the Cookies N Cream was anything special, I wouldn't hesitate to give them another try, and probably the next time I'd try their Red Velvet Cupcake, which is one of their best sellers.
Read More
Despite the not-so-good reviews I found online, I decided to give them a shot anyway.
There were lots of delicious-looking cupcakes...
DS2 ended up getting the Vanilla Blueberry Parfait.
It cost $3.99, and he really liked it (I gave it a taste too and thought it was pretty good).
I thought the employees were very friendly and helpful, and although I didn't think the Cookies N Cream was anything special, I wouldn't hesitate to give them another try, and probably the next time I'd try their Red Velvet Cupcake, which is one of their best sellers.
Cupcake and Things: 885 Kamokila Blvd; Kapolei, HI 96707;(808) 754-5013
May 1, 2012
The Pig & The Lady - Mama Le's Menu
I first reviewed The Pig and the Lady pop up restaurant in June of 2011. In was their inaugural pop up, and it was a hit. Over the past year, Chef Andrew Le and the Pig and the Lady continued to pop up at Hank's Haute Dogs, and also started selling their Vietnamese inspired culinary delights at the Farmers Markets around the island (Blaisdell Center on Wednesdays, Kailua on Thursdays, Kapiolani Community College on Saturdays).
In September of last year, Mama Le (Chef Andrew's mom and the mastermind behind many of the Pig and the Lady offerings) suffered a stroke and it was a long and hard road to recovery for her. But a combination of willpower, determination, spirit, and help from her loving family brought her back, and the family decided to do two pop-ups in celebration of Mama Le.
The first of two occurred last night, and I was fortunate to get a seat in the sold out event.
In September of last year, Mama Le (Chef Andrew's mom and the mastermind behind many of the Pig and the Lady offerings) suffered a stroke and it was a long and hard road to recovery for her. But a combination of willpower, determination, spirit, and help from her loving family brought her back, and the family decided to do two pop-ups in celebration of Mama Le.
The first of two occurred last night, and I was fortunate to get a seat in the sold out event.
The venue - Hank's Haute Dogs on Coral Street
The inside of Hank's was transformed into a dining room complete with small floral centerpieces and linen table cloths and napkins
Pickled veggies with house-made shrimp chips kept the early-arrivers occupied.
Tom Chien Boc Com: tapioca-flake crusted Kauai shrimp, thin vermicelli, fish sauce vinaigrette
Canh Chua: talapia, taro stem, pineapple, tamarind broth
Ga Nuong Nieu Chien Phong: claypot of braised chicken with shallots, thai ginger, pandan leaves, lemon grass, puff rice
Hu Tieu My Tho: a noodle soup of roasted pork loin, quail egg, shrimp, fried shallots, chrysanthem, fresh herbs, finished with a red crab sauce
Che Xam Bao Luong: lotus root & seed, Chinese dates, dried longon & kombaUnfortunately tonight's event is also sold out, but you can check them out at the Farmers Markets.
Website: http://thepigandthelady.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/pigandthelady
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePigandTheLady
Website: http://thepigandthelady.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/pigandthelady
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePigandTheLady
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
