808 Craft House

We had dinner at 808 Craft House to watch a friend's daughter perform (they have live music 6-8pm M-Sa). 

Ono Onion Rings

‘Ahi Poke

Korean Fried Chicken Wings

808 Giant Pretzel

*Jordēn’s Fiyah Nachos

BBQ Bacon Smashburger

808 Smashburger

Blackened Chicken Club

Loco Moco

I really liked the Onion Rings, and the Blackened Chicken was juicy and tender, with a nice smokiness.  I wish there were more chips for the Nachos, but all the ingredients were flavorful. 

*Manakoto Mango

Kona Coffee Ice Cream Pie

Flourless Chocolate S’mores Cake

*Partyfoul Menu

The Ice Cream Pie was perfect for a warm day.

Overall we had a nice time - the food and service were both great, and the live music really made the night even more enjoyable.


808 Craft House
92-1047 Olani St Unit 1112
Kapolei, HI 96707

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A Night with Michael Mina

One of my favorite restaurants on the island is Mina's Fish House at the Four Seasons Oahu, where Chef Michael Mina initiated the concept of the Fish Sommelier.

On Friday, the media was invited to A Night with Michael Mina, where guests indulged in a thoughtfully-crafted tasting menu highlighting local seafood and dishes with internationally-inspired elements.

Sesame Sweet Soy Poke

Burrata & Stone Fruit

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Kataifi-Wrapped Kauai Prawns

Several dishes were served family-style - the poke, burrata, scallops, and prawns.  I thought the poke was seasoned perfectly, with a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, salty, and spicy components.  

Everyone commented on just how enormous the burrata was.  It was creamy, and indulgent, and I couldn't stop eating it with the pita croutons.

I love scallops and I love bacon, and together they are great match!

The kataifi offered a delicate, yet crunchy contrast to the tender prawns.  

Caviar Parfait

Kona Lobster Agnolotti

Everyone could choose their own entree, and I chose the agnolotti.  I loved the stuffed pasta, and I would've been happy with just the pasta, but the addition of the lobster, Parmesan, and truffle really elevated the dish, adding levels of umami.

Lobster Pot Pie

Lobster Pot Pie assembled

Kona Kanpachi

Hawayej-Spiced NY Striploin

The tasting menu ended with two delightful desserts.  The shave ice was so refreshing, and the Chocolate Caramel Crunch was reminiscent of a nostalgic candy bar - so delicious! 

Pina Colada Shave Ice

Chocolate Caramel Crunch

At the end of the night, we were gifted with a copy of his most recent cookbook, My Egypt, which dives into Chef Michael's roots.

Although this special event was one-night only, the daily dinner menu still offers guests amazing line-to-table delicacies and signature seafood dishes.

Mina's Fish House
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
92-1001 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707
(808) 679-0079

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Monkeypod Kitchen Ko Olina

Our family used to go to Monkeypod Kitchen frequently for their Happy Hour specials, but it's been years since we dined there.  I was excited to return to eat some of my favorite dishes.

Garlic Truffle Oil Fries

The Garlic Truffle Oil Fries were just as good and addicting as I remember!

Taro Ravioli

The Pumpkin Patch Ravioli was a go-to order of mine, but now they have Taro Ravioli, and it is also very delicious!

Cheeseburger

Bulgogi Pork Tacos

Wagyu French Dip (Special)

Housemade Gnocchi

The Gnocchi were pillowy soft, and I enjoyed the mac nut pesto.  The mushrooms and chèvre made the dish a little more earthy than I had anticipated, but it was still a good dish overall.  

I'm not a fan of pies, but I love the pies at Monkeypod Kitchen.  We got the Orange Creamsicle (my fave), Strawberry Cream, and the seasonal Butterscotch.

They are huge, creamy, and so decadent!

Service was excellent!  

Monkeypod Kitchen
Ko Olina Station
92-1046 Olani Street
Kapolei Hi, 96707
(808) 380-4086

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Gina's BBQ Kapolei

We recently ordered the Large Family Pack at Gina's BBQ Kapolei.  The cost is $93, and you get:

6 pieces Kalbi

10 scoops rice

6 pieces BBQ Chicken, 6 pieces Bulgogi

12 Meat Jun Strips and 12 Man Du

and choice of 5 veggies.  We chose:

Corn

Shoyu Potato

Long Rice

Choi Sum

Macaroni Salad

It feeds 4-6, and all of this food ended up feeding our family of 5 for 2 dinners.  

Everything was very tasty, including the banchan.  The mac salad was seasoned well, and I love shoyu potato, but some of the huge pieces were undercooked (although the flavor was still there). 

My faves in the pack were the BBQ Chicken and the Man Du.  

It was definitely a good deal, especially considering it fed our family for two nights!

Gina's BBQ Kapolei
4850 Kapolei Pkwy suite #305

Kapolei, HI 96707

 

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Mina's Fish House

I love to go to Mina's Fish House to celebrate special occasions. The view is so pretty, the food is delicious, and the service is amazing.

Amuse - Siu Mai

Garlic & Duck Fat French Fries

I absolutely love Mina's Signature Duck Fat Fries (which you can find at other establishments of Chef Michael Mina).  They come with three dipping sauces: Volcano Onion Ketchup, Dijonnaise, Tartar Sauce.  They are addicting!

Smoked Marlin and Maui Onion Dip

We were given this dip compliments of the house.  It was very tasty!

Soy-Glazed Pork Belly

Ono Tataki

Chili Miso Glazed Black Cod

I had the Black Cod, or Butterfish.  It had a pleasant kick to it from both the Chili Miso and the Garlic Wasabi Cream.  

Sesame Roasted Half Chicken

Charred Broccolini

Filet Mignon

SPAM Fried Rice

The SPAM Fried Rice was a meal in itself!  

Despite devouring nearly everything, we still made sure to get dessert. 

Dark Chocolate Mousse

The Dark Chocolate Mousse was my fave of the desserts - cocoa streusel, salted caramel, and Kona coffee ice cream.  Such a decadent treat!

Warm Malasadas

I'm not much of a Malasadas fan, but I loved these.  They were perfectly sized and had just the right amount of sugar - I didn't even need to add the caramel sauce or strawberry guava gel.  

Mango-Strawberry Shaved Ice

The Mango-Strawberry Shaved Ice was so refreshing!

The food was outstanding, and our server was Ryan, a Fish Sommelier, and he was awesome.  

It was another memorable dining experience at Mina's!

Mina's Fish House
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
92-1001 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707
(808) 679-0079

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