Visit Las Vegas: Border Grill Mandalay Bay

Mix and match tacos

For the last three concerts my friend and I attended at Allegiant stadium in Las Vegas, we have stayed at the Luxor hotel which is connected to Mandalay Bay. This makes it convenient for us to walk over to the stadium. Most recently, we dined at Border Grill Mandalay Bay before a Bruno Mars concert.

The Mexican restaurant offers a plentiful gluten free menu which was great for us since one of our friends is gluten sensitive. The menu features tacos, enchiladas, salads, and entrees. The tacos and enchiladas come in threes and they allow you to mix and match so you can customize your plate. I had the enchiladas and they were delicious. I had some of my friend's fish - pescado zarandeado - which was recommended by our server. That dish was stellar.

A great choice for food and drinks before your next concert!

Pescado zarandeado

 Enchiladas 

 

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Taqueria El Ranchero

It's been a while since we've had food from Taqueria El Ranchero, but it's still just as good as I remembered.  

Taco Grande

You pick your choice of meat and beans for the tacos. 

Chicken Fajitas

The Chicken Fajitas were delish.  The chicken was seasoned well and really juicy.  It was mixed with bell peppers, zucchini, and onions.  It was accompanied by tortillas, Mexican rice, and your choice of beans to make for a very satisfying meal!

Tip - there is an online order option using DoorDash for pick-up, but the prices are inflated, so call-in your order instead.  

Taqueria El Ranchero
823 California Ave
Wahiawa, HI 96786
(808) 621-9000

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Kehau's Kitchen

This year, we celebrated Grandparents Day with a special meal at Kehau’s Kitchen, a local favorite that my sister-in-law has been raving about ever since her first visit. After hearing her glowing reviews for months, I was really looking forward to finally trying it out — and it did not disappoint!

One of the first things I noticed about the menu was that it’s split into two parts: local and Mexican. Such an interesting mix! Everyone in my family gravitated toward the local side of the menu... except me. I went for the burrito bowl.

 I’ve always loved Mexican food, but rarely get to enjoy it since my boys aren't big fans. It hit the spot! 

Here’s what the rest of the family ordered:

• One of my sons chose the smoked meat, which had a nice kick to it — just enough spice to be exciting without overpowering the dish.

  

• Grandpa went with the classic shoyu chicken — tender, savory, and comforting.

  

• My other son ordered the teri beef, and let me tell you, it looked so good. He cleaned his plate, which tells you everything you need to know!

  
  

  

• My sister-in-law stayed loyal to her favorite — the Kamakaze Nachos — which she claims are to-die-for. I finally got to try a bite, and she’s absolutely right.

  
  

  

• My husband went with the two-choice poke plate, and both varieties of poke were incredibly fresh. You could really taste the quality of the fish.

  
  

  

Even though we dined in, all the food came in takeout containers. Honestly, I didn’t mind at all. The portions are generous, so we likely would’ve asked for boxes anyway. This just made it more convenient.

The vibe was casual and friendly. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you're eating at someone's house!

Will I be back? Definitely. There are still so many things I want to try — and maybe I’ll even get one of the boys to try a taco next time. 😉

Open 7 days a week!

KEHAU'S KITHCEN

98-150 KAONOHI STREET (WESTRIDGE SHOPPING CENTER)

808-487-2220

 

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Straight Outta Husk Mexican Food

Finally, the stars aligned and I was in the area when Straight Outta Husk was open at the Aiea Palama Market! Straight Outta Husk serves traditional Mexican dishes made from scratch for lunch and dinner from Thursday to Saturday. 

Their menu features burritos, tacos, tortas, quesadillas, nachos, enchiladas, as well as elote, tamales, pozole, and desserts. They also have vegan and vegetarian options available. For my first time, I ordered the birria burrito - 13 inch flour tortilla with slow cooked beef, rice, beans, onion, cilantro, and cheese served with salsa and lime. It was enormous and so tasty! 

Birria Burrito

Service was great and friendly. They have a seating area inside to sit down and enjoy your food. Definitely will be back!

Straight Outta Husk
98-020 Kamehameha Hwy 
Aiea, HI 96701

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Paniolos Hawaii at Kahala Mall

I recently met a friend at Kahala Mall for lunch to check out Paniolos Hawaii's newest location. It was his first time at Paniolos ... I have been to the location in Kailua numerous times. 

This location in Kahala Mall is located near Starbucks, you can't miss it.  

It's similar in concept to Subway and Pieology - you basically get to create your own meal - whether it's a burrito, taco, or bowl.

My friend created a burrito - look at the size of it!

He added cilantro brown rice, black beans, free range chicken, and a bunch of toppings. 

I created a bowl with grilled steak, black beans, chopped romaine lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, corn salsa, and added guacamole (extra charge).

I really enjoyed this bowl of goodness and stretched it out over two meals! 

The ingredients were fresh, and the servings were generous. 

When you're craving fresh Mex on-the-go, check out Paniolos Hawaii!

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PANIOLOS HAWAII
4211 WAIALAE AVE
808-735-8335

 

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Visit Big Island: Big Island Birria Boss

Big Island Birria Boss recently opened up a brick and mortar in Honomu.

Originally a food stand, this eatery specializes in all things Birria.

I got the Birria Nachos, which was loaded!

The House Made Corn Chips were fab, and they were topped with a generous helping of beef, cheese, beans, onions, cilantro, chipotle crema, and salsa verde.  It's some of the best nachos I've had anywhere!    
 

The Birria Burrito was served with Consomme (not pictured).  The Burrito was enormous!  A tortilla is first dipped in birria oil, then stuffed with rice, beans, beef, cheese, cilantro, onion, pickled veggies, and chipotle crema.  

It's so great to see a new eatery in the Honomu area that dishes up really good food.

Big Island Birria Boss

28-1692 Old Mamalahoa Hwy

Honomu, HI 96728
 

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Da Seafood Cartel

OG Tostada

Curious by the large crowds at the old Wally Ho's on Kamehameha Highway, my friend and I stopped by for lunch and discovered Da Seafood Cartel. Known for their ceviche, tostadas, and tacos, Da Seafood Cartel offers a great extensive menu. 

We decided on the OG Tostada with a layer of blue crab spread, ceviche, avocado, and BSOD (Black Sauce of Death -which they also sell by the bottle) and fish tacos - 4 oz beer battered fish topped with slaw, pico de gallo, and chipotely aioli.  Both dishes were super delicious!  The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating and open daily from 11am to 7pm. You can also find them at the Kaka'ako and Kailua Farmer's Markets. Highly recommend! 

Fish Tacos

Da Seafood Cartel
98-380 Kamehameha Hwy Aiea, HI 96701
808.762.0044

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Visit Island of Hawai`i: Luquin's Cantina - Pahoa

Someone told me Luquin's Cantina in Pahoa is one of her favorite restaurants, so despite Luquin's 454 opening up in Hilo, I just had to check out the Pahoa location, where Luquin's originated (the original Pahoa restaurant was burned down in a fire, and they relocated into an old fast food spot in Pahoa). 

Complimentary Chips & Salsa

Your first basket of chips and salsa is free.  The chips were crispy with just enough salt, and the salsa had some nice heat to it!

Steak Flauta

I usually eat Chimichangas when at Mexican restaurants (I know, it's not authentically Mexican), so I got the next closest thing - a Flauta!  In an effort to try and eat more protein, I decided to get it stuffed with steak.  I wish I stuck with my usual chicken, because a lot of the pieces of beef were chewy throughout - too chewy for my preference, but overall the flavor was delicious, and I just loved how golden and crispy the flauta was.  The accompanying refried beans, Mexican rice, salsa, and guacamole made for a very filling meal.

Carnitas Enchiladas

My friend ordered the Carnitas Enchiladas, which he felt were lacking spices.  He ended up requesting more salsa to pour onto the enchiladas, and that made a lot of difference.

Service was excellent and prices were reasonable.

Despite a few misses, we were overall satisfied with our meals, and I'm eager to check out the new Luquin's in Hilo, and will be sure to order chicken next time in my Flauta!

Luquin's Cantina
151448 Kahakai Blvd

Pāhoa, HI 96778

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Visit Hilo: Coco Cantina Revisited

I was impressed with my first take-out experience at Coco Cantina in Hilo.  They had just opened in the area, and the food and service were both really great.  I recently ordered from them again, and was impressed with the great food and level of service.  

El Azteca Burrito

The El Azteca Burrito was enormous!  It was stuffed with carnitas.

Carne Asada Barrio Bowl

I ordered the Carne Asada Barrio Bowl once again.  It was so yummy and filling, with Mexican rice, black beans, pico de gallo, lettuce, guacamole, and chunks of steak.  

Chicken Tortilla Soup

The Chicken Tortilla Soup was so flavorful.  Topped with tortilla chips, cilantro, and sour cream, it was one of the best Chicken Tortilla Soups I've had anywhere - I just wish the serving was a bit bigger!

Acapulco Salad

The Acapulco Salad is served in a crisp tortilla shell if you dine in (it is packed separately to prevent sogginess if you do take-out).  The salad was full of olives, cheese, chicken, black beans, and tomatoes.

I highly recommend Coco Cantina for delicious food and friendly service!

Coco Cantina

194 Kilauea Ave, #105
Hilo, HI 96778

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Visit California: Los Jarritos Restaurant

We decided to go to Los Jarritos Restaurant after seeing how it had great reviews online, and while waiting for a table, we heard people talk about the menudo.

Then we saw people leaving with huge pots of menudo.

And then once we sat down, every single table had a bowl of menudo.

Offered only on Saturdays and Sundays until they run out, menudo comes in kids, small, and large sizes, and you can also bring in your own pot!

The kids size is pretty big.  The menudo was a bit salty, but it's definitely a popular comfort food dish as was evident by all the guests indulging in the soup.

Chilaquiles

I had the Chilaquiles - tortilla chips with eggs and beans and rice.  It had a delicious green sauce that really tied all the components together.

Carnitas Burrito

My friend loved the Carnitas Burritos, which was completely stuffed with tender pork, and he too loved the green sauce.  

Service was prompt and friendly, and Los Jarritos definitely hit the spot for Mexican food.

Los Jarritos Restaurant
3191 N Garey Ave

Pomona, CA 91767-1367

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Visit California: Casa Jimenez

When in California, there are many great options for Mexican food.  Googling for a nearby restaurant brought us to Casa Jimenez, where we enjoyed brunch.

Jimenez Special

The Jimenez Special consisted of carne asada, beans, and tortillas.

Huevos con Chorizo

I got the Huevos con Chorizo - chorizo and scrambled eggs. It was served with rice and beans.  It was a lot of food that made for a hearty meal.  I really liked the spicy sausage crumbled up in the eggs.

I would have eaten almost all of the breakfast plate if I didn't eat a lot of chips and salsa and pico de gallo.  Just give me some chips and salsa and I'll be happy!

My friend had a great tip - mix the pico de gallo with the salsa for the best flavors!

Never too early for a margarita!

Service was great, the food was authentic, and the prices were beyond reasonable (less than half of what you'd expect to pay in Hawai`i).  

Casa Jimenez was full of locals, so you know it's a go-to spot for residents!

Casa Jimenez
921 W Foothill Blvd

Claremont, CA 91711

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Surf-N-Salsa

I've been a fan of Surf-N-Salsa ever since they operated as a Surfin' Salsa food truck out in Mililani.  I recently went to their Haleiwa spot and ordered my usual - Chicken Chimichanga.

Chicken Chimichanga

It's still as good as when I first tried it over 8 years ago - tortillas stuffed with your choice of protein (I chose chicken), cheese, and salsa, all deep fried; served with rice and beans.

Everything was just so flavorful - the chicken was seasoned well, and the rice and beans were just so delish!

Chips & Salsa

The salsa was spicy!  

Burritos are stuffed!

The burritos are stuffed with rice, meat, guacamole, and meat.   You can easily make a meal for two out of just one burrito.

Be sure to check out Surf-N-Salsa for great Mexican eats!

Surf-N-Salsa
66-521 Kamehameha Hwy

Haleiwa, HI 96712

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Visit Hilo: Tacos Jalisco

Tacos Jalisco is a food truck in Hilo that I've been wanting to try for some time now.  They don't take phone orders on certain days, so on the day we went, we had to order at the truck and wait for our food (fortunately the wait was not that long).

Fish Taco

Nachos

I got the nachos, which was topped with refried beans, cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream, and you can add your choice of meat for extra.

It was so flavorful - some of the best nachos I've had in a long time.  I had to restrain myself from eating the entire plate in one sitting.

Tres Tacos

My friend had the Fish Taco and the Tres Tacos.  He ordered the Tres Tacos with carnitas and carne asada - he liked these tacos much better than he did the fish taco.

Tacos Jalisco is a great option for Mexican food!

Tacos Jalisco
277 Kekuanaoa St

Hilo, HI 96720

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Alejandro's in Pearl City

I've been wanting to try Alejandro's Mexican Food for a while now, but hardly ever make it in to town, so I was very excited to hear they would open up in Pearl City!

I ordered the Wet Chicken Burrito Combo Plate.  The burrito was a nice size, stuffed with chicken (which I thought was a bit under-seasoned), but I loved the enchilada sauce that smothered the burrito.

The combo plate comes with rice and beans.

Quesadilla

Macho Burrito

The Macho Burrito was nicely-sized as well, stuffed with your choice of meat, sour cream, onions, and rice.  

I'd definitely give them another try - will probably order the Mexi Bowls or Nachos next time!

Alejandro's Mexican Food
850 Kamehameha Hwy #133

Pearl City, HI 96782
(808) 888-8855

 

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