The Lobster Roll from Da Buttah Lobstah in Jolene's Market

I finally tried it! Da Buttah Lobstah's Lobster Roll w/Corn Chowder as been popping up on my friends' social media feeds every since it debuted in August, and I finally got down to Chinatown to try it for myself! 

Did it live up to the hype?

YES!

The Lobster Roll comes with a bowl of corn chowder, or you can add fries for $1.50 more. Since I'm trying to cut down on my consumption of fries, I opted for the corn chowder.

In less than 5 minutes, the Lobster Roll and corn chowder arrived at my table.  There was so much lobster and other goodies on top of the buttered roll that I decided to eat it with a pair of chopsticks (I didn't see any forks on the counter). 

The menu says that it's made with "killah asian cajun sauce", so I thought it would be a little spicy, but I did not detect any spiciness at all.  I liked how the amount of mayo used was at a minimum.  The lobster roll exceeded my expectations by far and I thought it was definitely priced right at $15.

There is seating available, and it's currently set up community style (in earlier articles I've seen it set up as 4-tops).  When I first arrived at 12:45 pm on a weekday, it was packed.  By the time we left an hour later, it looked like the picture above.

It's definitely worth a try if you're a fan of lobster!

Da Buttah Lobster

Jolene's Market

100 N. Beretania 

(808) 540-1000

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Ginger & Garlic

Ginger & Garlic recently opened in the old Mei Sum location on the corner of Pauahi and Smith streets in Chinatown.   

The menu has most of what you would expect as far as dim sum goes, at very reasonable prices.

We tried the house special pan fried noodles, which comes with a generous amount of meat and vegetables. 

And since we couldn't decide between the custard tarts and jin dui, we ordered them both. 

GINGER & GARLIC

1138 Smith Street

(808) 537-3883

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The Pig & the Lady

The Pig & the Lady was first featured back on a previous incarnation of Hawaii Mom Blog, back in 2011, when they first started doing pop-ups at Hank's Haute Dogs.  They have been blogged about many times since on Hawaii Mom Blog by both Nat and Nadia, whether it be about their Farmers Market fare or their Chinatown restaurant.

However, I had never been to The Pig and the Lady myself!

I mentioned this to @konaish, who is known as the "queen" of The Pig & the Lady, since she frequents the restaurant and their farmers market stand at least once a week.

Imagine my excitement a few days later when she messaged me saying she set up a dinner with some friends so I could finally try The Pig and the Lady!

Big Eye Ahi Tataki on Spanish Toast

Nori Chips

LFC Wings

"Adult PB&J"

Strawberry Stracciatella

Wild Betel Leaf & Octopus Sausage

Pastrami Cured Ora King Salmon

Hawaiian Kanpachi Crudo

Whole Branzino

Smoked Pork Jowl

Roasted Quail

Lemon Ricotta Ravioli

The best thing I ate that night was the "Adult PB&J" (not on the menu - it was made special just for @konaish) - Hudson Valley Foie Gras Torchon, Kahuku Banana Jam, Grape Jelly, and Pistachio Crumbles.  The sweet flavors of the jam and jelly balanced out the richness of the foie gras, making it a perfect combo.  Simply amazing!

There were many other fantastic dishes - other personal faves included the LFC Wings, Lemon Ricotta Ravioli, Wild Betel Leaf & Octopus Sausage, and Ahi Tataki on Spanish Toast.

I also enjoyed the Nori Chips, which were filled with asapargus namul, smoked trout roe, creme fraiche, pickled fresno, and shiso, and the Strawberry & Stacciatella was delightful - fresh pulled mozzarella with ume Kula strawberries!

The beautiful plate of Hawaiian Kanpachi Crudo is a Localicious special of the month.

The Roasted Quail was a special of the evening.  Pan-roasted J. Ludovico Quail was served with an amazing mushroom farro risotto!

Despite so much food, I couldn't leave without dessert!

Yuzu Semifredo

P&L Sundae Funday

Peanut Butter Banana Cream Pie

The P&L Sundae Funday consisted of a Honey Ginger Custard & Guava Sorbet twist soft serve in a house made waffle bowl, topped with salted feuilletine crunch, macadamia nuts, liquor whipped cream, and chocolate magic crack.

The Yuzu Semifredo - sugar cured egg yolk, chiffon cake, roasted strawberries, shiso, cornflake and macadamia crumble - was light and refreshing. 

All of the desserts were spectacular (and how can you not enjoy anything with chocolate magic crack poured on?), but the Peanut Butter Banana Pie was my favorite.  The pie was luscious and creamy, and the bruleed bananas and peanut brittle provide pleasing contrasting textures and flavors. 

We also ordered cocktails!

Cobra Commander

Mega Gem

Of course I had to try the Mega Gem cocktail.  Made with vodka, grapefruit, lemon, and amaro, it was good!

The Cobra Commander comes with Sriracha Ice! 

What a feast!  Thank you to the entire team at The Pig and the Lady, and to @konaish for planning a fab night out!

The Pig and the Lady
83 N King St

Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 585-8255

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