Supreme Dumpling Opens at Ala Moana Shopping Center

Supreme Tan Tan Noodles 

You can now satisfy your xiao long bao craving any day of the week at Supreme Dumplings located in the Ala Moana Shopping Center. The restaurant opened last month and features soup dumplings in a variety of fillings each folded by hand.

We ordered the Supreme Pork Xiao Long Bao and the Black Truffle & Chicken Xiao Long Bao. Each order comes with six dumplings. While they seemed good sized, they are easily eaten in one bite. Just let them cool a little first. The restaurant had an extra order of Supreme Tan Tan Noodles and let us have it on the house. That was very fortunate for us because the noodles were delicious. We ended the meal with the popular Onyx Golden Lava Custard Buns.

Supreme Pork Xiao Long Bao

Black Truffle & Chicken Xiao Long Bao

Onyx Golden Lava Custard Buns

Booth Seating

Main Dining Area

The restaurant itself is bright, modern, and fitted with both tables and booth options. The service was great as well. You can make a reservation on Yelp. My friend and I already know what we are ordering when we return!

Supreme Dumplings
1450 Ala Moana Blvd Ste 2500 

Honolulu, HI 96814

Read More

Westman Cafe Open in Kōʻula in Ward Village

Get the Souffle Pancakes!

Some of you die hard brunch fans may remember when Westman Cafe was open in Waikiki in the former Bills Sydney location. I remember enjoying their souffle pancakes so I was excited to have them again at their new location in Kōʻula in Ward Village. 

The cafe is bright and modern and also offers patio seating. On the menu for breakfast and brunch are signature toasts, souffle pancakes, a variety of french toasts as well as island plate options of omelet, shakshuka, loco moco, and more.

Located by the kids park

Bar seating and tables

I ordered the avocado toast for myself and the souffle pancake for the table which usually has a cook time of 20-25 minutes. We were all surprised when the star of brunch showed up first. The server explained that sometimes there will be an extra order of souffle pancakes being made and we were the lucky table. They were airy and delicious. I really could have eaten them by myself.

Avocado Toast

French Toast with Bacon and Eggs

Souffle Pancakes with lemon sauce

Japanese Style Morning Meal

We had a lovely experience and the service was also very good. Parking can be an issue as it gets crowded on the weekends. Reservations can be made on Open Table.

Westman Cafe

1000 Auahi Street 

Honolulu, HI 96814

Read More

YogurStory - Great Brunch Spot

Ube Pancakes

YogurStory has been at their Keeaumoku location for a couple of years now, but I have only just visited. Parking can be a little tough to find because the restaurant gets busy! To avoid a wait, you can add your name to the waitlist via Yelp app. 

The restaurant is bright and spacious. Lots of good vibes with friends and families enjoying brunch and time together. Even though it was busy, our server was friendly, attentive, and never rushed us. 

I ordered the breakfast pancake combo that came with eggs, bacon, sausage, and pancakes. Simple, but so delicious that I decided I needed to eat here more often!

Breakfast Pancake Combo

Eggs Benedict

Loco Moco

Open daily from 7am to 3:30pm, YogurStory is a great option!

YogurStory

745 Keeaumoku St Ste 100 

Honolulu, HI 96814

   

Read More

Tonkatsu Tamafuji

Jyukusei (aged) pork loin katsu teishoku 300 grams

It’s been awhile since I have been to Tonkatsu Tamafuji and it is mainly because it’s difficult to get a reservation. They are often booked two months out on Table Check, but you can always walk in and put your name on the waiting list. Even if you have a reservation, be prepared to wait; especially if you have a large party.

Each teishoku comes with your choice of red or white miso soup; choice of rice: white, seasoned, or 5 grain; and all you can eat shredded cabbage. Most of our party opted for the Jyukusei (aged) pork loin katsu teishoku which comes in 4 different sizes. I had the pork loin katsu egg toji set which is cooked in katsuo dashi. As was expected, the tonkatsu was delicious. Even hours later, the leftovers of the tonakatsu remained crispy.

pork loin katsu egg toji set 

The restaurant is always busy which may explain why service was just okay overall. Something easily overlooked when you are in the mood for great tonkatsu. Validated parking is available in the Hee Hing Plaza.

Tonkatsu Tamafuji
449 Kapahulu Ave, Ste 203Honolulu, HI 96815 

Read More

Tonkatsu @Honolulu Now Open!

Dry Aged Pork Loin Katsu Set

Tonkatsu @Honolulu has officially opened this week at 1232 Waimanu Street. Executive
Chef Keita has perfected his tonkatsu recipe and I got to try first hand at a media
tasting. The restaurant features his Dry Aged Pork Loin and Tenderloin Katsu sets
that are served with rice, tonjiru (a pork-vegetable miso soup), shredded cabbage, three
kobachis (side dishes) and tsukemono (pickled vegetable) of the day.

You can also opt for A5 Miyazaki-gyu Tenderloin, Chicken Katsu, and Shrimp Katsu. My
favorites were the pork loin and A5 Miyazaki-gyu and I especially loved their homemade
panko and curry! Tonkatsu @Honolulu uses premium three-way crossbred pork and homemade panko breadcrumbs. 

A5 Miyazaki-gyu Tenderloin

Shrimp Katsu

Chicken Katsu

Pork Tenderloin Katsu

The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Thursday through Tuesday.
Reservations can be made on their Yelp page. Self-parking is available in the parking lot
adjacent to the restaurant, with entrance to the lot located along Waimanu Street. The
first hour is free by scanning the QR code inside the restaurant. 

Read More

Korean Cuisine at Lani Sot

Spicy Pork Pot Rice Set

I recently saw on a friend’s IG feed her experience at Lani Sot and I knew I wanted to
check them out. Located upstairs at SALT Kakaako, Lani Sot specializes in Korean Pot
Rice sets. Although they opened a few months ago, they are currently still offering a soft opening menu of six different pot rice sets: Eggplant, Mushroom, Garlic Shrimp, Teri Pork, Spicy Eggplant, and Spicy Pork. Priced at $24.99, each set comes with a variety of sides and
soup.

I tried the spicy pork rice set and loved it! I enjoyed every side dish including the very
tasty beef soup. My spicy pork was delicious and not fatty which I appreciated. Service
was great, but it got a little busy at the restaurant so we didn’t get the roasted barley tea
added to our pots to create the rice soup at the end of the meal. I wouldn’t have been
able to finish the soup since I was so stuffed, but I would like to try it the next time.

Garlic Shrimp

Spicy Eggplant

Spicy Pork

Lani Sot is open daily from 11am. Be sure to scan their QR code at the restaurant to
receive discounted parking.

Read More

Graduates Eat Free Promo at Arden Waikiki

Celebrating with Baked Hawaii

I've been wanting to take my family to dine at Arden Waikiki for awhile so when I spotted their Graduates Eat Free promotion, I knew it was time to make that reservation. From May 14 through June 15, graduates dine free with parties of four or more which was perfect for our family to celebrate my daughter's graduation from high school. 

The menu by husband and wife duo, Chefs Makoto Ono and Amanda Cheng, are meant to be shared family style. We were off to a great start with the Smoked Ahi Poke served with sweet potato chips and  Fries with Mentaiko Smoked Trout Roe. My daughter liked the fries so much, we requested another order. For the rest of the meal we shared the Mushroom Rice, Brussel Sprouts, Ahi, Kanpachi, and Ribeye which was more than what we could eat. All the dishes were beautifully presented and very tasty. My favorites were the poke, ahi, and mushroom rice. My son loved the juicy ribeye and we devoured all the desserts. It was a great dinner! The food was amazing, service was excellent, and the venue was relaxing.  

French 75 and Calpico Sour. So delicious!

Smoked Ahi Poke

Fries with Spicy Mayo + Mentaiko Smoked Trout Roe

Mushroom Rice

Brussel Sprouts

Charcoal Grilled Peppercorn Ahi

Steamed Kona Kanpachi

16 ounce Ribeye

Brownie Bar, Laie Vanilla Panna Cotta, and Baked Hawaii

For the promotion, Arden Waikiki is celebrating all graduates; any type from preschool to college and on. The promotion requires you to present a diploma, photo with diploma, or proof of graduation. The graduate will receive a credit equal to the average food cost per person, up to $80. One discount per table/per party and not combinable with any other discount or promotion. You can make a reservation on Open Table.

Self parking available at the Lotus Hotel.

Arden Waikiki

2885 Kalakaua Ave Fl 2 

Honolulu, HI 96815

Read More

Menu Hacks at Raising Cane's!

This past weekend my teens and I were invited to a media lunch at Raising Cane's in Mililani. We were already familiar with the menu, but this time we learned all the secret menu hacks that we are excited to share with our readers!

If you ask my kids what their favorite Raising Cane's menu item is, they will definitely tell you it is the Texas toast. On this visit we learned that you can "BOB" your toast. That is, order butter on both sides which they both did and loved.   

My go-to order is the chicken sandwich which I learned that I could substitute the bun for two pieces of Texas toast! I could also order my chicken naked -  meaning the chicken is fried without any batter.

Next time, I may try my chicken sandwich with Texas toast!

The kids asked the cashier to "BOB" their toast!

Did you know that sides are swappable? Colesaw, extra fries, and Texas toast can all be swapped for a different side or an extra Cane's Sauce. We were told that in Hawaii, 1 out of 4 people like Cole Slaw which rang 100% true in our household!

Another secret - Raising Cane's has an "off-menu" honey mustard dipping sauce that you can simply ask for when you order. Last hack we learned is that you can order your chicken fingers or fries extra crispy!

Raising Cane's has eight locations on Oahu and one on Maui. The Pearl City and King Street Cane’s are open daily until 1 AM.

Thank you to Raising Cane's and Lance Rae for the media lunch!

Read More

Sunday Brunch at 53 By the Sea

Burrata 

It’s always a treat to brunch at one of Hawaii’s prettiest restaurants, 53 By the Sea. I especially love dining there for Sunday brunch as you have such pretty ocean views while enjoying your meal. Service here is always excellent too. 

Our large party had a great time and best part is that they don’t rush you so you can enjoy your experience to the fullest. A perfect place to have your next gathering or plan a party for the upcoming holidays! 

Cheers to my $7 flavored mimosa!

Pastry Basket

Savory Dutch Baby

Ahi Bowl

Breakfast Sandwich 

Read More

Little Plum in Mānoa Marketplace

Ahi Tataki

After hearing so many great things about Little Plum, a restaurant in Manoa, I was happy to check it out for dinner. Little Plum is owned by 2024 Hale ‘Aina Restauranter of the Year, Dusty Grable, who opened well-known spots like Lucky Belly, Livestock Tavern, and Tchin Tchin Bar. His new restaurant group has opened Wild Orange, Uncle Paul’s Corner Store, and the upcoming Lady Elaine – a Mediterranean restaurant. 

Little Plum is a lovely space with both table and booth seating and colorful kimono hanging on the wall. The ambience is lively and casual and on that night, busy with diners of all ages. The drink menu is filled with mouthwatering choices so it took us awhile to select our cocktails. The dinner menu includes options of teishoku, plates, and bowls. The teishoku items can be ordered a la carte so they can be shared as an appetizer. I had the spicy eggplant teishoku which I really enjoyed and we ended the meal with the mochi churros which was another excellent choice. Little Plum is a wonderful addition to Manoa Marketplace! 

Clockwise from top: Cha-zuke, Like Cracks, Same Same but different, and Rock Salt Rum

Spicy Eggplant 

Mushroom jook 

Fresh Catch

Mochi churros

Little Plum

2752 WOODLAWN DRIVE

808-888-0330

Read More