Little Plum Revisited

I revisited Little Plum recently after not being too impressed during my first visit when they opened about two years ago. A friend suggested it for lunch—it was her first time—and I was open to giving it another shot, hoping things might have changed.

We shared a few dishes: the cucumber appetizer, crispy pork belly, and the fresh catch. The cucumber appetizer was light and refreshing, a decent start. 

The crispy pork belly was the stronger of the savory dishes—nicely cooked with good flavor and texture.

The fresh catch didn't quite hit the mark for me. It was dry.

Dessert ended on a high note, though. The mochi churros were easily the highlight for me—crispy on the outside, chewy inside.

Service was friendly and welcoming throughout the meal, which always makes a difference. I really want to like this place, but after a second visit, I’m still kind of on the fence. Maybe third time's a charm?

LITTLE PLUM

2754 Woodlawn Drive

808-888-0330

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Mililani Restaurant

I can always count on Mililani Restaurant for great Fried Saimin and Fried Rice.  They are two of the menu items I can count on to be consistently delicious.

Fried Saimin

Portuguese Sausage Fried Rice

Both plates are always heaping with food, and so flavorful!  The Fried Rice is really some of the tastiest on the island, and the Fried Saimin never disappoints.  

Tofu Eggplant

For the first time, I tried the Tofu Eggplant, and I thought it was pretty good!  There were big chunks of tofu and eggplant in a sweet / savory sauce.  

The Korean Chicken was okay.  The pieces were small and overcooked, but they did have nice flavor.

Mililani Restaurant has a very extensive menu, so I'll definitely be trying other things next time - along with the Fried Saimin and Portuguese Sausage Fried Rice!

Mililani Restaurant
95-221 Kipapa Dr
Mililani, HI 96789
(808) 625-2000

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Jolene's By The Bay

Jolene's Market, which had humble beginnings in Chinatown, has expanded to four locations on Oahu, in just four years. They were initially known for lobster rolls, but expanded their menu to include bbq brisket melts, burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and much much more.

Jolene's recently opened their newest location in Kaneohe at Bayview Golf Course, and we went to check it out on Super Bowl Sunday. 

I called in our order ahead of time and it was waiting for me by the time I got there to pick it up. We tried the buttah lobster roll ($22) and bbq brisket fries ($17).

The lobster roll had a good amount of lobster meat in there. They don't add a lot of mayo in their lobster, which is one of the reasons why I like their lobster roll so much.  

The bbq brisket fries were amazing! The brisket was tender and the sauce had a slight kick to it. 

Their dining room is very spacious and overlooks the golf course.

Open Tuesdays - Sundays from 11 am - 7 pm. 

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JOLENE'S BY THE BAY
45-285 KANEOHE BAY DRIVE
808-236-1010

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More from Agaru!

After reading Nadia's review of Agaru (click here to read it!), I knew I had to try it for myself! And then a good friend messaged me, asking if J and I wanted to join them on a double date at. Agaru. Yes please!!

She reserved four seats for us at the bar, where we got to watch Chefs Chris Kajioka and Daysen Masuda work their magic all night long.

Here's what we ordered, in no particular order. Some items are part of the Izakaya menu, some are from the Signatures and Sushi menu. 

Bruleed Tamago

Potato Salad

Seasonal Vegetable

Sunomono

Oyster

California Handroll

Ahi Toast

Chicken Karaage

Foie Gras Chawanmushi

Sake

Beef Tongue

Nairagi

Hamachi Kama

Chef Daysen's Aburi Chutoro

Shio Koji Sundae

Ok, honestly I was not a fan of the beef tongue (I never am!), but everything else was a burst of heavenly flavors and textures. The ahi toast and California Handroll, both add-ons, were my most favorite dishes, along with the Shia Koi Sundae. 

I can't wait to return to try more dishes on the menu! Who's coming with me?!

To book a reservation, click here. 

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AGARU 
355 Royal Hawaiian Avenue, Suite 200

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Pint + Jigger at the Ala Moana Hotel

I finally got the chance to check out the new Pint + Jigger located in the lobby of the newly renovated Ala Moana hotel.  Pint + Jigger is a local favorite offering craft beer and craft cocktails and well known for their extensive whiskey collection as well as their famous Scotch Egg.  Pint + Jigger is also home to Harry’s Hardware Emporium, a 1920’s themed speakeasy.

My friends and I came for an early Sunday dinner and had a great time.  Service was attentive and the drinks and food were delicious.  Pint + Jigger is a casual restaurant and great for large and small groups alike.  

The Hulk BLT

Fried green tomatoes, bacon, lettuce, and remoulade on sourdough bread w/fries. 

The PINT + JIGGER Stout Burger

Served with beer cheese, garlic aioli, lettuce, pickle, and french fries

“Scotch Egg”*

Soft-boiled egg wrapped in pork rillettes, breaded

and deep fried

Blackened Fish Sliders

Blackened fish, topped with a spicy avocado cilantro slaw, and a pickle chip

Large dining area

Entrance to hidden speakeasy

Pint + Jigger, Ala Moana Hotel lobby

808-744-9593

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Jolene's Ewa Beach

Since I was in the area, I decided to pick up some take-out from Jolene's Ewa Beach.  

Fried Chicken Salad

I was trying to be semi-healthy, and ended up ordering the Fried Chicken Salad.  It's definitely something I'd re-order. Golden, fried buttermilk chicken strips topped a bed of lettuce, along with some tomatoes and house pickles.  I really enjoyed the acidic components in the salad, It was such a hearty meal!

Lobster Roll

Louisiana Melt

The Louisiana Melt consists of Cajun crawfish and Havarti, Muenster, and Cheddar Cheeses, stuffed in housemade Japanese Milk Bread.  

BBQ Beef Brisket

You can add on a side to your melts or rolls, such as curly fries, waffle fries, tomato bisque, toss salad, or corn chowder. 

Loco Moco

Jolene's offers a nice variety of foods to choose from - sandwiches, salads, and local dishes.  

Everyone in the family enjoyed their meals, and Jolene's is deifinitely one of my fave spots in Ewa Beach!

Jolene's - Ewa Beach
Laulani Village Shopping Center
91-1087 Keaunui Dr Ste 400
Ewa Beach, HI 96706

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Miro Kaimuki

Since we don't go out on date nights very often, so when we do, it's usually at a restaurant we have always wanted to try but never could because of the kids (i.e. no keiki menu).  Miro Kaimuki has always been on my "to-try" list for several reasons - several friends on social media dine here often, and I am a fan of Chris Kajioka's restaurants.  

Miro Kaimuki features a five course Prix Fixe menu (with optional wine pairing) that changes every month.  In addition to the prix fix menu, the restaurant offers several courses that you can add to your experience. 

Although we declined the wine pairing, we did start off our meal with a glass of wine to celebrate our night out sans kids!

I was so excited when our server informed us at the ahi brioche was available as an add-on. It is one of Chris Kajioka's specialties, and if you ever get the opporunity to dine at Miro, you must order this!

First course: little gem. chickpea. beet. All great meals start off with a salad, and this one was heavenly. 

Second Course: potato, horseradish, trout roe. I was nervous about this dish as I normally pass on horseradish or trout roe (fish eggs), but this was executed beautifully! 

Add-on - pasta with crab meat - sorry, I can't give you a better description of this dish because it's not listed on the menu, but I'll just say that it was delicious!

As soon as this plate of escargot was delivered to our table, we told the server we did not add this to our meal. Our server told us it was compliments of the house. Wow! Thank you Chef Kajioka and Co.!  I don't know what I enjoyed more - the escargot, or the sourdough bread (which they source from The Breadshop) dunked in the garlic butter sauce!

And since we loved the bread so much, we added the sourdough, salted butter, za'atar to our meal. There is nothing more satisfying than a slice of warm, pillowy soft loaf of sourdough bread with salted butter!

Third Course: big glory bay salmon, pea, ramps, lentil. We asked our server where big glory bay was, and although he admitted he did not know off the top of his head where big glory bay was, he actually went and looked it up for us! It's located in New Zealand.  This salmon was very tender and buttery. 

Fourth Course: flank steak, radish, charred onion (served with a ponzu sauce). I'm not a fan of steak, but this steak won me over for its tenderness and doneness. 

Fifth Course: local citrus, buttermilk whey. bayleaf. A not-too-sweet and not-too-heavy ending to our amazing meal. 

This was one of those dining experiences that the hubby and I will remember for a long time. It wasn't just the food itself that made this meal amzing - it was everything about the restaurant, from the decorations, design, ambiance, professionalism of the staff, tableware and glasses, and of course, the food. You can tell there was thought put into every detail.  I am already thinking about when to make another reservation at Miro.

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MIRO KAIMUKI

3446 Waialae Ave,

Honolulu, HI 96816

(808) 379-0124

info@mirokaimuki.com

 

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