Pau Hana Bar

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - Pau Hana Bar at Foodland Farms in Pearl City has some of the best food in the neighbohood.

Chinese Style Ahi Belly

Crispy Chili Peppah Chicken

Fried Saimin

Warm Portuguese Sweet Bread Pudding

Everything was so delish!  My friend loved the ahi belly and appreciated the portion size for the price.  The chicken was really crispy and flavorful - not too spicy, but just enough chili pepper.  The fried saimin was seasoned well and had ample garnishes.

The bread pudding was humongous!  It was served warm, and I opted for a scoop of ice cream on the side. It was so good.

The day we went, it was the first day of a new ticketing system, and they were having lots of issues.  Our food order never went through, and by the time they figured it out, almost 45 minutes passed.  The bartender was apologetic and gave us a discount.  I appreciated the gesture!

Pau Hana Bar is a great spot for food in Pearl City!

Pau Hana Bar at Foodland Farms Pearl City

Pearl City Gateway Center
1150 Kuala Street
5 a.m. to 12 midnight daily
(808) 453-4509

Read More

The Hall by Beer Lab HI at Pearlridge

 

We recently had a quick pau hana at The Hall by Beer Lab HI at Pearlridge.

Crispy Pork

The Crispy Pork was lechon kawali style, and it was so good - reminded me of being at my grandparents' house as a kid!

Smoked Meat Fries

The Smoked Meat Fries were so addicting.  The Smoked Meat had a BBQ glaze, and the fries alone were great too!

Local Style Fried Noodles

The Local Style Fried Noodles were so tasty - some of the best I've had in a long time!  They did not skimp on the ingredients!

What I love about Beer Lab is it's perfect for large groups since everyone can order via the app for their own party.  No need to fuss with calculating everyone's portion or multiple bills.  

Looking forward to the next pau Hana!

The Hall by Beer Lab HI at Pearlridge
Uptown, 98-1005 Moanalua Rd Unit #884

Aiea, HI

Read More

Happy Hour at The Counter

I was recently invited to try out the Happy Hour menu at The Counter at Kahala Mall.

Happy Hour is 3pm-630pm daily M-F, with food ranging from $4-$8, and drinks from $5-$7.  Such a deal!

I love Happy Hour - it's such a great opportunity to try a variety of items at prices that won't break the bank.  The Counter offered a lot of familiar faves!  

Classic Mule / LA Rum Punch

Fried Zucchini

Fried Chicken Sliders

Guac & Chips

Buffalo Wings

Housemade Potato Chips

Sweet Sriracha Wings

Mini Cheeseburgers

Buffalo Cauliflower

Sweet Sriracha Brussels Sprouts

Parmesan Fries

Loaded Tots

My faves were the tots (of course), brussels, fried zucchini, and cauliflower.

Perfect for Pau Hana!

The Counter
4211 Waialae Avenue
(808) 739-5100

Read More

Alan Wong's Honolulu Launches New Pau-Hanaish Menu

Alan Wong's Honolulu just launched a new Pau Hana-ish Menu.  This new 3-course prix fixe menu is available from 5pm daily for $65 per person ($95 with win pairings).

First Course offerings include Kauai Shrimp "Escargot" Style, or 

Kalua Pig Caesar Salad

Mini Chopped Ahi Sashimi and Avocado Salsa Stack

Second Course offerings include Petite Filet (or you can turn it into a Mauka-Makai entree for a supplemental charge)

Mauka-Makai

or

Chili Glazed Fresh Island Fish (Photo credit Alan Wong's Honolulu)

Dessert is a Lilikoi Bread Pudding

I opted to order off the menu.

Side by Side Local Butter Tasting

The Side by Side Local Butter Tasting included samples of butter from Naked Cow Dairy Butter in Waianae, imported butter from Los Angeles, and Hula Cow, Lalamilo Farms in Waimea.  

My favorite was the Naked Cow Dairy.

"Soup and Sandwich"

I LOVE the "Soup and Sandwich" - an elevated twist on a classic comfort food pairing.  The Grilled Foie Gras, Kalua Pig, and Mozzarella Cheese Sandwich paired with a Chilled Tomato Soup was simply amazing.

Nori Wrapped Tempura Ahi

The Nori Wrapped Tempura Ahi is a popular item at Alan Wong's.  Delicate pieces of ahi were enveloped in a tempura batter and served with a delicious soy mustard sauce.

Seared Day Boat Scallops Risotto

I love scallops, and I love risotto, so this was a no-brainer for me to order.

Perfectly cooked scallops sat atop a bed of risotto with truffle dried scallops, ham, shrimp, and Hamakua mushrooms.

Waialua Chocolate "Crunch Bars"

The Waialua Chocolate "Crunch Bars" are a chocolate-lover's dream!  Milk Chocolate Macadamia Nut Crunch and Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse combine for a decadent treat.

Whether you're celebrating something special, or simply want delicious, thoughtful food, Alan Wong's Honolulu does not disappoint!

Alan Wong's Honolulu
1857 S King St.

Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 949-2526

Mahalo to the amazing team at Alan Wong's Honolulu for treating me to this wonderful meal!

Read More

Progressive Pau Hana

I recently attended a Progressive Pau Hana event, where guests visited a trio of establishments for food and drink.

The first stop was Ferguson's Pub, where we were treated to a lovely Cheese & Charcuterie Board.

This pub, located in the Dillingham Transportation Building, may be small, but a large patio that can accommodate 300 people is perfect for any event.

Ferguson's Pub offers a fantastic drink selection, as well as a variety of casual eats, perfect for pau hana.

The next stop was Bethel Union, where we indulged in Chef Robert Paik's Live Oysters w/Chili Pepper Mignonette, Prosciutto & Arugula Salad, Local Mushroom Bruschetta, and Spaghetti and Meatballs.  Everyone raved about the food, and my personal fave was the Mushroom Bruschetta (I wanted to eat the entire tray myself!).

Bethel Union offers private rooms and a recently-rolled out new menu, as well as an extensive wine list and array of fabulous cocktails.

Our last stop of the evening was J. Dolans, where we couldn't wait to devour the popular pizzas: The Giacomo, Spinach & Garlic Pie, Classic Pepperoni.

If you love pizza, fries, wings, beer, and a lively atmosphere, J. Dolan's is the place to be.  J. Dolan's is one of my favorite pizza spots on the island, and although I was full from the previous to stops, I couldn't stop eating chicken wings (some of the best ever!) and pizza.

All three spots - Ferguson's Pub, Bethel Union, J. Dolan's, are perfect for pau hana!

Ferguson's Pub
729 Bishop St

Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 521-9020

Bethel Union
1115 Bethel St

Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 524-0447

J. Dolan's
1147 Bethel St

Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 537-4992

Read More

Mina's Fish House Aloha Fridays

Every First Friday, head on down to Mina's Fish House at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.

From 5pm to 8pm, enjoy passed pupus, live music, games, and cocktails as the sun sets.

Entry is $10, or BYO-Tiki Mug for free admission!  Drinks tickets are $10 each.

I attended the inaugural Aloha Friday earlier this month, and enjoyed mixing and mingling, and even won a friendly game of corn hole (with cocktail in hand, I must add).

The setting, although warm, was stunning. 

Mina's Fish House Aloha Fridays is a fun way to wind down after a hectic work week.

Parking is free with validation for up to three hours (a Lyft discount is also offered for those who prefer not to drive).

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

Read More