Made-to-order Custom Salads at Pieology

I have been a fan of Pieology ever since they debuted in Hawaii in 2016. I love ability to create my own custom pizza, and it's created in front of my own eyes so that I can request more of this, less of that, etc.  

Today I decided to try the made-to-order custom SALAD, instead of a pizza.  Yes, SALAD. If you know me well, you know that I rarely if ever order a salad at a restaurant (California Pizza Kitchen is the only exception).  

But in an effort to eat more greens and protein, I decided to give this salad a try, and I am now a FAN!

For $8.95, I got a hearty salad consisting of romaine lettuce and spinach, mozzarella cheese, pineapple, bacon, all-natural chicken, kalua pork, salami, sun-dried tomatoes, dried cranberries, and croutons. 

As you can see, I went heavy on the protein - gotta get my money's worth and also get my GAINS!

Since I knew my sons would discard the crusts of their all-cheese pizza, I was still able to get bits and pieces of pizza with my salad.  I'm definitely going to be ordering these custom salads on future visits!

PIEOLOGY - Aina Haina

820 West Hind Drive

(808) 377-1364

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Nico's Kailua

Nico's at Pier 38, which has been featured on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, recently opened a second location in Kailua, in the spot formerly occupied by Pinky's Pupu Bar & Grill, which was a popular restaurant and bar in Kailua (even Obama dined there during one of his visits to Hawaii!).

It's called Nico's Kailua, and just like it's original location in town, it proudly features top quality, locally and responsibly caught fish.  

Lunch service is fast casual - order and pay at the entrance, pick up your order at the window by the kitchen when your buzzer buzzes.  Tables are first-come, first-served.  

Desserts are pre-packed at the entrance, so don't forget to grab one or two before you place your order.

If you're a fan of pesto, you will love their Pesto Chicken Caesar Salad.  It comes with a nice portion of grilled chicken breast, brushed with pesto, served on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce.  Dressing is served on the side to prevent the salad and croutons from getting soggy.

Since Nico's is known for their fresh fish, I opted for the grilled fish sandwich.  There was no shortage of flavor thanks to the kimchee aioli and mango salsa.  The fish itself was very moist.

We split a peanut butter bar which was AMAZING - I wish we had bought two slices. :)

Full service dinner is coming soon!

Nico's Kailua

970 N. Kalaheo Avenue

(808) 263-3787

http://nicospier38.com/

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Miami Grill Revisited

Last year I visited Miami Grill for the first time, and I thought it was a great place to grab a casual meal.

We recently went to Miami Grill again, and I was eager to see if the food and service were just as good the first time around.

Chicken Tender Club Salad

All Beef Hot Dog with Fries

Rodeo Burger

I had the Chicken Tender Club Salad, which I thought was really good.  Topped with chicken tenders, bacon, tomatoes, and eggs - it was so much food - I barely made a dent in it.

My husband had the Rodeo Burger once again, and once again he liked it.  The burger consisted of two beef patties topped with cheese, onion rings, and chipotle BBQ sauce.  He did wish there was more meat in each patty though.

The kids enjoyed their meals (they did not have any Corn Dog Nuggets, which my two of my kids wanted, so they all ordered hot dogs), and I still think it's a great deal - just $4.99 for the entree, fries (or salad), a drink, and a dessert (this time it was M&M's).

Service was once again very good, and I was happy to see that the food and service was consistent with our first visit.

Miami Grill
94-050 Farrington Hwy

Waipahu, HI 96797
(808) 680-9000

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Aloha Salads Now In Pearlridge Downtown

I don't typically love salads.  Unless said salad has a low greens to non-greens ratio.  And that is why I have never frequented Aloha Salads.  That and I've never crossed paths with one until two things happened:  (1) They opened up in Pearlridge Downtown (next to Kozo Sushi) and (2) I found out they serve sandwiches and wraps too!

The wrap that caught my eye was their curried chicken made with curried chicken salad, mango chutney, carrots, cranberries, grapes, coconut, and  romaine served on pita bread ($8.25).  Absolutely delicious.  It was on the sweet side, which I love and I eagerly ate the entire thing.

I think it's great that Aloha Salads cares about their customers' health.  I was able to find the nutritional information of my wrap on their website.  I also found out the pita bread they use is entirely fat and sugar free and their ahi is always fresh, never previously frozen.

I must admit, the signature salads they offer do sound pretty delicious, especially the Kamuela cobb and the Kahuku spinach.  I also like the idea of customizing my salad. 

If you just want to run in and pick up your food, there's even a designated parking stall for Aloha Salads right out front.  Such a great addition to Pearlridge Mall. 

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California Pizza Kitchen - Aiea

On a recent visit to California Pizza Kitchen in Aiea (Pearlridge), for the first time my husband and I did not order any pizza! We both decided to try different dishes.

I've heard the Chicken Piccata is really good at CPK (a friend of mine and @KoloheBoy both said it's super good), but I ended up not liking it very much.  It was way too lemony for me compared to other piccatas I've tried before.

DH had the Moroccan Chicken Salad, which he enjoyed.

Service was great (as it usually is), but next time I'll stick to my fave - BBQ Chicken with Applewood Smoked Bacon!

California Pizza Kitchen: 98-1005 Moanalua Rd # 554, Aiea, HI 96701-4718, (808) 487-7741

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