Visit Waimea: Waimea Butcher Shop

I've been to Waimea Butcher Shop a few times before, but this was my first visit ever since they opened up an adjacent dining room and launched dinner service. 

Tartare

We were treated to the Tartare, which was accompanied by shrimp chips.  All the elements worked well together.  My friend especially loved the fish sauce cured egg yolk, and thought it was clever to use shrimp chips.

Butcher Shop Tots

I had to get the Butcher Shop Tots, which happened to launch just that day.  It was such a treat - crispy tots with tender brisket, tomatoes, sour cream, green onions, and cheese.  

Romaine Salad

Creamed Greens

Bistro Steak

My friend enjoyed the steak, as well as the accompanying horse radish cream, as well as the charred romaine.  He especially loved the Charred Greens, which can be ordered as a shareable.

Pancetta & Herb Pasta

The Pancetta and Herb Pasta was delish.  I thought the pasta was cooked perfectly, and of course I loved the pieces of pancetta, which added a depth of richness to the dish.

Service was warm and welcoming, and there is live music nightly (the night we went CJ Kama was playing, and he was awesome)!

Waimea Butcher Shop is a great dinner option when in the area!

Waimea Butcher Shop
64-1032 Mamalahoa Hwy

Waimea, HI 96743

Read More

Visit Big Island: The Fish & The Hog

It's been a while since I've actually dined in at The Fish & The Hog in Waimea on the Big Island (I usually do take-out), but a last-minute change of plans had our team dining there for lunch!

Cobb Salad

I had my usual Cobb Salad, and it was just loaded with toppings!  There was smoked chicken, croutons, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, and blue cheese.  It's so tasty and so enormous!

Beer Battered Onion Rings

The Fish & The Hog is my favorite spot for Onion Rings on the island, and I nearly cried when they said they were out (we were the second ones seated that day, so not sure if they just ran out from the previous night).  

Although they weren't as crisp and tasty as previous orders, I still think the Onion Rings are fab!

Smoked Brisket French Dip

Everyone else on the table ordered the Smoked Brisket French Dip.  It was huge and stuffed with so much meat, along with bacon!  

If you're looking for delicious eats in Waimea, be sure to stop at The Fish & The Hog!

Reservations not taken; walk-ins only, and go early because they will sell out of items!

The Fish and The Hog
64-957 Mamalahoa Hwy
Waimea, HI 96743
(808) 885-6268

Read More

The Fish & The Hog

It was our last night in Waikoloa and we had no dinner plans, so I suggested take-out from The Fish & The Hog so that I could try their onion rings that Gem believes to be the best on the Big Island (read her post here). 

The Fish & The Hog is located in Waimea, which is about a 30 minute drive from where we were staying in Waikoloa. Luckily the in-laws did not mind taking a drive up to Waimea, which is much different than the resort area. They said the restaurant was small and busy, so it's a good thing we decided to get take-out instead of dining in.

Three of us ordered the Smoked Brisket French Dip. The sandwich was stuffed with a generous portion of smoked beef brisket. We asked for the onion rings instead of fries because we all wanted to try their beer battered onion rings - they did not disappoint!  I'm so glad each sandwich came with its own serving of onions rings so that we didn't have to share with one another!

Our niece who is on a gluten-free diet, ordered the smoked brisket street tacos. These tacos are made with corn tortillas. I was actually quite envious as I love tacos and these looked good!

We also each ordered the French Onion Soup. This alone could have been my meal. 

Son #1 ordered the Keiki Mac 'N Cheese: their version is rich, creamy, and cheesy. My son normally devours keiki portions of mac n cheese with ease, but he couldn't finish this!

Son #2 ordered the Keiki Cheese Quesadilla with choice of side (my son chose french fries for his side). 

If I ever return to Waimea, I would definitely want to revisit The Fish & The Hog as a dine-in customer, as I'll bet the food is even better when it's fresh from the kitchen.

____________________________

THE FISH & THE HOG
64-957 MAMALAHOA HWY
808-885-6268

Read More

Visit Hawaii Island: Hina Rae's Cafe

While searching for a quick and casual bite to eat in Waimea one morning, not much was open, but fortunately, we stumbled up on Hina Rae's Cafe.

They are popular for their Acai Bowls, but I was in the mood for something savory.

Breakfast Croissant

Korean Chicken Burger

The Breakfast Croissant was good - filled with eggs, bacon, and cheese, but it was extremely greasy!

The Korean Chicken Burger was tasty, but we were a bit disappointed that the sandwich consisted of a premade chicken patty vs an actual piece of chicken thigh or breast marinated in Korean sauce.  

I would definitely give them another try, and perhaps try an Acai Bowl or Waffle the next time!

Hina Rae's Cafe

65-1185 Mamalahoa Hwy #1b

Waimea, HI 96743

Read More