Dinner at Cino

Market Fish

About a month ago, I stopped by Cino for drinks and fell in love with their Mexican coffee cocktail, the Carajillo. Forward a month and I finally had dinner with friends at this lively and trendy Italian restaurant located in Ward on the street level of the 'A'ali'i condos. Fun fact, CINO is a sister restaurant to Café Duck Butt, DB Grill, and Mad Bene.

This time I started with the Laguna Rosa. It was light and refreshing, but I prefer the wow that came with the Carajillo. My friend and I shared the Charred Spanish Octopus and the Crispy Rice which were both tasty. I ordered the Herb Pappardelle for my entree, but had a bite of my friend's Rigatoni Bolognese and wished I had ordered that instead. The Herb Pappardelle is served with a wild boar ragu that was tasty, but I liked the tender and flavor of the veal, beef, and pork bolognese more.  

It was a very busy night, but our server was great and attentive. We sat in the section closer to the outside seating and it was pretty noisy (us included) so if you are looking for a more intimate setting, recommend you request a table closer to the bar.

Octopus

Crispy Rice

Herb Pappardelle

Rigatoni Bolognese

Charcuterie 

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Rinka Japanese Restaurant

We had the most enjoyable take-out lunch from Rinka Japanese Restaurant for Mother's Day. The hubby purchased the Hand-Roll Value Set from Rinka in Kakaako for the two of us, and also picked up a set for his mother and sister. 

The set included the following:

• 4 pieces tuna
• 4 pieces Hamachi
• 4 pieces Salmon
• 4 pieces Unagi
• 4 pieces Boiled Shrimp
• 4 pieces Egg
• 8 pieces cucumber
• Canadian Snow Crab mix
• Ikura
• Sushi Rice
• 20 pieces Nori

The set came un-assembled, with the rice in one container, nori in another container, and the fillings in another container. It was fun assembling our own hand-rolls to our liking.  

I used minimal rice ....

and for some rolls I doubled up on the fish. 

The two of us were not able to finish the set in one sitting, which meant we got to enjoy it a second time for dinner. The fish still tasted fresh, and the nori was still crispy. 

Unfortunately this hand-roll set was only available on Mother's Day, but you can still order their other delicious offerings from their take-out menu.  Follow them on Instagram at @rinka_restaurant for announcements on special offerings and promotions.

RINKA RESTAURANT

1001 Queen Street (located on the Makai side of Ae'o)

(808) 773-8235

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Rinka Restaurant's COVID 19 Promotions

Rinka Restaurant in Kakaako has been running special offers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This week's promotion is the Nabeyaki udon for $5 and Hot Pot for $9.75!  

Each comes in an individual package complete with ingredients and sauce base. All you need to do is add water and cook on a stovetop!

Sukiyaki Hot Pot

Curry Nabeyaki Udon

Kakiage Nabeyaki Udon

So far I have tried the Kakiage Nabeyaki Udon - it was delicious! It was the perfect amount for one person, and at $5, it's a steal.

This particular promotion ends tomorrow (Sunday, April 19, 2020), so you still have today and tomorrow to get in on this deal.  They have been running out early, therefore I highly suggest calling when they open at 11 am to place your order (you can designate your pick up time).

They also have grab-n-go bentos available for purchase, as well as a limited menu of their other popular dishes.

Rinka Restaurant

1001 Queen Street #105 (restaurant faces Halekauwila Street)

(808) 773-8235

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Piggy Smalls - offering take-out and delivery (via Bite Squad)

Piggy Smalls is currently offering their delicious Vietnamese dishes, Tuesday - Saturday, 11 am - 7 pm.

For takeout orders - call the restaurant (808-777-3588) or place your order online. For delivery, order via Bite Squad.

Here's some of the items on their menu:

LFC Thighs

Garlic Noodles + Kauai Shrimp

Smoked Brisket Pho French Dip

Cheesecake Cookie

cranberries, stuffed cream cheese filling

Support your local businesses by ordering takeout or delivery. Every order counts!

PIGGY SMALLS

1200 Ala Moana Blvd.

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Japanese Restaurant RINKA

They were a hidden gem in their former location on Makaloa Street, and now that they are on the bottom floor of Ward Village's Ae'o, I would still consider them a hidden gem, since the entrance is on the side of the building, around the corner from Wholefoods.

Their lunch menu is small, but enticing. It was hard to decide between the tempura, beef sukiyaki, crab cream croquettes, or cold soba. But after the waitress told us that Today's Special would be negi-toro, my mind was made up and I ordered it.  It came with a bowl of hot udon, chawanmushi and two sides for under $20. What a deal!

@WeHeartHawaii ordered the cold soba with nigiri and inari set - it looked equally amazing, and was also under $20!

Check out their new restaurant at Ward Villages - open for lunch and dinner!

JAPANESE RESTAURANT RINKA

Aeo at Ward Village 

1001 Queen Street, #106

(808) 773-8235

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