Eat the Street Celebrates Turning One with Luau

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Ryan Ozawa

Eat The Street

Eat the Street turns a year old this month, and organizers are celebrating the milestone with a “Luau Food Truck Festival” on Friday, Jan. 27 in Kakaako.

The “luau” will feature an array of dishes and Hawaiian-style activities, music, and entertainment. Food trucks expected to participate include Kai’s Pasteles, India Café, Koi 808, Elena’s Restaurant, Extreme Tacos, Ono Pops, Simply Ono, Hawaii’s Fried Musubi, Chimney Cakes, Alonzo’s, Why’s, Grandma G’s Kitchen and Soul Patrol, among others.

Music will be mixed by Shogunai’s DJ crew, and there will be a monthly art battle hosted by Lightsleepers.

Friday’s “Luau Food Truck Festival” will take place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 805 Ala Moana Boulevard, mauka of Kakaako Waterfront Park. Admission is free. Organizers suggest the public seek street parking on Ilalo Street and other nearby blocks.

Past events, held most often on the last Friday of every month, have drawn thousands of people and more than 30 food trucks and street vendors in Honolulu. “Eat the Street” is organized by StreetGrindz.com, which host large and small food truck events and assists organizers, businesses and schools in booking events and catering needs.

For more information, call 808-780-9288, or connect with StreetGrindz on Twitter at @StreetGrindz or on Facebook. Partners include Kamehameha Schools and Nonstop Honolulu.

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Nobu Waikiki Adds Holiday Lunch Service

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Ryan Ozawa

Nobu WaikikiDescribed as “a gift from Chef Nobu Matsuhisa,” Nobu Waikiki at the Waikiki Parc Hotel will offer lunch service during the bustling holiday and New Year season. Starting Monday, December 19, 2011 and running through January 13, 2012, this new lunch service will be available Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Lunch will feature Nobu’s signature hot and cold dishes, sushi bar, donburi, noodles, combination plates and a special keiki bento box in affordable, savory and seasonal lunch menus featuring:

Nobu Lunch Special Cold Dishes

  • Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno
  • White Tiradito

Nobu Lunch Special Cold Salads

  • Edamame
  • Shishito Peppers
  • Bigeye Tuna Sashimi Salad
  • Field Green Salad

Nobu Lunch Special Hot Dishes

  • Black Cod Sakiyo Miso
  • Rock Shrimp Tempura
  • Steamed Seabass with Black Bean Sauce or Dried Miso
  • Squid Pasta with Light Garlic Sauce

Nobu Special Sushi Lunch

  • Assorted Sashimi, Nigiri, Cut Roll and Miso Soup

Nobu Lunch Special Donburi (all served with Miso Soup)

  • Squid Pasta
  • Spicy Vegetable
  • Sea Bass Foie Gras
  • Chirashi
  • Tekka
  • Oyako
  • Chicken Teriyaki / Katsu
  • Beef Teriyaki / Katsu

Nobu Lunch Special Noodles

  • Inaniwa Udon – served hot or cold

Nobu Lunch Special Combination Bento Box

  • Inaniwa Udon – served hot or cold – and small Chirashi

Lunch Bento

  • Assorted Sashimi
  • Black Cod Miso
  • Rock Shrimp Tempura
  • Rice and Miso Soup

Kids Bento Box

  • Beef or Chicken Kushiyaki
  • Rock Shrimp Tempura
  • Half California Roll
  • Miso Soup

Nobu Lunch Special Desserts

  • Bento Box
  • Dessert Sake
  • Single Scoop Sorbet
  • Nobu Shave Ice
  • Mochi Ice Cream

The Gift of Nobu:

Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Nobu dining gift cards are available at Nobu Waikiki starting at $50 and are honored at all U.S. Nobu restaurants.

Nobu Waikiki Holiday Schedule:

  • Seasonal Lunch Service – special menu Dec. 19 – Jan. 13, 2012. 11a – 2p
  • Christmas Eve – Open with special menu
  • Christmas Day – Open with special menu
  • New Years Eve – Open with special menu
  • New Years Day – Open with special menu

Nobu Waikiki Hours of Operation:

  • Sunday – Thursday: 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
  • The Lounge at Nobu is open nightly from 5:00 p.m. – midnight and features the exclusive $10 Nobu tapas.

Reservations are available at (808) 237-6999 or www.opentable.com. Follow Nobu Waikiki happenings on Twitter  or Facebook , or learn more at the official website.

About Nobu International

Nobu, the world’s most recognized Japanese restaurant known for its innovative new style Japanese cuisine, started as a business partnership in 1994 between chef Nobu Matsuhisa and his partners actor Robert De Niro, producer Meir Teper, and managing partner Richie Notar. With the original restaurant in New York, the Nobu brand is now an empire that spans across the globe, from London to Tokyo, Las Vegas to Malibu, Milan to Miami Beach, Dallas to Paradise Island, The Bahamas, Hong Kong to Waikiki, and Melbourne to San Diego, with the most recent opening being Nobu Beijing. Nobu restaurants, all a visual and culinary delight, continue to win unprecedented praise and rave reviews from such publications as the New York Times, the Zagat Surveys, and the Michelin Guides. The restaurants’ perennial popularity and devoted following are a tribute to Nobu putting his own spin on traditional Japanese cooking.

Posted in News, Restaurants | 1 Comment

Opulicious Restaurant

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Ed Oshiro

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For this unique locale on the corner of a busy thoroughfare in Moili`ili, 946 Coolidge Street has evolved into a new eating establishment named Opulicious. In this same location a few weeks earlier, stood HK’s Restaurant that was the neighborhood’s eatery for several decades.

But, back to the present. The current owner – Kelli Chun, throwing the shaka – has quite a fun disposition about her. My conversation with her was very enlightening to learn that she also provides entertainment for children’s parties. You’ll notice in the photo gallery, the balloon decoration on the far wall was constructed by her.

During several visits at lunch time, I was quite satisfied with the quantity and quality for the prices of their meals. The beef stew/chicken katsu combo, mini teri beef plate, hamburger steak plate, and cheeseburger deluxe were good in my opinion.

And, I need to emphasize that the patties in the hamburger steak plate were homemade which means I will be back real soon. After ordering the food, we utilized the dining room area and the food came in a timely manner.

Earlier, food reviews that I have read have not been favorable to the food quality, quantity and service. Case in point, after speaking to Kelli to inform her the broth for the saimin I ate was lukewarm, she was very gracious to listen to me and vowed make improvements in that area. As I always say, there are two sides to a situation and the first few weeks of opening are the most difficult in finding competent employees to help you grow.

New eateries need to be given a second chance to show that they are able to sustain the quality, quantity and servicing of their menus especially in this current economic climate. I sincerely hope everyone gives them an opportunity to show what they can really do, and the Moili`ili neighborhood needs an establishment like this one.

Opulicious
946 Coolidge Street
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 943-8885
http://opulicious.com/

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Sun Closed

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Zaratez Mexicatessen

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Ed Oshiro

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During my previous visits to Zaratez, I’ve tried the burrito plate, mulitas, and the tacos, all of which that will take you to Mexico and you won’t have to pay for plane fare.

According to the couple standing next to me in line who are of Mexican descent from Los Angeles, and who have been living here for a while, Zaratez is the best Mexican food in Honolulu hands down.

But today, during my visit to Zaratez for a snack and to talk story with Paul Zarate, the owner, informed me that his last day of business will be this Friday, October 28th due to financial reasons. Even though Zaratez won 2011 Ilima Award’s Critic’s Choice for the best Mexican food in Honolulu, it could not save it from the present economic conditions.

But, as one door closes, another one opens, with Paul focusing his energies on catering special events and to search for a new restaurant location in the Honolulu area.

Located across the Pan Am building on Kapiolani Blvd., Zaratez will be open today through Friday from 11AM until all the food has been sold.

Please follow Paul Zarate on his quest to satisfy his customers gastronomic cravings on Twitter at @Zaratez and Facebook.

The last picture in this post are two chicken tacos that will be my last order from Zaratez for a while.

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Caryn’s Okazuya

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Ed Oshiro

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Located on the mauka side of Young Street between Ke`eaumoku and Pi`ikoi Streets, cloistered among the apartment buildings in lower Makiki (Pawa`a), is a plate lunch/okazu-ya establishment owned and operated by Randy Miyamoto.

Conveniently situated on the ground floor of an apartment complex for easy access for everyone, there are several parking stalls to accommodate a good size crowd. I usually time my visits so as to avoid the breakfast crowd, but, still am able to order breakfast and/or lunch. By doing this tactical maneuver I was able to combine breakfast items with their okazu-ya items.

Here at Caryn’s Okazuya, you’ll find that it’s one of the best places to enjoy comfort food and also a brief respite in today’s hustle and bustle.

In the picture gallery you’ll see that each dish, from the fried tofu to the Okinawan sweet potato tempura, the attention to detail to make the food not only visually appealing, but, parlays that to its onolicious taste. In addition to the food, Randy’s assistant, Chris is very accommodating to filling your food order, so please make it down there for a bite soon.

Until next time!

http://carynsokazuya.com/Caryns_Okazuya/Welcome.html

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Dianne Jacob Coming to Honolulu

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Ryan Ozawa

Dianne JacobFrom The Little Foodie comes word that author and writing coach Dianne Jacob is coming to Honolulu. Jacob is a blogger and the author of “Will Write For Food,” described as the complete guide to writing cookbooks, blogs, reviews, memoir, and more.

On Saturday, December 10, Jacobs will headline “Food Writing for Food Lovers” at the Cupola Theater at the Honolulu Design Center.

“The schedule includes writing exercises, restaurant reviewing skills, techniques to get noticed, and she’ll give you the inside scoop about publishing and writing,” explains host Mariko Jackson. “At the workshop we will have breakfast and lunch catered by Stage Restaurant… plus! We have door prizes!”

Jackson hopes to draw foodies, bloggers, freelance writers, PR pros and even caterers and chefs.

You can register for the event online. Tickets are $110, or $126 to additionally receive a copy of Jacob’s book.

For updates, follow Jackson on Twitter at @TheLittleFoodie, of Jacob at @diannej.

Posted in Events, News | 1 Comment

H.K.’s Restaurant

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Ed Oshiro

After finding this diner last year, I’ve used this establishment to meet with friends where many meaningful and lengthy discussions took place.

Located across the Moili`ili Field and adjacent to the First Hawaiian Bank on South King Street, this location is very convenient for pedestrians and bus riders alike. Though street parking is available, around the corner on Coolidge Street, there’s a four car parking lot where you can find a parking space if you come early enough. On the next block over in the Diamond Head direction sits the Moili`ili Community Center that sends many a customer to HK’s Restaurant for a meal or two.

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I find the comfort food here very filling and the prices very reasonable. The regular order of the chicken katsu curry plate could feed two people, but, for me, taking a quote from Goldilocks, “it was just right.” The other selections I consumed over the past year are the mini-chili plate with a side order of salad, the chicken hekka plate, their world famous Yum Yum chicken with a side order of their juicy French fries.

But, alas, On September 1, 2011 a new journey begins for the eatery located at the corner of Coolidge and South King Street. The owner has decided to retire and has sold the diner to someone who will hopefully carry on the tradition of onolicious comfort food at affordable prices. For now, we can only hope for the best for the Moili`ili community.

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Pho Bistro 2

Posted on August 12, 2011 by Ed Oshiro

A hidden gem located just outside the hustle and bustle of Waikiki on the corner of Kalakaua Avenue and Fern Street is Pho Bistro 2. This eatery is a very popular restaurant for the Phở connoisseurs in Honolulu — locals and visitors alike.

Since my friend was sponsoring my lunch today, I decided to order the oxtail Phở, not only for its onolicious taste, but, also for the quantity of the serving. My friend decided on the Phở ga – chicken – with all the basil, bean sprouts as the side condiments.

And, just as fate would happen only in Honolulu, another husband and wife couple that my friend knew sat at the adjacent table. They both ordered the House Special Phở combo that had a selection of different meats with the rice noodles.

Everyone ate their respective dishes in the usual way except for me.

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As you view the pics, you’ll notice that my order came with the noodles served on the side which is an option. By ordering in this fashion, you can have two meals in one. After I was finished consuming the oxtail portion of the meal, I added the noodles to my large bowl of broth and vegetables, thereby creating a two for one special.

We all enjoyed the onolicous food and great conversation during the meal so much that my friend almost missed his business meeting. If you’re lucky enough, you can watch the ducks frolic in the mud stream
next to the restaurant.

Until next time!

Pho Bistro 2
1694 Kalakaua Ave # C
Honolulu, HI 96826-2454
(808) 949-2727

Reviews:

Posted in Gallery, Restaurants | 2 Comments

Gyu-Kaku Windward Mall

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Ed Oshiro

A short while ago, I met with a friend to talkstory at the Windward Shopping Mall. It has been quite a while since I’ve been to this shopping complex and was very pleasantly surprised at all the improvements Kamehameha Schools has made to their property. Looks like Kamehameha Schools invested a large sum of money to enhance the quality of life for the Kaneohites and the neighboring Kailuans.

Since I arrived early, I walked around and saw many new stores and restaurants with people milling about this complex. What caught my eye was a restaurant with a façade with the “Wow!” factor named Gyu-Kaku Restaurant. Looks like the owners of this establishment also invested a lot of money to make this a successful eatery.

After my talkstory meeting with my friend, I hurried back to Gyu-Kaku Restaurant for a quick meal before heading back over the Pali.

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Since Gyu-Kaku Restaurant just opened, I was quickly seated in one of the 132 seats that are available. My server Misty was very informative of the menu selection since I told her that this was my first time to their eatery. From the miso soup to the dessert, my meal was a very tasteful and memorable experience.

My selection from the menu for the entrée was the “Premium” – see photo above. This selection included miso soup, salad and rice with the entrée. The dipping sauces were flavorful, but, not overbearing as my selections were the Ponzu (citrus) and Tsuketare (soy garlic) sauces. I had to ask what type of rice -– the Ichimaru brand — was served with my meal since it was very flavorful and not your regular variety.

Even though the meal was very filling, I just had to have dessert, and, there was a chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream combo which I almost inhaled once it was served to me.

As a side note, since everyone is health conscious nowadays, the yakiniku stoves have a built in exhaust system that allows the patrons to not have any second hand smoke permeating their clothing.

Please visit this hidden gem in the Windward Shopping Mall, as I will be making a return trip in the near future. You can find more info on Gyu-Kaku Restaurant at their website and their Facebook page.

Posted in Restaurants | 3 Comments

Golden Eagle Chinese Restaurant

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Ed Oshiro

Over the course of the past few years, I’ve been enjoying the food at Golden Eagle Chinese Restaurant located in Moili’ili via take-out and family dinners. Finally, in November 2010, my friend wanted to come here, so, I’ve been coming here for the past few months to experience the food and service IRL.

I was very impressed with the leather bound menu that I seldom see in other restaurants in Honolulu let alone a restaurant serving Chinese food. If this was your first time, and not knowing anything about this restaurant, the menu would be an indication that the food is going to very good.

Your food order is accompanied by Jasmine tea, water upon request, and smiles a mile wide from the owners – Jennifer and George – who are also your servers.

There were other dishes that I ordered over the past few months, but, didn’t have a camera available, so, some delicious photos were missed. Now, I carry the camera around with me all of the time.

Most of the dishes are under $10, and, for that price, you receive a generous portion of whatever you order.

On the surrounding interior walls, there are menus for parties for four or more persons that are very reasonable according to my friend who is very frugal. On sale near the kitchen entrance, there’s a wafer dessert that reminds me of a waffle cone – see pic – which tastes similar to Japanese senbei that is a great way to end your meal.

All in all, you will enjoy your visit whenever you can make it down there. Though the address for this restaurant is 2334 South King Street, their actual location is on the Young Street side of the building, so, don’t get lost. Until next time…

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Hours: Open daily from 10:30AM to 9AM

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