Monthly Archives: August 2011

H.K.’s Restaurant

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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.

Pho Bistro 2

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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:

Gyu-Kaku Windward Mall

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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.