RYAN'S GRILL AT WARD CENTER

RYAN'S GRILL AT WARD CENTER

HONOLULU, HAWAII 

Enjoyed a business lunch at Ryan's recently.  Ryan's has been around for what seems over 15 years.  I can remember way back when this was THE place for lunch and after work cocktails and pupu's.  These days the place seems dead.  It is in great need of a facelift and or makeover.  I always get the Pea Salad here.  I followed the Pea Salad up with the Spaghetti with Kobe Meatballs.  My friends enjoyed the Fresh Mahi Mahi with a Pesto Sauce and the Crab Sandwich.  The Pasta was o.k. and my friend was not overwhelmed with the Crab sandwich but liked his French Onion Soup.  The fresh fish got the best review.  http://www.ryansgrill.com/page/menu/

Ryan's Crunchy Pea Salad

• Petite sweet peas, water chestnuts, sugar snap peas, chopped fresh bacon combined with creamy herb dressing
• Spaghetti and Kobe Meatballs
• Pan seared Italian sausage and Kobe beef meatballs, garlic, plum tomatoes, oregano, white wine, Parmesan and focaccia.
• Hot King Crab and Artichoke Sandwich
• Sweet onion, Parmesan, sliced tomato, baked open face with premium Cheddar
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  RYAN'S GRILL

RYAN'S GRILL AT WARD CENTER

THIS PLACE HAS NOT CHANGED MUCH IN TWENTY YEARS

ALWAYS FRESH BREAD

Pea Salad

French Onion Soup

Spaghetti with Kobe Meat Balls

Fresh Catch (Mahi Mahi) with Pesto Sauce

Crab and Artichoke Open Face Sandwich

BALI STEAK & SEAFOOD - HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE

BALI STEAK AND SEAFOOD

HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE

Had a business dinner with a rep and local customer at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki.  The old Bali by the Sea is now called Bali Steak and Seafood.  This upscale restaurant has some beautiful views and a nice atmosphere.  We started our meal with some locally raised Abalone ($18).  This dish was simply delicious.  Perfectly cooked Abalone sliced thin and served with a light dressing.  Everyone at the table loved the Abalone and preparation.  I could have eaten three or four orders myself.  I tried the Wedge Salad ($11).  This too was delicious.  The dressing was perfect and the crumbled Bleu Cheese added a nice touch.  My friend enjoyed the Lobster Bisque ($10) and said it was good.  My steak however was a different story.  I tried the 8 ounce Filet ($42).  The steak tasted  like liver.  It was probably one of the worst steaks I have had in ages.  The small steak is served with roasted garlic and some type of sauce on the side.  I was adding the garlic, sauce and anything else on the table to try to get some flavor.  Nothing worked.  This is a $42 piece of crap.  My friends tried the Rib Eye Steak ($44).  They both said it was not that good.  We ordered a Rutherford Cabernet ($57).  When we asked for a second bottle they brought a BV Coastal Cabernet by mistake.  We took the wine because they had already opened the bottle before they realized it was the wrong wine.  Good thing about this is that the BV Coastal was only $33 a bottle.  Excellent buy for a fine dining steak house.  We were celebrating a Birthday so the waiter was gracious enough to bring a large slice of chocolate cake to the table.  The cake however was terrible.  First time I have seen a large piece of cake sit on the table and go to waste.  Everyone took one bite and no more.  The service here was excellent and I would love to return if the steaks were not so bad.  I don't know what it was about the steak.  Perhaps it was old or just a bad cut.

http://www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com/dining/bali_steak_and_seafood.cfm

BALI STEAK AND SEAFOOD $42 STEAK

BALI STEAK AND SEAFOOD AT THE HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE

ABALONE APPETIZER IS AWESOME!

LOBSTER BISQUE

WEDGE SALAD

BONE IN RIBEYE

CHOCOLATE CAKE TO CELEBRATE

CHILI CHEESE NACHOS

CHILI CHEESE NACHOS

AT HOME

Enjoyed the National Championship Game between Oregon and Auburn with a nice plate of homemade Chile Cheese Nachos.

JOLLIBEE

JOLLIBEE

WAIPAHU, HAWAII 

Jollibee is an institution in the Philippines.  They are the    Mc Donalds of the Philippines with outlets in every mall and neighborhood.  When we heard that they had opened a Jollibee in America I was shocked.  Even more surprised to learn they opened in Waipahu, Hawaii.  Waipahu has a large Filipino community so this was a perfect choice in my mind.  The lines the first couple of weeks were huge we were told.  Basically could not get parking or in the place without a very long wait.  The crowds are smaller now but the place still has a line at all hours.  I tried the Cheeseburger with Tomato and Lettuce ($1.75).  The cheese was not melted.  Just placed on top of the burger.  The burger was salty and really tasteless.  I would not eat another one.  The Fried Chicken however is a huge winner.  We ordered Two Pieces of Chicken ($3.99). We received two large pieces cooked crispy and to perfection.  Crunchy yet moist in the middle with great taste.  The gravy that is served with the chicken is addicting.  Once you dip the chicken in the gravy, you will be hooked.  My Wife loves the Palabok ($4.95).  Noodles topped with special sauce, shrimp, pork rinds and boiled egg.  I didn't try this dish but it is quite popular.  The menu at Jollibee is pretty simple.  Burgers, Spaghetti and Fried Chicken.  I would go back tomorrow for the Fried Chicken. http://www.jollibeeusa.com/
Click link below for updated post on Jollibee;
http://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2015/10/jollibee.html

 

GREAT FRIED CHICKEN AND GRAVY

 

BURGERS AT JOLLIBEE

LARGE CAFETERIA STYLE SEATING AREA

BURGERS, CHICKEN AND SPAGHETTI ARE SOME FAVORITES AT JOLLIBEE

FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE

FILIPINO DISH

JOLLIBEE

BREAKFAST AT SAM CHOYS

SAM CHOY'S BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND CRAB

HONOLULU, HAWAII

It is rare that I eat breakfast, and even more rare to enjoy a breakfast with Keli on a Saturday morning.  Keli requested pancakes and bacon as we drove down Nimitz Highway.  Since Sam Choy's was close we dropped in for breakfast.  I have eaten at Sam Choy's dozens of times and never have been disappointed in the food or service.  This time however, the service sucked.  We waited for around 10 minutes before anyone even approached our table.  I was ready to bolt, but Keli told me to be patient.  Finally a waiter arrived and asked if we had ordered drinks.  I said no and he took our order.  Two waters a coffee and an orange juice please.  The coffee and juice came but the water did not arrive until 15 minutes later with our food.  I just think that they were under staffed this morning because usually service is flawless.  I ordered the Breakfast Wrap ($9.95).  Fried Rice, sauteed onions, kalua pork, scrambled egg in a flour tortilla.  Served with some Tomato Salsa and a small bowl of fresh fruit.  The burrito is good, but for $10 I would expect better.  Keli ordered from the Kids Menu.  She selected Pancakes and Bacon ($4.75).  The presentation was great.  They used fruit, whipped cream and bacon to make a face on the pancake. Keli was in heaven and said it was great...perfect.  Sam Choy's has a great breakfast menu.  The Daily Specials are placed on the counter as you arrive to check in.  On this day there was a Ahi Frittata and Loco Moco with Steak (both shown below).  The menu also includes Steak & Eggs ($10.95), French Toast, Beef Omelet Stew, Pancakes, Fresh Fish and lots of Omelets.  Prices range from $7 to $15.  Pretty reasonable for the large portion sizes and quality. www.samchoy.com/restaurants_bigaloha.html

UPDATE 4/13 - SAM CHOY'S HAS CLOSED.

 

BREAKFAST AT SAM CHOYS

 

SAM CHOY'S BREAKFAST LUNCH AND CRAB

DAILY SPECIAL 

SIAM GARDEN CAFE

SIAM GARDEN CAFE

HONOLULU, HAWAII 

I have been enjoying Siam Garden Cafe Thai food for about two years now.  It is a very convenient place located on Nimitz Highway not far from my office.  This is one of the places that you go back to time and time again for lunch because the food is good, they get you in and out fast and the prices are reasonable. Today we enjoyed Stuffed Chicken Wings ($8.50).  The Wings are filled with a Ground Beef and Vegetable filling and then fried to perfection.  They are served with a peanut sauce that compliments the Wings perfectly.  Siam Garden does not put hot chili sauce on the table so you have to ask for it.  The chili sauce adds flavor and heat and works well with the peanut sauce.  The Pad Thai with Chicken ($8.99) is always delicious here. Thin rice noodles stir fried with, tofu, chicken, chives and topped with crunch bean sprouts.  The Ginger Chili Paste Stir Fry ($8.99) was awesome.  Thin strips of beef sauteed with Bean Sprouts with spicy chili sauce.  The Yellow Curry ($8.99) was also very good and perfect when poured over some sticky rice.  All in all there was nothing bad with this meal and the service was quick and pleasant.  This is really good food that is meant to be eaten family style.  Order a bunch of dishes and share so everyone can experience all the different flavors.  You can check out Siam Garden Cafe's complete menu and prices at: www.siamgardencafe.com
Click links below for more on Siam Garden Cafe;
http://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2012/03/siam-garden-cafe-nimitz-highway.html
http://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2011/05/siam-garden-cafe.html

SIAM GARDEN CAFE

SIAM GARDEN CAFE ON NIMITZ HIGHWAY

STUFFED CHICKEN WINGS

PAD THAI WITH CHICKEN

BEEF WITH GREEN BEANS

YELLOW CURRY

BRAISED SHORT RIBS

BRAISED SHORT RIBS

DINNER AT HOME

We received a really nice Crock Pot for Christmas.  Really have never owned one of these things in my life.  I went on the internet to find a nice recipe for Braised Short Ribs inspired by a recipe from Roy's Restaurant here in Honolulu.  The Short Ribs were cooked for 10 hours on low in a beef broth with carrots, celery, lemon grass, onion, garlic and ginger. The ribs literally fell off the bone.  We glazed the ribs with mustard, honey, garlic and green onion.  Served with fresh broccoli and horseradish infused mashed potatoes.

THE ALLEY RESTAURANT AT AIEA BOWL

THE ALLEY RESTAURANT AT AIEA BOWL

AIEA, HAWAII 

The Alley Restaurant at Aiea Bowl is just that.  A restaurant in a bowling alley.  This is quite the famous place in Hawaii and it is a favorite among foodies and local chefs.  The small restaurant just outside the bowling lanes serves local plate style lunches, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads and some pretty incredible desserts.  On this visit me and a friend both tried the Alley Mix Plate.  Two choices from the menu with a side of rice and tossed salad or macaroni salad.  I chose the Spicy Shrimp and the Alley's Signature dish of Tasty Chicken.  This boneless chicken is deep friend and covered with a slightly spicy garlic sauce.  Great flavor but way too much breading and fried stuff for me.  The shrimp were plump and flavorful with just a slight kick of heat.  I had fried rice and a tossed salad on the side.  The fried rice was o.k. but not in the same league as Side Street Inn.   Portions here a pretty good size and prices range from around $7 to 14.  Other Signature dishes here are Boneless Kalbi, Handmade Hamburger Steak, Furikake Ahi, Loco Moco with fresh gravy, Fried Pork Chops, Asian Braised Pork, Suppa Garlic Shrimp and Pulehu Steak.  The Alley is very well known for their Oxtail Soup which is $13.50.  The desserts here are great.  Lemon Crunch Cake, Mama Miya's Chocolate Cake, Pumpkin Crunch Cake, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Insanity Cake, Brownies and Tiramisu.  The desserts run $3 to $7.75.  I like the Alley, but probably will stay away until I loose around 20 lbs.

www.aieabowl.com

THE ALLEY RESTAURANT AT AIEA BOWL

THE ALLEY RESTAURANT AT AIEA BOWL

ALWAYS BUSY WITH LOCALS

HONOLULU BURGER COMPANY

HONOLULU BURGER COMPANY

HONOLULU, HAWAII 

There is one restaurant in Hawaii that I have eaten at more than any other in twenty years.  It WAS called Mekong on Beretania.  The Thai Food made famous by Keo was hands down my favorite restaurant for two decades.  Mekong is now a burger joint called Honolulu Burger Company.  While driving down Beretania today I just had to stop and see what my favorite restaurant spot had become.  Well it has become a darn good burger joint.  We entered to find a small line and most tables taken.  We approached the counter where you order and were greeted by a beautiful smile and welcome from the gal working the counter.  We all ordered the Cheeseburger with Lettuce, Tomato and Onion ($7.79).  You can choose your bun, dressing, cheese and extra toppings such as Kim Chee, Bacon, Forest Ham, Jalapenos, Spam, Avocado or Pickles for $1.00 the Pickle add is $.25.  You can also order speciality burgers such a a Hawaiian Beach Boy that includes Teriyaki Sauce, Glazed Ham and Grilled Pineapple.  There is a Korean Big Bang Burger with Braised Korean Style Short Ribs, Ko Choo Jang Aioli and Kim Chee.  There is also Honolulu Burger Company Favorites such as the "Poncho" Burger with Portuguese Sausage Patties with Grass Fed Beef Patty, Grilled Tomatoes and Sauteed Sweet Onions ($8.99).  Teri-Kim Burger with Teriyaki and Kim Chee and a Loco Moco Burger with a Beef Patty topped with Crispy Spam, Over-Hard Egg, Brown Gravy and Bacon ($8.99).  I want to try the Paniolo Burger next.  House made BBQ sauce with fresh slices of Jalapenos and sauteed sweet onions ($7.79).  The Blue Hawaii Burger is topped with bacon, gorgonzola, tomatoes and sauteed sweet onions ($8.79).  All of the burgers are 100% Big Island Range Fed Beef.  They also feature some great looking sandwiches like a Philly Dip Sandwich, Pastrami and a couple of monsters like "The Bull".  Sliced Big Island Top Sirloin, Corned Beef and Pastrami stuffed between a French Roll and topped with cheese, onions, tomato and lettuce ($9.29).  The "Meat" Sandwich starts with a 1/2 lb Big Island Sliced Beef, Kalua Pig, Black Forest Ham, Bacon, Corned Beef and Sweet Onions smothered in BBQ sauce and Horseradish Creme ($11.89).  Now I gotta try this one.  Also on the menu are some great French Fries; House Style, Sweet Potato, Blue Cheese, Garlic and Truffle.  We tried the Garlic Fries ($3.99).  They were cooked perfectly.  Light and very crunchy with just enough garlic.  Not overwhelming like other places.  The Fries here are a 10.  Now lets get to the Burgers.  We chose Whole Wheat Buns and they were delicious.  Light and not too much bread.  Just perfect.  I bit into my burger and it exploded with juice.  I could taste the meat that was smokey grilled perfectly seasoned with salt.  I loved this burger.  Probably one of the best in Hawaii.  Others said the burger had no tasted.  I give this place a big thumbs up and cannot wait to return.  For more info, visit the Honolulu Burger Company website at: http://www.honoluluburgerco.com/

HONOLULU BURGER COMPANY

HONOLULU BURGER COMPANY

ORDER AT THE COUNTER

GREAT CRISPY FRENCH FRIES

OBAMA MOTORCADE IN HAWAII

OBAMA MOTORCADE HAWAII

OBAMA MOTORCADE

KAILUA, HAWAII

While cruising in Kailua today, we were stopped by a very serious officer who pulled his car in front of ours.  He said nothing and turned down the street where you could see more security and a very small crowd of people holding various signs.  I did not move and the cars behind me began to pile up in a long line.  After a few minutes, police cars and then the full Presidential motorcade appeared from the ocean side of the street.  This was the motorcade for Obama.  When the motorcade passed we continued down the road to find several boats full of Coast Guard personnel fully loaded with heavy arms patrolling the waterways around the compound where Obama was staying.  At a small dock facing the home, there was more firepower parked and ready for action.  Protecting the President is serious business and nothing is left to chance.

NEW YEAR DINNER 2011

NEW YEAR DINNER 2011

AT HOME

We started 2011 with a delicious dinner at home.  First course was Seared Scallop with Kahuku Corn and White Bean Salad.  Second Course was Pan Seared Foie Gras served atop a Poached Pear with Crostini with Fig and topped with Balsamic Glaze. The main course was a Petit Filet Mignon served with Pan Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary.  These were all great dishes but we need to work on presentation and some really good sauces.  What a treat to watch our 9 Year Old eat Scallops, Frois Gras and pretty much everything else we put in front of her.  No chicken nuggets and burgers for our little girl.  I feel sorry for the guy who has to take her to dinner.  She will request Foie Gras, Escargot, Rack of Lamb and Fresh Sashimi.

SEARED SCALLOP WITH WHITE BEAN SALAD

FOIE GRAS ATOP POACHED PEAR WITH CROSTINI

FILET MIGNON WITH ROASTED POTATOES

PINKY'S PUPU BAR & GRILL

PINKY'S PUPU BAR AND GRILL

KAILUA, HAWAII

The first blog of 2011 is a real bummer.  We ventured to the other side of Oahu today and ended up at Pinky's Pupu Bar & Grill in Kailua.  I had never been to Pinky's but had heard it was a good place to eat.  We entered to find a pretty good crowd at the bar watching football.  Primarily our great Marines from Kaneohe Marine Corp. Base just down the road.  As I looked over the crowd of twenty something year old soldiers I could only ask myself where have they been, where are they going, what have they experienced.  I prayed that all of them would return again to their base safely.  Pinky's menu consist of a little bit of everything.  Mexican to steaks and local style plate lunches, burgers, sandwiches, salads, chicken and fish.  Usually when a menu is this big, the food suffers.  And boy it did.  I tried the half club sandwich with cup of chili.  The sandwich was like something you would make at home.  Pretty tasteless.  The chili was o.k.   It had a little spice and chunks of beef.  I got one string on old beef that was like string.  Keli tried the Macaroni & Cheese.  I kid you not, this was the Kraft stuff right out of the box.  Keli chose vegetables rather than fries and was given a nice portion of broccoli.  The broccoli was good.  We also tried the fish tacos.  They served two empty tortillas on the plate with two pieces of fish covered in melted cheese and cajun spices.  Then a big glob of sour creme and another glob of packaged avocado.  We asked for a side of cabbage to make a real fish taco.  They brought the cabbage and we assembled our tacos.  Yuck.........