BIG CITY DINER

BIG CITY DINER

Honolulu, HI

We have been to Big City Diner many times.  It is a favorite local restaurant located in Kaimuki.  Shirley loves the BBQ Ribs served with Guava BBQ sauce.  A big slab is served with rice and your choice of soup or salad.  At $21.99 it is about the most expensive item on the menu.  The big slab will feed at least two people and we usually end up taking some home.  I like the Kimchee Fried Rice at $9.99.  This huge plate of rice also serves 2-3 people easy.  I tried the Big Burger with cheddar cheese, carmalized onions, bacon and avocado.  Only finished half.  It was good and served with choice of fries, soup or salad for $10.99.  My friend enjoyed the Pulehu Steak with Grilled Onions and Mushrooms.  Kind of expensive at $20.99 but he loved it.  The Monster Meatloaf  is also good for $10.49.  Served with Marsala Mushroom & Roasted Garlic Sauce.  Keli likes the Soybeans served with Hawaiian Spice Sauce.  Big City also serves great and big salads and sandwiches.  I also like the Big City Chili.  

LAS PINATAS OF MAUI MEXICAN FOOD

LAS PINATAS OF MAUI

Kahului, Maui

I was very happy when one of my friends asked to meet him for lunch at Las Pinatas on Maui.  I hadn't visited Las Pinatas for several years and was eager to go back for another taste.  When I arrived, I found that the place had doubled in size since the last time I was there.  The large open and clean space is decorated with pinatas hanging from the ceiling.  You order at the counter and then take your food to a table.  There is a pretty good salsa bar in the sitting area.  Filled with at least four different types of salsa, jalapeno's, cilantro and onions.  The salsas vary in heat from mild to very hot with habanero peppers.  I ordered two tacos.  One chicken crispy and one carne asada.  The chicken was moist and flavorful.  The carne asada was served on two tortillas which was a bit filling.  The meat is served with guacamole, lettuce and a little fresh tomato, onion and cilantro.  Both tacos were good.  Best I have had on Maui so far.  My friend had a chicken enchilada and a taco.  He said it was great.  You will find lots of Mexican favorites at Las Pinatas.  I saw a lot of people eating the burritos.  They are big and stuffed with Chicken, pork, steak, fish or pollo asado.  The "Kitchen Sink" burritos are huge and range from $8.00 to $10.00.  My two tacos were $3.42 and $4.00.  They do charge extra for the chips and salsa bar.  I am looking forward to going back to this place.

Click links below to view updated posts on Las Pinatas of Maui;  

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2022/11/las-pinatas-of-maui.html

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2022/05/las-pinatas-of-maui.html

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2019/04/las-pinatas-of-maui.html

MARCO'S DELI - KAHULUI, MAUI

MARCO'S GRILL AND DELI

Kahului, Maui

I have been eating at Marco's for what seems over ten years.  This is a favorite meeting place for clients on Maui.  Whether it is breakfast or lunch, you can always get a good meal and good service at Marco's.  It is probably one of the most consistently good restaurants in Hawaii.  At breakfast I always order the granola with fruit.  It is a huge serving of granola along with bananas and berries.  You can have it served with milk or yogurt.  I go for the milk.  My friend always gets the eggs benedict which he says is the best on Maui.  For lunch, I have tried pasta, sandwiches, fresh fish.  This last visit I enjoyed a half order of the Penne Pasta with red sauce.  It was perfectly spiced with red pepper flakes and loaded with fresh ricotta cheese.  The half order at around $8 was huge.  I only finished half.  My other friend enjoyed a huge double decker BLT.  He said it was awesome.  Others at the table enjoyed a fresh fish sandwich and a sausage and peppers sandwich.  There were no complaints.  Only silence as everyone enjoyed their meal.  You cannot go wrong at Marco's.  The portions are large.  The prices are reasonable.  The service is good.

MICHELINOS CAFE OLE' - SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

MICHELINOS CAFE OLE'

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas is one of the best places to eat and visit in all of Texas.  The city has done a terrific job landscaping and designing the Riverwalk.  The area is clean, safe and beautiful.  It is like being transformed out of the city and into the canals of venice.  The canals are lined on both sides with a variety of bars and restaurants.  Lucky for me there were  lots of Mexican restaurants to choose from.  I didn't do any research on which one was best.  Just did a quick eye review of the ambiance, seating and menu.  As I took a quiet early evening stroll along the river, I saw a nice shady area with people eating and drinking.  Since I was running solo, I decided to try the place just because there was a semi secluded dining area that allowed you to see all the activity on the river without being right out on the river.  Boy was I lucky.  This place was great.  I ordered the combination platter that included a chicken enchilada, beef taco and chicken chalupa.  The price including rice and beans was $12.99.  Throw in a few Coor's Light brews and I was out of the place for $25.  The chicken was probably one of the best I have ever tasted.  It was marinated in tomatos and green chili's and spices.  The chalupa turned out to be a tostada with beans, chicken, lettuce and tomato.  This was the best I have had in ages.  Loaded with great flavor.  Like Los Barrios, the beef taco was ground beef that was a bit wet.  In fact, the taco bottom fell out when I tried to eat it.  The waitress came by several times to see if I was finished.  I kept telling her no because I wanted to take my time and enjoy the food and scenery on the river.  After finishing almost everything on the plate including the beans and rice, I finally gave up my plate.  

MICHELINOS CAFE IS LOCATED ON THE RIVER WALK IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

LOS BARRIOS - SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

LOS BARRIOS 

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

After seeing the Battle of the Puffy Taco's on The Food Network, I had to visit Los Barrios when I visited San Antonio, Texas.  Los Barrios won the competition versus Bobby Flay.  I did my research, wrote down the address and phone number and ventured from my hotel to find a cab driver who could find the place.  I told the first cab driver to take me to Los Barrios and without hesitation he said o.k. and told me the food was great there.  I had no idea where we were going  or how far it was.  We got on the freeway and traveled a few miles towards the airport.  Then we took an exit that led into a not so great neighborhood and traveled through a residential/light commercial neighborhood in the middle of what to me was nowhere.  There was a paint store on one corner a auto mechanic across the street and then the huge sign that announced we had arrived at Los Barrios.  The cab drive one way was $15.  I asked the cab driver if it would be easy to catch a cab back to the hotel after lunch.  He said that he would wait for me without charge.  I arrived just before 11:00 a.m. and thought that the place would be closed until 11:00.  To my surprise the place was open and already filling up on one side of the restaurant.  The reception area of the restaurant was turned into a shrine of flowers and photographs of the founder of the restaurant.  Sadly, she was murdered just a few days before my visit.  You could tell the staff was in grief, but they proudly and efficiently kept the business going despite their great loss.  I was quickly served hot chips and a hot salsa that kept me drinking water and thirsting for more of the heat.  The menu at Los Barrios has all the Mexican favorites; tacos, enchiladas, chalupa's, burritos, fajitas, tamales as well as continental cuisine that includes steaks, fish, shrimp and chicken dishes with a Mexican flare.  I opted for the lunch special which included a chicken enchilada, chicken puffy taco and beans and rice.  All for $5.25.  That is it $5.25.  My cab fare was more expensive than the meal.  The enchilada was great.  The chicken puffy taco was also terrific.  The taco was served on a deep fried corn  tortilla then topped with seasoned shredded chicken, lettuce and tomato.  Simple and delicious.  I could not leave without trying the beef puffy taco so I ordered one on the side for $2.50.   I was expecting shredded beef but was surprised to see ground beef in the taco.  The beef was a little watery but had some taste.  I would suggest the chicken puffy taco over the beef.  All in all I loved Los Barrios and can't wait to return someday.  

MY FIRST EVER PUFFY TACO AT LOS BARRIOS

LOS BARRIOS MEXICAN CUISINE IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS IS HOME TO THE PUFFY TACO

ROMANO'S MACARONI GRILL

ROMANO'S MACARONI GRILL

Honolulu, HI

Located in the Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu, the Macaroni Grill is a good, family friendly place to grab a lunch or dinner.  We took some friend and three girls ages 3 to 7 there to celebrate Keli's 7th Birthday.  All of the girls enjoyed macaroni and cheese with a side of fresh grilled broccoli.  Yes, they ate the broccoli and loved it.  I tried it and it was good.  We ordered a Margherita Pizza as an appetizer for the table.  At $10.99 it was a bargain.  Good sized brick oven cooked pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes and basil.  Everyone said it was good.  Both couples split a Ceasar Salad.  It was also good and served with large pieces of anchovy on top.  For entrees, our friends split the Mama's Trio.  Three Italian favorites on one plate.  Lasagna Bolognese, Chicken Cannelloni and Chicken Parmesan.  This is a lot of food for $16.99.  A bargain if you split it between two people.  Shirley enjoyed Chicken Scaloppine.  Sauteed chicken breast with mushrooms, artichokes, capers and smoked prosciutto in a lemon butter sauce.  Served over capellini pasta ($15.99).  There was enough for two people here and it was quite tasty.  I enjoyed the Seafood Linguine.  Shrimp, scallops and clams sauteed with oven roasted tomatoes, basil, arugula and linguine in a white wine, garlic and olive oil sauce ($16.99).  The dish was o.k.  A little oily and tasteless.  The shrimp and scallops had no flavor.  The clams were small but good.  I could only eat half.  The table enjoyed a double bottle of Chianti wine.  At $32 it is a bargain for two bottles of wine.  During the course of our dinner we were pleased to have two songs sung by one of the employees.  She was Asian and 23 yet belted out songs in Italian that were really good.  This is a great place to eat family style and bring kids.  The service was excellent.  The food and prices are good.  Click links below for updated posts on Romano's Macaroni Grill:
http://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2012/04/ramanos-macaroni-grill-ala-moana-center.html
http://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2014/02/romanos-macaroni-grill.html

KALAHEO CAFE & COFFEE COMPANY - KAUAI

KALAHEO CAFE & COFFEE COMPANY

Kalaheo, Hi (Kauai)

My best customer on Kauai is located directly across the street from this great little restaurant.  When on Kauai we usually will enjoy a quick breakfast or lunch here.  It is amazing to see the place packed every time we go.  Locals and tourists love this place.  When you enter the cafe, you grab a menu and then order at the counter.  The cashier takes your order and gives you a number to place at your table.  After a few minutes your food arrives.  I enjoyed the Bonzo Burrito Tortilla Wrap.  Eggs, ham, peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, black beans, eggs, cheddar and jack cheese served with salsa and seasoned sour creme.  This is a big burrito and it is served with toast and your choice of rice or hash browns.  Good but not great.  My friend enjoyed a traditional breakfast consisting of Two eggs, fresh fruit and choice of starch.  The menu features a build your own omelette, pancakes, french toast and bagels.  For lunch, they serve deli sandwiches, salads and burgers.  If you are on the highway heading towards Waimea Canyon this is a great place to stop and eat.  The service is friendly and the food is good.

CAFE PESTO - HILO

CAFE PESTO

Hilo, Hawaii

I have been going to Cafe Pesto in Hilo for over ten years.  Seems every time we go to Hilo we end up having a lunch or dinner here.  The food is always fresh and good.  Cafe Pesto serves salads, sandwiches, fresh fish, pasta, calzones, pizza and even some nice beef dishes.  During this visit my guests enjoyed the Fresh Catch sandwich and salad.  Nice pieces of grilled Ono, onion remoulade, lettuce and vine ripened tomatoes served on a french roll.  The Fresh Catch salad is the same but served on a bed of organic baby greens.  We also tried the Pepperoni Classico pizza that features pepperoni, italian sausage and dry salami.  It was excellent.  The small pizza is $8.95 and there are about six slices.  I had the Blue Caesar Salad.  Crisp hearts of Kiwano Farms romaine, gorgonzola and anchovy buttered croutons.  Nice and filling for only $6.95.  There was so much Blue Cheese on top.  I moved it aside and ate only a few bites of the cheese.  Everyone enjoyed the food.  Service was good too.  I highly recommend Cafe Pesto for lunch or dinner.  For breakfast in Hilo there is only one place to go and that is Kens.

ZIPPY'S

ZIPPY'S

Honolulu, HI

During construction of our bathroom, Shirley went to Zippy's several times to pick up lunch for the workers.  A special caught her eye and stomach.  It is the April Tax Break Special that features teriyaki meat loaf.  For $5.25 it is the bargain of the month.  You get two large pieces of meat loaf topped with grilled onions and served with two scoops of rice and macaroni salad.  For five bucks you cannot go wrong with this dish.  Shirley had it twice this week so I tried a bite.  It was good.  Zippy's is a local institution.  Locals pack the place and gobble up chili, fresh fish, beef stew, spaghetti, chicken katsu, burgers and a host of other local favorites.  

The prices are reasonable.  Service is quick and the food is good. 

Click links below to view more posts on Zippy's;

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2012/02/zippys-king-street-honolulu-hawaii.html

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2022/01/zippys-chili-frank.html

DAVE AND BUSTERS

DAVE AND BUSTERS

Honolulu, HI

When my friend Alan suggested we get together with his three year old daughter for dinner, we decided to pick a kid friendly place close to downtown.  Dave and Busters was the choice.

We arrived around 6:30 p.m. on a Friday with a party of six.  I was quite surprised that we were quickly seated with only a two minute wait.  We ordered a couple of draft beers.  They were ice cold and huge.  Plus they gave us a dollar off on all beer before 7:00 p.m.   Mix drinks are 50% off.  For appetizers, we tried the Cheese, Guacamole with chips ($6) and Philly Cheese Steak Egg Rolls($8).  The chips and dip were good and they kept filling up the chips for us.  The Philly Cheese Steak Egg Rolls were awesome.  They put thinly sliced beef into the egg roll and give you cheese and a tangy bbq type sauce to dip.  They were so good, we ended up ordering another order later in the meal.  Shirley enjoyed a Blackened Chicken Pasta with mushrooms ($13) that was also very good.  I had a Chicken Wrap($9).  Hot wings type chicken wrapped in a flour tortilla.  It was good, but I could only eat one of the three pieces because I was full with the beer and egg rolls.  The wrap came with a Ceaser Salad that was really good too.  Our friends tried the Fried Mushrooms ($7).  The plate of mushrooms was huge.  So big that more than half was taken home.  The kids enjoyed a grilled cheese sandwich ($5) and chicken tenders for $6).  Everyone was stuffed and we took half the food home.  All in all I was impressed with the food and service.  After dinner we went upstairs to the game room.  The place was packed with people of every age.  Keli and Lexy enjoyed many of the games while the Dad's enjoyed one last cool beverage.  We have always avoided Dave and Busters for some reason.  Now that we have enjoyed our visit we will be back again  soon.

BRASSERIE DU VIN

BRASSERIE DU VIN

HONOLULU, HI

As of tonight, I have a new favorite restaurant to recommend to friends.  Brasserie Du Vin located in downtown Honolulu is a great place for a glass of wine, pupu's or complete dinner.  We went on a Saturday night and the place was pretty much empty.  This is normal for Downtown.  With parking at the Chinatown Municipal lot only $1.50, it is very convenient and affordable.  We started with the Black Pepper Pate.  This country style pork and chicken pate was crusted in black peppercorns and served with greens, pickled vegetables and stone ground mustard.  The mustard adds a great taste to the pate.  Simply stated this dish was awesome.  At $6 it is also a bargain.  It is served with warm, freshly baked bread too.  We also enjoyed a Manchego Cheese which is a firm sheep's milk cheese from Spain. It has a melt-in-your mouth interior of nutty, butterscotch flavor according to the menu.  The menu was right on.  At $4 it was also a good deal.  So far so good here.  Our next dish was Escargots in herbed, garlic green butter.  The snails were tasty.  Shirley wanted more garlic in them.  For our main entree, Shirley had the Grilled Flat Iron Steak with roasted shallot aioli and pommes frites.  At $18 this dish was not too flavorful according to Shirley.  I enjoyed a pan fried Rainbow Trout served with three large Tiger Shrimp, Apple Smoked Bacon and Ali'i Mushroom Beurre Blanc sauce.  It was also $18.  The presentation was great.  You get the whole fish including the head.  We sat in the outdoor courtyard at a small table for two.  The seats are very uncomfortable, but the atmosphere is romantic.  You don't really think you are in Downtown Honolulu when dining here.  Rather a sidewalk cafe in Europe or Italy.  Very nice.

I really like Du Vin and cannot wait to return.  Oh yea, the price for everything was $75.  This included two glasses of wine at $10 each.  You can save a lot of money by arriving before 6:00 p.m.  They have several half price selections that are real bargains.  Imagine dinner for two for $30 at a great place like this.  We are going back soon before 6:00 next time.  

LA MARIANA SAILING CLUB

LA MARIANA SAILING CLUB

HONOLULU, HI

If you want to enjoy a piece of Hawaii history and the last of Hawaii's "Tiki" bars then La Mariana is a must place to visit.  Located on the Sand Island boat docks you would never know this place existed if someone didn't take you there.  It is hidden behind industrial buildings and looks like a dump from the outside.  As you walk down the pathway that leads to the restaurant you are transformed to the Hawaii of long ago.  A real life "Tiki" bar with fish nets, wooden tables and high back wicker chairs.  I have never enjoyed a cocktail here as we always visit for lunch.  I am told that the the bar is great for pupu's and drinks after work.  My lunch here usually is the fresh fish served cajun style with linguine.  It comes with veggies.  I normally order a side salad because their blue cheese dressing is my favorite.  My friend ordered the fresh seared ahi served with choice of rice or linguine.  He had the rice and said it was fantastic.  My other friend had a patty melt and salad.  I had the club sandwich and a salad.  The patty melt was great and served with a pile of fries.  My club was really good and filling.

La Mariana service is very good when it is not too busy.  I love the atmosphere at this place.  There should be more of these "Tiki" type bars in Hawaii.  They really bring back the old Hawaii.  Don't expect the food to be the best in the world.  It is good and consistent.  Not great.

I go back over and over again because it is good and close to my office.  Guests from out of town love the place and always thank me for bringing me there.  My thanks to Chris Richgels for picking up the tab.

MARIA BONITA MEXICAN RESTAURANT

MARIA BONITA'S 

HONOLULU, HI

I would never think that we would have dinner at night on Hotel Street in Honolulu.  Hotel Street is known for drugs, hookers, cheap bars and everything else that is bad in a big city.  We met up with some friends for First Friday which brings people downtown to eat and drink.  There are police on every corner so it is pretty safe.  On the first Friday of every month, people that would not eat or party downtown come down to enjoy art exhibitions, wine tastings and tons of good looking woman.  From twenty to sixty the crowd downtown is diverse on First Friday.  We had walked around and found it difficult to find a place that was not super busy and kid friendly.  When we saw a Mexican restaurant that we had never tried we went in with great expectations.  At Maria Bonita you order at a counter from the menu board above.  It is your typical Mexican fare.  Tacos, burritos, tostadas and enchiladas.  Shirley had the shrimp tacos which gave her a stomach ache.  My friend had a big fish burrito which she said was missing on taste.  Our other friend had the beef enchilada which he said was fine.  I had the chicken enchilada and a carne asada taco.  They both were o.k.  The rice was good.   The beans were a bit too watery for me but Keli liked them.  The service was very slow.  Took forever to get our food and two dishes were severed 10 minutes before the others.  There were only two people working on a busy Friday night.  Not good.  I would try this place again before I condemn it.

HUGGO'S ON THE ROCKS

HUGGO'S ON THE ROCKS

KAILUA KONA, HAWAII

If you are looking for a casual oceanfront spot for cocktails and pupu's look no further than Huggo's on the Rocks.  This place is great.  The outdoor seating area is totally covered in white sand from the beach.  The tables overlook Kailua Bay and have a great view of the sunset, cruise ships and boats coming and going.  There is live music and dancing on the sand.  We arrived in time for a great sunset and enjoyed ice cold beer and margarita's.  We enjoyed some nacho's, prime rib cubes and an appetizer platter that included shrimp and I think teriyaki sticks.  Most of the food is cooked on a beach side grill next to the bar.  Don't go to Huggo's on the Rocks for the food.  If you want a good meal you can eat at their oceanfront restaurant called just Huggo's next door.  Go to the Beach bar for the beer.  There is no better place to relax and enjoy good friends in Kona.  Thanks to Chris Richgels for picking up the tab.

DON'S GRILL

DON'S GRILL

HILO, HAWAII

I am beginning to really enjoy my business trips to Hilo.  My customers always know the best "local" spots to dine.  The last two visits I have ate at Don's Grill.  This local institution is always busy because they have great food, good prices and service.  Don's serves everything from steaks to local moco's and everything in between.  I ordered a chef salad and was impressed with the fresh veggies, huge portion and great flavors.  My friends feasted on chicken and vegetables, a BLT sandwich and fresh fish.  I highly recommend Don's for a good quick meal.

KEN'S HOUSE OF PANCAKES

KEN'S HOUSE OF PANCAKE'S

HILO, HAWAII

To think I lived in Hawaii for almost 20 years and visited Hilo a dozen or more times and never been to Ken's is just terrible.  This place is Da Bomb for breakfast.  When I asked one of my Hilo customers where he would like to have breakfast, he said "Ken's".  This was a great choice.  Ken's menu is huge.  They have everything you can think of for breakfast.  The portions are huge, the prices are reasonable and the service is great.  I ordered the mahi mahi with eggs.  Yes, fish for breakfast.  It came with fried rice and toast.  Delicious.  I cannot remember what the two other guys ate, but they were in heaven.  There were so many plates on the table filled with eggs, pancakes and toast that you would think we were at a buffet.  Ken's is a must visit when in Hilo.  

UNCLE'S FISH MARKET & GRILL

UNCLE'S FISH MARKET & GRILL

HONOLULU, HI

I have been waiting for a place like Uncle's for a long time.  A comfortable place near the water where you can enjoy a good, fresh piece of fish.

It is beyond me how a place like Hawaii can not have more restaurants like Uncle's.  When you enter Uncle's be ready for a short line.  You order at the counter and then take your food to a table.  I have only been here for lunch and it is always busy.  This was my fourth or fifth visit.  The place keeps changing the way they present the menu board, but the food is always good.  We started with the ahi poke appetizer.  It is fresh raw tuna with a bit of onion.  Fresh is the key to this dish.  I had the fresh fish tacos.  The are filled with mahi mahi and topped with cabbage and tropical salsa.  Really good and filling.  You get (3) hard tacos for $9.50 or two soft taco's for the same price.  My friend ordered the Fish Burger.  It was $8.75.   He said it was very good and finished every bit of the thing.  Uncle's offers the freshest fish because they are located adjacent to the fish auction where all the fresh fish is sold to restaurants.  The offer several selections each day like Ahi, Mahi Mahi and Ono.  The fresh fish is served with your choice of preparations; char broiled, sauteed or blackened cajun style and served with your choice of sauce; Uncle's special sauce, teriyaki or tarter.  I like Uncle's a lot.  While the prices are a bit high for lunch ($11 to $14 for entrees), the quality is fantastic.  

3660 ON THE RISE

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3660 ON THE RISE

HONOLULU, HI

Located in a office building in the quaint neighborhood of Kaimuki, 3660 is a good restaurant.  I have been there many times and liked it.  Mostly with business guests or good friends. My latest visit was nothing to write  home about.  We ordered the signature Ahi Katsu appetizer which was raw tuna wrapped in Nori and deep fried.  The Nori ruined the dish for me. After one piece, I really did not want to eat another.  The rice and veggies on the plate were all eaten before the Ahi was gone.  We all followed with the crab and corn chowder.  It was good but we all agreed the soup was very salty.  My guest ordered a tempura battered catfish.  It was heavily battered and placed in a bowl with ponzu sauce.  At $23 it was a mess.  The portion was large but not presented or prepared too well.  Both myself and another guest ordered the Land and Sea (Steak and Lobster).  At $45 you would be hoping for something great.  Lucky I was not buying this time.  Both are served sitting on the most tasteless mashed potatoes I have ever had.  Every time you cut a piece of steak or lobster the mashed potatoes squish all over the place.  My steak had no flavor.  The lobster portion was big, but very bland and rubbery.  I did not finish my steak or lobster.  Neither did my friend.  I am not in a hurry to take guests back to 3660.  For the price, there are other places I would rather entertain.  Thanks to Chris Richgels for picking up the tab.

RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

RUTH CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

BEACHWALK, WAIKIKI

I have been  to Ruth Chris numerous times over the years.  Usually the one in Restaurant Row near Downtown Honolulu.  Some visits were good and some were just not up to par.  With the

opening of the new Ruth Chris on Waikiki's Beach Walk, I decided to give this steakinstitution another chance.  Boy was I glad I did.  The Waikiki Ruth Chris is located in the beautiful Beach Walk district.  It is upstairs which makes it kind of hard to find if you do not know it is there.  Even with the 2nd story location, people seem to be finding their way to the place.  I went on a Monday night with business associates.  As soon as we arrived I was impressed.  The hostess greeted us with a big smile and quickly pulled up our reservation. We asked to sit at the bar to wait for our third guest.  When we approached the bar we were again greeted with a big hello and offered some complimentary potato chips.  These were the Maui style ones that are thick and slightly burnt.  Fantastic!  The bar service was excellent.  When our third guest arrived, the hostess politely took us to our seat which was a full thirty minutes past our reservation time.  This was around 6:30 and the dining room was fairly busy.  Table service was excellent with so many people filling water, bringing bread and taking care of us that I could not understand how they found all these good employees.  All positive and polite. The training must be excellent because the entire staff was working together to make sure we were happy.  Now lets get down to the food.  Our entire party ordered the Petite Filet.  One of my guests had the Wedge salad, I had the Ceasar Salad and the other had a bowl of Onion Soup.

All were very happy.  The Ceasar was perfect and not over dressed.  The steak was one of the

very best I have ever tasted.  It was so perfect that it cut like butter.  All three of us agreed

that it was better than other times at different Ruth Chris restaurants.  The plates were sizzling hot and the steaks were smothered in melting butter.  We enjoyed sides of sauteed mushrooms and steamed brocolli.  Both were excellent.  Since my friend had a birthday this week we told the waiter and he brought out a complimentary desert.  I think it was bread pudding.  There was enough for all three of us and it was delicious.  Tasted like cinnamon rolls.  All in all, this

was one of the best dining experiences I have ever had in Waikiki.  Two good points about Ruth Chris.  One is the reservation system via their website.  They make it so easy to make and confirm a reservation.  It literally takes seconds.  Two is the Early Bird dinner.  For $34.95 you get a steak, side dish and desert.  This is a very good deal for the quality and great service.  Only thing is you have to order before 6:00.  Thanks to Chris Richgels for picking up the tab.

Click links below to view more posts on Ruth's Chris Steak House;

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2023/03/ruths-chris-waikiki.html

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2022/05/ruths-chris-waikiki.html

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2021/11/ruths-chris-waikiki.html

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2021/07/ruths-chris-waikiki.html

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2021/06/ruths-chris-waikiki.html

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2021/05/ruths-chris-steakhouse-again.html

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2021/05/ruths-chris-steak-house-five-nights-in.html

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2015/01/ruths-chris-steak-house-waikiki.html

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2011/10/ruth-chris-steakhouse-waikiki.html

JOSE'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

JOSE'S MEXICAN CAFE AND CANTINA

Located in Kaimuki, this neighborhood restaurant has been in business ever since I can remember.  Probably over 15 years.  Why then it is only now that I will make the statement that "Jose's is the BEST Mexican food in Hawaii".   That's right, I am giving them my #1 pick for tacos.  As many of you know, I love tacos.  Every time a taco restaurant opens in Hawaii we venture to try their tacos.  I have had more bad tacos in Hawaii then I care to remember.  Time after time they are bland, tasteless and in some cases un-eatable.  With the exception of maybe Compadres in Ward Center most of the Mexican food in Hawaii sucks.  Jose's however has won my approval and cravings.  The shredded beef and chicken tacos are the best in the State.  They are filled with marinated meat and topped off with lettuce, cheese and tomato.  Simple and delicious.  You can get three tacos for $11 or two tacos with beans and rice for $12.  The beans and rice are hit and miss depending on the day you go.  We have found them to be good on some days and bad on others.  The tacos however have been solid for the past four visits.  Another good item is the Chicken Enchilada.  Filled with chicken and covered in cheese and sauce.  Good taste and very filling.  The Chicken Tostada is good, but it so so big and stacked high with lettuce that it is difficult to pick up and eat.  You need to use a fork and knife to eat it.  The salsa at Jose's is also pretty darn good.  Just enough heat to keep you asking for more water.  Jose's is a pretty good sized restaurant with a full bar and several flat screens to watch sports.  The place never seems to be busy so service has been good.  Jose's is the only taco joint that I want to go back to time and time again.  That is really saying something when you consider how picky we are about our tacos.
Click links below for updated posts on Jose's Mexican Restaurant;
http://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2013/01/joses-mexican-restaurant-and-cantina.html
http://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2012/04/joses-mexican-restaurant-kaimuki.html
http://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2011/07/joses-restaurant-mexican-food.html
http://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2009/09/joses-mexican-restaurant.html

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN

KAHALA MALL, HONOLULU, HAWAII

As a family, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is probably our most visited restaurant.  We have dined there dozens of times and tasted a lot of different menu items.  On the top of our favorites the list is the BBQ Chicken Pizza.  We also enjoy the CPK Cobb Salad which includes Applewood Bacon,

Fresh Avocado, Grilled Chicken, Beets, Tomatoes, Basil and Gorgonzola Cheese.  One salad will feed two to three people so this is a good deal.  Keli loves the children's pasta with meat sauce and orders it every time we go.  Lately we have been ordering the Lettuce Wraps which are filled with minced chicken, shiitaki mushrooms, water chestnuts, green onions in a soy ginger sauce.  Served on a bed of crispy rice noodles with a side of spicy ginger-chili sauce.  Yummy and filling.  One order is enough for two people.  Shirley ordered the new Penne Pasta w/Pesto, sun dried tomatoes and shrimp.  Must have been good because she ate it all.  CPK is always busy and you can expect a wait.  This is probably one of the most consistent and  good restaurants around.  

P.F. CHANG'S CHINA BISTRO

P.F. Chang's China Bistro

Honolulu, HI

I have been to P.F. Chang's around six times now.  Usually with sales reps and customers for lunch.

We always eat family style so everyone at the table gets the opportunity to try different dishes.  While the first few visits were not memorable, the last three visits have been fantastic.  I am truly a fan of P.F. Chang's for Chinese food.  Judging from my guests comments (all positive), I would give the place a thumbs up and recommend you try it.  We always start with the Lettuce Wraps which are filled with spiced chicken.  The combination of flavors is fantastic.

Other favorites include the Fried Rice, Mongolian Beef, Spicy Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken and Salt and Pepper Prawns.  One observation is that after awhile everything starts tasting the same.  This is why you need to mix it up with some seafood, veggies and different menu items.

HANK'S HAUTE DOGS

HANK'S HAUTE DOGS

324 Coral Street

Honolulu, HI

After reading many favorable reviews about Hank's Haute Dogs, we set out to find this small hot dog shop located off Ala Moana Blvd on Coral Street.  Hank's is a simple place with limited inside seating along the walls.  There are however three tables outside where you can enjoy your dogs.

There are some unique dogs on the menu; Portuguese Sausage, Andouille, Chorizo, Chicken, Bratwurst, Polish and Chili to name a few.  Prices for these run $5.50 to $6.25.  We opted to go with the flagship "Chicago Dog" which is the genuine Chicago Vienna all beef dog with a nice snap to it.  The dog includes mustard, onion, green relish, tomato slices, dill pickle, celery salt and sport hot peppers.  At $4.75 I thought it was a bit expensive.  The dog had good flavor but was not anything real special.  When you can get a Costco dog which is twice the size and really good, I can't see paying $4.75 for this dog.  We ordered a children's dog for Keli.  This is a kid sized dog for $3.00.  Again, why would you pay $3.00 for a dog when you can get the Costco dog for $1.50 and it includes a drink.  Hank's has some great daily specials which we will certainly try on future visits.  They include; Duck & Foie Gras, Alligator, Rabbit, Buffalo, Lobster and Kobe Beef dogs.   These special dogs go for $7.50 to $10.50.  We also tried Hank's Awesome French Fries (menu description) for $2.50.  These are twice cooked Castle Rock potatoes that are thin and crispy.  Loved them.  Especially the burnt ones.  

HANK'S HAUTE DOGS

KAHAI STREET KITCHEN

KAHAI STREET KITCHEN

237 Kalihi Street

Honolulu

Where does Drew eat lunch most everyday of the week when he is at the office.  It is the Kahai Street Kitchen.  Absolutely the best plate lunch joint in Honolulu.  There is no better in my opinion.  The menu changes everyday (sent every morning via email to your office) and you won't believe what is on the menu.  Today I ordered Beef Wellington (the real deal) for under $8.  There are only a few places that sell Beef Wellington in Honolulu and the price usually is in the $30 to $40 range.  On other visits I have enjoyed Stuffed Cornish Hens that would sell for at least $30 for $7.  The BBQ ribs platter is a full rack of ribs for $7.  Fresh Ahi Tuna with salad and side goes for around $7.  Some days there is steak and shrimp, stuffed chicken, braised pork, stir-fry, pork chops, prime rib, Duck breast and always fresh fish.  Kahai Street is a take-out joint.  There is no parking or seating.  It is somewhat of an adventure to get in and out.  We always order by phone and then leave the car running while parked in front.  The place is only open for lunch.   THIS IS A MUST TRY.  I LOVE IT!

JJ' FRENCH BAKERY AND BISTRO

JJ FRENCH BAKERY AND BISTRO

3447 Wailalae Ave
Honolulu, Hawaii

JJ'S is one of our most favorite neighborhood restaurants.  We visit frequently and always enjoy the food.  While JJ's is known for their great desserts, it is the bistro food that we always come back for.  The prices are reasonable with entree's going for $9.95 each.  For $24.70 you can get a four course meal that includes Soup, appetizer, main course and any dessert from the case.  This is a good deal for Honolulu plus  you can bring your own wine or beer.  There is no corkage charge and they always are happy to provide a wine opener and glasses.  During our visit tonight I had the Baked Opakapaka served with fettuccini and julian veggies in a garlic lemon and sweet chili sauce.  The dish is a little spicy which I like.  It is fantastic!  Prior to the main course we enjoyed an asparagas soup served in a clay pot and a fantastic lobster appetizer served on french bread.  Shiirly had the Seafood Brioche which is an assortment of salmon, scallop, shrimp, leek, shintaki mushroom, bell pepper and special black pepper cream sauce.

Keli enjoyed a cheese pizza.  The pizza is nothing to write home about, but the entree's we enjoyed were great.  Other favorites of ours are the Laotion Rock n' Roll, Garlic Shrimp Salad and Baked Tuna Wellington.  I love JJ's.   It is a place where we always return to.
UPDATED POST LINK BELOW
http://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2016/03/jj-french-pastry-and-bistro.html
http://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2015/06/jjs-bistro-and-french-pastry.html

http://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2011/03/jjs-french-bakery-and-bistro.html

MAMA'S FISH HOUSE - MAUI

MAMA'S FISH HOUSE

Maui, HI

Located on a secluded cove and beach about 20 minutes from the Kahului Maui airport is one of the most famous restaurants in all of Hawaii.  Mama's Fish House is truly a destination for the freshest fish and great preparations, but beware the prices may wipe out your wallet.  Whether you go for lunch or dinner - the place is expensive.  I mean really expensive.  It is the only place I know that charges $50 for a lunch entree.  And people pay it and love it day after day.  The place is always busy.  The menu is written each morning after the fish arrives.  Local fisherman bring the fish to Mama's.  If their catch is chosen, the fisherman gets his name on the menu next to the fish he caught.  One my last visit there was fresh Mahi Mahi, Spearfish, Opah and Ahi.  Most preparations include rice and vegetables.  The Mahi Mahi with Crab stuffing goes for a whopping $59.  Opah was $42, Ahi $36 and the Spearfish was $35.  Remember, this is for lunch.  We enjoyed two small macadamia nut crab cakes at $18, Shrimp Won Tons at $18 and Seared Ahi Sashimi for appetizer at $20.  Bare in mind this was a party of six and we were all sharing the appetizers.  The Sashimi is always top notch.  You don't get much for $20 but it is so good you forget the price.  A cup of Maui Onion soup will set you back $12.  This is far too much for a small cup of soup.  The entrees are all great.  I have never had a bad meal here.  It is just a lot of money.  Just think what the meal would cost if you added a bottle of wine.  Hundreds for a party of two.  I highly recommend Mama's for the food and ambiance.  The secluded lagoon takes you back to old Hawaii and makes you forget the real world.  Too bad you can't forget the prices too.

NINNIKU-YA GARLIC RESTAURANT - HONOLULU

NINNIKU-YA GARLIC RESTAURANT

Honolulu, HI

The "Garlic" Restaurant is becoming one of our favorite places to dine in Honolulu.  We have never had a bad meal here and love most everything on the menu.  The cozy indoor/outdoor space is actually an old house.  We usually opt for outdoor seating as the indoor area gets quite smokey from the hot-stone plates that are served.

There is only one way to eat here.  That is "family" style.  Order a bunch of everything and let everyone share.  This way you have the opportunity to try a number of different dishes.  Everything you order contains garlic.  Lots of garlic.  Even the gelato contains garlic.  The fresh mushrooms are fantastic.  So is the asparagas.  We usually order the hot-stone steak which is served on a super hot plate with large chunks of garlic.  Thinly sliced and awesome.  The seafood pasta is excellent here.  So is the garlic rice.  Everything is good but the one thing you must try is the Froi Gras.  This is not on the menu.  You must ask the server if they have Froi Gras.  It is not always available.  This is the best dish and should not be missed.  They sear the meat and then serve it with a fruit sauce that is to die for.  This is a monster of a dish.  Everyone that we have dined with here loves it.  THIS IS A MUST PLACE TO GO ON OAHU.
UPDATE 2012:  RESTAURANT CLOSED AND THE PLACE TORN DOWN.

JOHN DOMINIS - HONOLULU

JOHN DOMINIS

Honolulu, HI

John Dominis is one of Oahu's favorite fine dining and special event restaurants.  The location and interior are beautiful.  Most seats have a view of the ocean and Diamond Head.

My recent dinner here was for a business meeting.  We reserved a private room for 10 people overlooking the ocean.  This is a great venue to hold meetings for up to about 30 people.  

Our meal began with crab stuffed mushrooms.  These are huge.  Each plate has four large mushrooms.  This is a meal in itself.  The John Dominis Salad followed.  Maui Onions, Tomato and fresh greens with a touch of sardine.  This was really good.  The Seafood Chowder was next.  It was good but not great.  We all had steak and lobster combo as our main dish.  The lobsters on this visit were small and tasteless.  The last time I had this same meal, the lobsters were huge and delicious.  The steak was cooked to perfection and served up with fresh veggies.

When it was time for the Mud Pie dessert, not one person could find room to eat it.  We were all stuffed.  The service was great.  Everyone was courteous and helpful.  The restaurant has a great bar area where you can enjoy a cocktail and pupu's.  The prices are a bit high but worth it on most items.
UPDATE 2012:  RESTAURANT CLOSED AND TORN DOWN.  LOCATION NOW HAS RESTAURANT CALLED 53 BY THE SEA. 

TIO'S GARAGE & TACO STATION

TIO'S GARAGE & TACO STATION

Honolulu, HI

A few hours after lunch here and I still can taste the garlic from the salsa.  I have a gut ache too.

We sampled the tacos.  Shredded Beef, Chicken and Fish.  For $11 you get two tacos and beans and rice.  The beans and rice were good.  The tacos were greasy and pretty bland.  The shredded beef tasted like it was soaked in lard.  Same with the chicken.  The fish tacos however were good.

They were filled (actually overfilled) with a beer battered fish.  I took one piece of the fish out to make the taco smaller.  Not bad.  Keli ordered a Chicken Quesadilla with beans and rice.  She ate the beans and rice but not the Quesadilla.  She said and I quote "it's too greasy".  Tio's Garage has no ambiance or feeling to it.  It is a very bland space.  The service was good.

FOUR HOURS AFTER EATING HERE MY GUT STILL IS HURTING.  NEVER GOING BACK.  UPDATE:  RESTAURANT CLOSED.

SAM CHOY'S BREAKFAST, LUNCH & CRAB

SAM CHOY'S BREAKFAST LUNCH AND CRAB

Honolulu, HI

As a frequent visitor to Sam Choy's I have had most everything on the menu.  This is a favorite lunch spot because it is located close to downtown and not far from the office.  Prices are fair and the portions are usually large.  Lately I have found that the food has gotten "better".  A must try is the Crab Tostadas.  They serve six small Tostadas topped with lots of fresh crab and a touch of jalepeno.  During my last visit, my guests finished one order of these and then ordered another one.  I did not complain.

Sam Choys serves up several specials each day.  I have been enjoying the soup and sandwich combo lately.  Usually served with Clam Chowder.  The fresh fish with fried rice and eggs is a must try for breakfast.  There are too many lunch items to list, but trust me you will find something you like on the menu.  The restaurant is also a brewery, but since I go for lunch we don't drink the beer.  Sam Choy's is a great place to eat.  Highly recommended.  UPDATE 4/13 - SAM CHOY'S HAS 

CLOSED.

SANSEI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT - HONOLULU

SANSEI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Honolulu, Hi

Absolutely one of the best restaurants in Hawaii.

If you like sushi, Sansei is a must visit.  This has been a family favorite for about 10 years.  In fact, the day Shirley gave birth to Keli her first request was to have sushi from Sansei.  Seems appropriate that Shirley requested Sansei again for her 31st birthday last night.

After a very nice greeting from the front desk we were given a table with people on both sides of us.  This was a little uncomfortable so we asked for a booth.  We were moved to a nice booth that was quiet and relaxing.  We started with the Miso Soup which is Keli's favorite.  It is always good.  Shirley ordered a Ceasar Salad with Calamari.  The salad was topped with large pieces of lightly fried Calamari.  The main course consisted of the "69 Roll" which is awesome.

The roll has Unagi, Crab and Cucumber and a great sauce.  We also had a "Takah" Sushi Special which consisted of Shrimp, Crab, Avacado and fresh Ahi Tuna.  Keli enjoyed her favorite Edamame and two pieces of Masago (fish eggs).  We ordered fresh Ahi Sashimi but after all our food came the Sashimi still was not served.  I asked the waitress where the Sashimi was.  She said that they took it to the wrong table and she forgot to tell us.   I cancelled the order and paid the bill which was only $72.  The parking however was $12.  The Sansei menu is great.  There is something for everybody.  

Click links below to view more posts on Sansei Seafood Restaurant;

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2010/10/sansei-seafood-restaurant-sushi-bar.html

https://greateatshawaii.blogspot.com/2013/02/sansei-seafood-restaurant-and-sushi-bar.html

CASSIS BY CHEF MAVRO - HONOLULU

CASSIS BY CHEF MAVRO

Honolulu, HI

Located downtown in the old Palamino space, Cassis is the second restaurant for famed Chef Mavro.  Mavro is a legend in Hawaii cooking.  His flagship "Mavro's" has received many awards throughout the years.  Why he went out on a limb with Cassis is beyond me.  I think the place is wrong for the location and will not last too long unless the prices and menu change at lunch time.  I was treated to lunch here by a very nice sales rep.  If not for the rep picking up the tab, I would not have gone.  To put it simply, the food is just too expensive for the lunch crowd downtown.  My co-worker and myself ordered the beef dish for lunch.  It was a whopping $28.  This is for a lunch entree mind you.  Add a side salad or soup and drink and you are easily hitting $40 for lunch PER PERSON.   This is just not right.  The beef is good but not great.  It is served with a nice sauce with onions, a green something that is kind of like a salad and some french fries that are yummy.  Our rep friend ordered the chicken and another friend ordered the mini burgers.  The chicken was fantastic according to our  friend.  The mini burgers looked good, but the price was $14 or $7 a piece.   You can tell the local downtown crowd is not buying into these prices by the size of the lunch tme crowd.  The place was nearly empty at 12:00 noon.  The bar was empty too.  During the Palamino days, the place was packed day after day.  Mavro is a great chef.  The food is good, but you cannot expect the working class to pay these prices for lunch.   I think this place could do allright if Mavro came up with some lunch dishes around $8 to $15 bucks.  This would bring in more folks like me on a regular basis.   UPDATE:  ONE WEEK AFTER WRITING THIS CASSIS CLOSED THEIR DOORS.