Honolulu Star-Advertiser Ilima Awards 2011 by Oahu Publications, Inc

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Dine In Take Out Catering Authentic Greek dishes made fresh daily with veggies and herbs, fish, lean meats, lemons and olive oil. Our food is quick, tasty and good for you â&#x20AC;&#x201C; try some today! Check our website for the full menu and weekly specials. www.thefatgreek.net

Waikiki 941-3444 1831 Ala Moana Blvd. (Between Ilikai & Kobe) Open Daily 11am-10pm Free validated parking at Waikiki Marina

Waialae 734-0404 3040 Waialae Ave (Corner of St. Louis & Waialae) Open Daily 11am-10pm

Kailua

Ala Moana 949-2120

Opening December 2011

Ala Moana Food Court Mall Hours

Enchanted Lake Shopping Center

“Experience was Good for My Soul...” - Nadine Kam Star-Advertiser: The Weekly Eater

3040 WAIALAE AVE

808.735.SOUL WWW.PACIFICSOULHAWAII.COM MON CLOSED TUES-THURS 11-9 FRI- SAT 11-10 SUN 10:30-8 Like us on @ PACIFICSOUL

facebook: SOUL PATROL @SOULPATROLHI

I NTR O D U CTI O N LEGEND $$$$ VERY PRICEY Entrees mostly more than $30

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2011-2012

Best Restaurant: People’s Choice. . . 6 Best Restaurant: Critics’ Choice . . . . 8 People’s Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

$$$ PRICEY Entrees mostly $17-$29

Critics’ Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Publisher’s Choice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

$$ MODERATE Entrees $10-$16

Critic’s Picks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

$ BUDGET FRIENDLY Entrees mostly less than $10

Star Circle Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Note: The restaurant scene changes rapidly, so please call the restaurant for the latest information.

10 Foods We Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

ON THE COVER Clockwise from bottom left: Cranberry vodka martini from Vino Italian Tapas and Wine Bar, a chocolate caramel dessert from the Pearl (at Leeward Community College), seared duck breast from Vino, shave ice from House of Pure Aloha and Sous Vide of Island Onaga from Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas. ‘ILIMA AWARDS CRITICS Jason Genegabus Nadine Kam Elizabeth Kieszkowski Joleen Oshiro Betty Shimabukuro CONTRIBUTORS Joe Guinto Donica Kaneshiro Christie Wilson Nina Wu MANAGING EDITOR/PRODUCTION Betty Shimabukuro TODAY EDITOR Christie Wilson LEAD DESIGNER Joe Guinto EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sherri Yoshioka PHOTOS Honolulu Star-Advertiser staff 4

‘I L I MA AWAR DS

DHT Showstoppers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Sweet Stuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Newbies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

A G U I D E T O O A H U ’ S T O P R E S T A U R A N T S Diamond Head ThePicking Oahu’s atre Showstoppers, top restaurants is, of ONLINE chosen by course, a matter of This restaurant guide may be DHT patrons. taste. To compile found online at staradvertiser.com The Honolulu Starthe annual ‘Ilima and honolulupulse.com. To keep Advertiser ‘Ilima Awards guide, a up with the restaurant scene, read Awards a partnership team of five food Nadine Kam’s “Weekly Eater” rewith DHT, which was and dining experts views in the Wednesday Today secestablished in 1915 from the Honolulu tion, and the “Quick Bites” and and has the distincStar-Advertiser was “Pau Hana Patrol” features in Frition of being the thirdassembled. Together day’s TGIF section. Also check out oldest continuously they selected mor honolulupulse.com for dining operating community than 200 establishnews, reviews and blogs. theater in the United ments to be featured States. in the 2011-12 ‘Ilima Each year, Diamond Guide to Oahu’s Top Head Theatre and its Restaurants. hundreds of volunThe entries range teers entertain more from puka-in-thethan 35,000 theatergowall cheap eats to ers. The organization the most elegant also provides yeardining experiences. round classes for all ages in dancing, actAnd, as is our practice, the reviews were ing and singing, an extensive summer conducted anonymously with meals paid school for children and teens, and a youth for by the Star-Advertiser. None of the places in this guide were included or given troupe called the Diamond Head Theatre a favorable review because they advertise Shooting Stars. With ticket sales covering less than in the newspaper or in these pages. 45 percent of theater operations, the anWe didn’t want the public to be left out of the all-important discussion of the best nual Honolulu Star-Advertiser ‘Ilima places to eat on the island, so included in Awards fundraising dinner, this year held on Oct. 10, is key in helping support DHT’s this guide are People’s Choice Awards, as many productions and educational prodetermined by votes submitted by Stargrams. Advertiser readers, and

Brunch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Food Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Best of Pau Hana Patrol . . . . . . . . . . 76

TOP RESTAURANTS (ALPHABETICAL BY NAME) A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 J - K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 N . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 U - Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

INDICES By restaurant name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 By food category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 By neighborhood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Advertiser index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

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‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

B E ST R E STAU R ANT: P E O P LE’S C H O I C E

Selected by readers of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser

3660 ON THE RISE

Island flavors, Euro-style, served without pretension By Joleen Oshiro joshiro@staradvertiser.com

hef Russell Siu looks startled when asked about the secret to the success of 3660 on the Rise, winner of the ‘Ilima People’s Choice award for best restaurant in Hawaii for the third year running. “Gee, I’m not sure how to answer that,” he says with modesty. But then he has a go at an answer. “I think it’s our casual approach. People can feel comfortable when they come here. We’re not pretentious or stuffy — what you see is what you get,” he says. Siu has hit upon a sweet spot with fusion cuisine that expands on what appeals to the local palate yet is familiar enough to satisfy the average Joe. There’s Ahi Katsu, served with spinach and a reduced sauce of shoyu, ginger, scallion, white wine and butter; or Potato-Crusted Crab Cake with shredded potato that’s a twist on bread crumbs; or a tempura fish served with ponzu. “It’s Euro-island cuisine, local flavors with European influence,” he says. “We’re not too avant-garde; there’s not 20 things in one dish. That’s overkill.” Siu says he and his crew tinker with the menu every quarter and change about a third of it. “We see what’s seasonal to give value,” he says. “Just today, Colin Nishida from Side Street (Inn) dropped off some shrimp from Kona for me to try. I might use it in a special. Dean (Okimoto of ’Nalo Farms) brought mushrooms. And we got some stuff from Wow Farm.” It’s not difficult for the chef and his crew to come up with ideas. “Hawaii is so diverse in cuisine,” he says. Siu got his start in the kitchen at Kenny’s Coffee House and Restaurant in Kalihi. He opened the Plaza Club in Honolulu in 1979 for the Club Corpora-

‘I L I MA AWAR DS

tion of America and moved to Dallas in 1982 to continue his work for the company. This was the era of the California cuisine movement. “It was all about regional fresh food,” he says. “We took the best of each place nationally. This opened my eyes to see what people were doing.” When Siu became director of operations for the West Coast, he was able to go to the best restaurants in the region’s cities. “It was a good experience. Fresh was ‘it.’ I measured my food against theirs. To learn, you’ve got to taste.” In September 1992 Siu was back in Hawaii and opened 3660 on the Rise. The chef is proud of his staff, some of whom have put in more than 15 years of service. Siu stresses a team spirit on numerous levels. Workers pool tips, and the entire kitchen crew can contribute ideas to the menu. “We always say, ‘This not an individual sport.’ The more pride people have in the product, the better the food,” he says. “I think it’s important to have seasoned staff who know the menu. Plus, people can see a familiar face when they come in.” He calls his 85-seat restaurant a comfortable place where people can be themselves, and the lively chatter that fills the room indicates this is so. Although Siu says he doesn’t micromanage his chefs, he believes one of the keys to the restaurant’s success is continuity. He says there’s one simple way to ensure that no matter the personal style of each chef, they can deliver a consistent product. “I write down recipes for every single thing,” he says. “Everyone has different taste buds, so we write it all down. And we’ve been successful.” ——— 3660 Waialae Ave., Kaimuki; 737-1177; www.3660.com. Dinner (closed Mondays). $$$

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM

We don’t try to be anyone else here. We compete with ourselves. We create our own style and push ourselves to become greater.” Russel Siu 3660 on the Rise

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

& BAKERY AT

ALA MOANA CENTER

ROYAL HAWAIIAN CENTER

COMFORT FOOD That’s probably the best way to describe our cuisine here at Panya. It is also the reason we feel our customers keep coming back again and again. Experience the pleasure of East meets West in a stylish and relaxed atmosphere at Panya Bistro. Our unique menu of Asian and Western specialties, full bar service and trendy interior distinguish Panya Bistro from any other dining experience in Hawaii. We Strive for a “Delicious & Memorable Experience”.

Proudly Serving Hawaii Since 1997

•

Thank You For The Support Through The Years Ala Moana Center Bakery, Bistro & Bar Mall Level/Mauka (next to Victoria’s Secret) Mon.-Sat., 7:30am-10pm & Sun., 8am-8pm 946-6388

Bakery, Express & Catering

Like us on Facebook H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

www.panyagroup.com

711 Queen St. Mon.-Fri., 7:00am-3pm 597-8880

Downtown 1111 Bishop St. Remington College Bldg., Lower Arcade, Shop 4 Mon.-Fri., 7:00am-3pm 536-8363

Waikiki Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center Street Level (Bldg B, Shop B-106a) Mon.-Sun., 8:00am-10pm 791-2969 ‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

B E ST R E STAU R ANT: C R ITI C S’ C H O I C E

Chosen by Honolulu Star-Advertiser dining and food writers

HIROSHI EURASION TAPAS

Light touch in the kitchen makes a huge impact By Joleen Oshiro joshiro@staradvertiser.com

hef Hiroshi Fukui loves cooking fish, and when he’s presented with the chance to cook one he’s never worked with before, “we do everything — sauté, deep-fry, bake, steam, grill — to find out what works best, what features the best flavor and texture.” That’s the same kind of focus the crew at Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas has given to each dish that makes the menu. The result is cuisine that’s understated, sophisticated and simply delicious. Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas is this year’s winner of the Ilima Critics’ Choice award for best restaurant. Fukui opened the restaurant in 2004 with chef and restaurateur D.K. Kodama and master sommelier Chuck Furuya. To start, the fusion food — EuroAsian cuisine that pairs Japanese techniques and food with European ones — is fresh. Whether it’s tuna for a Pepper Seared Ahi Sushi appetizer or Mrs. Cheng’s tofu for Hiroshi’s Tofu Salad (and a variety of other dishes), freshness is standard in Hiroshi’s kitchen. From there the chef merges flavors with a light touch for huge impact. Red Wine Steamed Veal Cheek, for one, presents melt-in-your-mouth veal in a light Asian sauce that balances the richness of the meat. A Pan-Roasted Opah, served with an ogo, miso, ginger and brown butter topping, offers a mix of flavors and textures that surprise and delight. A bed of tender baby bok choy and accompanying tart ume musubi round out the dish to perfection. Such creations are a testament to why Hiroshi’s cuisine is lauded by food critics around the country and have earned Fukui several James Beard Foundation Awards nominations. The key to good fusion, says Fukui, “is it’s gotta make sense. For me, everything on the plate has to be complementary.”

‘I L I MA AWAR DS

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARADVERTISER.COM

There are never-ending things to learn, there’s always a new ingredient. It’s all so challenging and fun.” Hiroshi Fukui Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas

Around town, discerning diners eagerly await Hiroshi’s contemporary kaiseki with wine pairings, which he presents four times a year. Kaiseki, a multicourse, classic style of Japanese cuisine, is presented at Hiroshi’s with modern flair. In creating kaiseki, and his menu in general, Fukui says it’s helped tremendously to work with Furuya. “Chuck gets involved because of the pairing, and he’s the best at adding ingredients. He’ll say, ‘We need more of this or that.’ “It’s great to have someone like that

right next to you. It broadens your scope, so it helps with the cooking,” Fukui says. Try out Hiroshi’s menu for half price during happy hour at the bar from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. There’s also a selection of martinis for $3.50. The restaurant now offers a kid’s bento with miso chicken, fried shrimp, crudités and musubi. It comes with a beverage and ice cream for $6.95. ——— Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana Blvd.; 533-4476; www.hiroshihawaii.com. Dinner. $$$ H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

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‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

P E O P LE’S C H O I C E

Selected by readers of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Kalbi & Eggs or Vinha D’Alhos & Eggs. Can’t decide? Have everyone order a plate, then add a short stack of pancakes to share. There’ll be plenty. ——— Locations in Aiea, Hawaii Kai, Kaneohe, Kapolei, Kaimuki, Moanalua, Wahiawa, Waipahu; www.koapancakehouse.com. Breakfast, lunch. $

NEW RESTAURANT YOGURSTORY For many of our readers, a visit to Yogurstory represented love at first bite, a place for those hungry for simple, inexpensive cafe fare presented without attitude. Those who need plenty of fuel to start their day could opt for tidy omelet selections or go straight for the house Fat Pig Fried Rice, shot through with threads of pork adobo, ham, bacon bits and oyster sauce for salty, meaty flavor throughout and enough koge (burnt) rice bits to give it some prized pan-fried crunchiness. It's topped with julienne egg crepe and pork rinds. Add a few more dollars and you can upgrade to the Oinker, with Portuguese sausage sliced in half lengthwise and two eggs prepared to your liking. Salads and sandwiches such as lean pastrami, Philly cheesesteak, cranberry chicken salad croissant, a BLT and banh mi of curry chicken with a liver pâté spread fill the menu. And, for a girlfriends’ day or night out, several dessertlike waffle confections are built to be shared, such as the Red Carpet, comprising a chocolate waffle, quartered for four portions, each topped with a dollop of taro cream cheese, drizzled with 58 percent Belgian chocolate sauce and sprinkled with red velvet croutons. ——— 815 Keeaumoku St.; 942-0505. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $

FINE DINING HOKU’S Wayne Hirabayashi is among Oahu’s most hardworking and innovative chefs, and Hoku’s gives him a fabulous playground. His open kitchen features a kiawe-wood grill, tandoori and wood-burning ovens and huge woks that occasionally spout fire. This means the cuisine at Hoku’s — while offering the classics a hotel restaurant must keep on the menu — presents many opportunities for adventure. Try the Ahi Musubi, a favorite with locals, or venture further into fusion with the Pan-Seared Halibut and its avocado crust. Love the classics? There’s SaltCrusted Colorado Rack of Lamb carved at the table. If you’re out to impress, you can’t fail with Hoku’s beachside location and postcard-perfect views. But if you want to guarantee that impression, ask for the Seafood Tower, which is just what it sounds like. It’s not on the menu, and only a few can be served each night. ——— Kahala Hotel & Resort, 5000 Kahala Ave.; 739-8760; www.kahalaresort.com. Dinner, Sunday brunch (closed Mondays-Tuesdays). $$$$ 10

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LUNCH MARIPOSA

BRUCE ASATO / BASATO@STARADVERTISER.COM

A Dolce de Leche Waffle is served in quarters, topped with a slice of banana at Yogurstory.

CASUAL L&L DRIVE-IN Let’s say you’re in Auckland, New Zealand, and have a sudden craving for two scoops rice, mac salad and anything teriyaki. Where do you go? L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. L&L franchises are everywhere. Not just in Hawaii, but coast to coast on the mainland and in Tokyo, American Samoa and New Zealand, proving that while you’re lucky you live Hawaii, you don’t have to live here to get a regular plate-lunch fix. Chicken katsu and barbecue chicken are major draws, but L&L also offers beef, ribs, Hawaiian food, fried seafood, burgers, saimin and a long list of specials. ——— Multiple locations; www.hawaiianbarbecue.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $

BREAKFAST KOA PANCAKE HOUSE For a hearty, local-style breakfast in a casual setting, think Koa, where the portions are generous and the menu caters to a diversity of early morning cravings. If carbs are not an issue, the pancakes come in banana, blueberry, strawberry, chocolate chip and pecan, besides plain buttermilk. Or have waffles, a crepe or a hefty serving of French toast made from thick slices of sweet bread. If protein is a priority, Koa offers a full omelet menu and the usual egg, meat and starch breakfast plates ala Denny’s. For local flair, try the tasty Grilled Mahi Mahi & Eggs,

The parade of fashionable diners at Mariposa on the third floor of Neiman Marcus is as much a part of the ambience as the room’s ceiling fans and wide veranda, which opens to expansive views of Ala Moana Park and the ocean beyond. It’s a popular place for a casual though elegant lunch, a cool respite from the rush of crowds and trials of shopping. The menu starts with composed salads (such as grilled lemon shrimp on romaine hearts), continues to sandwiches (lobster club or rib-eye roast beef sandwich) and on to entrees (seared diver scallops with ricotta gnocchi, blue crab spaghettini and laksa seafood curry). And, for those who intend to keep their fashionable figures, the menu lists the calorie count of each dish. ——— Neiman Marcus, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., 951-3420. Lunch, dinner. $$-$$$

NEIGHBOR ISLAND LAHAINA GRILL Amid the souvenir peddlers and historic sites of Lahaina town are a few gastronomic gems, none more glittering than the Lahaina Grill, just off Front Street. Owner-chef Jurg Munch presents innovative “New American” cuisine combining fresh ingredients from Maui farms and the techniques and flavors of his multinational upbringing and chef stints in some of the best hotels in Switzerland and Asia. Visitors make their reservations months in advance for an opportunity to taste such signature dishes as Warm Pecan Crusted Goat Cheese & Baby Arugula Salad, Tequila Shrimp with Firecracker Rice, and the Cake Walk, a sampler of Kona Lobster Crab Cake, Seared Ahi Cake and Sweet Louisiana Rock Shrimp Cake. You’ll also find certified Angus beef selections on the menu, along with Kona Coffee Roasted Rack of Lamb, and the house specialty dessert Triple Berry Pie. There’s even a keiki menu — because you’re never too young to eat well. ——— 127 Lahainaluna Road; 667-5117; www.lahainagrill.com. Dinner. $$$-$$$$ H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

C R ITI C S’ C H O I C E

Chosen by Honolulu Star-Advertiser dining and food writers

NEW RESTAURANT

LUNCH

BERNINI

NICO’S AT PIER 38

Chef Kengo Matsumoto approaches his menu with the winning combination of fine ingredients and a light touch, allowing each element to speak for itself. So a salad of roasted button, shimeji and oyster mushrooms topped with Parmesan comes alive with the flavor of a fall forest. Pastas range from a creamy and spicy chicken car bonara to spaghetti with sea urchin, or beef ragu of linguine topped with a rustic meat sauce dotted with stewed Angus cubes. We were wowed by the simplest dishes of a crispy-skinned half chicken baked in herbs and spices, and the thin-crust Norcia pizza that elicited a nonstop stream of “wows” with every bite of its lick-worthy combination of mozzarella, pork sausage, mushrooms, crunchy walnuts and sprinkling of truffle oil. ——— 1218 Waimanu St.; 591-8400; www.berninihonolulu.com. Dinner (closed Mondays). $$$

Nico’s is right next to the Honolulu Fish Auction, and the fish doesn’t get any fresher. Need proof? The restaurant often posts Facebook photos of fish on ice at the fish market in the morning so patrons can see what will be on their plates at noon. The menu is a dream. Nico Chaize offers dishes aimed at local tastes, but with an upgrade. Barbecued chicken is flavored with hoisin sauce, for example. Breakfast items are also offered. And you can’t go wrong with the Furikake Seared Ahi. As the restaurant’s popularity has grown, placing your order has become an exercise in getting up close and personal with other fans lined up at the counter and crowding the patio. But things are about to get better. Later this year, Nico’s is taking over another nearby site that offers much more space. Food will still be ordered at the counter, but the lines will be shorter and there will be indoor and outdoor seating. Recommended: Catch-of-the-day specials, such as Pan-seared Opah with Lemon Caper Sauce, which are prepared perfectly, the fish moist and delicate, the sauce seductive. ——— 1133 N. Nimitz Highway; 540-1377; www.nicospier38.com. Breakfast, lunch (closed Sundays). $

FINE DINING CHEF MAVRO Chef Mavro’s George Mavrothalassitis keeps racking up those accolades. September’s Wine Spectator calls him one of the country’s 11 most important French chefs, and with good reason. The James Beard Foundation Award winner’s operative word is “fresh”: fresh ingredients, fresh ideas, fresh menus. Employing his classic training, Mavrothalassitis and crew continuously work to develop new dishes that feature local ingredients in their best light. The results are delightful, thought-provoking contemporary menus that keep Chef Mavro on best-chef and restaurant lists across the globe. ——— 1969 S. King St.; 944-4714; www.chefmavro.com. Dinner (closed Mondays). $$$$

CASUAL OLIVE TREE CAFE The food is great, the servers are good-natured and the tidy, bright restaurant is cute. There’s just one thing wrong with Olive Tree: It’s so darn popular! Perceptive diners in search of fresh, tangy (and bargain-priced) Mediterranean fare pack the place every night, making the atmosphere one of controlled fervor. What are you going to do? Just take a sip of your BYO wine or beer and enjoy the consistently superior fare. If you don’t want to wait for a seat, you can always order takeout.

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARADVERTISER.COM

Chef George Mavrothalassitis continues to refine and update the menu at Chef Mavro. The lamb souvlaki and hummus are excellent, and specials such as the restaurant’s version of moussaka — lightened by emphasizing the fresh eggplant and garnishing, rather than dousing, with bechamel — are uniformly worthy of your attention. Recommended: Fish Souvlaki, one of owner Savas Mojarrad’s most popular plates, is also one of the best, made with fresh whitefish, cut into kebabs and garnished with grilled onions and tzatziki. Mouthwatering! ——— 4614 Kilauea Ave, Kahala.; 737-0303. Dinner. $

BREAKFAST CREAM POT Cream Pot is another quirky Japanese fusion restaurant with a mix of French farmhouse flair and refinedyet-eclectic Japanese-inspired breakfast and lunch fare. Just don’t bring someone who likes to talk story — once the food shows up at your table, there won’t be much conversation other than a few satisfied sighs between bites. (Take the owner’s suggestion and order the mind-blowing Souffle Pancakes with fresh strawberries.) Also recommended are French Rolled Omelets. The salmon version is the perfect blend of Grey Goosecured fish, caramelized onions, sour cream and fresh dill. The classic version, with baked maple-cured bacon, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, potato and Gruyere cheese, is a no-brainer as well. ——— Hawaiian Monarch Hotel, 444 Niu St., Waikiki; 429-0945. Breakfast, lunch (closed Tuesdays). $$

NEIGHBOR ISLAND CAPISCHE? Don’t be fooled by the punctuation: There’s no question about the quality of the food and ambience at this South Maui restaurant. Owner and executive chef Brian Etheredge has put an inventive spin on his dishes, which he describes as “Northern Italy meets Southern France.” Adding to the appeal is the location a little off the beaten path, mauka of the main resort strip in the lowkey Hotel Wailea. Capische? benefits from the boutique hotel’s lodgelike design, which incorporates exposed stone and wood and an airiness and intimacy that take full advantage of romantic sunset and ocean views. The restaurant’s extensive wine collection has won Wine Spectator accolades, and live piano music sets the mood for guests in the martini lounge. The menu changes regularly, but we recommend the Mushroom Truffle Risotto and the Capische Cioppino. And don’t skip dessert or you’ll miss the Chocolate Salted Caramel Tart. ——— Hotel Wailea, 555 Kaukahi St., Wailea; 879-2224; www.capische.com. Dinner. $$$$ ‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

Serving Island-Style Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Fresh island fish and local ingredients reflecting the Multi-Cultural influences of Hawaii • Happy Hour daily • Daily Specials each evening - our most popular is Keiki Night each Sunday featuring Alan Arita performing his “magic,” balloon sculpting and caricature drawing

2 Private Rooms available for: Parties, Wedding Reception, Baby’s First Birthday, Meetings, Presentations, Seminars, Graduation Parties, and much more. To complement your food, we offer 5 styles of our own Aloha beer from our microbrewery located in the restaurant. Join us the third Thursday of each month for our Brewer’s Dinner pairing our Aloha beers with Chef’s 5-course menu.

Please call now to book your event 545-7979 580 Nimitz Hwy.

Hong Kong Dim Sum Served Daily Fresh Seafood Fresh Local Ingredients from Island Farms No MSG Private Rooms for 20 to 350 Perfect for Celebrations Award Winning Voted Hawaii’s Best Chinese Restaurant Synergizing Tradition with Innovation using the finest and freshest local produce and meats - NO MSG!

449 KAPAHULU AVE., STE 101 www.heehinghawaii.com • 735-5544 visit us at www.samchoyhawaii.com 12

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H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

The #1 Japanese Steak House in Hawaii

KOBE JAPANESE STEAK HOUSE

Waikiki, Oahu 1841 Ala Moana Blvd.

Super Sunset Specials NIGHTLY 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

15 2395 2095 Steak & Teriyaki Chicken Combo . . . . . . . . .$2195 Teriyaki Chicken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ Daily Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ Sukiyaki Steak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$

(Between the Ilikai and Hilton Hawaiian Village) Dinner served from 5:30pm nightly. Valet parking available. Kama‘aina & Military Discounts Available (with proper ID).

941-4444 www.honolulukobe.com H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

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P U B LI S H E R’S C H O I C E

Dennis Francis

SARENTO’S AT THE TOP OF THE ILIKAI

Cherise Lee, left, and Kiani Yamamoto share a dish at Sarento’s at the Top of the Ilikai.

My favorites include Vongole (Manila clams in a white wine and parmiagiano broth with ciabatta bruschetta) from the tapas menu — the clams are juicy and flavorful, and the broth is killer. For a salad, try the Chopped Greek Style Gabriella with Maui onions, cherry tomatoes, feta, avocado and bay shrimp. Choosing an entree is more difficult, but I have a trio of top choices: The Osso Buco is always tender and falls off the bone; the Penne Calabrese with housemade sausage, eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, white wine and goat cheese is excellent and very good comfort food; the Filet Mignon Meatballs, served with spaghettini, pomodoro sauce and pecorino-romano will be the best you have ever had … promise. ——— Ilikai Hotel, 1777 Ala Moana Blvd.; 955-5559; www.sarentoswaikiki.com. Dinner. $$$

Dennis Francis is president and publisher of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

PHOTOS BY FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARADVERTISER.COM

Philly Cheese Steak with sweet potato fries

Spinach & Avocado Benedict

“ Mama’s Fried Rice

…is my new favorite because it is a standout in flavor and creativity. Sauteéd mushrooms, asparagus, spinach and corn mingle with buttery scrambled eggs for an outstanding combination. Wow, it’s a winner! ~ by Dining Out 2010

”

Garlic Shrimp

“O

Crab & Avocado Omelette

Acai Bowl

Chicken Veggie Omelette

ne of the best cafés on Oahu. Breakfast is their specialty here and we always get the waffle with Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread) and strawberries. The omelettes are consistently incredible and expertly packed with gourmet ingredients. We’re impressed every time we eat here. ~ by Oahu Revealed

”

3045 Monsarrat Ave. • 739-0999 • Call In Orders • Start Your Day Right! 14

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H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

ut, O e k a T Dine In, ering Cat

. ueen St ange • 885 Q x vy E ch a N r o b Har • Pearl

www.ilovecountrycafehawaii.com • www.chinatownexpress-hawaii.com H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

C R ITI C’S P I C KS

Jason Genegabus

PHO KITCHEN Beef pho with extra beef. That’s all I need from Pho Kitchen, although there are plenty of other dishes on the menu worth trying. But for me it’s all about the broth here — and since I’m a carnivore through and through, I always appreciate the generous servings and quick turnaround time when placing my takeout orders. (Plentiful parking at Market City Shopping Center is another plus.) Since it’s a family operation, you’ll typically see owners Sandy Lin and/or Alex Chong in the restaurant when you visit — yet another bonus, because you’ll probably want to take home some of their house spicy garlic sauce after eating here. Lin and Chong are always accommodating, serving up sizable jars of the stuff for customers to treat ohana and friends. Try it and you’ll get hooked, for sure! ——— Market City Shopping Center, 2919 Kapiolani Blvd., 735-8488. Late breakfast, lunch, dinner. $

V-LOUNGE Now that Honolulu residents have gotten past its semiseedy location in the shadow of Ala Moana Center, V-Lounge has established itself as the standard for quality pizza in town. The bar and lounge on Kona Street recently celebrated two years in business, and while co-owner Alejandro “Aker” Briceno isn’t always in the kitchen himself these days, his talented crew of pieslingers has the production process down solid. The best time to grind here remains the early evening hours; head down after pau hana at about 7 p.m. and you’ll find plenty of seating and a quick turnaround when ordering your pizza. Now, if they’d just add delivery … ——— 1344 Kona St., 953-0007; www.vloungehawaii.com. Dinner, late night (no pizza on Sundays). $$

MOKE’S BREAD & BREAKFAST Looking for a place to grab brunch in Kailua? Sure, you could stand in line at Boots & Kimo’s or Cinnamon’s and wait an hour or more to get seated. The better option would be to make a beeline for Hoolai Street. While Moke’s Bread & Breakfast can get a bit crowded on weekends, nine times out of 10 you won’t have to wait more than a few minutes for a table. Once you’re seated, the breakfast items are just as good — if not better — than other Kailua favorites, and Moke’s has a tasty selection of sandwiches that can do the job, too. The tables outside are another reason to visit; spending a lazy weekday lunch outside with a sandwich and someone special is one of my favorite things to do. ——— 27 Hoolai St., 261-5565; mokeskailua.wordpress.com. Breakfast, lunch (closed Tuesdays). $-$$

‘I L I MA AWAR DS

PHOTOS BY CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

Paul Zarate serves a delicious mix of Mexican specialties from his Zaratez Mexicatessen food truck on Kapiolani Boulevard. Below, a mixed plate of Carne Asada, Chorizo Mulitas and a chicken taco.

ZARATEZ MEXICATESSEN Paul Zarate has single-handedly elevated the simple street taco to must-try status at his truck on Kapiolani Boulevard. Other restaurants have been around longer and might offer a wider selection of menu items, but Zaratez Mexicatessen has most of them beat when it comes to location, speedy service and personality. After moving to Kapiolani from Kapahulu earlier this year, Zarate has seen business take off — but that hasn’t affected the quality of his carnitas or carne asada. (The Super Mixta Burrito is another favorite.) Parking is quick and easy in the lot where his truck is parked, and Zarate is happy to talk story while he prepares your food. For a quick snack in town that doesn’t break the bank, Zaratez is a worthy pick. ——— 1637 Kapiolani Blvd., 227-1422; www.twitter.com/zaratez. Open 11 a.m. Mondays-Fridays until sold out. $

Jason Genegabus is entertainment editor/online for the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

C R ITI C’S P I C KS

Elizabeth Kieszkowski

CAFE MAHARANI There is no question that Cafe Maharani’s food is delicious. An astonishing variety of spices are used in the making of the northern Indian fare, which includes rich chicken coconut korma, intensely satisfying lamb in a spinach curry, and a perfectly cooked, vivid saffron rice. But we can’t recommend the restaurant without warning you that seating and service are haphazard. Reservations are not accepted and the wait can be long. Takeout might be a better option, but if you were hoping for a date night or to share a good meal with visiting friends, be forewarned and come early, or prepare to be patient. ——— 2509 S. King St., 951-7447; www.cafemaharanihawaii.com. Dinner. $$

SUSHI GAKU IZAKAYA

PHOTOS BY GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

Vino Italian Tapas and Wine Bar showcases local produce in the KCC Farmers Market Salad, above, and Twin Bridges Waialua Asparagus Milanese, below.

VINO ITALIAN TAPAS AND WINE BAR This sophisticated yet casual Italian eatery, brought to you by master sommelier Chuck Furuya and chef-restaurateur D.K. Kodama, is all about good food and great wine. Vino is designed as a Mediterranean-style “enoteca” — “wine library” — where tasting a variety is welcome, if not expected, and rustic small plates buoy the spirits. Try the KCC Farmers Market Salad, a cool, refreshing contrast to the rich wines and sauces, or the Waialua Asparagus Milanese — comfort food done right — with roasted Hamakua mushrooms, topped with a local organic egg. The entire sumptuous menu is half-price from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. if you sit at the bar. ——— Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana Blvd.; 524-8466; www.vinohawaii.com. Dinner (closed Sundays-Tuesdays). $$-$$$

Elizabeth Kieszkowski is the editor of TGIF. H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

Gaku has shouldered its way to the top tier of sushi restaurants in Honolulu with inventive raw preparations and superb izakaya-style side dishes. Each fresh flavor is particularly placed. The service is informed, confident and sensitive; the flavors are light and fresh; and the presentation careful. Comfortable, rustic design and sensitive lighting add to the pleasure of dining. Recommended: Hamachi Tartar, Homemade Tofu with Dashi Jelly and Wasabi. ——— 1329 S. King St., Moiliili; 589-1329. Dinner (closed Sundays). $$$$

TOWN With its contemporary design and extreme dedication to local, fresh and environmentally sensitive bistro fare, Town attracts a devoted, hip following. Chef-owner Ed Kenney and crew continue to break ground on the dining scene by preparing their own “charcuterie” and serving unusual cuts of meat in a “nose-to-tail” campaign, joining with organic ag advocates and growers MA‘O Farms to further awareness and acceptance of locally grown fare and raising the bar with an excellent cocktail menu and wine list. On a recent visit, the gnocchi was light as a cloud, complemented by a rich ragu. A pork shoulder, twice-cooked (first at low heat, then roasted after cooling overnight), was a textbook example of concentrated flavor. Salads are the best in Honolulu, embellished with unexpected treats such as crunchy chickpeas. ——— 3435 Waialae Ave., Kaimuki; 735-5900; www.townkaimuki.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner (closed Sundays). $$-$$$ ‘ I L I MA AWA R D S 17

C R ITI C’S P I C KS

Nadine Kam

LE BISTRO Although the setting is casual, the upscale bistro menu and warm intimacy of the room and staffers make Le Bistro a popular spot for special occasions throughout the year. Alan Takasaki’s menu of classic French dishes, starting with French Onion Soup Gratinee or an appetizer of Escargot de Bourgogne in garlic-spiked olive butter, is augmented by local fusion daily specials that might include deep-fried soft-shell crab with Kahuku corn and local greens. A fricassee of shellfish still stands as one of my favorite dishes, but I have never had a bad dish here and could vouch just as easily for Seared Day Boat Scallops with lardons of Kurobuta pork, Pan-roasted Opah; Black Angus Rib Eye with wild mushrooms, cognac and Roquefort butter; or Filet Mignon with port wine sauce. Hmm, my birthday’s coming up! ——— Niu Valley Shopping Center, 5730 Kalanianaole Highway, 373-7990. Dinner. $$$$

Nadine Kam reviews restaurants for her “Weekly Eater” column Wednesdays in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

BRUCE ASATO / 2010

Le Bistro in the Niu Valley Shopping Center offers classic French dining.

’LICIOUS DISHES

LOVING HUT

SUSHI IZAKAYA SHINN

’Licious Dishes is NOT a restaurant, but for a gourmet dose of healthful raw vegan cuisine, Sylvia Thompson’s meal packages can’t be beat. Pickups are on Fridays for meal packages intended to carry you through three to five days of worry-free dinners. Every time I see her, I pray she never gets tired of creating her labor-intensive nut butters and cheeses, dehydrated flaxseed thins, zucchini linguine and sprouted seed pizzas. For those unfamiliar with raw food, the belief is that cooking at temperatures above 118 degrees destroys the beneficial enzymes and some of the nutritional content in food. Thus, food is not really cooked. When baking is called for, foods are dehydrated to create crackers and breads made mostly from nuts and seeds, with natural oils and juices as binders. A handful of grab-and-go snack items are offered daily. My favorites are a tri-layer dip of sunflower seed “refried beans,” guacamole and cashew sour cream, and Living Lasagna built on thinly sliced zucchini “pasta,” with spinach, pesto, macadamia nut ricotta and sun-dried tomato marinara. Some of her dishes can be found at Kale’s Natural Foods and select farmers markets. Check the website. ——— 650 Iwilei Road No. 170; 536-9680; www.e-liciousdishes.com. Reservations required; pick up between 2 and 5 p.m. Fridays. $$$

When you eat out as often as I do, the worries about bad fats, meat protein and simple carbs start to pile up. Thank goodness for a new spate of vegetarian restaurants offering ever more realistic facsimiles of some of my favorite foods. Loving Hut is one of them, part of an international vegan fast-food chain, though each is family owned. This particular shop features Vietnamese-style plate lunches. Because Vietnamese cooking is already high on vegetarian ingredients, it’s not a stretch to go all the way, and Loving Hut offers a superb example of what can be done without a trace of meat or meat products. As much as I’m usually against the idea of mock meat, the mock shrimp made from yam root is realistic to the point of having the orange bands associated with cooked shrimp. Combined with soy sauce, garlic and green onions, a dish of Spicy Moana seems like a shrimp stir-fry. The mock shrimp also works in summer rolls and Island Jewel, a stir-fry with broccoli and onions. Soy protein substitutes for meat in a dish of Fabulous Pho, and Lemongrass Hawaiiana is the choice for those who might normally order lemongrass chicken, pork or beef. ——— 1614 S. King St.; 373-6465. Lunch, dinner (closed Sundays). $

It’s rare to come across a menu as vast as Shinn’s that doesn’t have its fair share of bad dishes. But this might be the only restaurant, ever, where I didn’t have a quibble with regard to the food. You can get just about anything you want, tailored to fit both appetite and pocketbook. If you’re running low on cash, you can enjoy inexpensive meat and vegetable skewers from the robata bar or choose a bowl of oden in a smoky broth, filling it with various fishcake and vegetables sold by the piece. Earthenware dishes in hues of brown, green and ochre present a warm environment that highlights the freshness and naturalness of the ingredients used. Start with the likes of clams steamed in sake and kurobuta kakuni, a delicate, melt-on-the-tongue marvel. I appreciate the kitchen’s light-handedness throughout, allowing the food to speak for itself, whether it’s simple dishes of a beef tataki salad, nigiri sushi or hamachi yuzukoshou dotted with a tart, salty yuzu sauce. It’s all so universally delicious that Shinn draws a diverse audience that usually wouldn’t mix anywhere else: families, cool kids, foodies, couples, businessmen and retirees. ——— 2065 S. Beretania St.; 946-7466. Dinner (closed Sundays). $$-$$$

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H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

C R ITI C’S P I C KS

Joleen Oshiro

ZPIZZA Contending with a gluten sensitivity isn’t too bad most of the time, but one thing difficult for me to do is to go without pizza. Nothing can replace the delectable combo of melted cheese, tangy sauce and the crunch of a wellmade crust. When I found out Zpizza offered gluten-free crust, I rushed over to the Ward store (the other restaurant is in Kailua) and was almost brought to tears. Far beyond just sating my yearning, the pizza was delicious by any standard (something a gluten-free eater can’t take for granted). Crusts are buttery crisp and thin, vegetables fresh, sauces nicely balanced. Zpizza, a national chain, also offers whole-wheat crust, rustica pizzas, salads, sandwiches and pasta dishes. Recommended: the Provence, Berkeley Vegan and pear and gorgonzola rustica pizza. ——— Ward Centre Auahi Street Shops, 596-0066, stores.zpizza.com/honolulu; 151 Hekili St., Kailua, 230-8400, stores.zpizza.com/kailua. Lunch, dinner. $$

HOT POT HEAVEN

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARADVERTISER.COM

Rikita Turner serves Mixed Tandoori Grill and Garlic Naan bread on the patio at Himalayan Kitchen in Kaimuki.

HIMALAYAN KITCHEN The Nepalese and Indian fare at Himalayan Kitchen is at once exotic and comforting. An interesting mix of spices is lively on the taste buds even if you don’t order the food spicy hot. A parsley chutney, for instance, waters eyes like a chili with its predominance of garlic and ginger. The array of curries in both thickand-hearty and thinner versions can fill the need for a comforting stew or soup. In fact, the last time I visited I was suffering the beginnings of a cold after a long week of work. A large helping of Lamb Bhuna, with shredded meat in a thick, creamy sauce infused with garlic and green onion, soothed my sore throat and tired spirit. The other highlight of the eatery’s fare is the tandoori menu, especially the Everest Seakwa, a Himalayan Kitchen special recipe of tandoori-grilled marinated lamb cubes, and the classic Tandoori Chicken. The slight char on the meat embodies the allure of the grill, while two dipping sauces — one spicy, one creamy and subtly sweet — balance the flavor. A side of fresh greens and basmati rice round out the dish. The menu also offers vegetarian options that display vibrant flavors as well. BYOB allowed. Recommended: Lamb Vindaloo, Tandoori Chicken and any of a variety of naan bread. ——— 1137 11th Ave., second floor, Kaimuki; 735-1122; www.himalayankitchen.net. Lunch (Tuesdays-Fridays; buffet Tuesdays and Thursdays), dinner. $$-$$$

Joleen Oshiro is food editor of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

What’s not to love about Hot Pot Heaven? The cookyour-own eatery ups the ante on traditional shabu shabu by offering a cornucopia of options. Do you prefer meat, poultry, seafood or tofu? Miso, beef, chicken, kim chee, mushroom or Thai broth? Bok choy, bean sprouts, watercress, onions? Ponzu or teri sauce? Order your meat and broth, pick your other selections straight from a refrigerator and start cooking. Everything’s so fresh! This place is my daughter’s favorite, so we often take her friends there. Although not all of the kids like veggies, I’ve seen more than a few get caught up in the selection process and end up eagerly consuming all manner of healthful greens. How great is that? ——— McCully Shopping Center, 1960 Kapiolani Blvd.; 941-1115. Lunch, dinner. $$

MILLION RESTAURANT A rather spacious hole-in-the-wall, Million offers the kind of package local folks love with authentic ethnic food — and lots of it — at a reasonable price. The meat jun plate is a favorite, as is the stone pot bi bim bap. But when I’m at Million, I rarely deviate from yakiniku, indulging in sinful quantities of pork belly dipped simply in oil and salt before it goes down the hatch. The banchan (side dishes) here are stellar, fresh and versatile with everything from crab in kochujang sauce to egg custard and, of course, “real kine” kim chee. Recommended: whole-portion green salad (tossed in a delicious dressing), stone pot bi bim bap, flank steak and pork belly yakiniku. ——— 626 Sheridan St.; 596-0799. Lunch, dinner, late night. $$-$$$ ‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

C R ITI C’S P I C KS

Betty Shimabukuro

PEARL Culinary students at Leeward Community College are essentially practicing on you at the Pearl, so if your server seems a little nervous, that’s why. Be helpful, encourage her to flex her newly learned dining-room skills. You’ll both enjoy yourselves. And you — you will eat well and spend little. The students in the kitchen are trying out advanced skills on a menu fine-tuned by chef-instructor Ian Risely, so we’re talking true fine dining. The Slow-Cooked Roulade of Chicken Breast featured in early September was worldclass, fork-tender and delicately flavored. The menu is kept to two appetizers, three entrees and two desserts, changing every few weeks. Sometimes the students try out buffet presentations. This makes each visit an adventure. ——— Leeward Community College Campus Center, second floor; 455-0475; www.leeward.hawaii.edu/thepearl. Lunch, occasional dinner specials (open Wednesdays-Fridays). $$

Betty Shimabukuro writes the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s weekly “By Request” recipe column. She picked all her restaurants from Oahu’s west side.

THE ALLEY RESTAURANT AT AIEA BOWL Forget this place is in a bowling alley. The Alley has been around long enough that we can all stop exclaiming how awesome it is to find great food in a place where falling pins make up the background music. The food here stands on its own merit. Order the oxtail soup, which is like none other on the island with its ponzu dipping sauce. Or try the house favorites: Pan-Seared Furikake Ahi, Grilled Coca Cola Marinated Turkey Breast or the Suppa Garlic Shrimp. For sure get the garlic fries. And don’t leave without dessert — any choice (the Lemon Crunch Cake … to die for, see Page 34). If you are actually eating while bowling, the pizzas are a cut above. ——— 99-115 Aiea Heights Drive; 488-6854; www.aieabowl.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night. $-$$

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CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM

Daylene Chinaka, a student at Leeward Community College, prepares to deliver lunch to a large party at the Pearl restaurant, where meals are cooked and served by culinary students.

AZUL

PHO 808

SPICY AHI & BBQ

It took me years to get to Azul even though it’s pretty much in my greater Kapolei neighborhood. I thought it would be prohibitively expensive. Well, L&L it’s not, but the prices aren’t that scary, certainly in line with any of Oahu’s upper-notch restaurants, like Roy’s down the street. Azul is a beautiful special-occasion restaurant — ask for a table on the patio for some real upscale island ambience. The menu is very classic, done very well: Fresh Herb-Marinated Rack of Lamb, Steak Diane, Main Lobster Ala Milanese, Shrimp Scampi. The best dish might be the opakapaka, served with brown butter, tomatoes, artichokes and basil. Service is impeccable, as well. When a diner nearby asked about the black lava salt served with the Heirloom Tomato Salad, the server brought him a sample to take home. ——— JW Marriott Ihilani, Ko Olina Resort; 679-0079; www.ihilani.com. Dinner (closed Sundays-Tuesdays). $$$-$$$$

Despite its name — and even though the pho is really good — you’ll want to delve further into the menu at Pho 808. This comfy little place in Kapolei soars above the usual neighborhood stripmall eatery. The flavors are vibrant, the portions are generous and the prices are good. Our family favorite is Cari Ga (chicken curry), ordered with a miniFrench bread loaf instead of rice. The curry is tender and perfectly flavored, the bread an ideal accompaniment. Vietnamese-style beef stew and oxtail soup also can be ordered with bread; both are delicious. Pho 808 additionally has all the Vietnamese plates you’re grown accustomed to, from summer rolls to vermicelli topped with barbecued chicken. ——— Kapolei Marketplace, 92-590 Farrington Highway; 674-1828. Lunch, dinner. $

We do love our spicy ahi, chunky with fish, creamy with mayonnaise, burning with chilies. But there is another way to enjoy this sushi standard. At Spicy Ahi in Waimalu, it’s more about the ahi than the spice, so you taste fresh fish, with a little tobiko crunch. Better yet, have it served over a big bowl of vegetables that includes curly shredded daikon, cucumber strips and mixed spring greens. Add a portion of natto, squid or ikura, too, if you want. Someone in your party averse to raw fish? Let ’em choose from a full array of teishoku options, teriyaki chicken to broiled saba. Or udon. Or nabemono. Everybody’s happy, but especially you, with your big bowl of spicy ahi. ——— Waimalu Times Square, 98-1254 Kaahumanu St.; 488-4851. Lunch, dinner (closed Sundays-Mondays). $$

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

• Local Breakfast • Lunch • Catering Since 2006

Ph: 841-2044 Fax: 841-9991 www.tatsuoscatering.com

Call for Our Daily Specials!

N. Ni m its

Ala ha o

Pl.

Hw y.

Rd ess Acc land s I d San

2224 Alahao Pl. Honolulu, HI 96817

Hours of Operation Monday to Friday: 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Closed Saturday, Sunday, & Holidays) Fresh Island Poke

HAPPY HOUR MON-SAT 4-7PM Well Drinks $3 Call Drinks $4 Premiums $5 Draft Beer $3 10oz. Drafts $2 60oz. Pitchers $10 House Wine $3

all day everyday

Chardonnay, Merlot Cab/Shiraz, White Zinfandel

Tropics Slider $1 Fish Slider $2 Wing dings $3 Plain, Spicy, Spicy BBQ and Buffalo

Now or f Opench! n Lu m 11-2p Sin Sunday

$3 drinks 20% off food for industry patrons

SUN 11-2AM

Edamame $3 Garlic Fries $3 Gyoza $3 Steamed or Fried

Cheese Quesadilla $2.50 and Follow us on hawaiireggaeguild.com/ tropic_s_music_calendar.php

Movie Nite

Taco Tuesday

10-1am Movie Shooter Specials $4 HAPPY HOUR 4-7pm MON 11-2AM

$1 taco & tortilla soup $3 Coronas, Margaritas, Negro Modelo

Live Local Bands

$3 drafts

HAPPY HOUR 4-7pm TUE 11-2AM

HAPPY HOUR 4-7pm WED 11-2AM

HAPPY HOUR 4-7pm THU 11-2AM

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

Songwriters Nite Thirsty Thursday Live Local Bands

–Shakespeare

1020 Auahi St. Next to Ward Farmers Market

591-8009 Aloha Friday

Slammin’ Sat.

Live Local Bands

$3 drink specials $3 drink specials Food specials all nite Food specials all nite HAPPY HOUR HAPPY HOUR 4-7pm 4-7pm FRI 11-2AM SAT 11-2AM ‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

STAR C I R C LE

Restaurants that have been ‘Ilima winners for 10 years or more

ALAN WONG’S When the leader of the free world comes to Hawaii, he dines at Alan Wong’s, where he’s especially fond of the Twice-Cooked Shortribs Soy-Braised & Grilled Kalbi Style. While many might quarrel with President Barack Obama’s politics, few have questioned his sense of style and taste. His repeat visits to one of Hawaii’s premier restaurants is not only a boon to Wong, it proves that Obama knows his food. Wong is respected for both innovation and precision in the kitchen, for a sense of creativity and humor that comes with exacting standards and a respect for generationsold island food ways. Among chefs he is one of the fiercest champions of island farmers, inviting them to host dinners in his restaurant to showcase their products and put them in a position to talk story with Wong’s influential guests. Book yourself into one of these events for a dinner that comes with an education. Want to eat like a president? The short ribs are on the menu, or dive into a dish that reflects the chef’s out-of-the-box thinking: North Shore Farm-Raised Tilapia served over saimin noodles, Kuahiwi Ranch Beef Tenderloin with a sauce of red wine and ume (Japanese pickled plum), or a New Wave Opihi Shooter. ——— 1857 S. King St., third floor; 949-2526 (reservations a must); alanwongs.com. Dinner. $$$$

JAMM AQUINO / 2010

Vince Balao sets tables at Alan Wong’s King Street restaurant in preparation for dinner service.

ROY’S RESTAURANT

JAMM AQUINO / 2010

Chef Jason Schoonover checks the plates at Roy’s. 22

‘I L I MA AWAR DS

Roy Yamaguchi is a force of nature, a chef with a mind for business whose ambition knows no limit. He has restaurants from Baltimore to San Francisco and 27 major cities in between. He’s in Japan. He’s on Guam. He’s pretty much unstoppable. But it all started here, in suburbia. The first Roy’s opened in Hawaii Kai in 1988 and launched a bit of a revolution. The young chef’s inventive menu lured patrons far from the culinary centers of town and Waikiki. Rave reviews and national attention followed. And the rest is history. Yamaguchi, Hawaii’s first James Beard Foundation Award winner, became a central player in the Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement. His culinary style — he calls it “Hawaiian fusion” — reflects his childhood growing up in Japan, his local heritage (his grandparents sold plate lunches on Maui) and his Culinary Institute of America training. To wit: Roy’s Original Blackened Ahi with Spicy Hot Soy Mustard Butter Sauce, Kiawe Smoked Szechuan Spiced Baby Back Pork Ribs, Tender Braised Honey Mustard Grilled Beef Short Rib with Lomi Tomatoes, Poi and Natural Essence. Ask Yamaguchi how he got this far, and he’ll say fearlessness and big dreams. “I thought having one successful restaurant would be great, having two would be nice,” he once said. “But you always dream bigger.” ——— Hawaii Kai Towne Center, 6600 Kalanianaole Highway; 396-7697. Other locations in Waikiki, Ko Olina, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii island; royshawaii.com. Dinner. $$$ H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

STAR C I R C LE ZIPPY’S

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM

Margarita and garlic chicken pizzas are served with a beer at Ryan’s Grill at Ward Centre.

RYAN’S GRILL Ryan’s is perfectly situated for the lunch and pau hana crowds. Its Ward Centre location, brass-rail-tavern-mergedwith-trattoria ambience and wide-ranging menu make it an easy choice for groups in search of a good time. Happyhour prices (pupu nearly half-off and $4 drink specials) don’t hurt. Ryan’s is a place of fun food — specialties that can be shared, no utensils required. Quesadillas, sliders, lettuce cups and fish tacos, just to name a few. And pizza. If you

haven’t been to Ryan’s in a few years, you might not have tried the new pizzas: insalata (with greens and vinaigrette), margarita and garlic chicken, and more. For those who prefer to eat with a fork, the Three Salad Sampler (Crunchy Pea Salad, Chicken Salad with Sesame Vinaigrette and Maytag Blue Cheese Salad) remains Ryan’s best-seller, along with the Korean-style tempura-battered salmon and the loco moco. ——— Ward Centre, 1200 Ala Moana Blvd.; 591-9132; www.ryansgrill.com. Lunch, dinner. $$

Never make the mistake of considering Zippy’s to be just another takeout place. Zippy’s is something we grew up with. Maybe we grew up with McDonald’s, too, but it’s not a heritage of Big Macs that we count as part of our souls; it’s a Zip Pac for the beach, won ton mein for after the game, chili tickets for the kids’ fundraisers, party platters for the office potluck. Brothers Charles and Frances Higa started all this in 1966 with a single drive-in. Saimin was their first menu item. Today Zippy’s has more than 25 locations, bakeries, an okazuya, sushi shop, even frozen products sold in grocery stores. Kids who move away can order Zippy’s online. Consider that McDonald’s opened in Hawaii two years after Zippy’s and wiped out many a little plate-lunch stand, yet Zippy's survived, thrived, diversified — and pretty much set the bar for that elusive culinary form that’s called “local food” (difficult to describe, but we know it when we taste it). This is how Charles Higa defines his menu: “We have local food, mostly for the local people. With other stuff.” Really, could you put it better than that? ——— Multiple locations; www.zippys.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $-$$

STARBUCKS COFFEE HAWAII

BETTY SHIMABUKURO / BSHIMABUKURO@STARADVERTISER.COM

A Starbucks breakfast of champions. H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

This ubiquitous chain of coffee havens came to us from Seattle but has been adopted like some hanai child to the point that many locals can’t get on with their day until they’ve made a Starbucks stop. And now with drivethroughs, picking up a caffeine jolt is just that much easier. Starbucks has taught us many things, such as how to differentiate cafe mocha from cafe latte, or tall from grandé, or fresh-ground beans from Sanka. In that time the concept has expanded to include teas and chai, and a tempting menu of sandwiches, baked goods and yogurt cups. The low-fat oat cake (a Hawaii specialty) is legendary, but new tasties pop up all the time. ——— Multiple locations; www.starbucks.com. $

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Zippy’s classics — a Zip Pac and won ton mein. ‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

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Chosen by the patrons and producers of Diamond Head Theatre

PRODUCER’S CHOICE RUMFIRE

12TH AVE. GRILL

Enjoyed beachside at RumFire: Kim Chee Fried Rice, Seared Kalua Pulled Pork Quesadillas, garlic fries and Chipotle BBQ Baby Back Ribs.

Let’s start with the rum: more than 100 varieties. And then the fire: real flames in firepits on the patio. But those are just starting points. At RumFire you get beachside ambience, signature cocktails and a full-on restaurant experience. It is what you want it to be. There’s even a keiki menu. What to drink? Perhaps a Baja Sun with Jalapeño-Infused Sauza Tequila, or Liquid Fuel with Cruzan Raspberry Rum. What to eat? Seared Kalua Pulled Pork Quesadilla, Braised Beef Nachos, Chipotle BBQ Rum Baby Back Ribs. To finish, “desserts on a stick,” such as the Let’s Get Ready to Rumball. Think of it as baja-Hawaiian. Or “Bahawaiian,” as RumFire describes itself. ——— Sheraton Waikiki, 2255 Kalakaua Ave.; 922-4422; www.rumfirewaikiki.com. Lunch, dinner. $$$

Ask any one person to describe a 12th Ave. experience and you’ll end up with contrasting impressions: casual elegance, gourmet comfort food or … Bottom line: Plan a special occasion here, or bring little kids. You can get mac and cheese, but you can also get Figs & Bacon (with house-cured bacon, blueberry Big Island goat cheese, mustard greens and a balsamic reduction). What’s clear is that this restaurant respects local produce, meats and fish, and presents them in a manner that never fails to impress. Recommended: Nalo Corn & Peppadew Flan, Gnudi Dumplings. What’s a peppadew? A sweet pepper. What’s a gnudi? Gnocchi made with ricotta cheese. Not only do you eat well here, you improve your vocabulary. ——— 1145-C 12th Ave.; 732-9469; www.12thavegrill.com. Dinner (closed Sundays). $$$

SPECIAL OCCASION

DESSERT

COCKTAILS

QUICK DINNER

HY’S STEAK HOUSE

JJ BISTRO & FRENCH PASTRY

SIDE STREET INN

BIG CITY DINER

If you love beef and the Old World dining comfort of deep banquettes and tuxedoed servers, Hy’s is your place, a temple to both a well-cooked steak and a classic restaurant experience. Have your steak with peppercorns or garlic, or try a classic presentation such as Wellington or Chateaubriand. There are other classic choices: Hy’s Famous Roast Rack of Lamb, Scampi Sicilian, Fruits de Mer. Top it all off with a flaming Bananas Foster, Cherries Jubilee or Chocolate Lovers’ Flambé. It’s all served tableside with elegant aplomb. ——— 2440 Kuhio Ave.; 922-5555; www.hyshawaii.com. Dinner. $$$$

To step into JJ’s is to step into a wonderland of chocolate, sweet fruits and sugar, a place where the word “dessert” doesn’t quite go far enough. The pastries here are works of art, so pretty you might find it hard to ruin the look with that first bite. Praseuth Luangkhot — the “JJ” of the restaurant’s name — presides here. He made his mark with the Chocolate Raspberry Pyramid, building on it daily with a bakery case full of dainty tarts, parfaits and tiny cakes, in flavors from banana haupia to apricot pistachio. For those who like a little savory with their sweet, the “bistro” in the name refers to a full menu of salads, soups, sandwiches, pizzas and pastas. ——— JJ Bistro & French Pastry, 3447 Waialae Ave., 739-0993; www.jjfrenchpastry.com. Lunch, dessert, dinner. $-$$

Colin Nishida’s drinking emporium on a dinky street near Ala Moana Center is known as much for its food as its liquor, which is why it is such a good watering hole. Of course you can have a beer from a vast selection of domestic and imported brews, or Nishida’s own Side Street Inn Rogue Ale. Or a pretty nice glass of wine off a price-friendly wine list, or a shot of almost anything. But you should never drink on an empty stomach, and Side Street makes sure you won’t want to. Everyone knows about the pork chops and fried rice (which can be ordered with lup cheong, kim chee or both). To switch things up try the Lilikoi Baby Back Ribs, Sizzling Rib Eye Steak or Crispy Fried Chicken Gizzards. You can even get a nice salad. How many bars can provide that? ——— 1225 Hopaka St., 591-0253; Side Street Inn on Da Strip, 614 Kapahulu Ave., 739-3939; www.sidestreetinn.com. Dinner, late night (lunch at original location only Mondays-Fridays). $$

Variety is key at Big City Diner’s five locations, making it a perfect place to take the family or a group of friends who can’t decide on a single genre of food. Meat lovers? The Really Loco, Loco Moco. Vegetarians? Mamasan’s Vegetable Stir-Fry. Carbo-loaders? Grandma’s Incredible Kimchee Fried Rice. White meat only? Grilled Tequila Chicken & Portobello Mushroom Stack. All this, plus milkshakes and TV screens spread all over the dining room so you can keep tabs on the game. ——— Locations in Kailua, Kaimuki, Pearlridge, Waipio and Ward Entertainment Center; www.bigcitydinerhawaii.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night (FridaysSaturdays). $$

BRUCE ASATO / 2010

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | #-A

A listing of Oahu’s top restaurants

4KINGS KITCHEN

4Kings Kitchen has proven to be a mecca for locals and tourists alike who crave upscale plate lunches at an affordable price. Owner and chef Kapo Kealoha even offers housemade

dressings to go with his salads. ——— 2671 S. King St.; 951-5464. Lunch, dinner (except Sunday), Sunday brunch (closed Monday). $$

12TH AVE. GRILL See Producer’s Award, Page 14.

3660 ON THE RISE See People’s Choice Awards, Page 10.

A CUP OF TEA

This Kailua storefront has been transformed into a Victorian postcard scene, thanks to owner Darlene Pahed, and serves up a freshly made, daintily presented multicourse tea service. Recommended: the always-changing menu of soups and tasty sweet treats. ——— 407 Uluniu St., Kailua; 230-8832; www.acupoftea.com. Lunch, teas (closed Monday, except during November.December. holiday season). $$-$$$

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2009

Azure restaurant in the Royal Hawaiian Hotel is perfect for a romantic dinner. ——— 2904 E. Manoa Road.; 988-6161; www.andyssandwiches.com. Breakfast, lunch (closed Saturday). $

ANNA MILLER’S ALAN WONG’S

See Brunch, Page 74.

See Star Circle, Page 22.

ASSAGGIO ALLEY, THE (AT AIEA BOWL) See Critic’s Picks, Page 20.

‘AMA ‘AMA See Newbies, Page 64.

ANDY’S SANDWICHES AND SMOOTHIES Tucked away in lush Manoa Valley, this quaint sandwich shop has customers lining up out the door waiting to reach the glass counter and order custom-made sandwiches and salads. Longtime Manoa residents know it’s the place to go for a sandwich and a smile.

‘I L I MA AWAR DS

Thomas Ky’s story is one of the most remarkable in the local restaurant industry. He came to the U.S. as a refugee from Vietnam in 1978, alone at age 13, carrying all his family’s hopes. Relentless hard work, beginning with dishwashing and busing tables, combined with meticulous saving made it possible for Ky to open his first restaurant in 1987. How many people could get that far in nine years? Favorites in what is now a chain of six restaurants include Chicken Anchovy Olio and Linguine Putanesca. ——— Ala Moana Center, 942-3446; Koko Marina Center, 7192 Kalanianaole Highway, Hawaii Kai, 396-0756; Town Center of Mililani, 95-1249 Meheula Parkway, 623-5115; 4346 Waialae Ave., Kahala, 732-1011; 354 Uluniu St.,

Kailua, 261-2772; 777 Kamokila Blvd., Kapolei, 674-8801; www.assaggiohi.com. Lunch, dinner. $$

AZUL See Critic’s Picks, Page 20.

AZURE Azure is a romantic location inside the reconceptualized Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and you will be rewarded with a singular experience. The emphasis here is on the freshest fish and classic presentation, with touches of the contemporary; other dishes allow for culinary surprises: foamy Parmesan as a garnish for mouthmelting veal, or taro-brandy puree and delicate charred Brussels sprouts to accompany duck. Many dishes are enlivened with a surprising touch of spice — Korean chili dust, for example, on the crispy whole moi. Service is highly valued here; waiters expect an international, cosmopolitan clientele and treat you accordingly. Feeling brave? Skip the dinner menu and ask for the chef’s tasting menu, if available. ——— Royal Hawaiian Hotel, 2259 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki; 923-7311; www.azurewaikiki.com. Dinner. $$$$

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | B

BA-LE SANDWICHES & BAKERY

This locally owned chain introduced the islands to Vietnamese food and continues to deliver on an extensive menu of traditional favorites. The ban-mi, sandwiches on chewy French bread, are an island staple, along with rice noodle dishes and, of course, pho. Ba-Le has also become a major supplier of artisanal baked goods, from baguettes to Cranberry-Walnut Sourdough Crisps. The Furikake Puffs have become a near-legendary snack food. ——— Multiple locations; www.Ba-Le.com. $

BANGKOK CHEF Long one of the pride and joys of lower Nuuanu, Bangkok Chef continues to enjoy success at its second location in Manoa and a newly opened spot on Nimitz Highway. Owner Patrick Chang and crew turn out fastfood-style Thai dishes that draw a diverse cross-sec-

BANZAI SUSHI BAR

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2009

Nestled in a back corner of the North Shore Marketplace, this indoor-outdoor sushi joint pays homage to wall-less beach shacks in Brazil, with a menu that melds contemporary sushi stylings with traditional Japanese izakaya food. Recommended: Crispy Ahi Roll, Lemon Drop Roll, Salmon Jalapeno Ponzu. ——— North Shore Marketplace, 66-246 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa; 637-4404; www.banzaisushibarhawaii.com. Lunch, dinner. $$$

Banzai Roll from Banzai Sushi Bar in Haleiwa.

BEACHHOUSE AT THE MOANA tion of people, from university and high school students to retirees, professionals and families with kids in tow. Curries here are child-friendly, smoothed with coconut milk, and none is overly spicy. Even the panang pork curry — pork loin, potato and basil and described as “medium spicy” — is no hotter than an all-American beef stew. Recommended: Chicken Larb, Eggplant Chicken, Shredded Papaya Salad. ——— 1627 Nuuanu Ave., 585-8839; 2955 E. Manoa Road, 988-0212; 900 N. Nimitz Highway, 536-8570; www.bangkokchefexpress.com. Lunch, dinner. $

With views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, this historic room at the Moana Surfrider offers a luxurious, a la carte surf-and-turf-driven menu enlivened by seasonal specials. Recommended: daily foie gras preparation; iceberg salad with gorgonzola, bacon and tomatoes; creamed spinach side dish; kurobuta pork shank (a giant, falling-off-the-bone preparation); Hawaiian Chocolate Volcano Cake. ——— Moana Surfrider, 2365 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki; 921-4600; www.beachhousewaikiki.com. Dinner. $$$$

13 LOCATIONS:

Serving Lunch & Dinner • Take-out Available H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | B BEIJING CHINESE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

for a full dinner, the raw bar provides a nice warmup act, where cocktails and wines by the glass accompany shellfish, sushi and sashimi. Recommended: Lobster Cobb Salad, Beets with Mauna Kea Goat Cheese, Ribeye Steak. ——— 223 Saratoga Road, Waikiki; 683-7440; www.bltsteak.com. Dinner. $$$$

Most locals have never heard of this restaurant, deep within the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki. Still, it’s one of the city’s best pan-Chinese restaurants and remains a popular choice for Japanese tourists and those in the know. Recommended: potstickers in tomato, chili, garlic sauce; Lions Head Meatballs (call ahead to special order); Fried Scallop, Soup Noodle with Spicy Szechuan Beef Brisket, Steamed Milk Pudding. ——— Royal Hawaiian Center, 2301 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki; 971-8833; www.beijinghawaii.com. Lunch, dinner. $$$

BOGART’S CAFE

BERNINI See Critic’s Choice, Page 11.

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2010

The barbecued Kahuku corn from BLT Steak.

BIG CITY DINER See DHT Showstoppers, Page 25.

BLT STEAK French chef Laurent Tourondel presents his version of comfort cuisine in Waikiki, with the goal of remaking

an American steakhouse for a global audience. He’s done it in splendid style at the Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk. Incorporating elements of European, Asian and South and North American cuisine, the menu is accessible with just enough exoticism to prevent foodies from yawning. If you’re not in the mood

Popular among in-the-know Kapahulu residents and tourists venturing up Monsarrat Avenue toward Diamond Head from their hotels in Waikiki, Bogart’s serves up a variety of breakfast items and sandwiches made to order. One of the best spots for lox and bagels in town. Parking can be a major hassle, however. Recommended: Crabcake Benedict, taro banana pancakes, corned beef hash. ——— 3045 Monsarrat Ave., Kapahulu; 739-0999. Breakfast, lunch. $$$

BOOTS & KIMO’S HOMESTYLE KITCHEN See Brunch, Page 68.

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Open 10:30am to 10:00pm R E S E R V AT I O N S

(808) 947-8818 JADEDYNASTYHAWAII.COM

‘I L I MA AWAR DS

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | B

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2010

Bruno’s Forno serves up lasagna and sandwiches in the heart of Chinatown.

BRASSERIE DU VIN A bit of France dropped onto Bethel Street in downtown Honolulu, Du Vin is a gem of a spot with a relaxed, rustic decor, excellent service, weekly wine events, and, most importantly, good food! Skip the crowds on weekends (especially on First Fridays) and try this place on a weeknight; the intimacy of the open-air seating area out back, plus a few hidden nooks away from the main entrance, make this a great place to bring a date. Recommended: Moules Frites (wine-steamed mussels with French-style fries), Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts, Baked Brie in Puff Pastry. ——— 1115 Bethel St., Chinatown; 545-1115; www.brasserieduvin.com. Lunch, dinner, late night (closed Sunday). $$$

BROADWAY SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR See Newbies, Page 64.

BRUNO’S FORNO Man cannot live on Chinese or Vietnamese food alone, so when Maunakea Street pedestrians go looking for something different, well, how many other Italian pasta restaurants are there in Chinatown? Bruno Iezzi serves up freshly made, single-serving trays of lasagna that just need a short stint in a convection oven (“forno” in Italian) to arrive warm and ready to devour. That’s it.

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

Simple and delicious. ——— 1120 Maunakea St., Downtown; 585-2845; www.brunosforno.com. Lunch (closed Sunday), dinner (Thursday-Saturday). $$

BUFFALO WILD WINGS Where there are wings and alcohol, there’s sure to be a crowd. This chain restaurant obliterates all traces of the elegant Chinese restaurant that was here before. In fact, Buffalo Wild Wings’ dark color scheme and stripped-down decor contributes to its lived-in look, as if it has been here all along. Flat-screen TVs encircling the room are ideally placed for sports fans; as for food, chicken wings (natch) and burgers are what this place does best. ——— 1778 Ala Moana Blvd., Waikiki; 983-3933; www.buffalowildwings.com. Lunch, dinner, late night. $$

BUZZ’S ORIGINAL STEAK HOUSE Sometimes you just want a meal at a restaurant where nothing has changed: the old-style salad bar, the generous portions of kiawe-grilled surf and turf, the happy crowds. Recommended: Ground Sirloin (don’t call it a burger) with Mushrooms and Onions, Artichoke Surprise Appetizer, Ice Cream Pie. ——— 413 Kawailoa Road, Kailua, 261-4661; 98-751 Kuahao Place, Pearl City, 487-6465; www.buzzssteakhouse.com. Lunch (Kailua location only), dinner. $$$ ‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

A L A

M O A N A C E N T E R Reservations

(808) 946-3355

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | C CAFE KAILA

Chrissie Castillo’s airy cafe has all the qualities necessary for a perfect breakfast: delicious and healthful food, real cutlery, prompt service and good coffee. Lunches match the morning standard, but the restaurant’s convenient location at Market City Shopping Center often results in a wait for seating. Recommended: CaramelApple French Toast, Malted Waffles, Pesto Chicken. ——— Market City Shopping Center, 2919 Kapiolani Blvd., Moiliili; 732-3330. Breakfast, lunch. $$

CAFE MAHARANI

——— 19 Hoolai St., Kailua; 262-8196. Dinner (closed SundayMonday). $$$-$$$$

CHAI’S ISLAND BISTRO Chef Chai Chaowasaree has earned his place in the hearts of Oahu residents with his tireless commitment to live, local music, an always-evolving East-West fusion menu and stylish room near the base of Aloha Tower. The “Island Fondue,” offered in the orchiddraped courtyard only, is a one-of-a-kind spicy, hotpot DIY dinner. Recommended: Japanese Eggplant and Zucchini Souffle, Deconstructed Beef Wellington with Merlot Demiglace. ——— Aloha Tower Marketplace; 585-0011; www.chaisislandbistro.com. Lunch (Wednesday-Friday), dinner. $$$$

See Critic’s Choice, Page 17.

CHEF MAVRO CASABLANCA MOROCCAN CUISINE

See Critic’s Choice, Page 11.

Moroccan cuisine ranging from a vegetarian plate of hummus, baba ghanouj and pita to grilled lamb spiced with fiery harissa sauce. And it’s BYOB, too!

CHIBO OKONOMIYAKI See Best of Pau Hana Patrol, Page 78.

PRIVATE CHEF

CATERING

CHOI’S GARDEN The most important thing to remember when visiting Choi’s Garden is this: bring someone who looks (or even better, speaks!) Korean. This will ensure the true Choi’s experience of larger servings and more interesting banchan relish plates with your meal from the varied menu. Recommended: Kim Chee Soup, Dol Sot (crisp stone pot rice), yakiniku, Korean-style Misoyaki Butterfish, kalbi. ——— 1303 Rycroft St., Kapiolani; 596-7555; www.choisgarden.com. Lunch, dinner. $$

CINNAMON’S RESTAURANT See Brunch, Page 68.

CONTEMPORARY CAFE This place is the perfect spot for a ladies’ lunch or get-out-of-town date with someone special. Pre-packed picnic lunches are available; grab your food and venture onto the museum grounds or take advantage of the seating that spills out of an airy basement and onto the lawn. Recommended: Soup of the Day, Crostini or Hummus, Soba Salad, Chocolate Gateau.

HAWAII.COM

808.744.1885

Prince Court & Hakone:

808.994.4494 100 Holomoana Street, Honolulu, HI. 96815

Bird of Paradise located at the Hawaii Prince Golf Club

808.952.4784

92-1200 Fort Weaver Road, Ewa Beach, HI. 96706

www.princeresortshawaii.com PRINCE RESORTS HAWAII | MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL | HAPUNA BEACH PRINCE HOTEL | HAWAII PRINCE HOTEL WAIKIKI

‘I L I MA AWAR DS

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | C-D ——— Contemporary Museum, lower level, 2411 Makiki Heights Drive; 523-3362; honoluluacademy.org/12001-contemporary _cafe. Lunch (closed Monday). $$

COUNTER, THE With burgers made from Angus beef that’s ground in-house, premium toppings, sweet potato fries and a full bar, this Kahala Mall eatery remains a solid lunch or dinner pick for the mall crowd and those in the surrounding neighborhood. ——— Kahala Mall; 739-5100; www.thecounterburger.com/honolulu. Lunch, dinner. $-$$

CREAM POT See Critic’s Choice, Page 11.

CREPES NO KA ‘OI See Brunch, Page 69.

Ocean front dining

D.K STEAKHOUSE

Known for his contemporary sushi restaurants, D.K. Kodama proved he and his chefs also know their turf (and surf), pioneering the use of dry-aging to build rich, sophisticated flavor in prime cuts of beef and weaving in island flavors in rubs and marinades. Recommended: Dry-aged Bone-in Ribeye; Asparagus Milanese. ——— 2552 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki; 931-6280; www.dksteakhouse.com. Dinner. $$$$

DA SPOT Husband-and-wife duo Ako Kifuji and Ahmad Ramadan are settled into new digs on South King Street, although they continue to show up at farmers markets around town. The spacious restaurant has led to breakfast service and the production of organic sorbet, too. Recommended: Egyptian Chicken Dolmas, lamb curry, baklava. ——— 2469 S. King St., Moiliili; 941-1313. Breakfast, lunch, dinner (closed Sunday). $

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2009

Ahmad Ramadan serves curry from Da Spot.

Valet parking available

Great Food, Great Service, Great Fun!

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | D DEAN’S DRIVE INN

DORAKU SUSHI

Some of the best local-style plate lunches are served up here by chef Dean Mishima and his baker wife, Doreen. Working out of a small storefront, regulars pack this spot by midday. Recommended: ahi belly, rack of lamb, teri beef, Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. ——— Adon Plaza, 45-773 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe; 247-1300. Lunch (cash only) (closed Friday-Saturday). $

Sake fans know this chic Waikiki restaurant is tops in town when it comes to its liquor selection, but the nouveau sushi and outdoor seating area overlooking Kalakaua Avenue help elevate the restaurant founded by Kevin Aoki (son of the man who brought teppanyaki to America) to can’t-miss status. Recommended: Tuna Tataki with signature Mango-Ponzu Sauce, Dragon Roll (shrimp tempura, avocado, smelt roe and spicy mayo), Churrasco Steak (South American touches are courtesy of Doraku’s Florida roots). ——— Royal Hawaiian Center, 2233 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki; 922-3323; www.dorakusushi.com. Lunch, dinner. $$$$

DIAMOND HEAD MARKET & GRILL Operated by former restaurateur, gubernatorial chef and Kapiolani Community College instructor Kelvin Ro, this transformed plate-lunch spot has elevated takeout to another level, with a full bento bar, bakery and gourmet heat-and-eat shop also on the premises. Recommended: mixed plate, hamburger, Blueberry Cream-Cheese Scone, Lemon Crunch Cake. ——— 3158 Monsarrat Ave., Kapahulu; 732-0077; www.diamondheadmarket.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $$

DOWNBEAT DINER Also see Best of Pau Hana Patrol, Page 77.

DOWNTOWN @ THE HISAM (AND ASAP SANDWICH, SOUP, SALAD COUNTER) Local chef-restaurateur Ed Kenney brings his “local first, organic when possible and with aloha always”

philosophy and contemporary Mediterranean ideas to a chic, well-lighted place and open-air courtyard at the Hawaii State Art Museum. ——— Hawaii State Art Museum, 250 S. Hotel St.; 536-5900; www.hawaiistateartmuseum.org/?q=restaurant. Lunch daily, pupu-style menu on “First Fridays” from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (closed Sunday). $$

DUC’S BISTRO “Duc” Nguyen and partner Minh Nga Vu’s budgetfriendly, Vietnamese-driven menu has found a steady stream of followers in downtown Honolulu after more than a decade of success with a French-accented, finedining concept. In this economy, every penny pinched makes a difference, and Duc’s helps diners keep spending under control while still providing a tasty meal. Recommended: Veal in La Lot Leaves, Ga Kho (Vietnamese braised chicken), Minh Nga’s Ginger Cheesecake. ——— 1188 Maunakea St., Downtown; 531-6325; www.ducsbistro.com. Lunch (Monday-Friday), dinner. $$$

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Wide Selection of Sake, Shochu, Beer, Cocktails, Whiskey & Wine

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TO P R E STAU R ANTS | F

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2008

Reno Henriques of Fresh Catch on Waialae Avenue shows off his ahi casserole. www.formaggio808.com. Dinner. $$

FAT GREEK, THE Greek food is just the starting point for introducing healthier Mediterranean-style dishes to a community starving for fresh, quality ingredients at a pinch more than fast-food prices. The restaurant’s setting is humble and casual; those ordering souvlaki have their choice of chicken, cubed lamb or fresh fish marinated with lemon, olive oil, garlic, pepper and oregano, instead of the usual processed and pressed gyro meat. ——— 3040 Waialae Ave., Kaimuki; 734-0404; www.thefatgreek.net. Lunch, dinner. $$

FENDU BOULANGERIE See Sweet Stuff, Page 49.

FORMAGGIO GRILL Offering the same food and drinks as Formaggio Wine Bar at Market City Shopping Center, the Kailua location takes things a step further with its atmosphere. Along with all the wine, of course, the menu features steaks, pasta, wine bar favorites, seafood and more. ——— 305 Hahani St., Kailua; 263-2633; H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

FORMAGGIO WINE BAR With its wine-cellar feel, this dimly lit, music-washed room is the perfect setting for wines by the glass (50 selections by master sommelier Roberto Viernes) and small plates. Recommended: Crostini, French Onion Soup, Braised Short Ribs. ——— Market City Shopping Center, lower level, 2919 Kapiolani Blvd., Kapahulu; 739-7719; www.formaggio808.com. Dinner. $$

FRESH CAFÉ See Brunch, Page 71.

FRESH CATCH Growing up in Kahaluu, Reno and Dominic Henriques had memories of fishing Heeia, and their restaurant marks their attempt to bring back some of Hawaii’s old-fashioned, backyard staples, complete with their own fresh catch. The takeout establishment, housed in a former Pizza Hut on Waialae Avenue, is home to about 30 kinds of poke and grill-ready marinated meats in addition to a handful of daily plate-lunch specials. Picnic tables await if you’re too hungry to make the drive home. And now they’re also in Kaneohe. ——— 3109 Waialae Ave., 735-7653; 45-1118 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, 2357653; www.freshcatch808.com. Lunch, dinner. $ ‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

Daily: Homemade soup and panini of the day Weekend: Specialty and traditional eggs benedict

Cafe Kalia Market City Shopping Center 2919 Kapiolani Boulevard Honolulu, Hawaii 96826 (808)732-3330 Open everyday from 7 am – 3 pm

10 F O O D S WE LOVE 10 Foods We Love is a short list of gastronomic must-haves by Honolulu Star-Advertiser staff.

This Lemon Crunch Cake is right up your alley

In the olden days, the Lemon Crunch Cake served at the Alexander Young Hotel downtown was an island dessert icon. Decades later, people of a certain age still yearn for this yellow cake with its topping made of crushed bits of lemon candy. If the Alexander Young cake was anything like the modern incarnation served at the Alley Restaurant at Aiea Bowl, I can see why diners loved it so. A slice of Alley cake ($4.75) is soft and delicate; the topping, which could be a sticky mess, somehow manages to be both crisp and light. The flavor is subtle, the texture ideal. In the year 2030 I predict that this is the cake our generation will yearn for. Don’t like venturing west of the airport? Second-best version of the cake is sold at Diamond Head Grill & Market on Monsarrat Avenue. The Alley is at 99-115 Aiea Heights Drive; call 488-6854 or visit www.aieabowl.com. — Betty Shimabukuro

GEORGE F. LEE GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

Jimbo’s nabeyaki udon soothes the soul, stomach The nabeyaki udon at Jimbo Restaurant is one of the reasons I am proud to call Honolulu my home. The homemade udon is thick and tasty, and I’ve never found a restaurant that could match Jimbo’s signature smoky dashi. The nabeyaki udon is served in a clay bowl, emphasizing its warmth and heft as well as its ties to Japanese tradition. Topped with little batches of ong choi, won bok, mushroom, gobo and green onion, along with tempura, egg and fishcake, the soup never fails to leave me feeling comforted. It’s a profoundly perfect dish, a reminder that beautiful things can be discovered in unpresuming places! Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner at 1936 S. King St. in Moiliili; call 947-2211. — Elizabeth Kieszkowski

GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

‘I L I MA AWAR DS

Jerk chicken hits spot at Kaimuki eatery

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARADVERTISER.COM

Saturated with multidimensional flavor emanating from a paste of onions, vinegar, fiery peppers, herbs and spices, it’s hard to tear myself away from the jerk served at Jawaiian Irie Jerk, which started as a food truck and now has a home at Kaimuki’s 11th Avenue Atrium. Chef Cassie Simmonds’ jerk blend, straight out of Kingston, lends itself to all kinds of meat and seafood, though I like it best here with either pork or chicken wings. If you don’t know where to start, try the wings as an appetizer and get the pork as your entree. Jawaiian Irie Jerk, at 1137 11th Ave., is open for lunch and dinner (except Sundays); call 388-2917. — Nadine Kam

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

10 F O O D S WE LOVE

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM

Honolulu Burger Co. makes you forget fast food In this day and age of eating local and supporting small businesses, I always feel good about stopping at Honolulu Burger Co. for a signature handcrafted burger, made with 100 percent range-fed beef sourced on Hawaii island. After a year in business, the kitchen staff at HBC seems to have settled into a routine; early visits sometimes resulted in burgers that were too well-done, for example, but I’ve gotten nothing but juicy, beefy goodness every time I’ve been there in 2011. Throw in some sweet potato fries, and who needs McDonald’s? Not this guy! Honolulu Burger Co., 1295 S. Beretania St., is open daily for lunch and dinner; call 626-5202. — Jason Genegabus

Strawberries and mochi make a magical match

Break through the thin layer of sweet mochi and the rich, dark bittersweet chocolate fills your mouth, then just when the confection threatens to overwhelm you, you are met with the tart juice of a giant fresh strawberry. I don’t know who the cross-cultural genius was who first decided to shove a chocolate-covered strawberry inside a mochi ball, but Made in Hawaii Foods has perfected the concoction. Pre-order two days in advance to guarantee your sweets are available, and pick up your order at either of the store’s two outlets: 98-718 Moanalua Road in Pearl City (484-0052) or 2071-A S. Beretania St. in Moiliili (947-9022). Two strawberry mochi with dark chocolate filling are $9.50, or order six for $28.75. Milk chocolate and red bean paste varieties are also available. — Donica Kaneshiro H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

JOE GUINTO / JGUINTO@STARADVERTISER.COM

Gaku’s tofu shot is a taste sensation

GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

If death-row meals had appetizers, I’d ask for the tofu from Sushi Izakaya Gaku (1329 S. King St., Moiliili; 589-1329). When a few friends and I ordered it, we were expecting your standard plate of the white cubed stuff in a pool of shoyu, maybe with a sprinkling of green onions for color. What we received was a large shot-glass-size cup capped with a dark orange jelly and a tiny island of wasabi floating on top. Perplexed, we took a taste. What looked like jam was a dashi shoyu jelly. Underneath that was the house-made tofu. We immediately saw our error: There were three of us and only one of this cup. Oh, it was brutal. Elbows were thrown. I made someone cry. It was like “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.” We decided to order more. At $3.50 a shot, we couldn’t count our coins fast enough. We ate the rest of our dinner, and everything was top quality. But at the end of the night, we couldn’t stop talking about the tofu shot. — Joe Guinto ‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

10 F O O D S WE LOVE Meat jun from J’s Bar-B-Q won’t leave you disappointed After more than a decade working at Waterfront Plaza, I’ve sampled just about every dining option there is near the intersection of Ala Moana Boulevard and South Street. Despite the presence of lunch wagons, okazu-ya and other choices, my go-to spot has always been J’s Bar-B-Q and the meat jun. Deep-fried with just the right amount of egg, the plates here are filling — and served with the best sauce, too! J’s at 410 Keawe St. is open for breakfast and lunch daily; call 537-1064. — Jason Genegabus

GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

Tanioka’s offers fried chicken goodness without the grease Once a month I get my hair cut at a little salon in Waipahu. I look forward to this day not just because of the personal pampering, but because afterward I get to go down the street to Tanioka’s Seafood & Catering for lunch. There’s always a line, and people are ordering all kinds of things, from the Hawaiian plates to the sushi and poke, but I always stick with the fried chicken. Each piece is a boneless thigh perfectly crisp and, by some magical process, not at all greasy. I’ve refrigerated leftovers, and they weren’t greasy the next day, either. I get one piece (or two, if I deserve a reward) and a chiso musubi. It’s the perfect $4 lunch. Open daily at 94-903 Farrington Highway; call 671-3779. — Betty Shimabukuro

GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

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10 F O O D S WE LOVE Beach Bum Café embodies the best of Hawaii coffees

Avoid the goodies at Sam Sato’s

Let me count the ways I love the Beach Bum Café: I love it for its sole focus on Hawaii coffees. I love it because owner Dennis McQuoid can tell you all kinds of stuff about the coffee you select, from the farm where it’s grown to the qualities of the bean. (Plus, he’s such a friendly man, every visit is fun.) I love that the shop offers five brewing methods and that McQuoid is happy to explain the virtues of each. As for a favorite coffee, it’s a tough call, but here’s my pick: Hamakua’s Hawaiian Cloud Forest organic dark roast, low on acid (a must) and brewed DENNIS ODA in a sock pot, which offers a good balDODA@STARADVERTISER.COM ance of oils and dark and light flavors. A 12-ounce cup is $3.85. I admit it’s a bit pricey at first glance, but consider that every drop embodies all the good endeavors of the local farmers, pickers, roasters and McQuoid. Not to mention quality. Find the cafe at 1088 Bishop St.; call 521-6699 or visit www.beachbumcafe.com. It’s open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. — Joleen Oshiro

Maui bound? Then don’t go to Sam Sato’s in Wailuku for the Dry Noodles ($6.50 for a large bowl) and barbecue meat sticks ($1.45 each) served up at this family-owned eatery that’s been around since the 1930s. Trust me, you won’t like the made-from-scratch CHRISTIE WILSON/ CWILSON@STARDVERTISER.COM broth that is served in a separate bowl to be poured over noodles, made fresh by the Iwamoto Natto Factory in Paia with just the right amount of chewiness and garnished with green onions, bean sprouts and char siu. There’s usually a long line to get in, especially on Saturdays, so don’t even bother. The flaky manju and mini fruit turnovers ($1.10 each) will probably be sold out by the time you get there anyway. Besides, it’s kind of hard to find at 1750 Wili Pa Loop in the Millyard (phone 244-7124). Nah, really. Stay home. Or go on Sundays. It’s closed. — Christie Wilson

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | G GINA’S BAR-B-Q

There are countless Korean takeout restaurants in the islands, but this spot, owned by sisters Gina Song and Yong Hae Han, stands out for its lasting popularity, incredible value and right-on flavors. Recommended: kalbi, hot fried chicken wings, Korean spicy pork. ——— Market City Shopping Center, 2919 Kapiolani Blvd.; 735-7964; www.ginasbbq.com. Lunch, dinner. $

GOLDEN PALACE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Look for the crimson and gold pillars on King Street and you’ll find a classic dim sum experience from early morning to mid-afternoon (there are better places for dinner) with some of the most affordable prices in town. Be firm with the ladies handling the steaming carts; as in most old-school dim sum joints, they’ll try to push off plates on you. Recommended: egg custard, beef balls, siu mai, pork buns, joong (rice- and pork-

stuffed bamboo leaves). ——— 111 N. King St.; 521-8268. Lunch, dinner. $

——— 31 N. Pauahi St.; 531-0001; www.grandcafeandbakery .com. Breakfast and lunch (Tuesday-Friday); dinner (Friday-Saturday); brunch (Saturday-Sunday). $-$$

GOOD TO GRILL Synergy is the name of the game for this humble younger sib to Wes Zane’s Laughing Gravy constellation of Formaggio, Formaggio Grill and Good to Go restaurants, offering medium-priced, casual fare dominated by kiawe-grilled meat. The easiest way to explore the menu is to look to the right when you’re in front of the cashier for a short list of combo meals. Recommended: prime rib, pork ribs, salmon. ——— 888 Kapahulu Ave. (Safeway Center); 734-7345; www.goodtogrill.com. Lunch, dinner. $$

GRAND CAFE & BAKERY The food here takes ’20s-era diner classics and combines them with more contemporary ideas on brunch, lunch and dinner. Recommended: Bananas Foster French Toast, Apo’s Salty Pancakes (Chinese green onion cakes), Apple-Blue Cheese Salad, chicken pot pie, Grandma’s Lemon Cake.

GRYLT See Newbies, Page 65.

GULICK DELICATESSEN A throwback to island-style okazuya of yesteryear, the second-generation Gulick is typical: a bit hard to find, not particularly newcomer-friendly, early hours only, no place to sit, long lines. But, whaddaya know — the food makes up for it all. Recommended: kakiage (mixed) tempura, furikake musubi, pork with green beans, corned beef hash patties, fried chicken. ——— 1512 Gulick Ave., 847-1461; 1936 S. King St., 941-2835. Breakfast, lunch. $

GYU-KAKU See Best of Pau Hana Patrol, Page 77.

Serving You For

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DRIVE - IN

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Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener uses only USDA Prime Grade Black Angus Beef, dry-aged in house to perfection for luxurious, meltingly tender and juicy steaks, served sizzling hot with a perfectly caramelized crust. And make your reservation now for our always sold-out Thanksgiving seatings! Royal Hawaiian Center, Bldg C, Level 3 808.922.3600 opentable.com wolfgangssteakhouse.net

‘I L I MA AWAR DS

Kapahulu • 737-0177 3308 Kanaina Avenue

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & MARKET www.lobsterkinghi.com

99 10 Live Whole $

Lobster

w/purchase of an entree

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TO P R E STAU R ANTS | H

HA LONG PHO NOODLE HOUSE Pay a visit to the spot that beats most other pho restaurants in decor (clean and contemporary) and in the making of Vietnam’s signature noodle soup, in broth slow-simmered for hours on end. Recommended: Pho tai chin (round steak and brisket), Bun Thit Nurong (rice noodles with barbecue beef). ——— City Square Shopping Center, 1286 Kalani St.; 845-3687; www.halongnoodle.com. Lunch, dinner. $

HAILI’S HAWAIIAN FOODS One of the standard bearers for Hawaiian cuisine in Honolulu, Haili’s offers a full range of menu items, including hard-to-find pickled limu, opihi cups, ake (innards) and, in a departure, an excellent Puerto Rican pastele stew. Recommended: kalua pork, the many poke varieties, rice bowls, mango haupia. ——— 760 Palani Ave. (front door on Kapahulu Avenue); 735-8019. Lunch, dinner (closed Monday). $$

up some really tasty Thai-style food. We say “Thai-style” because the cooking sometimes strays from the traditional. Spice levels can vary here; be sure to clarify with your server what degree of heat you can handle. Recommended: tofu salad or ginger salad, curries (especially pumpkin vegetable), coconut rice. ——— 68-079 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa; 637-4247; www.haleiwaeatsthai.com. Lunch, dinner (closed Tuesday). $$

HANK’S HAUTE DOGS Go ahead, admit it: Sometimes you crave one of those cheap hot dog-andsoda combos from a certain warehousestyle retail establishment. It’s OK. Really. But for the other nine out of 10 times you want a hot dog, Kakaako sausage slinger Henry “Hank” Adaniya is the man to visit. Keep it simple and order the Classic Chicago dog, an all-beef wiener imported from the Windy City and served with all the classic garnishes. Or follow Adaniya’s adventurous lead and try daily specials like alligator, buffalo, lobster or Kobe-style beef. (Be sure to pick up some fries or onion rings with Hank’s specialty dipping sauces.) ——— Hank’s Haute Dogs, 324 Coral St., Kakaako; 532-HANK (4265); www.hankshautedogs.com. Lunch, dinner. $

HAPA GRILL HALE VIETNAM The first restaurant to introduce Honolulu diners to pho, green papaya salad and other Vietnamese standards continues to be popular despite increased competition. Recommended: Imperial Spring Rolls, bun (rice noodles) with fresh vegetables or barbecued pork, French coffee. ——— 1140 12th Ave.; 735-7581. Lunch, dinner. $$

HALEIWA EATS THAI The bright tile decor in this restaurant may fool some diners, but don’t get it twisted — Haleiwa Eats Thai serves

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A comfortable family place, Hapa Grill satisfies with a varied menu that combines local favorites with a bit of gourmet flair. Owner Shannon Tangonan Putnam carried over several of the specialties from her parents’ Sassy Kassy lunchwagon that operated in Campbell Industrial Park for nearly 30 years. Chief among these: teriyaki beef, chicken and salmon. For breakfast try the Fried Rice Omelet (with pork adobo and kim chee on the side), for lunch, the “I Love You Like a Mango” Salad. Dinner entrees go as upscale as Crab-Stuffed Scampi. ——— Kapolei Marketplace, 590 Farrington Highway; 674-8400; www.hapagrill.net. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $$

Check out our locations in Tokyo, Japan, & Woodinville (Seattle) Washington! WAIKIKI 134 Kapahulu Avenue 926-3444

HAWAII KAI 7192 Kalanianaole Hwy. E124 394-9100

UNIVERSITY 2424 S. Beretania Ave. #101 949-0050

KAILUA 539 Kailua Road #101 262-0820

AIEA Westridge Center 98-150 Kaonohi St. C-115 486-2167

MAUI Lahaina Gateway Shopping Ctr. 335 Keawe St., Ste 221-222 Lahaina, HI 96761

Voted Hawaii’s Best Burgers since 2001! 100% GROUND CHUCK, HAND-PATTIED, FLAME-BROILED BURGERS Cannot be combined with any other offers. Must present ad. Expires 10/31/2012

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‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

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TO P R E STAU R ANTS | H HAPPY DAYS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT See Brunch, Page 73.

HAU TREE LANAI See Brunch, Page 73.

HEE HING RESTAURANT Local people love to come to this Kapahulu restaurant for weddings, retirement parties, reunions and all manner of family gatherings. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an especially tasty stop during Chinese New Year. Recommended: dim sum and the house specialty, lobster. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Hee Hing Plaza, 449 Kapahulu Ave.; 735-5544; www.heehinghawaii.com. Lunch, dinner. $$

HEâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;EIA KEA PIER GENERAL STORE & DELI This pierside food purveyor brings love of community to the table, making the most of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abundance. That means working closely with fishermen, as well as Mahuahua Ai o Hoi and Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;eia Fishpond to encourage naturally productive kalo fields and other agricultural production. Hungry diners may not be aware

when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re biting into an oio fishcake loco moco or burger made from Big Island Kuahiwi Ranch beef that they are participants in sustainable food practices. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;eia Kea makes the revolution delicious. In addition to a short list of basic menu items, daily specials might include the likes of pork luau and guava chicken with a dash of five-spice and Hawaiian chili pepper. Ice cake desserts offer a journey back to small-kid time. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 46-499 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe; 235-2192. Breakfast, lunch (closed Monday). $

HELENAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HAWAIIAN FOOD Craig Katsuyoshi helms the kitchen at Helenaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, maintaining the menu and flavors developed by his grandmother, Helen Chock, who opened the restaurant in 1946. Helenaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is one of the very few restaurants in Hawaii to have on its wall a James Beard Award, recognizing it as Regional Classic for best capturing â&#x20AC;&#x153;the history and character of its community.â&#x20AC;? Specialties are pipikaula-style short ribs and butterfish collars â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a section of the fish between the eyeballs and the gills, served fried crisp or in a stew. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 1240 N. School St.; 845-8044; www.helenashawaiian food.com. Lunch, dinner (closed Saturday-Monday). $-$$

HIGHWAY INN Seiichi and Sachiko Toguchi opened Highway Inn in 1947, when Waipahu was a plantation village. It did have a highway, though, Farrington. Thus, the name. All these years later itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the same family, same name, same town. The menu is Hawaiian, done simply and done right. Try the combo plate with laulau or kalua pork, add on pipikaula (dry or wet), Pulehu BBQ Short Ribs or Butterfish â&#x20AC;&#x2122;n Stew Gravy. Also on the menu are plate-lunch standards and such fusion specialties as Kalua Pig & Okinawan Sweet Potato Quesadilla. Bonus: The restaurant has one of the best websites of any local restaurant, offering a great primer on Hawaiian cuisine. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 94-226 Leoku St., Waipahu; 677-4345; www.myhighwayinn.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $-$$

HIMALAYAN KITCHEN See Criticâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Picks, Page 19.

HIROSHI EURASION TAPAS See Criticâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice, Page 10.

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H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | H

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2009

Try the scalloped potatoes from Hog Island in Kaimuki.

HOG ISLAND BBQ

HONOLULU BURGER CO.

Hungry diners can’t miss the scent of slow-cooked, oak-fired pork and beef brisket emanating from the Wam-Turbo pit cooker that sits front and center near the takeout counter here. Hog Island makes the best beef brisket on Oahu, available on a plate or in a French roll sandwich, and you can also order pulled pork and baby back ribs (available on a plate or by the pound). Side dishes such as classic cole slaw with dried cranberries and scalloped potatoes complete the experience. ——— 1137 11th Ave. (behind Big City Diner), Kaimuki; 734-1333; www.hogislandbbq.com. Lunch, dinner (closed Monday-Tuesday). $

Former Hilo resident Ken Takahashi takes a stand for Hawaii island here, serving up 100 percent Big Island freerange, hormone-free, grass-fed beef burgers. Of course, the cost associated with smaller production is higher, but it’s worth it. Some items aren’t 100 percent local, such as steak in the Philly or “The Bull” sandwiches, but the burgers are a guarantee. Recommended: The burgers, potato fries (hand-cut every morning), served plain ($1.99/$2.99), with garlic ($3.99), truffled ($4.99) or with blue cheese ($4.49). ——— 1295 S. Beretania St., Makiki; 626-5202; www.honoluluburgerco.com. Lunch, dinner. $

HOKU’S

HOT POT HEAVEN

See People’s Choice Awards, Page 10.

HOME BAR AND GRILL See Best of Pau Hana Patrol, Page 76.

IGE’S RESTAURANT AND 19TH PUKA With a name like this, you’d think this place is at a golf course. In reality, the H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

See Critic’s Choice Awards, Page 19.

HY’S STEAK HOUSE See DHT Showstoppers, Page 25.

Aiea establishment is nowhere near the links, but high above Moanalua Road on the corner opposite of Buzz’s Steak House. What makes this spot appealing is the variety of drinking, eating and seating options. Bring the family or bring your drinking buddies — it’s all good here. Recommended: Hawaiian plate, beef stew. ——— 98-761 Oihana Place, Aiea; 486-3500; www.igesrestaurant.com. Pupus from 3 p.m., dinner (closed Sunday). $ ‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | I IL LUPINO TRATTORIA & WINE BAR

while also continuing to serve up high-quality Japanese pub grub. Recommended: sake slushee, karaage (whole, deep-fried) flounder, and ultrafresh sushi (particularly salmon, hamachi and moi). ——— 3108 Olu St. (just off Kapahulu Avenue); 734-5573. Dinner. $$$

See Newbies, Page 65.

IMANAS TEI Though it’s less flashy than some new players, many consider this one of the best izakaya (Japanese tavern) on Oahu with its tiny sushi bar, nabemono (hot pot) specialties, tonkatsu on a stick and Seafood Dynamite. ——— 2626 S. King St. (next to Puck’s Alley); 941-2626. Dinner (closed Sunday). $$$

IZAKAYA TAIRYO

INDIGO EURASIAN CUISINE Glenn Chu continues to mine the celestial cuisine of his Chinese ancestry, exhibiting his sense of humor in such menu titles as Fiery Explosions to Heaven Shrimp, and adds contemporary flair in such unexpected combinations as goat cheese wontons. Recommended: the wontons, grilled chive flatbread, lamb chops with tangerine sauce, Ten Thousand Chili Chicken with dark meat; ginger creme brulee. ——— 1121 Nuuanu Ave.; 521-2900; www.indigo-hawaii.com. Lunch (Tuesday-Friday), dinner, late night pupu menu

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM

A lychee martini from Indigo Eurasian Cuisine. (closed Sunday-Monday). $$$

IZAKAYA NONBEI This critically acclaimed Japanese tavern is now newcomer-friendly (more English-language menu information, welcoming staff, more contemporary decor)

A visit to Izakaya Tairyo is like walking into an ukiyo-e print of a Japanese fishing village. Super-flat imagery of fish and ocean waves swirl around the restaurant’s rooftop and exterior, while the interior is festooned with paraphernalia of the fisherman’s trade: nets, glass floats and lobster traps. It’s all about minimalist sushi for beginners here, with the tamest of offerings: ahi, salmon, marinated mackerel, white fish, shrimp, scallop, squid and ikura. Some of the most impressive dishes are meant to be shared, such as the Fisherman’s Hot Pot featuring salmon, tofu, clams, shrimp, tofu, bean threads and won bok. When you’re ready for dessert, the frozen creme brulee with the texture of cheesecake is a standout. ——— 514 Piikoi St.; 592-8500. Lunch, dinner (closed Monday). $$

3106 Monsarrat Ave. • Honolulu, HI 96815 • Ph: (808) 737-0080 • Fax (808) 737-0800

1860 ALA MOANA BLVD. • 955-1764 • VALIDATED PARKING 42

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TO P R E STAU R ANTS | J-K JINROKU TEPPAN GRILL & BAR

JADE DYNASTY SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Chinese banquet restaurants have been on the wane, but judging from the crowds here, they’ve been missed. To add elegance to the experience, Jade Dynasty does away with the usual dim sum carts in favor of creating delicacies fresh to order. Servers here are pleasant and let you know they aim to please, something that isn’t guaranteed in Chinatown. Recommended: Greens in ShrimpSpinach Dumplings, Shrimp-and-Chive Dumplings, Crystal Taro Buns, DeepFried Shrimp Toast. ——— Ala Moana Center, Ho‘okipa Terrace; 947-8818; www.jadedynastyhawaii.com. Lunch, dinner. $-$$

JIMBO RESTAURANT Head to Jimbo’s for generous servings of housemade udon (thick, round wheat noodles) in made-from-scratch broth. There are lots of different flavors on the menu here, including curry in a thick broth. Recommended: Spicy Yaki Udon, Cold Skinny Noodle Salad, crab udon. ——— 1936 S. King St.; 947-2211. Lunch, dinner. $

KA IKENA AT KCC For culinary students at Kapiolani Community College, each new semester puts them on display. In the Ka Ikena Dining Room, students work on regional H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

See Newbies, Page 65.

JJ BISTRO & FRENCH PASTRY See DHT Showstoppers, Page 25, and Sweets, Page 48.

PROUDLY SERVING YOU FOR THE PAST 34 YEARS!

JJ DOLAN’S

HONOLULU’S

At JJ Dolan’s, the premise is simple: Serve an honest pint and the best pizza in Chinatown. In a space just mauka of the Hawaii Theatre that used to house a clothing store and cafe, Danny Dolan and co-owner Jay Neibuhr have focused on the basics. Nearly 20 barstools surround the spacious bar that lines the makai side of the room. The pizza is tasty, but at $15 to $17 per 14-inch pie, it’s not the most affordable way to go, especially if you’re by yourself. ——— 1147 Bethel St.; 537-4992; www.jjdolans.com. Lunch, dinner (closed Sunday). $$

AWARD-WINNING RESTAURANT! HONOLULU MAGAZINE

Hale ‘Aina Award – The People’s Choice Z A G AT S U R V E Y

One of Honolulu’s Top Five Restaurants W I N E S P E CTATO R M A G A Z I N E

Award of Excellence

JULIE’Z RESTAURANT This humble little spot in Kapolei does all the Filipino basics well, but it soars with a few dishes: Adobo Fried Rice with its generous chunks of vinegary meat wrapped in an omelet, a peppery oxtail soup and Red Velvet Hotcakes (part of a hearty breakfast menu). ——— Kapolei Marketplace, 590 Farrington Highway; 693-8778. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $

cooking skills with a menu that progresses through Mediterranean, French, alpine and Latin cuisines. For diners, this means very affordable meals in the very picturesque dining rooms with sweeping ocean views. Yes, the chefs are in training, but their menus aim high and the instructors who ensure quality are restaurant veterans. Reservations required. ——— Kapiolani Community College, Ohelo Building, 4303 Diamond Head Road; 734-9499; www.kcc-dining.com. Lunch, dinner (Tuesday-Friday, pending class sessions). $$ ‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

A “USDA PRIME BEEF” SPECIALTY HOUSE Since 1976

“Best Fine Dining Restaurant”

Live Entertainment www.hyshawaii.com

2440 KUHIO AVENUE FIRST FLOOR RESERVATION 922-5555 VALET PARKING ■

■

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | K KAHUMANA CAFE An extension of the work taking place at Kahumana Organic Farm in Waianae, which has the lofty aim of serving as a model for sustainability, mindful eating and compassionate living, this cafe offers dishes both healthful and delicious, from the humblest beet and pea soups to plates accompanied by greens fresh from the farm. Tip well, as donations support Kahumana Farms’ endeavors. ——— 86-660 Lualualei Homestead Road; 696-8844; www.kahumanafarms.org. Lunch, dinner (closed Sunday-Monday). $

KAI MARKET Chef Darren Demaya has reinvented the buffet at the Sheraton Waikiki. The concept is “farm-to-table,” which slaps down the traditional warming-table image of the genre and replaces it with as much locally grown produce as possible on a menu that represents the cultures that have defined Hawaii’s palate since plantation days. Recommended: Niihau chowder, Misoyaki Marinated Hapu‘upu‘u, “Kahlua” Drunken Duck, bread pudding with Wild Turkey brandy sauce. ——— Sheraton Waikiki, 2255 Kalakaua Ave.; 921-4600;

www.sheraton-waikiki.com/dining/kai. Breakfast, dinner. $$$$

KAILUA TOWN PUB & GRILL See Best of Pau Hana Patrol, Page 76.

KAIWA Kaiwa embraces the principle of “kai wa,” invisible factors that communicate harmony and artistry. Presenting a seamless blend of the best of Hawaiian and Japanese ingredients, this upscale fusion restaurant is geared to the most stylish clientele. In the main room, teppan chefs preside, while sushi is prepared at a bar facing the sleek zashiki room with its floor-style seating. Dishes range from sashimi and a decadent uni and caviar martini, to heavier Wagyu and kurobuta selections. A fully stocked bar offers shochu, sake, wine, beer and cocktails. ——— Waikiki Beach Walk, 226 Lewers St., second floor; 924-1555; www.kai-wa.com. Lunch, dinner. $$$$

KAKAAKO KITCHEN Eat healthy or drown your sorrows in gravy, go gour-

met or go local-boy — the menu at Kakaako Kitchen runs the gamut. Have Masago Arare Crusted Salmon or a loco moco; Furikake Mahi Wrap or shoyu chicken. Chef Russell Siu’s casual alternative to 3660 on the Rise is often described as “gourmet plate lunch,” but a better description might be “gourmet casual” with its salads, sandwiches and sophisticated complete meals. ——— Ward Centre, ground floor, Kakaako; 596-7488; www.kakaakokitchen.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $-$$

KALAPAWAI CAFE Every neighborhood should have a spot like this, a drop-in and do-what-you-will sort of place: Pick up a quick lunch, choose something to take home and warm up for dinner, join friends for after-work wine and tapas, or linger over a romantic dinner with a special someone. The take-and-heat menu changes daily, the set menu seasonally, and the chefs create daily fish and meat specials with influences from Italian trattoria to California cuisine, Spanish tapas to French bistro. Recommended: Wild boar ragu, Portuguese fish stew, pan-roasted duck breast, kabocha squash “love letters” in brown butter reduction, grilled Waialua asparagus, wine flights. ——— 750 Kailua Road; 262-DELI (3354); www.kalapawai

Authentic, Fresh Italian Lunches & Desserts

Fried Rice Omelette w/ Adobo

Joe Moore Saimin

1025 Alakea St. • 532-4540 • M-F 10am -3pm

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Waimalu

Waipahu

Ewa Beach Shp. Ctr.

98-020 Kam Hwy.

94-256 Waipahu Depot St.

91-919 Fort Weaver Rd.

488-8824

676-2088

689-0999

w w w. s h i r o s s a i m i n . c o m

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | K-L KIRIN RESTAURANT

market.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $$$

L & L DRIVE-INN

This Moiliili institution may not operate in Chinatown or employ the customary serving trolleys, but it does serve some of the best and most varied dim sum in town. Recommended: har gow, siu mai, bao. ——— 2518 S. Beretania St.; 942-1888; www.kirinhawaii.com. Lunch, dinner. $$

KEO’S IN WAIKIKI Still the Evil Jungle Prince after all these years, Keo Sananikone and his family offer a full menu of Thai standards in Waikiki. Recommended: Evil Jungle Prince with chicken, ginger string beans and chili with beef, crispy mahimahi with sate sauce, Bangkok duck breast with plum sauce. ——— 2028 Kuhio Ave.; 951-9355; www.keosthaicuisine.com. Dinner. $$$

KOA PANCAKE HOUSE See People’s Choice Awards, Page 10.

KRISTEN’S KITCHEN

KINCAID’S FISH, CHOP & STEAKHOUSE A favorite of business lunchers, celebrating families and pau hana diners, this is a go-to spot for seafood specials such as the annual Copper River salmon run. Solo diners will find the bar proper a perfect place to eat and drink without feeling singled out. Recommended: Pea salad, crab cakes, New York steak in brandy peppercorn sauce. ——— Ward Warehouse; 591-2005; www.kincaids.com. Lunch, dinner. $$$

Think of the menu at this unassuming little diner as plate-lunch-plus. Yes, you can have a burger or fried noodles or mochiko chicken, but you can also get a decadent salmon steak smothered in lemonbutter sauce, or the house special, sirloin steak with mushrooms and onions (and a free drink!). Regulars swear by the kalua pork. ——— 94-801 Farrington Highway, Waipahu; 678-2529. Breakfast, lunch daily; dinner (except Sunday). $

See People’s Choice Awards, Page 10.

LA MER AT HALEKULANI

Halekulani’s tranquil, shadow-washed fine-dining room is probably the most formal dining area in Honolulu, but it’s also the most welcoming, with a well-trained staff and million-dollar views from windows that frame Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. The “Cuisine of the Sun” menu marries island ingredients with classic French technique. Recommended: the eightcourse Degustation Menu, from lobster and asparagus soup to a tray of imported French cheeses, from foie gras to sea bass, ending with delicate little sweets called mignardises. Long-sleeved, collared shirt, dress pants and dress shoes required for men; for ages 8 and older only. ——— Halekulani Hotel, 2199 Kalia Road; 923-2311; www.halekulani.com/dining/la_mer. Dinner. $$$$

LA TOUR CAFE La Tour has all the simple sort of cafe sandwiches, sides

We Serve Only the Best 2011 Best Italian Restaurant 5x Ilima Award Winner - 6x Hale Aina Award Winner Gift Certificates Available Party Rooms Available at Ala Moana & Kahala Reservations Recommended

Open for Lunch & Dinner • Bread & Pastries are Baked Fresh Daily at Assaggio Specializing in Fine Italian Cuisine • A Perfect Place for Any Occasion!

Now Open at Kahala & Kapolei • www.assagiohi.com

Ala Moana 942-3446 • Kahala 732-1011 • Kailua 261-2772 • Hawaii Kai 396-0756 • Kapolei 674-8801 • Mililani 623-5115 H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

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TO P R E STAU R ANTS | L and flatbreads (pizza) you’d want to eat, at reasonable prices. Small, express and simple is all La Tour Cafe is meant to be, although from the street and by virtue of its address in the middle of nowhere, it has the appearance of a destination restaurant. Most people will be quite happy with what they offer, which revolves around your daily bread, whether in the form of sandwiches, grilled panini, flatbreads or tartines (best described as glorified bruschetta). Recommended: quiche Lorraine, pommes frites, turkey panini, La Tour Burger. ——— 888 N. Nimitz Highway; 697-5000; www.latourcafe.com. Lunch, dinner. $

LE BISTRO See Critic’s Picks, Page 18.

LE CACAO BISTRO See Sweet Stuff, Page 48.

LE GUIGNOL The perfect destination for Blaisdell Concert Hall patrons before a show, Le Guignol is the place to be for

contemporary French cuisine. Both three- and fivecourse fixed-price menus are offered. Recommended: bone marrow with olive oil and sea salt, rabbit with onions and cream reduction, olive oil and black pepper cake with blue cheese ice cream and honey drizzle. ——— Medical Arts Building, 1010 S. King St.; 591-1809; www.leguignol.org. Lunch (Wednesday-Friday, seasonal); dinner (Wednesday-Sunday). $$$$

LEGEND SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

’LICIOUS DISHES See Critic’s Choice Awards, Page 18.

LIKE LIKE DRIVE INN All are welcome at this nothing-fancy coffee shop — breakfasting families, seniors seeking inexpensive early evening meals, late-night carousers. The menu is heavy on both local-style plate lunch and American diner standards, with many meals served in sets (and with old-school sides like a fruit cup and sherbet). Recommended: saimin with a burger deluxe on the side, hash browns with cheese and gravy, breakfast items, fried rice. ——— 745 Keeaumoku St.; 941-2515. Open 24 hours. $-$$

It can get kind of crazy dining at Legend, but the crowds and noise are worth it for reliably fresh and delicious dim sum and Chinese classics. Especially popular with large families on weekends, but pretty much busy all the time. Recommended: bao (steamed, stuffed dumplings), joong (sweet rice richly laced with roast pork), look fun (pork-flecked rice noodle roll), egg LILIHA BAKERY & COFFEE SHOP custard tart. While most stop here for the unforgettable Coco——— Puffs (cream puffs stuffed with chocolate pudding and Chinese Cultural Plaza, 100 N. Beretania St.; 532-1868. topped with heavenly chantilly cream), many others Lunch, dinner. $$ choose to wait in line for a seat at the busy counter. Show up after 1 or 2 a.m. and the crowds are almost as entertaining as the food is filling. Recommended: panLET THEM EAT CUPCAKES cakes, grilled butter rolls or cornbread, loco moco, See Sweet Stuff, Page 48. cheeseburger deluxe, grilled mahi-mahi and, from the

Delicatessen & Catering From Bentos to Banquets & Picnics to Potlucks…

We have a menu for you! Mahalo Hawaii for voting us... Deli Hours: Wed-Sun 6am-2pm • After hours catering available

946-2073 • 2710 South King St. www.fukuyadeli.com Mahalo Hawaii! “Best American & Best Fried Rice”

“Best Restaurant Under $20!”

- Hale ‘Aina Award - 2011 Honolulu Star Advertiser

“Best Family & Casual Restaurant!” - ‘Ilima Award

Grandma’s Incredible Kimchee Fried Rice

WAIPIO KAILUA KAIMUKI PEARLRIDGE EAST 678-8868 263-8880 738-8855 487-8188 WARD ENTERTAINMENT CENTER 591-8891 Mushroom Burger & Bubbie’s Shakes

Find us on

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TO P R E STAU R ANTS | L bakery, cinnamon twists. ——— 515 N. Kuakini St.; 531-1651; www.lilihabakery hawaii.com. Open 24 hours from 6 a.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. Sunday (closed Monday). $$

soup noodles. Night owls will be happy to find this place is open until 3 a.m. daily, one remnant of the location’s previous life as a bar and karaoke joint. ——— 1380 S. King St.; 944-8288; www.lobsterkinghi.com. Lunch, dinner, late night. $$

LITTLE VILLAGE NOODLE HOUSE When Little Village opened in 2001, it was love at first bite. The restaurant has since expanded in size, but you still can’t go wrong with just about anything off the pan-Chinese menu. (And there’s plenty of parking!) Recommended: Shanghai noodle, salt and pepper pork chop, black pepper beef, clams with black bean sauce, blistered green beans. ——— 1113 Smith St.; 545-3008; www.littlevillagehawaii.com. Lunch, dinner. $$$

LOBSTER KING Don’t be fooled: Despite its name, Lobster King is a fairly typical Chinese restaurant, offering lobster stir-fried with your choice of ginger and green onion, black bean sauce, or XO sauce. The rest of the menu? Chinese standards like minute chicken, kung pao chicken, steamed pork with salted egg, plus

Best Bento Best Family Dining Best Late Night Eatery H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

LOVING HUT See Critic’s Choice Award, Page 18.

LUIBUENO’S MEXICAN & SEAFOOD RESTAURANT This restaurant is unusual in that its menu is not driven by tacos, tortillas and such typical Mexican fare. The focus is on seafood instead, served mostly in straightforward preparations enlivened by Mexican-style sauces. Worth the drive to the North Shore are the scallops or shrimps in Aguachile (“pepper water”) marinade, brightly flavored with lime and hot peppers. Recommended: garlic-grilled whole fish (a periodic special), fried ice cream. ——— Haleiwa Town Center, 66-165 Kamehameha Highway; 637-7717; www.luibueno.com. Lunch, dinner. $$-$$$

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2009

Honey-walnut shrimp from Little Village Noodle House.

1st Place Bento - Zip Pac ‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

S WE ET STU F F

Some of Hawaii’s best dessert places

By Elizabeth Kieszkowski ekieszkowski@staradvertiser.com

It sounded like a “piece of cake” assignment: roam the island and find specialty sweets worth recommending. Thing is, I’m not a sweets person, so I had never been in some of these shops before. The payoff: I was delightfully surprised when I had my first taste of these offerings. The desserts I discovered are made with balanced flavors; sugary sweetness is not the overwhelming first impression. It doesn’t hurt, either, that they are pretty things. I’ll return to each of these shops again, as each offers a rewarding reminder of the meaning of the word “treat.”

LET THEM EAT CUPCAKES This specialty shop does the job right, and customers have responded by buying up everything served by partners Kawehi Haug and Nick Gervais. The butterfat-rich, delicately whipped frosting and specialty flavors here are a revelation. With a pumpkin or lemon cupcake, for instance, you might suck in your breath at the flavorful impact of all that taste. Clever taste combinations also delight. Presentation is sweet, too: The shop’s chrome and bright colors create a cool feel, like a mod ice cream shop, and there’s a sprinkle bar for extra fun. Find a list of flavors and the daily offerings on their website; call ahead for a pickup order later in the day and your choices will be waiting for you. ——— 35 S. Beretania St.; 531-CAKE (2253); letthemeatcupcakes808.com

GARY CHUN / GCHUN@STARADVERTISER.COM

Nick Gervais, above left, and Kawehi Haug’s Let Them Eat Cupcakes isn’t your average cupcake shop. At left, Le Cacao Bistro/JJ’s Bistro & French Pastry know their chocolate. Their signature chocolate pyramid is proof. But try not to miss sampling the various desserts they offer.

LE CACAO BISTRO JJ BISTRO & FRENCH PASTRY Wow. It had been a while since we sampled JJ’s French-influenced pastries, but it won’t be long until we’re back. Chef JJ truly knows how to work with chocolate, and his Chocolate Pyramid ($4.95) and Chocolate Macadamia Nut Tart ($4.95), both available for takeout, are a revelation of complementary textures and flavors. Fruit-infused specialty cheesecake is a cut above, cloudlike and intensely flavored. At JJ’s new restaurant, Le Cacao Bistro, sit down in a comfortably elegant, Southeast Asian-inspired setting for equally inspiring warm and cold desserts. Tastes are concentrated here: Prepare to be impressed. ——— Le Cacao Bistro, 3441 Waialae Ave., Kaimuki, 626-5368; JJ Bistro & French Pastry, 3447 Waialae Ave., 739-0993 (closed Sundays); www.jjfrenchpastry.com

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H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

S WE ET STU F F FENDU BOULANGERIE This gem of a European-style bakery is particularly notable for the quality of its pastry, which is crisp and flaky — a rarity in Hawaii’s climate. It’s also notable for the layered tastes and textures of its more elaborate desserts. The delicious Zucoto serves as a fine illustration: It’s a solo-sized flourless chocolate cake shaped into a round and filled with layers that include a tapiocalike sweet and slightly tangy filling made of bananas, brown sugar and rum, a chocolate jelly and a praline buttercream mousse. The ganache is made with chocolate imported from France. The hard, cookielike base is made of hazelnuts and butter. Topped with whipped cream and a tiny button of caramel, it’s an adventure in taste! Owner, chef and baker Niel Koep says he’d like to expand to include seating, but for now this delightful find is takeout only. ——— Manoa Marketplace, 2752 Woodlawn Drive; 988-4310. Breakfast, lunch, early dinner (closed Mondays)

BRUCE ASATO / BASATO@STARADVERTISER.COM

Dessert offerings of Fendu Boulangerie, above, are eclectic in selection and made with high-quality ingredients. At right, “Uncle” Clay Chang watches as Nick Suzuki, left, and Brett Will dig into his shave ice at House of Pure Aloha in the Aina Haina Shopping Center.

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

UNCLE CLAY’S HOUSE OF PURE ALOHA Visiting Uncle Clay’s is an experience, first because the shave ice served up here is so delicious, and next because “Uncle” Clay Chang is so personal and friendly in his ambassadorship for his reenvisioned wares. The shave ice is exceptional. You’ll see this as your servers gently shape the fine shaved ice, and taste it when the all-natural, light-on-thetongue and supremely satisfying ingredients hit your taste buds. The syrups are gourmet quality, prepared by hand from recipes created just for HOPA. Flavors include a stimulating Kona coffee syrup, fruit flavors and even kale. Locally made ice cream and fresh fruit are in the house for toppings. Now that tables have been added at the shop, you can take your time and talk story. If Uncle Clay is there, he’s likely to end up knowing who you are and where you live. Hugs might or might not be involved, and that’s no surprise, since the shop’s motto is “At the House of Pure Aloha, there are no strangers — only ohana yet to be met.” ——— Aina Haina Shopping Center; 373-5111; www.houseofpurealoha.com ‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

S WE ET STU F F PATISSERIE LA PALME D’OR This charming, immaculate sweet shop has been at Ala Moana Center since 2004 and is justifiably renowned for its “brownie” — a cakelike chocolate, lightly sweetened, with a milk chocolate and hazelnut crunch center (for $2!). The chefs here are trained in Japan; nothing is too sweet, but the treats can certainly be rich. Try the panna cotta, topped with a fruit jelly and fresh fruit, or delicate cake rolls. Coffee and tea jelly drinks are also a draw. There are only two tables inside, but if you’re lucky enough to get one, the atmosphere is clean, cool and relaxing. ——— Ala Moana Center; 941-6161; www.lapalmedor-usa.com

SAINT GERMAIN AND MEIKA PLAZA AT SHIROKIYA Don’t overlook Saint Germain when you have a craving for a fruit pastry, Japanese-style cake or fancy, fruit-topped mousse. This tried-and-true bakery provides these options in several locations, but the best place for a sweets safari is the first floor of Shirokiya at Ala Moana Center, where the new Meika Plaza, a haven for Japanese delicacies, adjoins the bakery. At Saint Germain you will find a dazzling array of options and prices among the 30 or so vendors operating at Meika Plaza. In the plaza, eye candy abounds, and the myriad choices include gourmet imported mochi; delicate handmade Japanese confectionaries; cake made with Maccha and azuki beans at the refreshment counter; and wrapped imported varieties galore, from “brown sugar bread” to rice crackers. ——— Shirokiya, Ala Moana Center; Saint Germain, 955-1711, www.stghi.com; Mekia Plaza, 973-9190

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM

Japanese sweets in dozens of varieties are sold at the new Meika Plaza inside Shirokiya in Ala Moana Center.

Home of the BEST Gourmet Baked Goods!

We do… Custom Cupcakes Decorated Cakes Gourmet Cookies & Mochi Pastries and Pies Spam Musubi & Fried Rice Fundraising: Pineapple Mac Nut Loaf Cake • Lilikoi Loaf Cake Chocolate Loaf Cake 4 Pack Chocolate Brownies Back By Popular Demand…

Our Famous Cinnamon Bread! Now Serving Fresh Hot Pastries from 6am-1pm (Monday-Friday) 4369 Lawehana Street (across Target in Salt Lake) • www.larrysbakery.com or 50

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S WE ET STU F F TED’S BAKERY This is an island favorite for good reason, as the bakery’s Chocolate Haupia Pie, at right, is magical: lush, with its flaky crust and silky, creamy topping, yet not overpowering, as the haupia lightens the overall effect. Pies are available at local groceries or at the source on the North Shore, where you can grab pie by the slice and get a coffee or espresso to enjoy at the outdoor tables, with the ocean glinting just yards away. ——— 59-024 Kamehameha Highway, just past Sunset Beach; 638-8207; www.tedsbakery.com

“Otto” of Otto Cakes offers a variety of creative cheesecakes at his colorful shop in Chinatown.

Honolulu’s Most Romantic Restaurant – Blending Old World Style with New World Flair Recipient of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence 5 years in a row Wine available by the glass, half and full bottles Nearly 200 bottles listed along with premium spirits and cocktails A perfect place for parties and events, including holiday, birthday, wedding reception and business events Indoor and patio dining

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2009

OTTO CAKE This place is a little oasis of DIY delight on the mean streets of Chinatown, where you might catch Otto himself in the kitchen mixing up batter or behind the counter serving slices ($5), whole cakes ($30), cookies, brownies, strong coffee and delicious lemonade. The entire shop is handmade and charming, with a pieced velvet curtain separating the whitewashed front counter area from the small kitchen, art on the walls, and just a couple of tables for those who want to stay and soak in the cool. The cheesecake has an ideal, American-style density, balanced just-so between creamy and sweet, and subtly flavored, using authentic ingredients. According to the website, there are 86 flavors to choose from, but you can’t go wrong with “Amazing Plain,” lilikoi, amaretto, lemon basil or fruit-flavored. Otto’s cakes sell out quickly, so advance orders or a visit by midday are recommended. Note: The closest parking is in the city’s shiny new underground lot on Beretania Street, just Ewa of Nuuanu Avenue. ——— 1160 Smith St.; 834-OTTO (6886); www.ottocake.com

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

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Monday - Saturday 11:30 a.m. to Late Daily happy hour, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. 1115 Bethel Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

(808) 545-1115 www.brasserieduvin.com

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | M

MAC 24/7 BAR + RESTAURANT

It’s hard to believe that before MAC 24/7, Waikiki lacked many 24-hour eating choices. The hours, and the menu of amply portioned retro-diner and local-food options, made an immediate hit. Recommended: towering pancake stack, chicken-fried steak with white cheddar mac and cheese, Char Siu Sumo Saimin, and peach and berry cobbler. ——— Hilton Waikiki Beach, 2500 Kuhio Ave.; 921-5564; www.mac247waikiki.com. Open 24 hours. $$$

MAGURO-YA Maguro-Ya offers a Japanese-style (rather than localstyle) experience. Teishoku — a multicourse menu — is a specialty. Recommended: miso butterfish, karaage (fried) specials, maguro special teishoku (multiple ahi dishes). ——— 3565 Waialae Ave.; 732-3775. Lunch, dinner (closed

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Monday). $$

MAILE’S THAI BISTRO This Hawaii Kai Towne Center restaurant is inviting on so many levels. Its convenient location makes an impromptu visit easy, offering a cool, elegant respite after a hot day of shopping. It’s also a good stop for pau hana takeout and ideal for any family occasion. But it’s not just about convenience; Maile’s has some of the tastiest Thai food on the island. The massaman curry is lushly creamy with subtle heat, and Maile’s cashew chicken offers a crisp, flavorful alternative to the Chinese version. Also recommended: Beef sashimi. ——— Hawaii Kai Towne Center, 333 Keahole St.; 394-2488; www.mailesthaibistro.com. Lunch, dinner. $$

MANA BU’S If you think “musubi” is just another word for Spam on rice, this place will change your mind. Triangular cakes of white rice, brown rice or multigrain rice are stuffed with 30 different selections a day, depending on the chef’s whim. Also, there’s an extensive vegetarian menu. Go early; they run out of food fast! Recommended: tuna-mayo, salmon, poke bowls.

——— 1618 S. King St.; 358-0287; www.hawaiimusubi.com. Breakfast, lunch (closed Sunday; cash only). $$

MARIPOSA See People’s Choice, Page 10.

MATSUGEN Offering a wide menu of imported soba dishes (buckwheat noodles served with broth on the side) and favored by Japanese nationals, Matsugen lovers often have to wait for tables in order to enjoy cold noodles and tempura or goma (sesame) dipping sauce and bukkake udon (noodles with natto, fermented soybeans). Recommended: any noodle dish, crab salad. ——— 255 Beach Walk, Waikiki; 926-0255. Lunch, dinner. $-$$

MAX’S OF MANILA Max’s Filipino heritage dates back to postwar Quezon City and caters to lovers of its trademark fried chicken — bone in, skin on, fried and cut up. This dish and others are served in ample portions. Recommended: the chicken, of course, garlic fried rice, sini-

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | M gang (sour tamarind soup), leche flan. ——— 801 Dillingham Blvd., 599-5033; 94-300 Farrington Highway, Waipahu, 676-1504; www.maxschicken.com. Lunch, dinner. $$

MEDITERRANEO Housed in a tiny space, this somewhat quirky and slow-moving bistro serves made-to-order Italian classics (caprese and bruschetta, house pasta, gnocchi, risotto). Recommended: insalata contadina, lobster ravioli in squid ink sauce, spinach ravioli, and tiramisu. ——— 1279 S. King St.; 593-1466. Lunch (Friday only), dinner (closed Sunday). $$

MEI SUM DIM SUM RESTAURANT Now housed in a roomier space on Nuuanu Avenue (with parking around the corner), this longtime Chinatown favorite serves up dim sum via carts at lunch time — but individual orders are fresher and hotter. The menu here extends to Chinese standards such as minute chicken with cake noodle and garlic eggplant. Recommended: taro puffs, mochi rice in banana leaves, vegetarian dry mein, deep-fried soft-shell crab, shrimp

look fun and tapioca dessert. ——— 1170 Nuuanu Ave.; 531-3268. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $

MICHEL’S AT THE COLONY SURF Located oceanfront with sliding windows to bring the fresh sea air directly to diners, Michel’s offers an exquisite combination of quintessential Waikiki dining experience and fine French cuisine. The largely changeless menu, tableside service and a formal atmosphere delight regulars, who have celebrated special occasions here for 40 years. Recommended: lobster bisque, abalone, escargot, Steak Diane, cherries jubilee. ——— Colony Surf Hotel, 2895 Kalakaua Ave.; 923-6552; www.michelshawaii.com. Dinner; brunch on the first Sunday monthly. $$$$

MILLION See Critic’s Picks, Page 19.

chicken — tender boneless chicken morsels breaded in rice flour batter laced with garlic powder, and then deep-fried and dressed with sweet sauce. Just get there early (i.e. before the sun comes up) for the best selection. Recommended: besides the chicken (which can be purchased in individual pieces, in plate lunches or in catering trays), the breakfast combo with fried rice, bacon and garlic chicken. ——— 1223 N. School St.; 848-5573. Breakfast, lunch (closed Sunday-Monday; cash only). $$

MIX CAFE Can’t jump on a plane and fly to Italy for lunch? Bruno Iezzi’s Mix Cafe is the next-best option for beautiful, toothsome and seasonal light meals. The meats are full of flavor, the organic greens pristinely fresh, the bread delectable. Recommended: roast pork, steak or pork sandwiches, Italian sausage pasta. ——— 1025 Alakea St.; 532-4540; www.mymixcafe.com. Lunch (Monday-Friday). $$

MITSU-KEN Head for this School Street plate-lunch window for a varied okazuya menu and the ever-popular garlic

MOKE’S BREAD AND BREAKFAST See Critic’s Picks, Page 16, and Brunch, Page 69.

$6.99 - $7.99 Daily 9:30am - 4pm Served with Spring Roll, Steamed Rice, Salad & Drink of the day (Over 35 Healthy Lunch Choices)

FREE Delivery min. $13 within 4 miles FREE plate of Mochiko Chicken w/orders over $30 (after 4pm)

McCully St. 955-8889 1111 OPEN DAILY 9:30am-10pm HEALTHY CHINESE CUISINE • HAWAIIAN BBQ • HOT POT

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

1585 Kapiolani Blvd. #110 (parking lot on Kona St.) 941-0555 • www.angelopietro.com Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm • Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

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TO P R E STAU R ANTS | M-N MOLLY’S SMOKEHOUSE The caboose-sized smoker in the parking lot is your first clue that this is the place on Oahu for authentic, slow-cooked Southernstyle barbecue. The second? An eager crowd of Southerners from nearby military bases enjoying pulled pork, brisket and baby back ribs and brandishing handfuls of napkins. Recommended: pulled pork and brisket combo, mac and cheese, corn bread and okra sides. ——— 23 S. Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawa; 621-4858. Lunch, dinner. $$

MORIMOTO WAIKIKI Morimoto, the namesake Waikiki restaurant operated by “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto, is a fresh presence on the Honolulu dining scene, with a sunny personality

and elegant presentation. The contemporary yet comfortable vibe and careful service make all feel welcome, young hipster and corner-office veteran alike, and the dishes satisfy, though consensus has it that classic plates (duck, lobster) outclass the chef’s more abstract menu items. Recommended: small plates, including kakuni (pork belly cooked 10 hours and served with fried scallions and rice congee); ahitopped pizza; and Morimoto’s primo sushi items. ——— Modern Honolulu hotel (formerly Waikiki Edition), 1850 Ala Moana Blvd.; 943-5900; www.morimotowaikiki.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $$$$

MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE Traditional steakhouses are tailor made for special occasions,

when true to their retro roots, Men can highlight their manliness by ordering up a double porterhouse from a tuxedoed waiter. Although, in a nod to the times, you’ll also find here soy-free and gluten-free menus. Otherwise, you can feast on broiled, crisp-crusted filet mignon, bone-in ribeye and strip steak, plus an array of seafood and shellfish entrees and appetizers, from broiled sea scallops wrapped in bacon, colossal shrimp cocktail and oysters Rockefeller. Few can afford to be dinner regulars, but many flock to Morton’s Power Hour from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sundays to Fridays, when beer, wine and cocktails are specially priced, and $6 to $7 bar bites include miniature crab BLTs, filet mignon sliders, smoked salmon pizzas and blue cheese steak fries. ——— Ala Moana Center, 949-1300; www.mortons.com/honolulu. Dinner. $$$$

NANZAN GIROGIRO

See Newbies, Page 66.

NICO’S AT PIER 38 See Critic’s Choice , Page 11.

NOBU WAIKIKI

Acclaimed chef Nobu Matsuhisa drops in regularly to check on the progress of his island outlet, often preparing special menus. The rest of the time, the chefs he trained prepare his trademark “global Japanese” cuiSTAR-ADVERTISER / 2010 sine in this pricey, sleek cocktail lounge, sushi bar Oyster appetizer from and sit-down restaurant. Nobu Waikiki. Recommended: sushi, miso butterfish, selections from the sake menu. ——— Waikiki Parc Hotel, 2233 Helumoa Road; 237-6999; www.noburestaurants.com. Dinner, late night. $$$$

EL HARRO MEXICANO AIEA RESTAURANT Serving Breakfast 7:30-11am College Students, Military & Senior Citizens

10% OFF

Free Sopapilla or Flan with $25 purchase

* with valid ID. May not be combined with other offers or specials

Margarita Special . . . $500 Corona & Dos Equis . . . $475 * menu and prices subject to change

*1 coupon per table, not to be combined with other offers. Must present coupon

AIEA SHOPPING CTR. • 99-115 AIEA HEIGHTS DR. • Next To Aiea Bowl MONDAY-THURSDAY 7:30am-9pm • FRI & SAT 7:30am-10pm • SUNDAY Closed

488-9727

Restaurant Row Pioneer Plaza Now Open – Hyatt Waikiki

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H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | O www.ojiyausa.com. Lunch, dinner. $$

O OJIYA

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2007

Ola at Turtle Bay boasts beachside dining.

Serving the foods of Japan’s Niigata prefecture, as well as sushi and izakaya-style appetizers and small plates, this place is perhaps best known for introducing the islands to a Japanese bet-you-can’tguess-what-this-is bar snack: gobo chips (deep-fried burdock root). Recommended: tender, chewy Japan-made fresh noodles produced from seaweed paste, baked hanpen (surimi) with mozzarella cheese, pork loin with ginger sauce. ——— 1718 Kapiolani Blvd.; 942-3838;

OLA AT TURTLE BAY All but spilling onto the sand from a beautiful beach pavilion, Ola showcases a contemporary island menu that embodies a philosophy not just of eating, but of life — that which is rooted in the aina (land) and the kai (sea), that which is seasonal, local and harvested in an ecologically sensitive manner; that which is healthful but also pleasurable. Recommended: Kalua Pork and Goat Cheese Nachos, Hamakua Mushroom Orzo. ——— Turtle Bay Resort, 57-091 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku; 293-0801; www.olaislife.com. Lunch, dinner. $$- $$$

ONO HAWAIIAN FOODS If you ever happen to drive by and see no line outside ‘Ono Hawaiian Foods, keep driving — they’re closed. A tiny room crowded with elbow-to-elbow tables is where Waikiki visitors try to get a taste of indigenous foods. But unlike many visitor magnets, it’s also beloved by locals. Recommended: supersized laulau equipped with that all-important chunk of fat and copious luau leaf and the chunky lomi salmon. ——— 726 Kapahulu Ave.; 737-2275. Lunch, dinner (closed Sunday; cash only). $

ORCHIDS AT THE HALEKULANI See Brunch, Page 72.

OLIVE TREE CAFE See Critic’s Choice, Page 11.

OTTO CAKE See Sweet Stuff, 51.

Voted Favorite Beer Tasting by Honolulu Magazine Readers (2010) Beer tasting every Wednesday Seasonal selection of 150+ beers • Premium cocktail bar • Live music and entertainment • DJs Indoor and patio bars Happy Hour 4-8pm Monday - Saturday $3 Skyy cocktails and select beer $5 Chopin and Belvedere martinis Inquire about private parties, special events and VIP service 35 N. Hotel Street

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

www.bar35.com

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TO P R E STAU R ANTS | P

PAH KE’S CHINESE RESTAURANT

After spending time in high-end hotel kitchens, chef-owner Raymond Siu now runs this family restaurant with his chef brother and hostess wife, offering a menu of well-done Cantonese standards with surprising specials. Recommended: Raymond’s salads and desserts, plus the kau yuk with steamed bun. ——— 46-018 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe; 235-4505; www.pahke.com. Lunch, dinner. $$

PA‘INA CAFE Head to Pa‘ina Cafe for a light, lower-cal meal of bright flavors and fresh preparations. The menu focuses on unusual poke bowls and paina plates (with choice of white or brown rice, seafood and vegetarian entrees, salads and a choice of sauces and dressings). ——— Ward Warehouse; Koko Marina Center, 7192 Kalanianaole Highway, Hawaii Kai; 356-2829; painacafe.com. Lunch, dinner. $

PANYA BAKERY, BISTRO & BAR Head to Ala Moana Center for one of the most extensive menus in the mall, with a mind-boggling range of dishes from Asian tavern snacks (spring rolls and spicy wonton) to noodles (try the Malaysian-style laksa) and Vietnamese braised fish. The bakery up front specializes in Japanese-style pastries. ——— Ala Moana Center; 946-6388; www.panyabakery.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $$ STAR-ADVERTISER / 2009

The spicy ahi poke bowl from Pa‘ina Cafe.

PATISSERIE LA PALME D’OR See Sweet Stuff, Page 50.

PANCAKES & WAFFLES With no fanfare, frills or evocative moniker necessary, Pancakes & Waffles simply states what’s important. The breakfast diner at City Square (home of Sugoi and Koolau Farms) delivers on the namesake dishes while offering lots of other options. For diversity beyond eggs, waffles and pancakes, try chili and rice, sandwiches, kalbi and daily specials. ——— City Square, 1284 Kalani St.; 847-7770. Breakfast, lunch. $

PAVILION CAFE, THE Housed in a sun-splashed, sculpture-lined courtyard accessible through tall, windowed doors, Mike Nevins’ popular cafe is unchanging for good reason: Its large clientele of regulars loves the piadina or portobello sandwiches and nicoise or mahi-soba salads just the way they are, thank you. Desserts, delightfully, do change daily. ——— Honolulu Academy of Arts, 900 S. Beretania St.;

Mahalo for voting us Best Sports Bar, Happy Hour/Pupu Bar & Fried Rice K I N G S T. 949-4584 PEARL CITY 487-0091 N I U VA L L E Y 373-2731

Award Winning Cuisine and

Entertainment

ON DA’ STRIP

HOPAKA, ALA MOANA 1225 Hopaka Street • 591-0253 Dinner Everyday: 2pm-2am • Lunch Mon-Fri 10am-2pm UH Pay-Per-View Sports Package Available

614 Kapahulu Ave. • 739-3939 Hours: 3pm-12am Time subject to change for special events During Football Season - Now open on Sunday Mornings @ 6:30am (only Kapahulu) Watch ALL the NFL games here!

Valet Parking Available • Karaoke Nightly After 10pm • Full Service Catering Private Parties • WWW.SIDESTREETINN.COM 56

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Aloha Tower Marketplace | www.chefchai.com | 585.0011 H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | P 532-8734; www.honoluluacademy.org. Lunch (closed Sunday-Monday). $$

PEARL (LCC) See Critic’s Picks, Page 20.

PHO 1 VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT Keep it simple here and order beef pho (noodle soup) with its deeply flavored broth and wealth of meats, barbecue pork bun, papaya salad, bun (rice noodle) dishes and spring rolls. Service isn’t a strong point, however. ——— 1617 Kapiolani Blvd., 955-3438; 777 Kamokila Blvd., Kapolei, 674-8189. Lunch, dinner. $

PHO 808

PINEAPPLE ROOM BY ALAN WONG, THE Dinner at Alan Wong’s signature restaurant on King Street is an all-out affair requiring a reservation well in advance and a credit card with room to spare. For those who’d like to sample the Wong Way in a less intimidating fashion, there is the Pineapple Room. The menu is as distinctive as at its King Street sister, and in the hands of longtime Wong lieutenant Lance Kosaka, it has a matching reverence for island produce and favorite “local-kine” ingredients (think lup cheong). You might still want a reservation, though; it’s a busy place. Try the burger, one of the best on the island, Ochazuke Risotto topped with salmon, Kiawe-Grilled SpiceRubbed Maui Cattle Company Beef Ribeye. ——— Ala Moana Center, Macy’s third floor; 945-6573; www.alanwongs.com/pineapple-room-welcome. Breakfast (Saturday-Sunday), lunch daily, dinner (except Sunday). $$$

See Critic’s Picks, Page 20.

PIONEER SALOON PHO KITCHEN See Critics’ Picks, Page 16.

Japanese-inspired plate lunches and freshly made musubi, served up in foam containers, are the mainstays at this spot near Diamond Head. The menu lists 43 chicken, beef, pork, fish, curry and rice bowl

choices, with more daily fish specials and two vegetarian choices. Dishes can be amazingly good if you know what to order. Recommended: pork hamburger katsu, grilled miso salmon, spare ribs. ——— 3046 Monsarrat Ave.; 732-4001. Lunch, dinner (closed Monday). $

POKE STOP Chef/owner Elmer Guzman cooked at the side of the flamboyant Emeril Lagasse and Sam Choy but when it came time for him to go out on his own, Guzman went with simple, not showy. His small shop in a Waipahu strip mall focuses on poke in myriad preparations. The menu also features some New Orleans specialties that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else on the island — gumbo and po’boy sandwiches, for example. A fusion favorite: seared ahi over a bowl of fried rice made with your choice of kim chee, pipikaula or smoked meat. ——— Waipahu Town Center, 94-050 Farrington Highway, 676-8100; 95-1840 Meheula Parkway, Mililani, 626-3400; www.poke-stop.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $$

Kalihi 505 Kalihi Street 841-5303 Waimalu Waimalu Shopping Center 485-1107 Kapolei 885 Kamokila Boulevard 693-8838

Lunch Tue - Fri 11am - 2pm Dinner 7 days a week 5:30pm - 10pm

BYOB - NO CORKAGE! 1137 11th Ave. • Ph:735-1122 www.himalayankitchen.net

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

wanna manapua? www.chunwahkam.com

Ala Moana Coming December 2011 Pensacola Street at Waimanu Street

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TO P R E STAU R ANTS | P-R PRINCE COURT

RAINBOW DRIVE-IN

Head to this many-windowed room with its view of Ala Wai Yacht Harbor for dinner, where you have a choice of three fixedprice, four-course dinner menus or a seafood buffet in an East-West style. Recommended: crab hash, curries, oxtail soup with condiments. ——— Hawaii Prince Hotel, 100 Holomoana St., Waikiki; 944-4494; www.princeresortshawaii.com/hawaiiprince-court.php. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch. $$$

PYRAMIDS, THE

RICHO KOREAN CUISINE

Fans of Greek, Egyptian and Mediterranean specialties will be well-served here; a steam-table buffet is available at lunch, with wait service at dinner. Recommended: rejash (marinated lamb) and shawarma (marinated beef and lamb strips). ——— 758 Kapahulu Ave.; 737-2900. Lunch, dinner. $

Richo is part of a Japanese chain, that, like so many from the Land of the Rising Sun, is wending its way west. You have to pay for banchan, or side dishes, here. Blasphemy! It’s nice when it’s not too crowded and the staffers have the time to help you cook the pork at your table, starting with brushing the grill with oil and rosemary. But it’s definitely not a place for traditionalists who already have two or three favorite Korean restaurants. ——— 3008 Waialae Ave., Kaimuki; 734-2222; Dinner (closed Monday). $$

For 50 years, Rainbows (as it’s known among locals) just keeps on trucking, serving up local food incredibly fast — and at rock-bottom prices. Rotating daily specials have regulars coming in on certain days for roast pork with gravy, long rice with pork, barbecued ahi and other dishes with the Rainbow touch. Recommended: barbecue pork sandwiches, chili, Loco Moco. ——— 3308 Kanaina Ave., Kapahulu; 737-0177; www.rainbowdrivein.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARADVERTISER.COM

Celebrating 50 years of service, Rainbow Drive-In still makes the best plate lunches.

European Style Bakery Hearth Baked Breads, Vennoiseries, Elegant Desserts, Special Occasion Cakes, Rustic Gourmet Pizzas, Sandwiches and More!

3446 Waialae Ave.

Multigrain Breads are our Speciality.

734-2737

100% All Natural, No Added Chemicals, No Hydrogenated Oils. We only use Olive Oil, Vegetable Oil & Fresh Butter.

Hours:

988-4310

5:30pm-10:30pm (final seating 9pm)

2752 Woodlawn Dr. • Manoa Marketplace Open Tues-Saturday 7:30am-7pm / Sunday 7:30am-3pm

Tuesday - Sunday private party rooms available see website for full menu cafemirohawaii.com Saimin

Serving Hawaii for 75 Years!

Oxtail Soup

Marinated Fried Chicken

Sun-Thu 8am-10pm • Fri-Sat til 11pm Okazuya open daily from 8am

SEKIYA’S RESTAURANT & DELICATESSEN

2746 Kaimuki Ave. • Across Kaimuki H.S. www.SekiyasRestaurant.com 58

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732-1656

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | R-S ROY’S RESTAURANT See Star Circle, Page 22.

RUMFIRE See DHT Showstoppers, Page 25.

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Yes, it’s a chain restaurant, but this place is still worthy of a mention. Founder Ruth Fertel created a formula that works: butter-sizzling, flavor-rich steaks, select wine cellars, well-trained staff, side dishes you can get lost in. Recommended: any of the steaks, of course, asparagus with hollandaise, bread pudding with whiskey sauce. ——— Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., 599-3860; 226 Lewers St., Waikiki, 4407910; www.ruthschris.com. Dinner. $$$$

RYAN’S GRILL See Star Circle, Page 23.

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SAINT GERMAIN AND MEIKA PLAZA AT SHIROKIYA See Sweet Stuff, Page 51.

SALT KITCHEN & TASTING BAR

is as lively as Sansei’s collection of colorful, contemporary sushi rolls. The menu reaches far beyond sushi, though. Try the Dungeness Crab Ramen with Asian Truffle Broth or the Ginger Hoisin Smoked Duck Breast. ——— Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa, 2552 Kalakaua Ave., third floor; 931-6286; www.sanseihawaii.com. Dinner, late night. $$$

See Newbies, Page 66.

SARENTO’S AT THE TOP OF THE ILIKAI SAM CHOY’S BREAKFAST, LUNCH & CRAB A blend of family restaurant and brewpub, this large, active eatery serves up large portions of isle favorites and comfort foods, including multiple mocos. Recommended: Pork Chop Moco, Beef Stew Omelet, crab legs, short ribs. ——— 580 N. Nimitz Highway; 545-7979; www.samchoyhawaii.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner $$-$$$.

SANSEI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR D.K. Kodama brought his winning formula from Maui to Honolulu when he opened Sansei in Restaurant Row in 2000. The space was too small and too quiet for Kodama, though, and in 2004 the restaurant moved to Waikiki, where the vibe

See Publisher’s Award, Page 14.

SEOUL GARDEN YAKINIKU Bring a huge appetite and expect to spend a long, smoky evening next to the tabletop grill. Seoul Garden provides a larger-than-usual selection of banchan (free side dishes). By the time you’re ready to taste the first morsel of grilled meat, your table will be covered with bowls of kim chee, eggplant, mushroom, daikon and more that seem to arrive in an endless progression. Have a cold? Try one of the fiery soups. It’s doubtful a virus could survive that onslaught. Not to miss: the fried yellow corvina. ——— 1679 Kapiolani Blvd., Ala Moana; 944-4803. Lunch, dinner. $$

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TO P R E STAU R ANTS | S SHILLAWON

SIAM GARDEN CAFE

This popular Korean restaurant specializes in yakiniku (grill-it-yourself) meals, and the staff piles on the meats for a filling, all-you-can-eat experience. Or, keep it simple and order Korean standards. Recommended: lunchtime shabu shabu, King Kalbi, banchan (side dishes), cinnamon tea. ——— 747 Amana St.; 944-8700. Lunch, dinner. $$

Popular among Southeast Asian emigres and second-generation hipsters, this Nimitz Highway hangout features Thai and Laotian videos and karaoke along with some of the most vibrant Thai food in town. Recommended: whole fish topped with spicy chili sauce, tamarind papaya soup, meat or seafood and long beans stir-fried in ginger-chili paste (pad phrik khing). ——— 1130 N. Nimitz Highway; 523-9338; www.siamgardencafe.com. Lunch (except Sunday), dinner daily. $

SHOKUDO JAPANESE RESTAURANT & BAR You’ll find bold and unusual creations such as french fries dusted with shiso and salt, Mochi Cheese Gratin (surprisingly good), Sushi Pizza and Sukiyaki Bibimbap. Favorites: Garlic Shrimp Rice in a sizzling stone bowl, Beef Tataki Sushi, Oxtail Ramen. ——— 1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Ala Moana; 941-3701; www.shokudojapanese.com. Lunch, dinner, late night. $$

SHOR AMERICAN SEAFOOD GRILL See Newbies, Page 67.

SIDE STREET INN See DHT Showstoppers, Page 25.

SORABOL Open all day every day, this is the largest Korean restaurant in Hawaii, serving the universe of Korean foods, from kalbi to samkaetang (ginseng chicken stew). Recommended: steamed butterfish, dolsot bibimbap (egg, rice and kalbi on rice in a hot stone bowl), kalbi chim (braised beef ribs). ———

805 Keeaumoku St.; 947-3113; www.sorabolhawaii.com. Open 24 hours. $$

SOUL A lot of people were surprised when Sean Priester rolled out his lunchwagon, Soul Patrol. Once lunch crowds got a taste of his honey-topped cornbread, fried chicken and jambalaya, there came requests for him to put down some permanent roots and use more local ingredients. So, in addition to buttermilk-fried chicken and chili and crabcake po’boys, you may find a dice of daikon in his Sassy Southern Vegetarian Chili or gumbo accented with sweet potato and slices of spicy Kukui Portuguese sausage. Jambalaya and mac-andfeta-cheese with cornbread au gratin, the latter piled so high it oozes over the side of the dish, are a couple of to-die-for specialties. Sundays are made special with an all-day brunch menu with choices like crab cake Benedict, chorizo scrambled eggs and Southern-spiced sweet potato pancakes with bananas and maple butter. And keep an eye out for Soul Patrol — it’s back in action on a regular basis! ——— 3040 Waialae Ave.; 735-SOUL (7685); Lunch, dinner (closed Monday). $$

Visit Kenny’s Restaurant or Kenny’s Express for the

“BEST”LOCAL DISHES like our famous Chinese Chicken Salad, Loco Moco, BBQ Beef Tri-Tip, and Hawaiian Reef Fish (on availability)

1145c 12th Avenue Monday-Thursday 5:30–9:00 Friday & Saturday 5:30–10:00 Reservations 732.9469 www.12thavegrill.com

Kenny’s has been feeding Hawaii’s families for 45 years. Now specializing in menus for diners with special dietary requirements, and catering for those memorable events.

3605 Waialae Ave. Open Daily 5:00pm – 1:00am Happy Hour Daily 5:00pm – 6:30pm All Night Sunday

841-0931

922-3333

Kenny’s Kamehameha Shopping Center

Kenny’s Hawaiian Barbecue

‘I L I MA AWAR DS

Reservations 744-7567 Follow us on Twitter @salthonolulu

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | S SOUL DE CUBA CAFE

SPICES SOUTHEAST ASIAN CUISINE

Soul de Cuba has family pictures on the walls, and feels like a lively party with friends. Recommended: medianoche (roast pork Cuban sandwich), ropa vieja (Cuban-style pot roast), lejon asado (mojo-marinated pulled pork). Wash it all down with a potent pitcher of refreshing mojitos. ——— 1121 Bethel St.; 545-2822; www.souldecuba.com. Lunch, dinner. $$

At Spices, you don’t have to choose a single Southeast Asian cuisine; instead, you can sample creative twists on the food from a quartet of countries: ThaiSTARBUCKS land, Vietnam, Laos and Burma. Recommended: LaoSee Star Circle, Page 23. tian sausage appetizer, pork-stuffed shrimp, kaffir limeade (when available), tropical fruit and aromatic ice creams and sorbets. SUGOI BENTO & CATERING ——— It’s all about contemporary plate lunches and inter2671 S. King St.; 949-2679; www.spiceshawaii.com. Lunch esting specialties here. Recommended: Breakfast Egg (Tuesday-Friday), dinner (closed Mondays). $$ Wrap (fried rice wrapped in a meat-and-vegetableflecked omelet), Garlic Chicken, Ahi Moco, yaki choices (soba, udon or chow fun bowls). SPICY AHI & BBQ ——— See Critic’s Picks, Page 20. 1286 Kalani St.; 841-7984; www.sugoihawaii.com. Breakfast, lunch. $ STAGE

SOUVALY THAI A cut above your average neighborhood Thai restaurant in terms of ambience, Souvaly is elegant enough for a special occasion, yet not so fancy that you can’t bring your whole family. The menu also rises above, with all the Thai basics plus house specialties such as Mus sa Mun Curry, Golden Pepper Quail, Crying Tiger Salad, Lemongrass Lambchops and Ahi Rolls (summer rolls filled with strips of raw fish with avocado and rice noodles). Be sure to include one of the fish specialties in your order. ——— 803 Kamehameha Highway, Pearl City; 455-5888; Lunch, dinner. $$

Head to the Honolulu Design Center for sophisticated, contemporary Asian-American cuisine in a cutting-edge atmosphere. Recommended: seared-ahi Caesar sandwich and apple blueberry crisp at lunch, kurobuta pork chops and housemade ice creams at dinner. ——— Honolulu Design Center, 1250 Kapiolani Blvd., second

floor; 237-5429; www.stagerestauranthawaii.com. Lunch (Monday-Friday), dinner (closed Sunday). $$-$$$

SUSHI IZAKAYA GAKU See Critic’s Picks, Page 17.

SUSHI IZAKAYA SHINN See Critic’s Picks, Page 18.

5:34 a.m.

@ Honolulu Fish Auction

Italian

BYOB • DELIVERY • CATERING • Pasta • Pizza • Hot Subs • Oven Baked Pasta • Pizza Rolls • Stromboli • Calzone • Salads & More!

Kaimuki 1137 11th Ave. (11th Ave. Atrium)

the b n sty ew yoest foo le it rk d in alia haw n aii!

nicospier38.com Honolulu 2222 S. Beretania St.

737-1937

941-4400

Open Everyday 11am-10pm

Sun - Thur 11am - 9pm • Fri - Sat 11am - Midnight

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

lunch today?

What’s for

Critic’s Choice Winner

Join Us ‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | S-T SUSHI MASA Masa Nakayama can make or break the experience here. But when the sushi chef is in the right frame of mind, he’s equally funny, charming and eager to impress (though in a restrained and dignified way). Luckily, the quality of his sushi doesn’t depend on his mood; it’s always perfection, beginning with the addictive sushi rice. Recommended: smoked salmon chazuke, pickled eggplant sushi, grilled octopus tentacles. Best bet? Just let him choose. ——— Ward Centre; 593-2007. Lunch, dinner. $$$

SUSHI SASABUNE Skip this sushi restaurant if you don’t like being told what to eat and don’t have deep, deep pockets. But if your tastes are sophisticated and you’re willing to put yourself in the hands of a master, chef-owner Seiji Kumogawa is your man. Many say Sasabune was the best sushi experience of their lives. You can order off the menu but be prepared for a stern look from chef Seiji. ——— 1419 S. King St.; 947-3800. Lunch (Tuesday-Friday), dinner (closed Sunday). $$$-$$$$

SWEET HOME CAFE Reservations are a must here, but once seated, you’re in for an experience at this Taiwanese hotpot spot. Pick your broth, pick your ingredients, pick your sauce, cook your meal. (Don’t forget to burp politely.) Recommended: the spicy broth (no, maybe the curry broth), the dizzying selection of meats and veggies, the complimentary shave ice with tapioca and sweetened condensed milk. ——— 2334 S. King St.; 947-3707. Dinner. $$

‘I L I MA AWAR DS

TAI PAN DIM SUM Don’t be surprised to find a lengthy wait for a seat in this cozy, busy restaurant, a favorite of dim sum aficionados. (You may even be asked to share your table.) Open early and cheap, cheap, cheap. Recommended: gnau yok (meatballs), mochi rice with pork, carrot mochi, shrimp and chive pancakes. ——— Chinese Cultural Plaza, 100 N. Beretania St.; 599-8899. Breakfast, lunch. $

TANAKA SAIMIN It should be no surprise that in Hawaii there’s enough interest in saimin that you could build a temple to the dish in a huge space off a busy highway and expect to fill it. Tanaka Saimin was opened last year by the same family that had run Boulevard Saimin on Dillingham since the ’50s. Here you can order your saimin large or small and customize your bowl with such extras as vegetables, won ton, teri beef or tempura. Or get a specialty bowl such as the Portuguese sausage version. Tanaka also has a large menu of sandwiches and platelunch favorites. Highly recommended: the oxtail saimin. ——— 888 N. Nimitz Highway, Kalihi; 524-2020. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $$

TANGO CONTEMPORARY CAFE Chef Goran Streng’s bright, cheerful space near Ward Centre has drawn a faithful clientele captivated by his fresh Eurobistro creations. Try one of the innovative daily specials or dip into the well of favorites: duck confit, mushroom risotto, gravlax on Swedish rye bread or the deep and savory Asian Style Five-Spice Braised Beef. For a more casual taste of Streng’s fare, try his new Tango Market in Ward Centre. ——— 1288 Ala Moana Blvd. (in the Hokua complex), Kakaako; 593-7288;

STAR-ADVERTISER

A bento from Tanioka’s in Waipahu. www.tangocafehawaii.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $$-$$$

TANIOKA’S SEAFOODS & CATERING A seafood bar fused with an okazuya, this family market offers dozens of pointand-pick choices. The many oh-so-fresh poke are only the beginning. Pick out a musubi (with Spam, Goteborg Sausage from Kauai, teriyaki fish, mochiko chicken), add a piece of perfectly fried chicken, a salmon patty or a serving of corned beef hash. ——— 94-903 Farrington Highway, Waipahu; 671-3779; www.taniokas.com. Breakfast, lunch. Takeout only. $

strives for purity, serving up pure ground chuck burgers and straight-on fries, all made to order. Admittedly, they have a little fun: You can get peanut butter or grilled pineapple on your burger. And this is one of the few places you can still get a malt. ——— Koko Marina Center, 7192 Kalanianaole Highway, Hawaii Kai, 394-9100; 539 Kailua Road, 262-0820; 134 Kapahulu Ave., 9263444; 2424 S. Beretania St., Moiliili, 9490050; www.teddysbiggerburgers.com. Lunch, dinner. $-$$

TENKAIPPIN RAMEN Scott Suzui believes he has a remedy in a bowl. Over at Tenkaippin Ramen, the top seller is the kotteri ramen, with a chicken broth thickened with chicken collagen gleaned from boiling down bones and feet for hours. The result is intense chicken flavor in a broth that with noodles, made locally from a secret recipe exclusive to Tenkaippin, is thick enough to plant your chopsticks. Recommended: Kotteri ramen, assari ramen, miso ramen. ——— 617 Kapahulu Ave.; 732-1211. Lunch, dinner. $$

THAI HERB KITCHEN See Newbies, Page 67.

TAORMINA SICILIAN CUISINE Southern Italian food often gets a bad rap in the United States, but you can see what it’s all about at Taormina — and it’s not just tomato gravy. No cream sauces or butter here, just the bright, palate-teasing flavors of tomatoes, fresh herbs, garlic, fresh cheeses and fruity olive oil. Recommended: Bucatini Fresh Sardine, Sauteed Cod with Fava Bean Souffle, mushroom risotto served with foie gras. ——— 227 Lewers St., Waikiki; 926-5050; www.taorminarestaurant.com. Lunch, dinner. $$$

TED’S BAKERY See Sweet Stuff, Page 51.

TEDDY’S BIGGER BURGERS This ’50s-style, Hawaii-only chain

THELMA’S RESTAURANT This busy, no-frills, family-friendly restaurant serves up inexpensive Filipino standards with both buffet and table service. Recommended: pork adobo, squid guisantes, lechon kawali, halo halo dessert. ——— Westgate Shopping Center, 94-366 Pupupani St., Waipahu; 677-0443; www.thelmas restaurant.com. Lunch, dinner. $

TO CHAU It’s all about the broth at To Chau. This restaurant is all things pho, although they do serve a few rice and bun dishes. Customers line up outside day after day, eager for the huge portions, richly flavored broth and rock-bottom prices. ——— 1007 River St.; 533-4549. Lunch. $

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

TO P R E STAU R ANTS | U-Z TOKKURI TEI Try the “bata” dishes (sauteed in butter) or kushi yaki (broiled on skewers) or chef Hideyaki “Santa” Miyoshi’s signature Spider Poke (an award-winner involving fish, roe and a chili vinaigrette), and don’t forget the exceptional sake menu. The new, bigger location in the old Sam Choy’s hasn’t helped with the long lines, unfortunately. Recommended: noritos (battered stuffed nori) and soshitos (grilled green pepper), hamachi kama (fried fish collar), squid pancake. ——— 449 Kapahulu Ave.; 732-6480. Lunch (Monday-Friday), dinner. $$

TONKATSU GINZA BAIRIN WAIKIKI Don’t bother talking about tonkatsu until you’ve found this tucked-away outpost of a Tokyo restaurant famed for its way with breaded pork cutlets. Forget the greasy, dry, stringy versions you may have tried; the kurobuta center-cut loin here is so tender you can cut it with a chopstick. Recommended: besides the tonkatsu, the scallopinelike sauteed ginger pork cutlet. ——— Outrigger Regency on Beachwalk, 255 Beach Walk (street level rear of hotel); 926-8082. Lunch, dinner daily; late night (Friday-Saturday). $$$

U-Z UNCLE CLAY’S HOUSE OF PURE ALOHA See Sweet Stuff, Page 49.

V-LOUNGE See Critic’s Picks, Page 16.

VINO ITALIAN TAPAS AND WINE BAR

See Critic’s Picks, Page 17.

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL WAIKIKI BEACH WALK See Brunch, Page 70.

TSUKUNEYA ROBATA GRILL The only izakaya of its type on Oahu, Tsukuneya is a Nagoya-style pub specializing in skewered, grilled and fired foods cooked over superhot white charcoal that imparts a slightly smoky flavor without harshness. Recommended: tsukune, deep-fried chicken in miso sauce. ——— 1442 University Ave.; 943-0390; www.tsu kuneyarobatagrill.com. Dinner. $-$$ H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

Anita Vicente is part of the devoted staff of Wailana Coffee House.

See Critic’s Picks, Page 17.

WAHOO’S FISH TACO Whether you’re coming from a surf session at the beach or stopping by for a business lunch, Wahoo’s Fish Taco caters to everyone. The California-based chain delights the appetites of diners with its “California-Mex” cuisine. ——— 940 Auahi St., Ward, 591-1646; 4614 Kilauea Ave., Kahala, 732-9229; www.wahoos.com. Breakfast (SaturdaySunday, Kahala only), lunch, dinner. $-$$

WAILANA COFFEE HOUSE TOWN

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2009

The Wailana still offers those complete dinner meals (soup or salad, entree, vegetable, starch and something like Jell-O or sherbet for dessert), and you can order a French dip from a waitress who’s probably been on the job longer than you’ve been alive. Serving breakfast all day with big portions and small prices, this spot is popular among the late-night crowd and those looking for a reminder of the Waikiki of yesteryear. Recommended: all-you-can-eat pancakes or French toast with coconut syrup, chicken cutlet. ——— 1860 Ala Moana Blvd.; 955-1764. Open 24 hours. $

WHOLE FOODS MARKET Walk around the self-serve area at

least a couple of times before you start filling up your takeout container. Choose carefully; there’s only so much a person can eat. The variety here is immense and international, Thai noodles to tabbouli. Or get in line for a fresh-made pizza or bowl of noodles and dine on the outdoor tables. ———— Kahala Mall; 738-0820; www.wholefoodsmarket.com/storesbeta/ honolulu. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $-$$

WILLOWS, THE Situated on an acre of lush gardens and koi ponds, with seating in “floating” pavilions and daily old-style Hawaiian buffets at lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, the Willows is definitely one of a kind. Recommended: chicken and shrimp curry, suckling pig (Fridays and Saturdays only), coconut bread pudding and fried haupia. ——— 901 Hausten St.; 952-9200; www.willowshawaii.com. Lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch. $$

WOLFGANG’S STEAKHOUSE Wolfgang Zweiner, a Peter Luger protege, infuses his German heritage into the traditional American steakhouse model here, serving up a neoclassic dining experience to locals and tourists alike. Recommended: sizzling Canadian bacon appetizer, dry-aged porterhouse

steak, house steak sauce. ——— Royal Hawaiian Center, third floor, 2301 Kalakaua Ave.; 922-3600; www.wolfgangs steakhouse.net. Lunch, dinner. $$$$

YANAGI SUSHI Expect everything possible in a Japanese restaurant: tatami rooms, a sushi bar, kaiseki dinners, donburi bowls, nabemono (hotpot), izakaya-style small plates, tempura and yakitori — and latenight hours, too. Recommended: pristine fresh sashimi and classic as well as contemporary sushi, late-night snack specials. ——— 762 Kapiolani Blvd.; 597-1525; www.yanagisushi-hawaii.com. Lunch, dinner daily; late night (except Sunday). $$

YOGURSTORY See People’s Choice, Page 10 and Brunch, Page 71.

ZARATEZ MEXICATESSEN See Critic’s Picks, Page 16.

ZIPPY’S See Star Circle, Page 23.

ZPIZZA See Critic’s Picks, Page 19. ‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

TH E N EWB I E S The best of Oahu’s newest restaurants, as reviewed by Nadine Kam, whose “Weekly Eater” column runs Wednesdays in the Today section of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. For full reviews, go to staradvertiser.com.

‘AMA ‘AMA The opening of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, brings a couple of more dining options to the Leeward coast, which is great news for west siders looking for another weekend or specialoccasion spot. This open-air restaurant opens to the Pacific, with one thing few Oahu restaurants can boast: an unobstructed view of the sunset. ‘Ama ‘Ama is named after the mullet, paying tribute to Leeward coast fishing settlements dating back to the 12th century. Toward raising awareness of this history and ancient practices, the resort is doing its part for sustainability, offering the day's sustainable catch at ‘Ama‘Ama and through its Makahiki — The Bounty of the Islands buffet restaurant. Servers are happy to talk at length about any of the offerings, eager to share island culture with visitors. Lunch at ‘Ama ‘Ama is straightforward, with starters, sandwiches and salads emphasizing island produce. It’s also a less pricey way to enjoy the resort ambience. Quality is high throughout, but to meet price expectations, there are more things on the plate than necessary. ——— Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, 674-6200. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $$$$

‘Ama ‘Ama restaurant in Disney’s Aulani Resort, above, brings some new dining options to Ko Olina. At right, Broadway Seafood & Oyster Bar offers a range of oysters from different locations, at left. They can be prepared in different ways including broiled in the shell, deepfried or served raw on ice.

BROADWAY SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR

PHOTOS BY FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARADVERTISER.COM

‘I L I MA AWAR DS

Broadway Seafood & Oyster Bar has created a niche of its own as Honolulu’s only dedicated oyster bar. Though limited in scale, the Japanese-run restaurant does make it easy to enjoy a range of oysters in side-by-side taste comparisons. If you couldn’t taste the difference between a Kumamoto or Pacific oyster before, you'll come away with a palate-educating experience with three to four different oysters offered daily. If you prefer your oysters cooked, they can be deep-fried, broiled on the half shell gratin-style or served Rockefeller style with a creamy blend of minced spinach, onion, butter and cheese. The Vampire Killer appetizer is presented like escargot, the snail replaced by whole cloves of roasted garlic encrusted in butter and bread crumbs. Other options include Japanese-style fried oyster curry and a handful of pastas. ——— 903 Keeaumoku St.; 946-1888. Lunch (weekdays), dinner, late night (daily). $$ H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

TH E N EWB I E S GRYLT GRYLT is the commercial equivalent of the backyard grill where greens are served fresh or simply grilled, and chicken, steak, kalbi and fresh-caught ahi also come straight off the grill, all within sight of diners. Ordering involves a build-your-own-plate format: Make your bed with a choice of brown or white rice, whipped potatoes or mashed cauliflower, choose your salad and protein, then finish with one of four homemade sauces. Salads and sandwiches are other options. The braised kalbi sandwich is on its way to becoming a local classic, the sweet, tender beef topped with Asian slaw, kim chee, mint, basil and cilantro. ——— Manoa Marketplace, 2764 Woodlawn Ave., 988-7832; Waikiki Shopping Plaza, 2250 Kalakaua Ave., 924-7958; www.grylt.com. Lunch, dinner. $

IL LUPINO TRATTORIA & WINE BAR An in-house salumeria is one of the attractions of Il Lupino’s menu. Take your pick of one, three or five cured meat options from a menu featuring prosciutto, speck, mortadella, head cheese or two types of salami imported from five regions of Italy. The room is simply appointed with a chic city vibe emanating from clientele that comprises locals and visitors. The menu starts with all manner of antipasti and salads. Four kinds of pizza — four cheese, mushrooms and spinach, zucchini and eggplant, or Margherita — await casual diners. For more formal occasions, there is a full range of pastas, seafood, veal, osso buco and steak options at Waikiki prices, if you know what I mean. Other stars of the menu are humble contorni, or side dishes of spinach sauteed with oil and lemon, red and yellow roasted beets sprinkled with gorgonzola, broccolini sauteed with garlic and chili, and a mashed potato puree with mozzarella, Parmesan and olive oil. ——— Royal Hawaiian Center, ground floor, 2233 Kalakaua Ave.; 922-3400; www.illupino.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $$$-$$$$

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM

Patrons at Il Lupino Trattoria and Wine Bar in the Royal Hawaiian Center can enjoy the chic city vibe paired with an eclectic Italian menu of antipasti, salads, pizzas and pastas.

BRUCE ASATO / BASATO@STARADVERTISER.COM

JINROKU TEPPAN GRILL & BAR The first wave of teppanyaki restaurants in the United States focused on steak and seafood, but these days, the grill has been taken over by okonomiyaki, alternately described as a Japanese-style omelet, pancake or pizza, with all the “toppings” that entails. You might head to Jinroku specifically for its specialty okonomiyaki, but you’re going to have to start elsewhere on the menu because the pancakes take 20 to 25 minutes to cook through. It’s best to enjoy this restaurant as a threesome or foursome, allowing you to share a variety of dishes. Okonomiyaki roughly translates to “what you like H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

Jinroku Teppan Grill & Bar’s specialty is okonomiyaki with a mixed bag of filling options. At left, GRYLT offers build-your-own-plate lunches. CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM

grilled,” and true to its name, just about anything goes here. You can get your pizza with a single ingredient like pork, beef, shrimp, curried potato or a combination of ingredients. The deluxe pizza tama with vegetables, potato, bacon, cheese, squid, shrimp and scallop with the bright flavor of slivered red ginger is one of the most popular offerings.

Teppanyaki steak or seafood dishes might follow. The Jinroku Combination is a beautiful array of prime steak, mixed seafood and grilled vegetables. ——— 2427 Kuhio Ave., Waikiki; 926-8955. Lunch, dinner. $$$-$$$$ ‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

TH E N EWB I E S NANZAN GIROGIRO I tend to think of the fine-dining experience as theater, and nowhere is this more obvious than at Nanzan GiroGiro. To dine here is to surrender to the chef and the moment. There is no food menu to peruse. In fact, the staff would rather not share the menu with you in advance, lest it spoil the surprise that accompanies any dramatic production. The meal starts with set “show times” with first seatings at 6 or 6:30 p.m. and second seatings at 8 or 8:30 p.m. Diners are seated around a large cooking and service station for the seasonal kaiseki meal, so you can watch the prep when you're not absorbed in the beauty and artistry of the dish before you. A small gallery in the restaurant pays homage to Kyoto-based ceramist Nanzan, who created all the ceramic ware used in the restaurant. Many of the sake cups and dishes feature the little man, “ikan jin, or man of leisure, hanging onto the rims as a reminder to relax and hang out for a while. Menus change monthly, at about $50 to $60 per person for a seven-course meal embracing all manner of vegetables, broth, fish and meat in roughly tea cup-size portions. ——— 560 Pensacola St.; 524-0141. Dinner (closed TuesdayWednesday). $$$$

NADINE KAM / NKAM@STARADVERTISER.COM

Patrons surrender their palates to the chefs at Nanzan GiroGiro with their multiple-course meals.

SALT KITCHEN AND TASTING BAR With its breezy tapas-style approach to food and drink, Kevin Hanney’s new project has been a game changer, liberating patrons from the traditional formal restaurant format while continuing to offer a varied and elegant menu. This is a house built around the small plate, appealing to the most adventurous diner whose inquisitive nature isn't served by the idea of settling for one big entree. Here, you might pick up three or four quick bites one night, then come back the next for more. Although not Spanish per se, little hints of Spain do appear in a tasting menu of appetizer-size salads, savory albondigas, pork-stuffed calamari and other seafood selections that burst with wide-ranging textures and flavors. Highlighting the menu are cheese and house charcuterie platters. A house platter features local Shinsato pork and/or grass-fed beef in various forms. Offerings might include coppa, offal terrine, deep-fried head cheese, fennel salame and maple-chicken pâté. An imported charcuterie might include “tamer” selections such as mortadella and prosciutto. Sandwiches and thick Maui Cattle Co. burgers round out the menu. They also serve a credible crisp softshell crab po' boy, topped with smoked ham hockmizuna salad and light Old Bay aioli. Yum! ——— 3605 Waialae Ave., Kaimuki; 744-7567. Dinner, late night. $$ 66

‘I L I MA AWAR DS

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARADVERTISER.COM

SALT Kitchen and Tasting Bar, left, is small with a modern style. The decor’s flavor and color mirror the restaurant’s dishes, such as the softshell crab po’ boy, above. H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

TH E N EWB I E S SHOR AMERICAN SEAFOOD GRILL

THAI HERB KITCHEN

SHOR Grill brings some of the most popular trends in seafood to the table, chief among them sustainability. Only fish and shellfish approved by Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program is served. Luckily, that still leaves plenty of options. Breakfast covers all the basics, but with a SHOR Benedict of blue crab and spinach, and seafood omelet of shrimp, blue crab and Surfing Goat cheese with mornay sauce among the selections. Lunch sees a variety of seafood and burger choices, including the blue crab burger that brings both together. At night, a Seafood Tower features an eye-catching array of lobster, oysters, abalone, mussels, shrimp, poke and king crab. And one of the best dishes here is a Mussel Pot of two dozen mussels in a garlic-citrus broth with a splash of vermouth. For entrees of fish and steak, diners get to play chef in mixing and matching seasonings with sauces, ranging from wasabi salt, passion fruit chili powder, tropical salsa sauce or spicy mango BBQ sauce. As for sides, there's nothing more popular these days than truffled mac 'n' cheese, this one boasting eight cheeses. (They try not to talk about the secret ninth, Velveeta, which adds a bright tang to the dish.) ——— Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, 2424 Kalakaua Ave.; 923-1234 ext. 59; www.waikiki.hyatt.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $$$-$$$$

Within regional communities there are certain culinary peculiarities and expectations. Restaurateurs who go against the grain run the risk of being misunderstood so food tends to develop a generic quality. That’s not the case with Thai Herb Kitchen, which made me feel as if I’d stepped on a plane and landed somewhere else. This restaurant originated in Japan, with an owner who became enamored of Thai cuisine during a trip to Thailand. He shares the dishes of Isaan in northeastern Thailand, noted for combinations of spicy, sour and bitter flavors. This is probably not the place for newcomers to Thai cuisine. The food here is more potent, more intense and spicy than elsewhere, testing one’s comfort level with lemongrass, chilies, kaffir lime leaves and fish sauce. On the sweeter, mellower side, there’s slow-cooked gai yang, or barbecue chicken, a coriander-spiked version of teriyaki barbecue chicken. And sour and spicy pork is the restaurant’s equivalent to garlicky, vinegary pork adobo. It’s also the only place in Hawaii where I’ve seen a dessert of custard served in a kabocha bowl. ——— 740 Kapahulu Ave.; 735-7878. Lunch, dinner (closed Sundays). $$

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARADVERTISER.COM

SHOR American Seafood Grill’s Seafood Tower — like all dishes on the menu — consists only of items approved by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch.

A Family Tradition Since 1963

N. KIN RD. GS ILO T. ER’S KAM DIN E IN IA W A IV E W N THE OLD DR

SAIMIN HOUSE

DILLIN GHAM

. U ST KOHO

1311 NORTH KING STREET

(Formerly next to Tamashiro Market)

842-7697

www.theoldsaiminhouse.com Lunch: Tues-Sat 11am-2pm Dinner: Tues/Wed/Thur 5-10pm • Fri/Sat 6-11pm

o♥ l a h Ma

Leeward Community College Open for lunch on Wednesdays through Fridays during the Fall and Spring semesters. For reservations, please call 455-0475

“Life is Good at the Top” 808 955-5559 www.tristarrestaurants.com

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BRUNCH

Some of the best places on Oahu to have brunch

A good morning meal brightens any day By Jason Genegabus jason@staradvertiser.com

ne of the great pleasures in life has to be the Lazy Sunday — the day of rest typically reserved for football in the mornings, baseball in the afternoons and family hibachi/kanikapila sessions all day long. But no matter what you’re up to, we all have to eat. And nothing goes hand in hand with a Lazy Sunday better than brunch. The brunch concept appears to be undergoing a renaissance in Honolulu, but the meal itself has been a favorite of local families for generations, and a vital source of business for restaurants all over the island.

JOE GUINTO / JGUINTO@STARADVERTISER.COM

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2009

Whether it be the legendary pancakes with macadamia nut sauce from Boots & Kimo’s, left, or Guava Chiffon Pancakes at Cinnamon’s Restaurant, you can’t go wrong having brunch in Kailua.

KAILUA: THE UNDISPUTED CHAMP There’s no mistaking that Kailua is the top destination on Oahu for brunch. Maybe it’s the detached, laidback atmosphere, or maybe it’s all the mainland transplants who want a taste of home (wherever that might be). Whatever the root cause, brunch and Kailua go together like pancakes and macadamia nut syrup.

BOOTS & KIMO’S HOMESTYLE KITCHEN Lines are common here — no matter if it’s 8 a.m. on a Saturday or 1 p.m. on a Tuesday. If you can put up with the crowds, you’ll be handsomely rewarded 68

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with generous plates of comfort food. Lots of items are described on the menu as “onolicious,” and they’re right: The Onolicious Fried Rice ($9.95) is a winner, and the legendary Onolicious Pancakes with Kimo’s famous Macadamia Nut Sauce ($7.59) is a dish known ’round the world. ——— 151 Hekili St., 263-7929; 7 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays, 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. weekends. $

CINNAMON’S RESTAURANT The granddaddy of the Kailua brunch scene, Cinnamon’s has been in operation since 1985. While a full

breakfast menu is served all day, a lunch menu is available after 11 a.m. daily except Sundays. Nearly a dozen sandwiches, from a Reuben or Pastrami ($9.25 each) to a Chicken Cashew Sandwich ($10.25) or Roast Beef Dip ($10.25), are available in addition to classic plates like Baked Spaghetti ($9.25), Meat Loaf ($10.25) or the Hawaiian Plate ($12.25). Still, if you’re going to do brunch here, be sure to try the Guava Chiffon Pancakes ($6.25 short stack, $9.25 full order) or one of seven different types of eggs Benedict on the menu. ——— 315 Uluniu St., 261-8724; www.cinnamonsrestaurant.com; 7 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. $-$$ H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

BRUNCH MOKE’S BREAD & BREAKFAST This unassuming space is perfect for those who don’t want to deal with crowds. With just a handful of tables, Moke’s can get pretty crowded in its own right on the weekends, but visit during the week and you’re almost guaranteed a leisurely meal on a (relatively) quiet side street compared with the scene outside Boots & Kimo’s. More than a half-dozen types of omelets are available. The Vegetable Frittata with Seasonal Veggies ($10.95) is a viable option for those trying to eat healthy. On a recent visit we ordered the Moke Nui Omelet ($10.50) and weren’t disappointed. Made with three eggs and a blend of bacon, ham, vegetables and two cheeses, it went well with Moke’s homemade hash browns and a cup of coffee while sitting under an umbrella outside. A recent addition to the menu is a full complement of sandwiches. The Old Fashioned

Reuben and Smoke Ahi Melt ($9.95 each) are reason enough to visit. ——— 27 Hoolai St., 261-5565; www.mokeskailua.wordpress .com; 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. daily (closed Tuesdays). $$

CREPES NO KA ‘OI If you think “sweet and syrupy” when the word “crepes” is mentioned, you’re right — one of the best ways to enjoy a hot crepe is with some chocolate sauce and a bit of whipped cream. That’s exactly what owners Chris and Rosario “Kakay” Tarvyd serve up at Crepes No Ka ‘Oi. Whatever preconceived notion you have about the French-style brunch food, it’s on the menu here. Want breakfast? Go for the Ultimate Breakfast Crepe ($9.95), stuffed full of potatoes, bacon, onions, rosemary and a poached egg, all smothered in hollandaise.

Take the savory route and you won’t be disappointed, either. From a quesadilla-esque Say Cheese ($5.50) crepe to a Killer Pizza ($8.95) and Popeye’s Power ($7.95), made with spinach and turkey or ham, there are plenty of more substantial items on the menu. And let’s not forget the dessert crepes — about a dozen choices are on the menu, but I don’t think I’ll be moving past the S’Mores ($7) crepe any time soon. Made with graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate syrup and whipped cream, this thing was heaven on a plate when it arrived hot and fresh at our table. A variety of loose-leaf teas are available, and customers can dine in or take out until well after dark during the week — perfect for a midweek brunch getaway. ——— 131 Hekili St., 263-4088; www.crepesnokaoi.com; 7 a.m.8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays; 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays (closed Tuesdays). $

PHOTOS BY JASON GENEGABUS / JGENEGABUS@STARADVERTISER.COM

Crepes No Ka ‘Oi serves up the standard sweet crepes or savory with menu items like its Killer Pizza, pictured above, or the Ultimate Breakfast Crepe. At left, Moke’s Bread & Breakfast serves up brunch options like the Moke nui omelet or a healthy alternative like the Vegetable Fritata with seasonal veggies.

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BRUNCH

JASON GENEGABUS / JGENEGABUS@STARADVERTISER.COM

Have brunch with your cocktails and wine at Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk.

THE NEWCOMERS Most people think about what they’d like to eat when the topic of brunch comes up: What kind of omelet? Pancakes or waffles? Rice or hash browns? For others the meal that blends breakfast and lunch also blurs the line that separates how early is “too early” to drink some liquor. While most restaurants that serve brunch are also able to serve liquor, not all brunches are the type where you’d want to get sauced while enjoying your eggs Benedict. It takes a certain atmosphere, menu and restaurant management mentality to make brunch cool for those in their 20s and 30s who need that “hair of the dog” after a long evening of partying. These newer options are for those 70

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who want to keep the party going on a Sunday afternoon. This ain’t your parents’ brunch — it’s more like Brunch 2.0.

TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL WAIKIKI BEACH WALK The Trump International is another one of those new Waikiki hotels that hope to attract Honolulu’s young professionals with a mix of stunning scenery, tasty food and plenty of alcohol. The Wai‘olu Lounge is on the sixth floor, with indoor and outdoor seating and great views of the Pacific Ocean just beyond Fort DeRussy. Sure, it’s a lobby bar, but Wai‘olu was conceived to take advantage of natural breezes while providing plenty of room for guests to relax in semipri-

vacy. Couches are set up as little enclaves along the Ewa side of the room, with a long bar on the opposite side to provide even more seating. The best part? You don’t have to think about what to order here — just pay $37 (mimosas included) or drink your brunch off the cocktail menu. The bar’s Mai Tai, Yellow Ilima and Red Ohia ($14 each) are all winners, and more than a half-dozen wines and champagnes are available by the glass ($13-$63). Valet parking is free at the Trump International, so don’t sweat having to look for parking on that end of Waikiki. They got you. ——— 223 Saratoga Road, 683-7777, www.trumpwaikikihotel.com; brunch served 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. every first Sunday. $$$$ H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

BRUNCH YOGURSTORY The multistory restaurant next to Korean landmark eatery Sorabol is quirky yet cool. Tables are spaced out enough so you don’t feel like you’re infringing on the personal space of diners seated next to you. It can get kind of loud when it’s crowded, but that can be a good thing if you’re looking for a spot that’s not too fancy yet serves up fancy-looking food. Brunch is an adventure at Yogurstory, with menu items like the Fat Pig Fried Rice ($9.95) and the West Hollywood Waffle ($9.95) capturing your interest both for their names and how good they taste. The Cobb Omelette ($9.75) is another adventure, taking the chicken, bacon, bleu cheese and avocado from the salad version and combining them with eggs and herbed potatoes. And the Santa Monica Benedict ($10.95), served with spinach, asparagus and ham on bolillo bread with garlic basil hollandaise, is another dish you’ve got to try. All dishes are available throughout the day. With five varieties of waffles, multiple breakfast dishes and a full complement of sandwiches and salads, Yogurstory is a great pick for those weeks when you can’t wait until Sunday for brunch. ——— 815 Keeaumoku St., 942-0505; brunch served daily from 8 a.m. $-$$

FRESH CAFÉ Fresh Café has been a favorite of the college crowd and underground art/performance scenes since it opened in 2009. Owner Tiffany Tanaka just recently added breakfast items but the menu gets elevated to brunch-worthy status when you add the words “served all day.” Show up at 5 p.m. and you can still get an order of Frenchy Fresh French Toast ($6.95) or Petit Green Tea Belgian Malted Waffles ($7.95). Other new breakfast items include a Fresh Bowl of Cereal ($4.50), Fresh Parfait ($5.95) and Ham & Mushroom Carmelized Frittata ($8.95). Along with the food, a full complement of coffee and bagels is on the menu at Fresh Café, and you can finish brunch with an acai bowl or a cookie before heading out. While parking can be an issue here at times, take it as a sign of support from the community — if it’s a little difficult to get there, it must be because lots of folks are supporting this local business. One other minor point: Fresh Café doesn’t have a liquor license, as of this writing, so don’t expect to find any mimosas on the menu. That doesn’t mean you can’t drink, however, as the staff will usually let you BYOB as long as you’re not getting obnoxious and bothering other guests. ——— 831 Queen St.; 688-8055; www.freshcafehi.com. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night (except Sundays, when it’s lunch and dinner only). $ H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2011

Yogurstory serves up breakfast with a modern feel with dishes like the Eggs La Jolla, above: bolillo bread filled with potatoes, spinach, cream sauce and asparagus with a choice of meat topped with eggs. At left, the Fresh Fritatta from Fresh Cafe is made with caramelized onion, goat cheese, ham, mushrooms, roast potatoes and garlic bits.

BETTY SHIMABUKURO / BSHIMABUKURO@STARADVERTISER.COM

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BRUNCH LONGTIME LOCAL FAVES These brunch options aren’t groundbreaking, but what they do provide is a consistent, quality meal that satisfies your need to eat breakfast fare at lunch time. And while the food is important, all five of these places also score points for location — whether right on the beach, right around the corner in your neighborhood or in a well-known location on the Leeward side of Oahu.

ORCHIDS AT THE HALEKULANI Dining in Waikiki doesn’t get much better than Orchids at the Halekulani. Generations of kamaaina families go there every week for the restaurant’s famed Sunday brunch buffet — so many, in fact, that reservations are recommended three to four weeks in advance. Maybe it’s the sweeping views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean just off Waikiki. Maybe it’s the impeccable service, a staple of the Halekulani experience. Or, maybe it’s just all the food. You’ve got to pony up $62 for Sunday brunch at Orchids, but it really is worth every last penny. Tables and tables of American and Asian brunch fare are up for grabs, everything from sushi and sashimi to prime rib and made-to-order omelets. While other brunch menus can get a little crazy with experimentation, Orchids is like that grandparent you’re comfortable with and used to having in your life. Brunch here might not be hip or trendy, but you can count on Orchids to be there for you when you need a four-star meal with million-dollar views. ——— 2199 Kalia Road, 923-2311; www.halekulani.com/dining/orchids; brunch served 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sundays. $$$$

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BRUNCH HAU TREE LANAI

JOE GUINTO / JGUINTO@STARADVERTISER.COM

Located at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki, the Hau Tree Lanai, above, fills up quickly for brunch, so make a reservation and arrive early. Dim sum for brunch is common in the islands, and one of the best places is Happy Days Seafood, right.

HAPPY DAYS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2009

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The New Otani Kaimana Beach hotel is at the quiet end of Waikiki. Just inside the lobby is the entrance to the Hau Tree Lanai, one of the few restaurants in town that is literally on the beach in Waikiki. There’s nothing quite like posting up here on a Sunday afternoon under the shade of the namesake tree, swatting falling leaves away from your mimosa and gazing at beachgoers in swimsuits just a few feet from your table. And that’s the hook for brunch at the Hau Tree Lanai, since breakfast items are limited in the afternoons and the restaurant actually closes its doors between breakfast and lunch service. Want to visit for Sunday brunch? Be sure to go to there before 10:45 a.m. or after noon, otherwise you’ll be turned away and told to come back for lunch. Don’t sweat it, though, because many of the best breakfast items are still on the menu for lunch. The traditional Kaimana Benedict ($14) is the standard fare, while the Garden Benedict ($14) takes a vegetarian route with fresh tomatoes, spinach, sweet onions and poached eggs atop English muffins and smothered in hollandaise sauce. Other options include a Salmon Benedict Florentine ($16) and a Crab Cake Benedict ($16). A Loco Moco ($16) is also on the menu. Another bonus? While reservations are probably a good idea, I’ve never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a table, and parking is always easy with both valets at the hotel and meters at Kapiolani Park. ——— 2863 Kalakaua Ave., 921-7066; www.kaimana.com/hautreelanai; limited brunch menu served until 2 p.m. daily. $$

Lots of local people pick dim sum as their brunch meal of choice for a couple of reasons. First, Chinese restaurants tend to serve dim sum all day long, making it perfect for the brunch set. Second, dim sum promotes small bites and trying new things. Dim sum fans will probably already have their favorites in mind when the carts get pushed through the aisles, but others enjoy the interaction with servers and the surprise in discovering a new favorite in those bamboo steamers stacked high in front of you. Just smile and tell the hostess you want to eat dim sum, and within seconds you’ll be at a table with hot tea being poured while you wait for the cart. All the favorites are on the dim sum menu here: Siu Mai ($2.45), Half Moon dim sum ($2.45) and Seaweed Shrimp Roll ($2.70). I’m also a fan of the Beef Look Fun ($2.70) and Shrimp Look Fun ($3.10), which are prepared with plenty of the featured protein and not too much filler, as is sometimes the case elsewhere in town. With affordable prices and plentiful parking, Happy Days is one of those spots that’s a good alternative to traditional brunch fare. ——— 3553 Waialae Ave., Kaimuki, 738-8666; open daily. $ ‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

BRUNCH ANNA MILLER’S A lot of people think pie when you mention Anna Miller’s, or they’ll start to tell you a story about their drunken adventures eating breakfast there at 4 a.m. after hitting up nightclubs in town. That 24-hour breakfast option is what makes Anna’s a great pick for brunch no matter the time of day or day of the week. Want to go for waffles at 4 p.m. on a Wednesday? You can do that here. Feel like eating a fat steak for brunch? You can do that, too. My longtime go-to dish is the Farmer’s Breakfast ($9.79), with two eggs and two pancakes and a choice of meat and side dish. Another favorite is the Sausage Sampler ($9.49) with its mix of Portuguese, Scottish, turkey and pork link sausages served with three eggs to order. Of course, Eggs Benedict ($9.99) is another brunch staple, but keep in mind it’s served only from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. And if you can’t get to Anna’s in time for that, try a Breakfast Scramble ($9.29) instead, made with three eggs, sauteed onions and a choice of pastrami, Portuguese sausage and Spam or smoked salmon. Another cool feature at Anna Miller’s is all the different types of sandwiches available at any time. The Club House ($9.79), for example, can be ordered one of eight different ways. You can also get a Meatloaf ($8.99), Hot Turkey ($9.79) or Roast Beef ($9.79), Hot Pastrami ($9.79) or Grilled Chicken ($8.79) sandwich, and don’t forget the Melts ($9.49) with six different options of meat to go inside grilled rye bread. ——— 98-115 Kaonohi St., 487-2421; open 24 hours, www.annamillersrestaurant.com. $

STAR-ADVERTISER / 2004

The Leeward mainstay Anna Miller’s still serves up breakfast at any time, making it the perfect place for brunch, with classics like its Farmer’s Breakfast.

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H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

F O O D EVE NTS CALE N DAR

Food events from October 2011 through September 2012

2011

wines and entertainment. Visit www.mauifilmfestival.com. Kapalua Food & Wine Festival, featuring top winemakers, master sommeliers, celebrated chefs and industry insiders. Includes a Grand Tasting and the Kapalua Seafood Festival. Visit www.kapalua.com.

OCTOBER Oct. 9: Sixth annual Hawaii Fishing and Seafood Festival, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Pier 38. More than 100 vendors, tours of the fish auction and fishing demonstrations. Visit www.hawaiifishingfestival.com. Oct. 15: Kona Chocolate Festival. Hawaii island chefs concoct innovative chocolate creations from 6 to 10 p.m., Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. Visit www.konachocolatefestival.com.

JULY Mangoes at the Moana, a popular event at the Moana Surfrider in Waikiki celebrates with a “mango throwdown,” recipe contest and chef demonstrations. Visit www.mangoesatthemoana.com. Lanai Pineapple Festival, celebrating the island’s pineapple plantation heritage at Dole Park with fun activities, entertainment and plenty of food featuring the tangy fruit.

NOVEMBER Nov. 4-13: 41st annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, includes parade and cupping competition. Visit www.konacoffeefest.com. Nov. 13: Garden Island Range & Food Festival, with a bounty of locally produced agricultural products, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Kilohana Luau. Call 634-5352 or visit www.kauaifoodfestival.com. Nov. 14-20: Restaurant Week Hawaii, a weeklong celebration in which a long list of restaurants feature special menu items, promotions and discounts, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Diamond Head. Visit www.restaurantweekhawaii. com.

DECEMBER Dec. 20-21: Breakfast with Santa, 8-10 a.m., Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. Breakfast buffet plus a free photo with Santa, balloon art and face painting. Call 924-4990.

2012 JANUARY Jan. 28: Robert Burns Dinner, hosted by Caledonian Society of Hawaii, this family-style dinner at Oahu Country Club includes Scottish classics like haggis and is held every year in honor of the national poet of Scotland. Visit www.scotsinhawaii.org.

FEBRUARY Feb. 14: Valentine's Day specials: Check your favorite restaurant. Feb. 25: Hawaii Chocolate Festival, noon-5 p.m., Dole Cannery. Visit www.hawaiichocolatefestival.com.

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AUGUST-SEPTEMBER STAR-ADVERTISER / 2006

The many festivals scheduled through the year include the Sixth Annual Hawaii Fishing and Seafood Festival Oct. 9 at Pier 38.

APRIL

MAY

April 7: Maui County Agricultural Festival, sponsored by the Maui County Farm Bureau along with the farmers, ranchers and agricultural allies who grow, distribute and cook our food. Featuring a farmers market, food booths, entertainment and lots of talk-story, at Maui Tropical Plantation, Waikapu. April 13-15: Kahala Hotel & Resort’s Spring Wine & Food Classic, with themed culinary weekends featuring globally renowned chefs and winemakers, gala dinners, cooking classes, wine tastings and cigar seminars. Call 7398888 or visit www.kahalaresort.com. April 21-22: East Maui Taro Festival at Hana Ballpark, with farmers market, poi pounding, cultural activities, food and craft booths, a taro pancake breakfast, field trips. Visit www.tarofestival.org. April 22: A Taste of Kailua at the I Love Kailua Town Party, where you can sample food from Kailua’s best restaurants and support the Lani-Kailua Outdoor Circle. April 28: Waikiki Spam Jam, celebrating Hawaii's love for Spam, with entertainment, crafts and food along Kalakaua Avenue. Visit www.spamjamhawaii.com.

May 5: Maui Onion Festival at Whalers Village, featuring entertainment, chef demos, food booths and a Maui onion pairing dinner. Visit www.whalersvillage.com. May 11-13: Hawai‘i Wine & Food at Ko Olina. Includes Grand Tasting and Fashion Show, Wine and Food Pairings and a Beachside BBQ and Fashion Show. Visit www.hawaiiwineandfood.com. “Sugar and Spice Mother Daughter Tea” on the Veranda at the Moana Surfrider, including a fashion show. Visit www.moana-surfrider.com. Ka‘u Coffee Festival, includes entertainment, coffee tastings and a recipe contest. Visit www.kaucoffeefestival.com.

JUNE June 3: Taste of Hawaii. The ultimate Sunday brunch, put on by the Rotary Club of Kapaa at Smith’s Tropical Paradise on Kauai on the first Sunday of June. Visit www.tasteofhawaii.com. June 18: Taste of Wailea, the premier culinary event of the Maui Film Festival with Wailea Resort chefs and restaurants providing the cuisine, accompanied by

Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, a new festival featuring more than 30 world-acclaimed chefs. Co-chaired by two of Hawaii’s James Beard chefs: Alan Wong and Roy Yamaguchi. Date tentative. Hawaii Rice Festival, celebrating our beloved grain, with cookoffs, contests, demonstrations and a musubi-eating contest. Visit www.ricefest.com. Joy of Sake, offering the largest sake tasting outside Japan. Features premium sakes submitted as entries to the U.S. National Sake Appraisal. Visit www.joyofsake.com. Honolulu Wine Festival, a fundraiser for Lupus Hawaii. Visit lupushawaii.org. Taste of Helumoa, where you can dine under the stars at the Royal Hawaiian Center’s Royal Grove. Enjoy live music and sumptuous cuisine from several restaurants with a wine-pairing option. Taste at Kapolei, featuring live music, food from more than 20 restaurants, a silent auction and fireworks. The event is a fundraiser for college scholarships for kids from West Oahu. Taste of the Hawaiian Range, Hawaii island’s premier food-grazing event, brings food producers and processors together with chefs and consumers. Visit www.tasteofthehawaiianrange.com. ——— Compiled by Nina Wu, Star-Advertiser. Don’t see your food event listed here? Email features@staradvertiser.com.

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B E ST O F PAU HANA PATR O L

Some of the best in TGIF’s happy-hour column

Excerpted from “Pau Hana Patrol” in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s TGIF weekly entertainment guide. Full reviews available at honolulupulse.com. Prices may have changed; call establishments for updated information.

KAILUA TOWN PUB & GRILL 26 Hoolai St., Kailua; 230-8444. Happy hour: 2:30-6:30 p.m. daily If you want an escape from the sunshine or the beach scene on the Windward side, then walk into the Kailua Town Pub & Grill. You might feel like you’ve crossed into another state of mind, finding yourself in a dark, cool British hideaway. Kailua Town Pub & Grill offers 30 drafts on tap, all along one wall, ranging from the expected — Budweiser, Heineken, Longboard Lager, Primo, Stella Artois — to the less familiar, such as Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale and Wyder’s Cider, a gluten-free hard cider. Some featured beers rotate, depending on the season. The top-selling drink here: Guinness. You can have that glass of Guinness for $4 during happy hour, or for something lighter, a Shock Top, a Belgian-style wheat ale made with orange, lemon, lime and coriander, for $3. Walk in early during happy hour on a Friday afternoon and you’ll find the seats at the bar almost full with a mature crowd. The bar does cater to a military clientele, but in the later hours a younger and more diverse crowd filters in. There are plenty of regulars from the neighborhood here, and, yes, the servers do know their names. It’s a place where you could comfortably hang out with your friends. There’s also pub-style grub with generous portions and pretty decent prices. Among your choices: a thin-crust design-your-own pizza made from scratch ($7.95 plus 50 cents for toppings), a French Dip Sandwich ($7.50) and the halfpound Gourmet Pub Burger with fries ($6.50). A must-have is the English Fish & Chips ($9.50), which is mahimahi dipped in beer batter made with Samuel Adams draft plus tartar sauce and island fries or a house salad. — Nina Wu, reviewed July 1, 2011

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARADVERTISER.COM

The Kailua Pub Pastie with Shock Top beer from Kailua Town Pub & Grill.

HOME BAR & GRILL 1683 Kalakaua Ave.; 942-2237. Happy hour: 2-8 p.m. daily They named it right. Home Bar & Grill is a familiar, comfortable haven for fans of the local pau hana scene, a place that will keep me coming back. If you just stumbled in without knowing how good the grinds can be, you’d be delighted. And no pressure: If you only want to have a bargain beer or a happyhour cocktail, that’s cool, too. The white walls, bench seats and ambient light from the TVs and neon beer signs don’t make Home anything fancy to look at. All the pleasure comes from what’s right up in your face: the food and drink. We came in harried after weaving through Kapiolani Boulevard’s rush-hour traffic, but the server calmed things down with his relaxed manner and friendly answers to my questions. Co-owner Chris Tai was in the house, too. On his suggestion, we ordered B’s Negi Toro, a featured item. It was impressive, with fat cubes of fish, a wasabi-infused oil and tiny, crunchy Japanese crackers. The Fried Rice — rich with bacon, Portuguese sausage, the usual vegetables and two eggs on top — was also notable for the price, just $8. Tater Nachos are a patron favorite and great bar grinds, with crispy potato nuggets and melted cheese. Although the food isn’t discounted for happy hour, this menu is a bargain all night long. Parking can be tricky; the lot out front holds just a few cars, or you can valet in back. But the food, prices and service make Home worth seeking out. — Elizabeth Kieszkowski, reviewed June 24, 2011

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PHOTOS BY JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM

Home Bar & Grill serves cocktails, as poured by bartender Charity Barba, above, and top-notch grinds like its Negi Toro, at left.

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

B E ST O F PAU HANA PATR O L GYU-KAKU 1221 Kapiolani Blvd.; 589-2989; www.gyu-kaku.com. Happy hour: 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m., 9 p.m.-closing daily With a happy hour that lasts most of the day (and repeats late at night), cheap parking and a variety of tasty happy-hour options, it didn’t take long for this place to jump up the ranks of my favorite townside pau hana spots. No muss, no fuss — and the Kirin drafts ($2.75) are poured into frozen beer mugs, too! Getting down to grinding is painless at Gyu-Kaku, with employees deftly stepping in to adjust the heat on the grill and adding more charcoal when necessary. We started off with some Zucchini ($2.95), Fried Oysters ($3.95) and Fried Gizzards ($3.50) before moving into the meat portion of our visit. The Toro Beef ($2.95) was sliced thin and had just enough fat to remind me of what you’d find in a bowl of sukiyaki, while the Filet Mignon ($5.95) was tender and cut into just the right size cubes to cook up to a perfect mediumrare on the grill. You can’t go wrong with the boneless Chuck Kalbi ($4.95) or Bistro Harami ($5.95). Try an order of Ahi Poke ($4.95) or Spicy Tuna Maki ($4.95), too. Be prepared to wait on the weekends, however, as lines can get pretty long here on Friday and Saturday evenings. — Jason Genegabus, reviewed April 22, 2011 JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM

Gyu-Kaku’s Harami Skirt Steak and Spicy Tuna go great with a cold beer.

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARADVERTISER.COM

After listening to local bands, Chinatowners can head into Downbeat Diner & Lounge for food and drinks served by Josh Hancock and Serena Hashimoto, behind the bar. H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

DOWNBEAT DINER & LOUNGE 42 N. Hotel St., Chinatown; 533-BEAT (2328), www.downbeatdiner.com. Happy hour: 5-7 p.m. daily Bob Marley was playing on the sound system, and the uncensored version of “Oldboy,” the Korean film noir revenge thriller, was running without subtitles on two flat screens behind the bar when I stepped into the Downbeat Diner & Lounge, Josh Hancock’s new bar and restaurant on Hotel Street. The Chinatown district now plays host to a full complement of clubs and hybrid establishments, but what Hotel Street has not had is a place serving food until late. Downbeat Diner fills that bill. Hancock and partner Serena Hashimoto serve food into the wee hours most nights. They are also doing their part to bring pau hana drinkers to the strip. During the daily happy hour, the place charges only $2 for beer and well drinks. Better still, the “$1 off everything else” means exactly that. For me that meant paying $4 for a pour of a premium whiskey that was every bit as generous and full-bodied as the shot of the same brand that cost me $12 at this season’s high-makamaka Waikiki in-spot. The food is an attraction, too. Diner deals change up often, but at any time the burgers — American ($7.50), Western ($8.50) and Teriyaki ($8.50) — are meal-sized even without adding a large pile of crispy fries ($2). There are also several other sandwiches, a short but appealing list of sides ($2 to $5) and a house salad that is available in several varieties. Desserts include Otto’s cheesecake ($5). I’ll add that the burgers are all Big Island free-range beef and that almost everything on the menu is available in vegetarian and vegan versions. That includes vegan protein sides, vegan ranch dressing and vegan ice cream. — John Berger, reviewed Feb. 18, 2011 ‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

B E ST O F PAU HANA PATR O L

PHOTOS BY DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARADVERTISER.COM

Patrons of Chibo Okonomiyaki at the Royal Hawaiian Center can enjoy the skills of manager and chef Harry Huynh, above, for happy hour. At left is his White Onion and Shiso, Rolled in Pork.

CHIBO OKONOMIYAKI Royal Hawaiian Center; 922-9722; www.chibohawaii.com. Happy hour: 3-6 p.m. daily Heading to Chibo for happy hour might seem a bit odd to some foodies, who recognize the restaurant for what it is: the biggest location in a 60-restaurant chain that founder Masatsugu Nakai originally opened for business in Waikiki 21 years ago. The draw during pau hana is a three-tiered pupu menu that skews much more toward local tastes while also maintaining a distinct Japanese flair. Edamame and Cold Tofu ($3 each) are exactly what you’d expect, but adding Sardines with Garlic Butter ($3) into the mix at that price point makes it easy to take the gamble and try something new. While I’m no sardine fan, it also wouldn’t be too big a deal to just spend the few bucks 78

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necessary to see whether Chibo can impress with that dish. That’s what I did with White Onion and Shiso, Rolled in Pork ($5), which seemed kind of sketchy when I ordered it but pleasantly surprised with both the serving size (substantial) and flavor (mighty tasty). Play it safe with Teriyaki Pork, Beef or Chicken ($5), Garlic Chicken ($5) and Tako Poke ($5); at the same price you can also get an order of Joyo Tofu or one of two salads available on the happy-hour menu. And if you’re extra hungry — or don’t mind paying a bit more — go for the Grilled Ahi ($9), Rib Eye Steak ($9) or Garlic Shrimp ($9). Once you realize how Chibo can easily pass for a local-style spot, getting comfortable with the limitations here isn’t that big a deal. Sure, the bar is only big

enough to fit five bar stools, and the four tables in a lounge area near the front entrance can accommodate only a dozen or so people at best, but let’s look at the positives. There’s a nice, big flat-screen television hanging over the lounge, and the restaurant staff is more than happy to turn up the volume so you can watch a game in full surround-sound glory during happy hour. And if you need a bit of nature in the middle of Waikiki’s concrete jungle, just peer out the large picture window in the lounge, which provides a great view of one of the shopping center’s lush landscaped areas. The next time you feel like swimming in a sea of tourists, sneak off to Chibo for an under-the-radar pau hana that can be as chill — or as crazy — as you want it to be. — Jason Genegabus, reviewed March 18, 2011 H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

R E STAU R ANT I N D E X | ALP HAB ETI CAL #

4Kings Kitchen . . . . . . . 26 12th Ave. Grill . . . . . . . . 25 3660 on the Rise . . . . . . . 6

d.k Steakhouse . . . . . . . 31 Da Spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Dean’s Drive Inn . . . . . . 32 Diamond Head Market & Grill . . . . . . . . 32 Doraku Sushi . . . . . . . . . 32 Downbeat Diner & Lounge . . . . . . . 77 Downtown @ the HISAM (and ASAP Sandwich, Soup, Salad Counter) . . 32 Duc’s Bistro . . . . . . . . . . 32

A A Cup of Tea. . . . . . . . . . 26 Alan Wong’s . . . . . . . . . . 22 Alley (at Aiea Bowl), The . . . . . . . . . . . 20 ‘Ama ‘Ama . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Andy’s Sandwiches and Smoothies . . . . . . . 26 Anna Miller’s . . . . . . . . . 74 Assaggio . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Azul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Azure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

B Ba-Le Sandwiches & Bakery. . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Bangkok Chef. . . . . . . . . 27 Banzai Sushi Bar . . . . . . 27 Beachhouse at the Moana . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Beijing Chinese Seafood Restaurant . . . 28 Bernini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Big City Diner. . . . . . . . . 25 BLT Steak . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Bogart’s Cafe . . . . . . . . . 28 Boots & Kimo’s Homestyle Kitchen. . . . 68 Brasserie Du Vin . . . . . . 29 Broadway Seafood & Oyster Bar . . . . . . . . . 64 Bruno’s Forno . . . . . . . . 29 Buffalo Wild Wings . . . . 29 Buzz’s Original Steak House . . . . . . . . . . 29

C Cafe Kaila . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Cafe Maharani . . . . . . . . 17 Casablanca Moroccan Cuisine. . . . . 30 Chai’s Island Bistro. . . . 30 Chef Mavro. . . . . . . . . . . 11 Chibo Okonomiyaki . . . 78 Choi’s Garden . . . . . . . . 30 Cinnamon’s Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Contemporary Cafe . . . 30 Counter, The . . . . . . . . . 31 Cream Pot . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Crepes No Ka ‘Oi. . . . . . 69

F Fat Greek, The . . . . . . . . 33 Fendu Boulangerie . . . . 49 Formaggio Grill . . . . . . . 33 Formaggio Wine Bar. . . 33 Fresh Café . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Fresh Catch . . . . . . . . . . 33

G Gina’s Bar-B-Q . . . . . . . . 38 Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant . . . 38 Good to Grill . . . . . . . . . 38 Grand Cafe & Bakery . . 38 GRYLT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Gulick Delicatessen . . . 38 Gyu-Kaku . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

H Ha Long Pho Noodle House . . . . . . . . 39 Haili’s Hawaiian Foods. . . . . . . 39 Hale Vietnam . . . . . . . . . 39 Haleiwa Eats Thai . . . . . 39 Hank’s Haute Dogs . . . . 39 Hapa Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Happy Days Seafood Restaurant . . . 73 Hau Tree Lanai . . . . . . . 73 Hee Hing Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . 40 He‘eia Kea Pier General Store & Deli. . . 40 Helena’s Hawaiian Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Highway Inn. . . . . . . . . . 40 Himalayan Kitchen . . . . 19 Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Hog Island BBQ . . . . . . . 41 Hoku’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Home Bar & Grill. . . . . . 76

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Honolulu Burger Co.. . . 41 Hot Pot Heaven . . . . . . . 19 Hy’s Steak House . . . . . 25

I Ige’s Restaurant and 19th Puka . . . . . . . . 41 Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Imanas Tei . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Indigo Eurasian Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Izakaya Nonbei . . . . . . . 42 Izakaya Tairyo . . . . . . . . 42

J Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Jimbo Restaurant . . . . . 43 Jinroku Teppan Grill & Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . 65 JJ Bistro & French Pastry . . . . . 25, 48 JJ Dolan’s . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Julie’z Restaurant . . . . . 43

K Ka Ikena at KCC. . . . . . . 43 Kahumana Cafe. . . . . . . 44 Kai Market . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Kailua Town Pub & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Kaiwa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Kakaako Kitchen. . . . . . 44 Kalapawai Cafe . . . . . . . 44 Keo’s in Waikiki . . . . . . . 45 Kincaid’s Fish, Chop & Steakhouse . . . 45 Kirin Restaurant . . . . . . 45 Koa Pancake House . . . 10 Kristen’s Kitchen . . . . . 45

L L&L Drive-Inn. . . . . . . . . 10 La Mer at Halekulani . . . . . . . . . . . 45 La Tour Cafe. . . . . . . . . . 46 Le Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Le Cacao Bistro . . . . . . . 48 Le Guignol . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Legend Seafood Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Let Them Eat Cupcakes . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 ’Licious Dishes . . . . . . . 18 Like Like Drive Inn . . . . 46 Liliha Bakery &

Coffee Shop . . . . . . . . . . 46 Little Village Noodle House . . . . . . . . 47 Lobster King . . . . . . . . . 47 Loving Hut . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Luibueno’s Mexican & Seafood Restaurant . . . 47

M MAC 24/7 Bar + Restaurant . . . . . . 52 Maguro-Ya . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Maile’s Thai Bistro . . . . 52 Mana Bu’s. . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Mariposa . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Matsugen . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Max’s of Manila . . . . . . . 52 Mediterraneo. . . . . . . . . 53 Mei Sum Dim Sum Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Michel’s at the Colony Surf . . . . . . . . . . 53 Million. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Mitsu-Ken . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Mix Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Moke’s Bread and Breakfast . . . . . 16, 69 Molly’s Smokehouse . . 54 Morimoto Waikiki . . . . . 54 Morton’s The Steakhouse. . . . . . . . . . . 54

N Nanzan GiroGiro . . . . . . 66 Nico’s at Pier 38. . . . . . . 11 Nobu Waikiki . . . . . . . . . 54

O Ojiya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Ola at Turtle Bay. . . . . . 55 Olive Tree Cafe . . . . . . . 11 ‘Ono Hawaiian Foods. . 55 Orchids at the Halekulani . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Otto Cake . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

P Pah Ke’s Chinese Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Pa‘ina Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Pancakes & Waffles . . . 56 Panya Bakery, Bistro & Bar . . . . . . . . . . 56 Patisserie La Palme D’Or. . . . . . . . . . . 50 Pavilion Cafe, The. . . . . 56 Pearl (LCC). . . . . . . . . . . 20

Pho 1 Vietnamese Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Pho 808. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Pho Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . 16 Pineapple Room by Alan Wong, The . . . . 57 Pioneer Saloon . . . . . . . 57 Poke Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Prince Court . . . . . . . . . 58 Pyramids, The . . . . . . . . 58

R Rainbow Drive-In . . . . . 58 Richo Korean Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Roy’s Restaurant. . . . . . 22 RumFire . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Ruth’s Chris Steak House . . . . . . . . . . 59 Ryan’s Grill. . . . . . . . . . . 23

S Saint Germain and Meika Plaza at Shirokiya . . . . . 50 Salt Kitchen & Tasting Bar . . . . . . . . . 66 Sam Choy’s Breakfast, Lunch & Crab . . . . . . . . 59 Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Sarento’s at the Top of the Ilikai . . . . . . . 14 Seoul Garden Yakiniku . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Shillawon . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Shokudo Japanese Restaurant & Bar . . . . . 60 SHOR American Seafood Grill . . . . . . . . . 67 Siam Garden Cafe . . . . . 60 Side Street Inn . . . . . . . . 25 Sorabol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Soul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Soul de Cuba Cafe. . . . . 61 Souvaly Thai . . . . . . . . . 61 Spices Southeast Asian Cuisine. . . . . . . . . 61 Spicy Ahi & BBQ . . . . . . 20 Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Starbucks . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Sugoi Bento & Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Sushi Izakaya Gaku. . . . 17 Sushi Izakaya Shinn . . . 18 Sushi Masa. . . . . . . . . . . 62 Sushi Sasabune . . . . . . . 62 Sweet Home Cafe . . . . . 62

T Tai Pan Dim Sum. . . . . . 62 Tanaka Saimin . . . . . . . . 62 Tango Contemporary Cafe . . . 62 Tanioka’s Seafoods & Catering . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Taormina Sicilian Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Ted’s Bakery . . . . . . . . . 51 Teddy’s Bigger Burgers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Tenkaippin Ramen . . . . 62 Thai Herb Kitchen . . . . 67 Thelma’s Restaurant . . 62 To Chau . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Tokkuri Tei . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin Waikiki. . . . . . . . . 63 Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk. . . . . . . . . . . 70 Tsukuneya Robata Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

U Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha. . . . . . . . . 49

V V-Lounge . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Vino Italian Tapas and Wine Bar . . . 17

W Wahoo’s Fish Taco . . . . 63 Wailana Coffee House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Whole Foods Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Willows, The . . . . . . . . . 63 Wolfgang’s Steakhouse. . . . . . . . . . . 63

Y Yanagi Sushi. . . . . . . . . . 63 Yogurstory. . . . . . . . 10, 71

Z Zaratez Mexicatessen . . . . . . . . . 16 Zippy’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 zpizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 ‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

R E STAU R ANT I N D E X | BY CATE G O RY FINE DINING 3660 on the Rise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Alan Wong’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 ‘Ama ‘Ama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Azul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Azure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Beachhouse at the Moana . . . . 27 BLT Steak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Chai’s Island Bistro. . . . . . . . . . . 30 Chef Mavro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Hoku’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Hy’s Steak House . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Kincaid’s Fish, Chop & Steakhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 La Mer at Halekulani . . . . . . . . . 45 Le Bistro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Mariposa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Michel’s at the Colony Surf. . . . 53 Morimoto Waikiki . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Morton’s The Steakhouse. . . . . 54 Nobu Waikiki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Orchids at the Halekulani . . . . . 72 Prince Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Roy’s Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Ruth’s Chris Steak House . . . . . 59 Sarento’s at the Top of the Ilikai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Wolfgang’s Steakhouse . . . . . . . 63 CASUAL/FAMILY Alley (at Aiea Bowl), The . . . . . 20 Anna Miller’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Bogart’s Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Boots & Kimo’s Homestyle Kitchen. . . . . . . . . . . 68 Buffalo Wild Wings . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Cafe Kaila . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Cinnamon’s Restaurant. . . . . . . 68 Counter, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Dean’s Drive Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Fresh Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Good to Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Hapa Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Hau Tree Lanai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Highway Inn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Ige’s Restaurant & 19th Puka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Jimbo Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Kahumana Cafe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Kai Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Kailua Town Pub & Grill . . . . . . 76 Kakaako Kitchen. . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Kalapawai Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Koa Pancake House . . . . . . . . . . 10 La Tour Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Le Cacao Bistro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Like Like Drive Inn . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Mix Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Molly’s Smokehouse . . . . . . . . . 54 Nico’s at Pier 38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Olive Tree Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Pa‘ina Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Panya Bakery, Bistro & Bar. . . . 56 Pavilion Cafe, The. . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Pineapple Room by Alan Wong, The. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Ryan’s Grill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Saint Germain and Meika Plaza at Shirokiya . . . . . . 51

‘I L I MA AWAR DS

Sam Choy’s Breakfast, Lunch & Crab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Side Street Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Soul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Spices Southeast Asian Cuisine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Tango Contemporary Cafe . . . . 62 Teddy’s Bigger Burgers . . . . . . . 62 Wahoo’s Fish Taco . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Wailana Coffee House . . . . . . . . 63 Willows, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Yogurstory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 71 Zippy’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 DINER Big City Diner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Downbeat Diner . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 MAC 24/7 Bar + Restaurant. . . . 52 Tanaka Saimin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Wailana Coffee House . . . . . . . . 63 AMERICAN CONTEMPORARY/FUSION 12th Ave. Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Chai’s Island Bistro. . . . . . . . . . . 30 Contemporary Cafe . . . . . . . . . . 30 Downtown @ the HISAM . . . . . . 32 Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas . . . . . . . . 8 Indigo Eurasian Cuisine. . . . . . . 42 JJ Bistro & French Pastry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25, 48 Ka Ikena at KCC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Kai Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Kalapawai Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Mariposa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Ola at Turtle Bay. . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Pavilion Cafe, The. . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Pearl (LCC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Pineapple Room by Alan Wong, The. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Roy’s Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 RumFire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Salt Kitchen & Tasting Bar . . . . 66 Tango Contemporary Cafe . . . . 62 Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk . . . . . . . . . . 70 BAKERY Fendu Boulangerie . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Grand Cafe & Bakery . . . . . . . . . 38 JJ Bistro & French Pastry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25, 48 La Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Let Them Eat Cupcakes . . . . . . 48 Liliha Bakery & Coffee Shop. . . 46 Otto Cake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Panya Bakery, Bistro & Bar. . . . 56 Patisserie La Palme D’Or. . . . . . 50 Saint Germain and Meika Plaza at Shirokiya . . . . . . 50 Ted’s Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 BBQ Hog Island BBQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Molly’s Smokehouse . . . . . . . . . 54 BREAKFAST Andy’s Sandwiches and Smoothies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Bogart’s Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Cafe Kaila . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Cinnamon’s Restaurant. . . . . . . 68

Cream Pot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Crepes No Ka ‘Oi. . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Fresh Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Grand Cafe & Bakery . . . . . . . . . 38 Koa Pancake House . . . . . . . . . . 10 Moke’s Bread and Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 69 Pancakes & Waffles . . . . . . . . . . 56 Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk . . . . . 70 Yogurstory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 71 COFFEE & TEA A Cup of Tea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Saint Germain and Meika Plaza at Shirokiya . . . . . . 51 Starbucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 COCKTAILS & FOOD (SMALL PLATES, PUPU) Chibo Okonomiyaki . . . . . . . . . . 78 Formaggio Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Formaggio Wine Bar . . . . . . . . . 33 Home Bar & Grill. . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Jinroku Teppan Grill & Bar . . . . 65 Kalapawai Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 RumFire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Salt Kitchen & Tasting Bar . . . . 66 Shokudo Japanese Restaurant & Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Side Street Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Sushi Izakaya Shinn . . . . . . . . . . 18 Tokkuri Tei. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Tsukuneya Robata Grill. . . . . . . 63 V-Lounge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Vino Italian Tapas and Wine Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 EAST-WEST Banzai Sushi Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Chai’s Island Bistro. . . . . . . . . . . 30 Doraku Sushi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Duc’s Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Formaggio Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Formaggio Wine Bar . . . . . . . . . 22 Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas . . . . . . . . 8 Indigo Eurasian Cuisine. . . . . . . 42 Kaiwa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Nobu Waikiki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 RumFire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar . . . . . . . 59 Spices Southeast Asian Cuisine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 CHINESE Beijing Chinese Seafood Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . 28 Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . 38 Happy Days Seafood Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . 73 Hee Hing Restaurant . . . . . . . . . 40 Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . 43 Kirin Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Legend Seafood Restaurant . . . 46 Little Village Noodle House . . . 47 Lobster King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Mei Sum Dim Sum Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Pah Ke’s Chinese Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Tai Pan Dim Sum. . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 CUBAN Soul de Cuba Cafe. . . . . . . . . . . . 61 FILIPINO Julie’z Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Max’s of Manila . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Thelma’s Restaurant . . . . . . . . . 62 FRENCH Brasserie Du Vin . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Chef Mavro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Fendu Boulangerie . . . . . . . . . . . 49 La Mer at Halekulani . . . . . . . . . 45 Le Bistro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Le Guignol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Michel’s at the Colony Surf. . . . 53 HAWAIIAN Haili’s Hawaiian Foods. . . . . . . . 39 Helena’s Hawaiian Food . . . . . . 40 Highway Inn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 ‘Ono Hawaiian Foods. . . . . . . . . 55 Willows, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 INDIAN Cafe Maharani . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Himalayan Kitchen. . . . . . . . . . . 19 ITALIAN Assaggio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Bernini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Mediterraneo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Mix Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Sarento’s at the Top of the Ilikai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Taormina Sicilian Cuisine . . . . . 62 JAPANESE Doraku Sushi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Gyu-Kaku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Imanas Tei . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Izakaya Nonbei . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Izakaya Tairyo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Jimbo Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Jinroku Teppan Grill & Bar . . . . 65 Kaiwa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Maguro-Ya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Mana Bu’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Matsugen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Morimoto Waikiki . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Nanzan GiroGiro . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Nobu Waikiki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Ojiya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Shokudo Japanese Restaurant & Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Sushi Izakaya Gaku. . . . . . . . . . . 17 Sushi Izakaya Shinn . . . . . . . . . . 18 Sushi Masa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Sushi Sasabune. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Tenkaippin Ramen . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Tokkuri Tei. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin Waikiki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Tsukuneya Robata Grill. . . . . . . 63 Yanagi Sushi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 KOREAN Choi’s Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Gina’s Bar-B-Q . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Million. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Richo’s Korean Cuisine . . . . . . . 58 Seoul Garden Yakiniku. . . . . . . . 59 Shillawon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Sorabol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 MEDITERRANEAN/GREEK Casablanca Moroccan Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Da Spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Fat Greek, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Olive Tree Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Pyramids, The. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 MEXICAN Luibueno’s Mexican & Seafood Restaurant . . . . . . . . 47 Wahoo’s Fish Taco . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Zaratez Mexicatessen . . . . . . . . 16 THAI Bangkok Chef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Haleiwa Eats Thai. . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Keo’s in Waikiki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Maile’s Thai Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Siam Garden Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Souvaly Thai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Thai Herb Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . 67 VIETNAMESE Ba-Le Sandwiches & Bakery. . . 27 Duc’s Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Ha Long Pho Noodle House . . . 39 Hale Vietnam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Loving Hut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Pho 1 Vietnamese Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Pho 808. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Pho Kitchen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 To Chau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 HOT POT Hot Pot Heaven. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Sweet Home Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 MEAT-EATERS (STEAKS, BURGERS, HOT DOGS) Buzz’s Original Steak House . . . 29 Counter, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 d.k Steakhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Good to Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Hank’s Haute Dogs . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Hog Island BBQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Honolulu Burger Co. . . . . . . . . . 41 Hy’s Steak House . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Le Cacao Bistro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Morton’s The Steakhouse. . . . . 54 Ruth’s Chris Steak House . . . . . 59 SHOR American Seafood Grill . 67 Teddy’s Bigger Burgers . . . . . . . 62 PIZZA JJ Dolan’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 zpizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 PLATE LUNCH/TAKEOUT 4Kings Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Andy’s Sandwiches and Smoothies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Bruno’s Forno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Dean’s Drive Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Diamond Head Market & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Fresh Catch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Good to Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 GRYLT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Gulick Delicatessen . . . . . . . . . . 38 He‘eia Kea Pier General Store & Deli. . . . . . . . . . 40 Kakaako Kitchen. . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Kristen’s Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 L&L Drive-Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 ’Licious Dishes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Mana Bu’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Mitsu-Ken. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Pa‘ina Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Pioneer Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Poke Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Rainbow Drive-In . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Soul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Spicy Ahi & BBQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Sugoi Bento & Catering . . . . . . . 61 Tanioka’s Seafoods & Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Whole Foods Market . . . . . . . . . 63 Zippy’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 zpizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 SEAFOOD Broadway Seafood & Oyster Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Chef Mavro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 He‘eia Kea Pier General Store & Deli. . . . . . . . . . 40 La Mer at Halekulani . . . . . . . . . 45 Luibueno’s Mexican & Seafood Restaurant . . . . . . . . 47 Nico’s at Pier 38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Roy’s Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar . . . . . . . 59 SHOR American Seafood Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Spicy Ahi & BBQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Tanioka’s Seafoods & Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 SHAVE ICE Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 24 HOURS Anna Miller’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Like Like Drive Inn . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Liliha Bakery & Coffee Shop. . . 46 MAC 24/7 Bar + Restaurant. . . . 52 Wailana Coffee House . . . . . . . . 63 Zippy’s (some locations) . . . . . 23 WINE (WINE BARS AND WINE-DRIVEN MENUS) 12th Ave. Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Brasserie Du Vin . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Chef Mavro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Doraku Sushi (sake). . . . . . . . . . 32 Formaggio Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Formaggio Wine Bar . . . . . . . . . 33 Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 JJ Dolan’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Kalapawai Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Vino Italian Tapas and Wine Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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R E STAU R ANT I N D E X | BY N E I G H B O R H O O D GREATER HONOLULU (Airport to Kaimuki -- except Waikiki and Chinatown/Nuuanu): 4Kings Kitchen. . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 12th Ave. Grill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 3660 on the Rise. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Alan Wong’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Andy’s Sandwiches and Smoothies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Bernini. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Bogart’s Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Broadway Seafood & Oyster Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Cafe Kaila . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Cafe Maharani . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Chai’s Island Bistro . . . . . . . . . 30 Chef Mavro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Choi’s Garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Contemporary Cafe . . . . . . . . 30 Da Spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Diamond Head Market & Grill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Downtown @ the HISAM . . . . 32 Fat Greek, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Fendu Boulangerie . . . . . . . . . 49 Formaggio Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Formaggio Wine Bar . . . . . . . . 33 Fresh Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Gina’s Bar-B-Q . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Good to Grill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 GRYLT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Gulick Delicatessen. . . . . . . . . 38 Ha Long Pho Noodle House . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Haili’s Hawaiian Foods . . . . . . 39 Hale Vietnam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Hank’s Haute Dogs . . . . . . . . . 39 Happy Days Seafood Restaurant. . . . . . . . . 73 Hee Hing Restaurant. . . . . . . . 40 Helena’s Hawaiian Food. . . . . 40 Himalayan Kitchen . . . . . . . . . 19 Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas . . . . . . 8 Hog Island BBQ . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Home Bar & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Honolulu Burger Co. . . . . . . . . 41 Hot Pot Heaven . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Imanas Tei. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Izakaya Nonbei . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Izakaya Tairyo . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant . . . . . . . . 43 Jimbo Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . 43 JJ Bistro & French Pastry . . . . . . . . . . 25, 48 Ka Ikena at KCC . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Kakaako Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Kincaid’s Fish, Chop & Steakhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Kirin Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . 45 La Tour Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Le Cacao Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Le Guignol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Let Them Eat Cupcakes . . . . . 48 ’Licious Dishes. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Like Like Drive Inn. . . . . . . . . . 46 Lobster King. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Loving Hut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Maguro-Ya. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Mana Bu’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Mariposa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Mediterraneo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Million . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Mitsu-Ken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Mix Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Morton’s The Steakhouse . . . 54 Nanzan GiroGiro . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Nico’s at Pier 38 . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Ojiya. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 ‘Ono Hawaiian Foods . . . . . . . 55 Pancakes & Waffles . . . . . . . . . 56 Panya Bakery, Bistro & Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Patisserie La Palme D’Or . . . . 50 Pavilion Cafe, The . . . . . . . . . . 56 Pho Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Pineapple Room by Alan Wong, The . . . . . . . . . 57 Pioneer Saloon. . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Pyramids, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Rainbow Drive-In. . . . . . . . . . . 58 Richo Korean Cuisine . . . . . . . 58 Ryan’s Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Saint Germain and Meika Plaza at Shirokiya . . . . 50 Salt Kitchen & Tasting Bar. . . 66 Sam Choy’s Breakfast, Lunch & Crab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Seoul Garden Yakiniku . . . . . . 59 Shillawon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Shokudo Japanese Restaurant & Bar. . . . . . . . . . . 60 Siam Garden Cafe . . . . . . . . . . 60 Side Street Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Sorabol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Soul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Spices Southeast Asian Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Sugoi Bento & Catering . . . . . 61 Sushi Izakaya Gaku . . . . . . . . . 17 Sushi Izakaya Shinn . . . . . . . . 18 Sushi Masa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Sushi Sasabune . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

Sweet Home Cafe. . . . . . . . . . . 62 Tanaka Saimin . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Tango Contemporary Cafe . . . . . . . . 62 Tenkaippin Ramen . . . . . . . . . 62 Thai Herb Kitchen. . . . . . . . . . 67 Tokkuri Tei . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Tsukuneya Robata Grill . . . . . 63 V-Lounge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Vino Italian Tapas and Wine Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Willows, The. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Yanagi Sushi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Yogurstory . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 71 Zaratez Mexicatessen. . . . . . . 16 zpizza. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 CHINATOWN/NUUANU Brasserie Du Vin . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Bruno’s Forno . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Downbeat Diner. . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Duc’s Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant. . . . . . . . . 38 Grand Cafe & Bakery . . . . . . . 38 Indigo Eurasian Cuisine . . . . . 42 JJ Dolan’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Legend Seafood Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Liliha Bakery & Coffee Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Little Village Noodle House . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Mei Sum Dim Sum Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Otto Cake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Soul de Cuba Cafe . . . . . . . . . . 61 Tai Pan Dim Sum . . . . . . . . . . . 62 To Chau. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 WAIKIKI Azure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Beachhouse at the Moana. . . 27 Beijing Chinese Seafood Restaurant. . . . . . . . . 28 BLT Steak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Buffalo Wild Wings . . . . . . . . . 29 Chibo Okonomiyaki . . . . . . . . 76 Cream Pot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 d.k Steakhouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Doraku Sushi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Hau Tree Lanai. . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Hy’s Steak House . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Il Lupino Trattoria & Wine Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Jinroku Teppan Grill & Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Kai Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Kaiwa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Keo’s in Waikiki . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 La Mer at Halekulani. . . . . . . . 45 MAC 24/7 Bar + Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Matsugen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Michel’s at the Colony Surf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Morimoto Waikiki . . . . . . . . . . 54 Nobu Waikiki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Orchids at the Halekulani . . . 72 Prince Court. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 RumFire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar . . . . . 59 Sarento’s at the Top of the Ilikai . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 SHOR American Seafood Grill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Taormina Sicilian Cuisine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin Waikiki . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Wailana Coffee House. . . . . . . 63 Wolfgang’s Steakhouse. . . . . . 63 EAST HONOLULU (Kahala to Hawaii Kai) Counter, The. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Hoku’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Le Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Maile’s Thai Bistro . . . . . . . . . 52 Olive Tree Cafe. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Whole Foods Market . . . . . . . 63 WINDWARD OAHU (Waimanalo to Waimea) A Cup of Tea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Boots & Kimo’s Homestyle Kitchen . . . . . . . . . 68 Casablanca Moroccan Cuisine . . . . . . . . . . 30 Cinnamon’s Restaurant . . . . . 68 Crepes No Ka ‘Oi . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Dean’s Drive Inn. . . . . . . . . . . . 32 He‘eia Kea Pier General Store & Deli . . . . . . . . 40 Kailua Town Pub & Grill. . . . . 76 Kalapawai Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Moke’s Bread and Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 69

Pah Ke’s Chinese Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 LEEWARD OAHU (Pearlridge to Waianae) ‘Ama ‘Ama. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Alley (at Aiea Bowl), The . . . . 20 Anna Miller’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Azul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Hapa Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Highway Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Ige’s Restaurant & 19th Puka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Julie’z Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . 43 Kahumana Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Kristen’s Kitchen. . . . . . . . . . . 45 Molly’s Smokehouse. . . . . . . . 54 Pearl (LCC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Pho 808 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Poke Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Souvaly Thai. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Spicy Ahi & BBQ . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Tanioka’s Seafoods & Catering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Thelma’s Restaurant. . . . . . . . 62 NORTH SHORE (Kahuku to Waialua) Banzai Sushi Bar . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Haleiwa Eats Thai . . . . . . . . . . 39 Luibueno’s Mexican & Seafood Restaurant. . . . . . . 47 Ola at Turtle Bay . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Ted’s Bakery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 MULTIPLE LOCATIONS Assaggio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Ba-Le Sandwiches & Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Bangkok Chef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Big City Diner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Buzz’s Original Steak House. . 29 Fresh Catch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Gyu-Kaku. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Koa Pancake House . . . . . . . . 10 L&L Drive-Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Max’s of Manila . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Pa‘ina Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Pho 1 Vietnamese Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Roy’s Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Ruth’s Chris Steak House. . . . 59 Starbucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Teddy’s Bigger Burgers . . . . . 62 Wahoo’s Fish Taco . . . . . . . . . 63 Zippy’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

‘ I L I MA AWA R D S

ADVE RTI S E R I N D E X 123 Wok . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 1111 McCully St.; 737-5678

Crepes No Ka Oi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 131 Hekili St.; 263-4088

12th Ave. Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 1145 12th Ave. No. C; 732-9469

Curry King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Ward Warehouse; 591-8855

Aiea Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 99-115 Aiea Heights Drive; 488-6854

Down to Earth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Four locations on Oahu; downtoearth.org

Angelo Pietro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 1585 Kapiolani Blvd.; 941-0555 Assaggio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Six locations on Oahu; 942-3446 BambuTwo Café + Martini Lounge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 1144 Bethel St.; 528-1144 Bar 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 35 N. Hotel St.; 537-3535 Bella Mia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 1137 11th Ave.; 737-1937 2222 S. Beretania St.; 941-4400 Big City Diner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Five locations on Oahu; bigcitydinerhawaii.com Bird of Paradise Restaurant . . . . 30 Hawaii Prince Golf Club; 952-4794 Bogart’s Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 3045 Monsarrat Ave.; 739-0999 Brasserie Du Vin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 1115 Bethel St.; 545-1115

El Charro Mexicano. . . . . . . . . . . . 54 99-115 Aiea Heights Drive; 488-9727 Fat Greek, The. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Three locations on Oahu; thefatgreek.net Fendue Boulangerie . . . . . . . . . . . 58 2752 Woodlawn Drive, Manoa Marketplace; 988-4310 Fukuya Delicatessen & Catering. 46 2710 S. King St.; 946-2073 G Sushi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 2919 Kapiolani Blvd., Market City Shopping Center; 732-9661 Gazen Izakaya. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 2840 Kapiolani Blvd.; 737-0230 Genki Sushi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Locations islandwide; genkisushiusa.com Gyotaku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Three locations on Oahu; gyotakuhawaii.com

Café Kaila . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 2919 Kapiolani Blvd., Market City Shopping Center; 732-3330

Gyu-Kaku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Kapiolani and Waikiki locations; 589-2989

Café Miro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 3446 Waialae Ave.; 734-2737

Hakone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 100 Holomoana St.; 994-4494

California Beach Rock ‘n Sushi. . 84 404 Ward Ave.; 597-8000

Hale Koa Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 halekoa.com; 955-0555

Capische? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 555 Kaukahi St., Kihei, Maui; 879-2224

Happy Valley Pasta & Pizza. . . . . 42 3106 Monsarrat Ave.; 737-0080

Chai’s Island Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Aloha Tower Market Place; 585-0011

Hee Hing Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . 12 449 Kapahulu Ave., No. 101; 735-5544

Chinatown Express . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Ala Moana Food Court, Windward Mall Food Court; 783-7901

Heeia Pier General Store & Deli 32 46-499 Kamehameha Highway; 235-2192

Chun Wah Kam Noodle Factory . 57 Four locations on Oahu; chunwahkam.com

Himalayan Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 1137 11th Ave., second floor; 735-1122

‘I L I MA AWAR DS

Hokulani Bake Shop . . . . . . . . . . . 54 HokulaniBakeShop.com; 536-CAKE (2253)

Memoirs LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 1 Aloha Tower Drive MB6; 232-8504

Soul . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3040 Waialae Ave.; 735-7685

Mix Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 1025 Alakea St.; 532-4540

Soul De Cuba . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 1121 Bethel St.; 545-2822

Hy’s Steakhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 2440 Kuhio Ave.; 922-5555

Nico’s at Pier 38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 1133 N. Nimitz Highway; nicospier38.com

I Love Country Café . . . . . . . . . . . 15 885 Queen St., 4725 Bougainville Drive; 783-7901

Nisshodo Candy Store. . . . . . . . . . 72 1095 Dillingham Blvd., Suite I-5; 847-1244

Sugoi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 1286 Kalani St. #B106; 841-7984 Tanaka of Tokyo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Three locations on Oahu; tanakaoftokyo.com

Ige’s Restaurant & 19th Puka . . . 32 98-761 Oihana Place; 486-3500

Paina Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Ward Warehouse, Koko Marina Center; 356-2829

Honolulu Burger Company . . . . . 24 1295 S. Beretania St.; 626-5202

Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., fourth floor; 947-8818 Kahumana Café. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 86-660 Lualualei Homestead Road; 696-8844 Kenny’s Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Kamehameha Shopping Center; 841-0931; Royal Hawaiian Center; 922-9333 Kiss My Grits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 1035 University Ave.; 348-0626 Koa Pancake House . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Seven locations on Oahu; koapancakehouse.com Kobe Japanese Steak House . . . . 13 1841 Ala Moana Blvd.; 941-4444 Larry’s Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 4369 Lawehana St.; 422-0059 Le Bistro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 5730 Kalanianaole Highway; 373-7990 ’Licious Dishes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 650 Iwilei Road, Suite 170; 536-9680 Like Like Drive Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 745 Keeaumoku St.; 941-2515 Lobster King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 1380 S. King St.; 944-8288 Matsutake Sushi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 848 Ala Lilikoi St.; 833-5988 Max’s of Manila. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 94-300 Farrington Highway, 801 Dillingham Blvd.; 951-MAXS (6297)

Panya Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Four locations on Oahu; panyabakery.com Pho Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 2919 Kapiolani Blvd.; 735-8488 Prince Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 100 Holomoana St.; 994-4494 Rainbow Drive-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 3308 Kanaina Ave.; 737-0177 Rokkaku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 1450 Ala Moana Blvd. No. 2056; 946-3355 Saigon Pearl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 1430 Kona St.; 955-7888 Sam Choy’s Breakfast, Lunch & Crab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 580 Nimitz Highway; 545-7979 Sarento’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 1777 Ala Moana Blvd.; 949-3811 Sekiya’s Restaurant & Delicatessen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 2746 Kaimuki Ave.; 732-1656

Tanioka’s Seafood & Catering. . . 50 94-903 Farrington Highway; 671-3779 Tatsuo’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 2224 Alahao Place No. 200; 841-2044 Teddy’s Bigger Burger . . . . . . . . . 39 Six locations on Oahu teddysbiggerburgers.com The Ocean House Restaurant . . . 31 2169 Kalia Road, Outrigger Reef Hotel; 923-2277 The Old Saimin House . . . . . . . . . 67 1311 N. King St.; 847-7697 The Pearl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Leeward Community College; 455-0475 Tropics Café Bar & Lounge . . . . . 21 1020 Auahi St.; 591-8009 Wailana Coffee House. . . . . . . . . . 42 1860 Ala Moana Blvd.; 955-1764 Wholesale Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . 59 Eight locations on Oahu; cybersnacks.net Wolfgang’s Steakhouse . . . . . . . . . 38 2301 Kalakaua Ave.; 922-3600 Yakiniku Don-Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 905A Keeaumoku St.; 951-1004

Shiro’s Saimin Heaven . . . . . . . . . 44 98-020 Kamehameha Highway; 488-8824

Yogurstory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 815 Keeaumoku St.; 942-0505

Shokudo Japanese Restaurant & Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 1585 Kapiolani Blvd.; 941-3701

Z Pizza. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Ward Centre; 596-0066 Kailua; 230-8400

Shor American Seafood Grill . . . 59 2424 Kalakaua Ave.; 923-1234

Zippys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Call the one nearest you; Zippys.com

Side Street Inn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 1225 Hopaka St., 591-0253 614 Kapahulu Ave., 739-3939 H O N O L U L U S TA R - A D V E R T I S E R

Spring Roll

Summer Roll

Pork Sandwich

Oxtail Pho

Won Ton Pho

Beef Combination Pho

Char Siu Wonton Pho

Seafood Pho

Pork Loco Moco Vermicelli

Lemongrass Chicken on Rice

Garlic Shrimp with Rice

Market City Shopping Center 2919 Kapiolani Blvd., #217 Honolulu HI 96815 (808) 735-8488

Eaton Square Shopping Plaza 438 Hobron Lane, #103, Honolulu HI 96815 (808) 944-0883

Open Everyday 8am-9pm

Open Everyday 10am-3pm

Pho Kitchen – 2011 Critic’s Choice Ilima Award Winner! Pho Kitchen opened its doors at Market City Shopping Center in 2010, and one year later we are proud to be receiving our first Ilima Award! We welcome you to visit us at our main location or our new restaurant at Eaton Square Shopping Plaza. The secret to Pho Kitchen’s success is our broth, cooked for over 15 hours with chicken or ox bones to create a stock rich in flavor! Faint hints of cinnamon, cardamom, fennel and star anise enhance the broth. Pho Kitchen’s light, fresh appetizers are perfect to start your meal. The Summer Roll is a delicious staple on our menu, stuffed with shrimp and veggies. Try our Seafood Pancake topped with a mountain of fresh salad, served with our special homemade sauce. Pho Kitchen’s special Wonton Pho is the best in town, perfectly balanced with rich chicken broth, giant homemade Wontons, fresh veggies, noodles and served with a special sauce on the side. A glass of iced coffee with condensed milk is a perfect accompaniment to a steaming hot bowl of our awardwinning Pho! At Pho Kitchen we always use fresh, healthy and quality ingredients. Aloha and Mahalo from Alex, Sandy, Wendy and Edmond

Iced Coffee

Edmond, Wendy, Sandy & Alex

Photos by Alex Chong

Seafood Pancake

Sunshine

Principal Roll

Crunchy Shrimp Tempura

Gandubie

Lobster Tail

Miso Butterfish

Rainbow

Always ready to rock your palate with traditional and new wave style sushi! Try our signature Crunchy Roll, Spicy Tuna Tartare, or ever-popular Early Bird Triple Combo Dinner. Serving Hawaii for over 14 years. Visit us today!

A Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar www.californiabeachrocknsushi.com

404 Ward Avenue â&#x20AC;˘ 597-8000 Located near Ward Complex with plenty of parking.