Sunday, December 21, 2014

Nabeya Maido

Nabeya Maido is located in the Market City Shopping Center. They offer Japanese hot pot. If you come during lunch, they have a lunch special that is $9.90 (soup base included). This price is only for the first 10 people. If you happen to be the 11th person, you pay the regular price. The protein in the lunch special is selected by the chef. They offer a handful of soup bases. The ones I tried were very light but if you have leafy greens cooking in there for awhile, they will soak up all the flavors. Their signature soup base is the maido nabe which is shoyu based and has a bit of a kick with the finely chopped red chili's. You can also select items in their "food cave." The plates are marked by color and this option makes it great for sharing.

I recommend coming on a weekday because it's less crowded and you'll have a better chance at getting the special price. There is a 90 minute time limit on dining in there so decide what you want fast so you can spend more time eating.

2919 Kapiolani Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 739-7739

Lunch Special

Maido Nabe & Japanese Curry Nabe

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Slurp - CLOSED

Slurp is a pop up ramen at Vino restaurant in Restaurant Row. They are open Monday to Friday from 11am - 2pm. Slurp's menu is mainly ramen but they also have appetizers. In the specialty ramen section, you'll find the truffle crab ramen that is served at Sansei restaurant. This is also the most expensive item on their menu. The classic ramens are under $10 and the appetizers are under $6 so it's still very reasonable for lunch.

The taste in some of the food was inconsistent. Most of the items I ate were bland and needed more salt. They are new and the waiter did mentioned that they are still modifying the menu. I do plan on coming back because the truffle crab ramen was delicious. I recommend getting it if it's your first time. They accept credit cards and they will validate your parking ticket.

500 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 524-8466

Gyoza

Chicken Yakitori

Pork Belly Hoisin Bun

Chinatown Duck Ramen w/ 7-minute egg

Crab Ramen

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Wai'olu - Restaurant Week 2014

For those who want a quiet and fancy atmosphere, try Wai'olu at the Trump Waikiki. The restaurant is on the 2nd floor of the hotel and it has an amazing view. They are offering a 3-course menu (other options not shown) of American dishes with a hint of local and Asian. Their menu is priced at $48. Valet parking is available at the Trump Hotel Waikiki and Wai'olu will provide you with the validation.

For more information, visit www.restaurantweekhawaii.com/waiolu-at-the-trump-waikiki.

223 Saratoga Rd
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 683-7456

Beets & Berries Salad w/
goat cheese, micro greens, strawberry vinaigrette

New York Steak & Rack of Lamb Combo w/
seasonal vegetables, deep fried sushi sandwich

Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee w/ House made Macaroon

Friday, November 21, 2014

Shokudo - Restaurant Week 2014

Shokudo Japanese Restaurant & Bar is offering a 6-course menu that goes from traditional Japanese into fusion dishes. Their tasting menu is priced at $38. They also have sake pairing which is an extra $20. I highly recommend this one because it's reasonably priced.

For more information, visit www.restaurantweekhawaii.com/shokudo.

1585 Kapiolani Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 941-3701

Fresh big eye tuna wrapped w/ avocado & daikon,
Sushi grade tako in an egg yolk vinagrette, Homemade goma tofu

Otoro sashimi

Fresh Hokkaido scallops rolled in masago,
deep fried tempura style & dusted w/ Himalayan sea salt

Prime cuts of Filet Mignon stuffed w/ fresh Santa Barbara uni &
dressed w/ a homemade Nikiri soy sauce

3 piece nigiri omakase (hirame, chutoro, kanpachi)

Honey toast bread battered & deep fried in tempura batter,
topped w/ Roselani premium vanilla ice cream &
drizzled w/ a sake caramel sauce



Friday, November 14, 2014

Fort Ruger Market

Fort Ruger Market is tucked in the residential area of Kaimuki. They are like a corner store. They offer Hawaiian food and other local foods for take-out. The entire menu is written on a white board that hangs over the deli counter. One thing that stands out about this place is that they make your poke when you order it. Like most places on the island, the poke is mixed in the morning and it sits in the display case all day. Besides selling hot foods and deli items, you can also get snacks and drinks. I recommend trying their ahi poke and Hawaiian plates. Their food is not overly salty and their prices are reasonable.

The crowd comes and goes so the shop doesn't get super busy. They have parking spaces in the front but if it fills up, there is free street parking around the back. They have a few tables and benches outside the shop if you want to eat there. They only accept cash.

3585 Alohea Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 737-4531

Ruger Special Poke

Ocean Salad

Chicharones

Kalua Pork (side order)

Chicken Long Rice Bowl

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

The Mandarin Restaurant

The Mandarin Restaurant is located on the ground floor of the Imperial Plaza. The entrance is on Cooke Street. The exterior of the restaurant has tinted glass so it's dark and you can't see inside. If you come during the lunch hour, they have lunch specials. All their specials are listed on sheets of paper and tucked under the plexiglas of the table. They have a big menu. The portions for their noodle dishes are good. The entree portions are a bit small and they are pricey. I recommend trying the salt and pepper pork chops. They taste better than the ones you get at the other Chinese restaurants. Their pork is thick cut and you get 4-pieces in an order.

The restaurant was quiet during the lunch hour so reservations are not required if you have a small group. They have round tables so they can accommodate large groups. They accept credit cards. For parking, Cooke Street usually has parking spaces but you need to feed the meter. The restaurant will validate your parking if you park in the Imperial Plaza parking lot.

For more information about The Mandarin Restaurant, visit www.mandarinrestauranthonolulu.com.

725 Kapiolani Blvd. C-123
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 593-1188

Salt & Pepper Chicken Wings

Salt & Pepper Pork Chops

Singapore Rice Noodle

Beef Chow Funn

Saturday, October 18, 2014

The Nook Neighborhood Bistro - CLOSED

The Nook is located in Puck's Alleys. They are tucked inside the parking lot where Kiss My Grits used to be. The interior of the restaurant is small but you feel very cozy eating brunch in here. They also have outdoor seating. The staff are very friendly and their prices are reasonable.

If you come on the weekends for breakfast, expect a long wait for a table. They are super busy and they don't accept reservations. If you don't want to wait for a table, you can order take-out. I prefer coming for a late lunch (after 1:30pm) instead because there is no wait time and the food comes out quick. I haven't been disappointed with anything on the their menu. I recommend trying their scones and muffins. They have different and unique flavors everyday. My favorite item is the chicken and waffles. The waffle are made with mochiko so it has the soft chewy texture inside and the toasty waffle crunch outside. It's great for sharing while you order something else as your entree.

From my own experience the preferred payment method is credit card because I ran into a few times where they had to wait to get me change. It's just more efficient to pay with a card. I think they offer parking validation but I'm not 100% sure as all the times I've visited, it was a Sunday and parking was free.

For more information about The Nook Neighborhood Bistro, visit www.thenookhonolulu.com.

1035 University Ave #105
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 942-2222

Mochiko Chicken & Waffles

Asian Pear Grilled Cheese

Matcha Waffle

House-made Shinsato Pork Sausage

BLT

Sunday, October 12, 2014

On Dong Chinese Restaurant

On Dong is located on S. King Street between Kaheka and Kalakaua. They are known for their jajangmyeon and the sweet & sour pork. I highly recommend ordering both if these dishes. If you can handle spicy foods, order one of their noodle soups. The soups are red, very red.

The inside of the restaurant is a bit cramped so I don't recommend going with more than 4 people. They have one round table that can seat a big group but it's really tight. One of the seats end up blocking the walkway so the waitress will constantly ask the person to scoot in.

They have parking in the back of the restaurant. If there's an attendant on duty, you need to ask for validation. The restaurant will only validate up to 1 hour so watch your time.

1499 S King St
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 947-9444

Sweet & Sour Pork

Potstickers

Pork Fried Rice

Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup

 Black Bean Noodles (Jajangmyeon)


Sunday, September 21, 2014

A Place To Eat - CLOSED

A Place To Eat is located on University Ave next to the parking entrance of Puck's Alley. On one side of the exterior, there's macro images of their food. The interior is spacious and clean. The whole place is run by one person and that's Chef Will. You have the option to dine in or take out. If you dine in, there is no waiter service. Just place your order, pay, and take a seat at one of the tables. The chef brings you the food in a takeout box. Ice water and cups are at the front counter and it's self service. My favorite item is the Blue New Yorker. I highly recommend this for first timers. Their sweet potato fries are also very good. The food here is local style but it's slightly upscale. It's about $10-$15 for a regular plate. There are a few items that come in mini plates and those are cheaper. They accept credit cards.

For parking, you can park in the Puck's Alley. The parking is free on Sundays but during the week, you will need validation.

For more information about A Place To Eat, visit aplacetoeathawaii.com.

1035 University Ave
Ste 104
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 941-4554

Blue New Yorker

MacNut Mahi Mahi (mini)

Sweet Potato Fries

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Yakitori Glad

Yakitori Glad is located in Kapahulu. Everything on their menu is $3.90. They are only open for dinner. If you go during the normal dinner hours, you'll see a line coming out of their shop. I recommend going for an early dinner at 5pm or waiting till after 9pm for a late dinner. Each order consist of 2 skewers. They also have some rice and noodles dishes. The food comes out fast as someone is always standing in front of the grill cooking throughout the night. I don't recommend coming with more than 4 people because the shop and their furniture are small. You may find yourself having to eat fast so you can have more space on the table for the new dishes.

They have a parking lot in the back for customers. When you check-in with the hostess, tell him/her your parking stall number to prevent your car from getting towed. The parking lot is tight so you might want to drive a small car.

For more information about Yakitori Glad, visit www.yakitori-glad.com.

766 Kapahulu Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 734-0077

Chicken Thigh w/ Mayo

Beef Tongue

Bacon wrapped Mushrooms

Chicken Gizzards

Egg wrapped w/ Grilled Chicken

Red Bean Sesame Balls

Monday, August 11, 2014

Ah-Lang Restaurant - CLOSED

Ah-Lang Restaurant is owned by the angry Korean lady. It's a small restaurant located on the first floor of the Imperial Plaza. The entrance is on Cooke Street. This place is a one woman show. The angry Korean lady mainly focuses on cooking inside the kitchen and only comes out to give you your food. The best thing to do is to not ask questions and read. Yes, READ the papers under the plexi glass on the table. You'll see the house rules and menu.

The recommended dishes are kalbi, spicy chicken wings, seafood pancake, and meat jun. If you can't eat spicy put "1" as the spice level. Do not put "0" because that is not an option listed on the paper. I went on a slow day so the restaurant was quiet but most of the time, I was busy eating. The food comes out hot and it taste good. The portions for the items I ordered were great for sharing with a small group. The kalbi was my favorite because it was well marinated and tender. The taegu is also very good (sorry, no photo), she has a secret ingredient in it. The angry Korean lady likes Michelob Ultra so if you drink, buy a 6-pack and share with her. You don't have to be afraid of dining here, just follow her rules and you'll be fine.

At one point this used to be cash only but now she accepts credit card. For parking, there is ample street parking on Cooke Street before 6pm. She doesn't offer any kind of validation if you park in the nearby parking lots.

For more information about Ah-Lang Restaurant, visit www.angrykoreanlady.com.

725 Kapiolani Blvd
Ste C119
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 596-0600


Green Onion w/ Mixed Seafood Pancake

Combination Soon Dubu w/ Egg

Bulgogi

Kalbi

Monday, July 21, 2014

Asuka Nabe + Shabu Shabu

Asuka Nabe + Shabu Shabu is located in Kaimuki on Waialae Ave across from Coffee Talk. They are known for having delicious soup bases for shabu shabu. They are open for lunch on select days and open for dinner daily. Their lunch menu is limited. I recommend coming for dinner instead because they have a larger nabe selection. There are also more soup bases to choose from. My favorite soup bases are the paitan and the asuka classic. If you can't decide what to eat, order a nabe. It has a little bit of everything inside. The nabe portions are big so if you have a small appetite, you might want to share the nabe and just add on a couple more items.

If you come with a big group, reservations are recommend. Their booths are set up to seat 4-6 people. As for parking, you have the option of two paid parking lots. There's one behind First Hawaiian Bank and one across Bank of Hawaii. If you get lucky, you may find some street parking on Waialae or 11th Ave.

For more information about Asuka Nabe + Shabu Shabu, visit asukanabe.com.

3620 Waialae Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 735-6666

Asuka Classic Soup Base

Asuka Nabe (meats, seafood, mushrooms, aburaage)

Asuka Nabe (vegetables, dumpling, udon)