2 Go Bar-B-Q & Korean Restaurant - CLOSED

I would consider this place a whole in the wall because it's not on Fort Street Mall. It's around the corner from Subway. The prices are very reasonable for the amount of food they give. They have a decent sized menu so you could come here every week and still enjoy the food.

It takes them awhile to cook the food and I've waited anywhere from 10 - 25 minutes. I think they only have one cook in the kitchen. If you're in a rush, I'd recommend calling in your order. This place is definitely worth trying if you work in downtown or you're just passing by.
 
73 S Pauahi St
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 525-7778

Bibimbap

Meat Jun (regular)

Bulgogi (mini)

Chicken Katsu (mini)

BBQ Hot Chicken (mini)

Ted's Bakery

If you're heading to the North Shore, you definitely need to make a stop at Ted's Bakery for their famous pies. The pies are sold whole or by the slice. They also sell savory food and other baked goods such as pastries, breads, and cakes. This place is popular with the locals and the tourist. I know some flavors of the pies can be found in the supermarket but I highly recommend coming down here and getting the more unique flavors. I used to love the chocolate haupia cream pie but my new favorite is the pumpkin haupia cream pie. I heard the strawberry guava pie is really good but I didn't see any in the fridge that day. As for the cheese cake, they give that a whole different meaning. They have the layer with the cream cheese but the bottom is actual cake and not a thin graham cracker crust.

I want to thank chizu pan, kimchee, jelly bean and baby bean for joining me on this adventure. Without you guys I wouldn't be able to eat so many different slices of pie. Thank you!

For more information about Ted's Bakery, visit www.tedsbakery.com.

59-024 Kamehameha Hwy
Haleiwa, HI 96712
(808) 638-8207

Pumpkin Haupia Cream Pie

Strawberry Cream Pie

Banana Cream Pie

Chocolate Haupia Cream Pie

Pineapple Macadamia Nut Cheese Cake

Chef Chai

I came here for dinner during their soft opening. I didn't have a reservation but my friend said we could sit at the bar because the seats would open up quicker there. As I waited for the seats, I saw Chef Chai himself greeting customers and seating them. That's not something I see very often and I thought that was nice of him.

After being seated, I skimmed through the menu and saw a good selection of items. The bar also has a lot of alcohol. Being seated at the bar was awesome because the bar tender took really good care of us. Our food came out quick and our water was constantly being refilled. My friends also asked the bartender a bunch of questions about the restaurant and the food and he knew his stuff. The interior design of the restaurant is really nice. For the patio, they have these really cool torch lights that no one else on the island has.

The portions for the food are perfect and they're also great for sharing. The prices are a bit high so you might want to save this place for a special occasion. They offer valet parking for $3 inside the Pacifica Honolulu Tower or you can come after 6:30pm and park on the side of Kapiolani Blvd right in front of the restaurant. I highly recommend dining here.

For more information about Chef Chai, visit www.chefchai.com.

Pacifica Honolulu Tower
1009 Kapiolani Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 585-0011

Chef Chai's Signature Combination Appetizer Platter (Alaskan King
Crab Cake, Gravlax Salmon Roulade, Kataifi Prawns, Goat Cheese
Wontons & Roasted Butternut Squash and Lobster Bisque Shooters )

Ahi Tartar in Mini Waffle Cones

Rosemary Garlic Pork Tenderloin w/ Chinese Buns

Deconstructed Scallop Pot Pie

Creme Brulee Sampler (Chai's Tea, Chocolate & Tahitian Vanilla Beans
and Thai Coffee )

Ahi & Vegetable

This is one of the best downtown spots to get "ahi poke." I usually stick to the poke and not the spicy ahi poke because the way they prepare spicy ahi is different from Foodland. The ahi in the spicy ahi is not cubed, it's a smooth/creamy texture. The prices here aren't too bad considered the quality of the fish is very fresh. There were a few times where I was unlucky and the ahi didn't have the nice red color but most of the time, I'm pretty satisfied.

The lunch line moves very quickly at the Fort Street location. You just need to make sure you know what you want when the Korean lady yells "next." If you make her wait, you break her rhythm and she's not very happy about that. They have an alternate location at 841 Bishop Street which is near Cake Couture.

1126 Fort St Mall
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 599-3500

Sashimi Vegetable

Bento #3

Bento #6

Poke Bowl

Monkeypod Kitchen

They just opened in Ko Olina. If you enjoy eating at restaurants like Roy's and Alan Wong's you're going to love Monkeypod Kitchen. The prices here are more within the normal person's budget and the food taste excellent. I came with a group and so I was able to try a bunch of items. I highly recommend ordering some appetizers and dessert. You must order the strawberry cream pie because it's very good and you won't find anything on the island that makes it like them.

Since the restaurant is still new, they are busy. The guests who stay at Aulani and Ihilani also come here since it's walking distance. I recommend making reservations before coming. The parking lot is small so if you can't find a space, go with valet parking. I think valet is free, just remember to tip nicely.

For more information about Monkeypod Kitchen, visit www.monkeypodkitchen.com.

92-1048 Olani St
Kapolei, HI 96707
(808) 380-4086

Poke Tacos

Garlic Truffle Oil Fries

Pumpkin Patch Ravioli

Dry Mein

Hamakua Wild Mushroom Pizza

Proletariat Pizza

Banana Cream Pie

Strawberry Cream Pie