Reviews

Of course I had to head over to Wild Bean Espresso after I found out they opened a spot right down the street from where I work in Kaka’ako. Officially they opened yesterday but I wasn’t able to swing by due to severe jet lag and work to do.

However, today, lunch time, had to make it. The lunch wagon is the same as their first wagon in Kalihi, which I guess should be called a coffee wagon. Their menu consists of the standard coffee house fair with coffee, latte, mocha, cappucchino, ect as well as smoothies. For a snack it looks like they’re limited to muffins and bananas for now but we’ll take on the rough job of checking back often to see if they expand.

As for service, it’s great! At the wagon when I went around lunch time was one of the founders Anthony, the owner (I believe) of the wagon Rose, and a lovely, energetic and very smiley Nikki. I asked for a smoothie of sorts and in addition to their 4 signatures, said they could make any combo you want with the ingrediants they have there. The signatures however are, Roxy Orgasm, Julia Sweet Ass, Sex on Your Face, and Wild Bean Fantasy. Great names!

I chose the Julia Sweet Ass, a combo of Orange Juice, Strawberry, and Red Bull. Nikki was engaging and chatty and who can complain about that. As for the smoothie, it was quite delicious, not too much of any ingredient and more than enough strawberries. Quite a good lunch replacement.

After chatting with all three and some customers it turns out the place is liked by men and women alike. In fact, one guy in line said all the ladies in his office sent him over, said he had to go (twisted his arm I’m sure). As for me, I’ll be back, most likely for a morning coffee run which used to be over to Ward for McDonald’s or Starbucks.

Billed as the western most brewery in the United States, the Waimea Brewing Company on the island of Kauai brings is your answer for a truly local craft beer. Having gone to the Kona Brew Fest for several years we had tried a few of the Waimea Brewing Companies beers but didn’t really think to stop in until we were on the island and inadvertently driving by.

And we’re glad we drove by and noticed it. We stopped on a trip in late fall 2009 (this review is coming a little late, so any updates let us know). The brewing company is stuck amongst cottages as part of the Waimea Plantation Cottages which is an amazing spread of well kept lawn and huge vacation cottages. The location looks as though it’s out of an old plantation house (hence the name) and the open air feel is evident throughout. We sat down to enjoy lunch on the back lanai overlooking the expanse of lawn.

We stopped in at about 2 pm, so I would imagine the lunch crowd (whatever crowd could possibly be on Kauai) was done and the servers were taking their lunch break. The service was good, although let’s face it, we were there to try some beers and it took a while to get our first drinks so we didn’t get to try as many as we want. A sampler would have been the better route to take.

We tried an IPA on the list which for the life of me I can’t remember what it was called. It was supposedly new, and although I can’t remember the name, the taste was delicious. After that we went for a Pale Ale, and didn’t have time for another. They definitely have some good beers.

On the food side, it’s your standard bar food. We had the nachos which were huge, they could have been our meal alone. After that we both had burgers which were good, nothing spectacular but did the trick.

All in all it was a good stop in. I believe the restaurant portion was new, so that could have explained the somewhat unspectacular menu and the so so service. But for a brewery on another island, you can’t go wrong. I would say definitely stop in for a few drinks!

You’ve decided to take a vacation to the North Shore of Oahu to get away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. Or maybe it’s a staycation for those locals looking to do the same. Either way, when the evening is winding down, sometimes back to the room doesn’t seem as appealing.

Well, just cause your “stuck” up on the north shore of Oahu doesn’t mean their isn’t a little night life. Of course it all depends on what the crowd is like that’s staying at Turtle Bay, but the The Bay Club could be just what you need. Located right in the main lobby of the resort, The Bay Club overlooks Bay View Beach, which at night, most of the view is tiki torches, but still a great location.

Unless there’s a big wedding at Turtle Bay this place has a moderate amount of people with something to do for everyone. Whether it’s sitting at the bar or at a lounge table, you can enjoy both. Or maybe pool is your pleasure. They have two tables right next to their shuffleboard table. We decided on a couple of beers and game of shuffleboard. They’ll also go club if you want to with music playing above their dance floor, you can have a dance off if you’d like.

Although we don’t quite know the hours, they’ll probably stay open late for you. It’s a resort bar, you make the rules.

Turtle Bay is that little Oasis on the North Shore that tourists and locals alike go to get away from the city life of Honolulu. Within this oasis is several restaurants, one of which, Ola, sits right on Bay View Beach and serves lunch and dinner, and a great atmosphere.

We decided to head over to Ola for dinner one night recently while we were spending a little staycation at Turtle Bay Resort. Ola is an open air restaurant that promotes healthy eating choices and local produce. Their menu even states whats local or not and with all the farming in Kahuku, there’s plenty that is.

We arrived a little later in the evening, around 9 PM on a Saturday, and got right in. There are plenty of tables but if you’re coming before 9, I would recommend a reservation (see details below). We were seated near the bar/servers station at a high-top table looking directly out at the moonlit bay. Great stuff!

We ordered a bottle of wine after the server ran through some of the house specials, which included all those locally caught fish and locally grown produce. The prices are what you’d expect at a resort. $25 – $35 entrees, $12 pupu’s, with a bottle of wine actually being comparable to a chain restaurant like California Pizza Kitchen, not bad (depending on what you get of course).

We decided to skip the pupu, and get a salad with our meals which were the Five-Spiced Braised Beef Short Ribs and the Seared Ahi. Both arrived quickly and were delicious. They came with veggies that were great, tasted fresh and seasoned well. Sometimes a late night dinner can greet you with a cook that is ready for a nap, or a drink, and the food may be so so, but this was top notch.

With a bottle of wine down, a salad, and a filling entree, we decided to pass on dessert. But that doesn’t mean you should, we hear they have some great ways to cap off your meal with Kona Coffee infused in some their desserts.

All in all the service was very good. We weren’t there when it was too busy, so we can’t say what the dinner rush service is like, but it looked like they had more than enough servers. The food, service and price make this 5 stars in our book, but add the atmosphere of being on the beach in Turtle Bay and you can’t beat it.

If you’re hanging out at Kailua Beach Park for the day there’s a great spot not too far away that you can walk to for some mid-day lunch. It’s Bob’s Pizzeria in the Kailua Beach Shopping Center.

To split up a day of Kiteboarding we usually head on over around 1 pm, just after the lunch rush, and grab a slice of pizza. Bob himself is sometimes working. The staff is mostly young kids, tossing pizza and talking story. The slices are huge, $5 a slice, which isn’t too bad considering it’s a quarter of a pizza. Choose your slice and they’ll throw it in their big oven to warm it.

We usually get our slices and relax on their little outside lanai but you can also get them to go if you’d like. I recommend the Bob’s Special, well, cause it’s special. Or if you don’t fancy the meat, try out the spinach and garlic pizza, it’s another pleaser.

You can also get a calzone, or a salad. Grab a t-shirt a drink, and head on back to the beach.

Overall the appearance is simple, but what do you want, it’s a store front pizza joint. The staff is always friendly, and the food is great. We’ll say best pizza in Kailua by far.

Ever since Cisco’s Cantina closed my wife and I have craved a good restaurant in Kailua to get some Mexican food.  While Taco Bell Kailua can be a good late night fix, let’s face it, it’s Taco Bell.  There are a few other choices scattered in Kailua and Kaneohe, let alone Hawaii and Oahu, but we’ve frequented Mexico Lindo in Kailua  a little more often than the others.

Mexico Lindo is located in the Kailua Square Shopping Center with Times Supermarket, Radio Shack, and Morning Brew.  Parking shouldn’t be a problem and the wait is usually only 25 minutes at most on a busy Saturday or Sunday night.  They have indoor seating at large rustic wooden tables, bar seating indoors at a 6 seater bar, and outdoor seating, which if you don’t want to drink, will usually get you in quicker on a busy night.

One thing you’ll notice when you enter is all servers, bar, persons, and everyone except the cooks and dishwashing staff is female.  As the sign over the bar states, Girls Rule.  Once you’re seated, chips are brought with a salsa that’s just spicy enough to enjoy.

Service is always quick so you’ll have waters and drink orders taken in no time.  There’s always enough staff on hand.  If you want a good tequilla or margharitta, they’ve got plenty for you and make their drinks strong enough.  We haven’t had a pitcher, but you can get those if you’d like.  Standard Mexican beers persist and who can go wrong with a Corona or Modello.

The menu is quite expansive with a good selection of veggie, beef, chicken, pork, and being in Hawaii, fish.  Most of their combo’s and entrees come with beans, rice, lettuce, and sour cream.  The sour cream is nice to get without having to pay extra.

One great thing they do, if you want a little variety, is a combo entree with your choice of two or three items.  You can choose from Burrito, Taco, Enchilada, Tamale, Chile Relleno, or Mini Quesadilla for $13.50 (two) or $16.50 (three).  The servings each are a little smaller than the plates, but remember, you’re getting two.

Other than that the standard Mexican Fare is delicious.  That topped with good customer service makes this a return trip restaurant.  Plus they have take-out if you’re craving mexican on the way home from work.

From round 1 of JBay two Hawaii surfers missed making the round 2 bye and needed to surf today.

First up was Roy Powers surfing against Neco Padaratz of Brazil. The surf was perfect JBay conditions and provided the surfers with some great rides. Both struggled early but in the end, after a few decent waves were scored, it was Padaratz coming out on top with a score of 11.36 to Powers’ 10.93.

Next to surf for Hawaii was Dusty Payne coming up against Daniel Ross in the 12th Heat. Much like the heat with Powers only this one went better. Payne came out on top and advances to the 3rd round which looks like it will be surfed tomorrow with great conditions expected.

Also surfing for Hawaii will be Andy Irons, Fredrick Patacchia, and Kekoa Bacalso.

Rob Machado may be ultimate soul surfer of the current generation, and if that’s the case, The Drifter may be the number one soul surfer video of our time. If you’re looking for a movie packed with surf footage, this won’t be your cup of tea (although the bonus tracks are sick). But if you’re looking for why you should surf, this is your movie.

Following Rob Machado around Indonesia, Taylor Steele has made a surf movie that captures what every soul surfer dreams of. Captures what every surfer cooped up in a cubicle dreams of. To leave the day to day, leave the crowds, and find that perfect wave, all alone, with no one there to care if you go tubed, had the ride of your life, or care that you’re a Pipe Master.

The Drifter has an interesting narrative style. Not like most surf movies, this movie cares little about the epic waves of Indo, and more about the journey you take to find them, where you are, and who you meet along the way.

The beginning of the movie takes through some competitions, crowded bars, and the typical surf crowd. Like the rest of the movie, the narrative comes from Machado himself, and from his journal entries. This puts a truly unique artistic spin on the movie.

From tossing out his cell phone, to finding a beat up bike, to meeting the occasional crazy machanic, Machado experiences solitude through meeting those that he can only point and hope they know what he’s talking about.

In the end, Machado meets up with a tribe of sorts what seems like it’s near a break, but that’s not the point. Steele leaves you hanging showing you that the journey to find solitude on a wave, doesn’t necessarily mean finding solitude in life. This tribe lives simply, and appeared to allow Machado a connection within his solitude.

Again, The Drifter isn’t your average surf DVD. It’s more about a journey, that allows you to take from it what you will, truly an amazing journey.

Surf Footage: Minimal surf footage splashes throughout the movie. Amazing rides, but if you’re looking for only surf videography, you may want to just look at the bonus footage.
Music: Amazing, get the soundtrack, if you can find it.
Babes: Minimal babes, but it’s Indo, so there has to be one or two.
Interviews: The whole DVD is an interview, you find out who Rob Machado is all about.

It started back in 1966 when Bruce Brown brought us the classic surf movie Endless Summer, then moved to Bruce’s son Dana Brown who in 2003 brought the surf epic Step Into Liquid, and now, the torch is being passed with Wes Brown, the grandson of Bruce, bringing us Peel: The Peru Project – A Surf Odyssey.

Peel is a great start for the newest Brown surf director as he follows two sets of surfing greats from our generation to the great lefts of Peru.  Growing up on Hawaii’s north shore together, Mark Healy and Jamie Sterling head there in search of new waves and a little culture joining up with Peruvian legends Magoo de la Rosa and surfer babe and world champ Sofia Mulanovich.

The other group taking to the waters of Peru are Randy Bonds and Jesse Colombo of Southern California surfing greats.  These two find themselves with a trip up the coast tracking swells that land on the shores of South America causing lefts that go on forever.  One that hits and provides rides for over 4 minutes.  Yeah, you saw an amazing African continent right that went on forever in Endless Summer, well, the Brown family has done it again making us wish for that unheard of perfect left.

Peru, I came to find out, has a deep rooted culture in the ocean, one that for centuries has been playing in the water and trying to ride the waves.  Rather than thinking of Machu Pichu, it’s refreshing to think of Peru in it’s small coastal towns.

The Peru Project has some great music and amazing footage that seems like it just continues on forever.  Interjections of Peruvian culture bring the amazing scenes of surfing into a reality check but don’t weigh down the fact that it’s  a surf video.

Well placed and not too  overdone, it’s another surf film that teaches you not only about some of the best waves in the world, but of some of the most amazing cultures in the world.

Surf Footage: Awesome, tons and tons of amazing lefts litter the screen as the stars of this film take you on a journey of South American surf and culture.
Music: Often times the music takes center stage in some surf videos, but this one carefully interweaves the music into the surfing as though it were telling it’s own story.  Well chosen.
Babes:  We would have thought more babes in South America, but instead a few babes show up in an otherwise awesome educational surf video.
Interviews: A couple interviews with surfing greats of Peru are a welcome surprise in this movie.  Of course the stars are interviewed as well and give some great insight into life in these small coastal towns.

Aside from some disjointed narration at times, this movie is great.  Watch it a couple of times and you’ll be sure to catch a different angle each time.

The quick blurbs about this movie you pick up from the back of the DVD box or from little quips on the internet don’t really do it justice.  Going into the movie I wasn’t prepared for just how deep the surf DVD Bustin’ Down the Door was going to go.  You don’t expect original surf punk Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew to break down and cry on camera when going through his childhood.

But that’s what this movie brings, along with fun, excitement, amazing surfing, and a lot of history of how the surf world came to be as we know it now.  A side other than that of the southern California normal.

Bustin’ Down the Door pays tribute to four Australia surfers who made their mark on the Hawaiian surf scene and brought the words “professional athlete” to the surf tour.  Mark Richards (MR), Peter Townend, Ian Cairns, and Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew were just a few Australian surf dudes hoping to make it big, real big.  They wanted to be the best and beat everyone in their path, including the Hawaiians.

The movie starts off by taking you through the Aussie crew showing up on the North Shore of Oahu and being amazed at the skill of the surfers.  Surfing big waves like Sunset, Pipeline, and of course, Waimea Bay, which a few wouldn’t even venture out in.  At the time, surfing events were held by Hawaii for Hawaiians, with literally one or two spots going to those outside

After being invited to an event or two, the Waimea Bay big wave competition being one of them, they slowly began to make a name for themselves.  Going right at Pipe, MR and Rabbit tore the face off the wave, something others weren’t even trying to attempt.

They continued on the tour, winning where they could and living as much as they could on the North Shore.  Things really got interesting when Rabbit and Townend made comments the rest of the Hawaiians didn’t agree with.  Fearing for their life, you find out what it truly means to “Respect the Culture.”

The movie goes on to find MR on the cover of magazines doing photoshoots in the middle of LA and bringing fame to professional surfers.

The movie played like a documentary that was made in the 1970s rather than in 2008 when Jeremy Gosch really put it together.  Pulling from some great footage and having countless interviews with some North Shore greats, Bustin’ Down the Door is more like a movie about how Australians got into the Hawaiian surf scene and became respected.

Even the music in the movie takes you back with a soundtrack that plays more like Dazed and Confused than a surf video.  The interviews are amazing, not only with the Aussie greats, but also with the likes of Eddie Rothman, Fred Hemmings, and Clyde Aikau.

Surf Footage: The surf footage is classic.  If you just need a movie for vintage surf footage, this is worth the purchase price (currently less than $15 at amazon.com).  From MR, to Eddie Aikau, the footage is amazing.
Music: As we say, the soundtrack plays like one from Dazed and Confused and captures the era perfectly.
Babes:  It was the flower child era, and these were the original surf crews.  If they weren’t in it for the money, there had to be surf babes.  A few classics scatter the footage, although I’m sure there had to be more.
Interviews: Amazing, it’s like each surfer remember and captured the events highlighted in this movie like it was yesterday.  Takes you back and teaches you some true surf cluture.

Overall we vote this one 4 stars and not the total 5 because it was, in our opinion a little falsely advertised.  It had amazing footage and taught a lot about surf culture and how things on the tour started.  This is a classic educational surf film, if ever there was one.