Posts Tagged ‘Dining’

A few weeks ago, I paid my first visit to the Soul de Cuba Cafe, which had long been on my list of places to dine. Located in the middle of downtown Honolulu (at 1121 Bethel Street), Soul de Cuba is really the ONLY Cuban restaurant in Honolulu — maybe even in the islands, and it’s a true delight.

Sould de Cuba Cafe was founded by brothers Jesus and Robert Puerto, along with Yoon Kim. Jesus and Robert had the shared dream of owning a restaurant, enrolled in a 2-year restaurant management course over a decade ago. In the summer of 2004, they happened to meet Yoon, a hotel and restaurant menagement graduate who had grown up in his own family’s restaurant business. The three collaborated on the Soul de Cuba concept, and the first restaurant opened its doors in New Haven, Connecticut in January 2005, followed soon after by this one in Honolulu in July 2006.

The food at Soul de Cuba is both hearty and delectable. Having traveled to Cuba and eaten many Cuban dishes myself, I have to say that this food is authentic and truly delightful. I forgot that I had ordered the same dish while in Havana last spring, but when I ordered the “Fricase de Pollo” (marinated chicken sauteed with onions and Spanish olives), I was not only taken aback by the same flavors and aromas, but blown away by the authenticity of the dish. While Cuban cuisine is not particularly distinguishable from other Caribbean or Latin American dishes, there is something very tasty and addictive about the food from this special nation.

I would highly recommend any dish — or even cocktail — from Soul de Cuba. My experience there was so rewarding. I look forward to my next taste of Cuba, as I crave every and any reminder of Castro country.

King’s Village is a delightful place to shop & dine in the heart of Waikiki.  Evoking the ambience of a bygone era, it is cleverly constructed allowing one to stroll around in an ever expanding spiral upwards to three levels and back to street level with ease.  It is a perfect place for a stroll with comfortable benches and tables & chairs scattered about, with several water-fountains/features providing delightful ambience.

Those who need a fast food fix will find that King’s Village is the only outlet in Waikiki for KFC & Burger King, along with one of the largest Subway sandwich shops in the area.  Those seeking more adventuresome fare will find Tanaka’s of Tokyo on the third floor a truly elegant place to unwind & dine at the end of the day.  Osho serves up Ramen & Gyzo on the ground floor, while many flocked to Odoriko for a variety of seafood & steak in a traditional Japanese setting and those opting for Americana take comfort in the Rock Island Café which serves up traditional hamburgers & malt shop specialties along with memorabilia from the 1950s through the ‘70s.  However the most unique and charming eatery is Cha No Ma on the second, a delight for all the senses from the moment one passes through their door, a place for Japanese & Taiwanese Tea & delicacies in a serene setting.

King’s Village is host to a variety of stores providing just about every gift item on one’s list of gifts to bless family & friends.  The Royal Peddler has been purveying Hawai’i’an Heirloom Jewelry, Music Boxes, Scrimshaw, Music Boxes and other elegant gifts since 1969.  Royal Selection provides fine European china & accessories and boasts of having one of the most extensive collections of Wedgewood giftware in the nation.  Between Worlds is an emporium of unique collectibles from all over the World.  Regal Décor is chock full of knickknacks including Teddy Bears by Anita, Hummel Figures from Germany, Limoges porcelain from France.

Apparel & Jewelry shops abound among them is Amy’s Corner nestled on the third floor, Honolulu Surf & Sports on the second floor, US Camp featuring military & police style clothing & accessories, Kiki Land has clothing for newborns to teens, Shining Star which aims to put glitter in your life with specialty clocks & bags & jewelry, Village Silver with a unique variety of silver jewelry, and many many more.

Tucked away on the third floor is the one of a kind Fukuro where one can have their fortune foretold for fun by Minoku who offers Japanese/Asian style readings by birth date and corresponding signs.

Now the reader might have the impression that they need to spend money to enjoy all that King’s Village has to offer but no, aside from the open air courtyards where one can sit a spell, there is an incredible bargain, a genuine freebie that very few are aware of.  Deep inside the Village is the King’s Guard Museum a treasure trove providing a look at the past.  Tucked away in display cases an amazing assortment of Glasses, Cups, Mugs, Napkins, Matchbooks, Stir-Sticks bearing the logos of bars & restaurants a few familiar many sadly long departed from these isles.  The museum has all sorts of neat items to ponder; newspaper bursting with the joy of ‘Statehood,’ books & magazines from a by gone era, coat hangers from laundries, Aloha shirts & Muumuus, clippings & snippets from the past, all on display for free.

King’s Village honors the Royal Hawai’i’an Guards whose story is on display in the museum, and there is a better known Waikiki Freebie, a changing of the guards ceremony & rifle drill demonstration daily at 6PM.  King’s Village is open every day from 9AM to 11PM, it is definitely worth a visit.

phto courtesy flicker dot com

Inexpensive & Waikiki are rarely linked in the same sentence but there are a few places where one can find a satisfying meal for a reasonable price.Off of the proverbial beaten path, hidden away inside the lobby of the Waikiki Hana Hotel behind the better known Hyatt Regency Hotel, at 2424 Koa Street there is the Super Chef Restaurant.

It is a quirky place, once home to a karaoke bar it sports a mirror ball sparkling light across the diners seated in comfortable booths stretching to the back where one will find a private dining space excellent for honeymooners celebrating with a dozen or so of their closest friends or any similar celebratory repast.

Super Chef is a haven for those with a craving for high end seafood at a modest price. Various plates featuring Maine Lobster combined with Steak or Mahi Mahi tend to dominate the menu. $24.95 is listed as the regular price for Mahi Mahi or 8oz NY Steak and a ½ Maine Lobster, but on Super Chef’s special menu one will find a discounted price of $19.95. The priciest item on the menu is Filet Mignon & Jumbo Shrimp Scampi for $32.95, while a T-Bone Steak & Twin Lobster Tails will set you back $29.95. One can savor B.B.Q. Bay-Back Ribs for $13.95. All of Super Chef’s entrees are served with sautéed vegetables and a baked potato plus bread or rice.

Super Chef prepared one of my favorites well. A rack of lamb for $19.95 cooked perfectly, served with a baked potato and sautéed vegetables. My only quibble was having to request several packets of margarine, alas no butter, and even more of a sin no sour cream! But the vegetables were delicious My dining companion opted for their Super Combo Special, a really good deal, either one item for $9.95 or two for $11.95, from a variety of items; Shrimp Tempura, 8 ounce New York or Teriyaki Steak, Mahi-Mahi, Hawaiian Style Chicken, or Grilled Shrimp. Once again served with those delicious sautéed vegetables, potato, and choice of rice or bread.

A word of caution though, it is important to request the special price menu when you are seated otherwise you will be handed the regular menu and not another word spoken, other than that the service is polite & efficient and the ambience is cozy & comfortable. One of Super Chef’s appeals for many is a full service bar with a variety of cocktails being served as well as beer & wine. For those who do note imbibe in alcohol a variety of Pepsi products are served along with coffee & tea.

The dessert selection is modest but their cheesecake is tasty, a mere $3.50 while my dining companion enjoyed the coconut cake for the same $ amount though he found it puzzling that it was odd shaped as if it had lost its tip.

Super Chef is open from 5PM to 10PM every night of the week, they can be contacted via 808-926-7199.

The Halekulani is one of Oahu’s premiere hotels on Waikiki Beach.  Built nearly 100 years ago, Halekulani is a destination for travelers around the world.  When locals hear Halekulani they think of fabulous spas, lavish weddings, 5 star restaurants, and big price tags.  Halekulani is home to Hawaii’s only 5 diamond restaurant, La Mer that will set you back about $100+ a person.  Orchids is also located within the hotel for wonderful fine dining, also with high prices.  If you want to experience Halekulani’s ambieance in casual attire, without breaking the bank you should visit the hotel’s informal indoor/outdoor restaurant, House Without a Key.

House Without a Key is open from 7 am to 9 pm for breakfast, lunch, appetizers, cocktails, and dinner.  This open-air retaurant welcomes casual attire and no need for reservations just walk-in.  Customers can dine in the restaurant or be seated in the more casual open outdoor area.  Daily from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm guests can drink cocktails, eat appetizers, and listen to live Hawaiian music in this outdoor seating area.  Everyday of the week features a different Hawaiian music band accompanied by a traditional hula performance.  The special performances take place under a 100 year old Kiawe tree the hotel treasures.  Guests flock in for this unique and complimentary daily performance, so come early to get a seat outside.

Hawaiian music entertainment

For out of towners I would recommend House Without a Key to experience Waikiki at its finest without paying the fine dining price.  For locals looking for a pau hana drink and to get away from the 9 to 5 hustle and bustle this is the place to go.  The sweet Hawaiian music will make you really feel like you are on vacation.   This causal setting is a great place to enjoy food, mai tais (best mai tais on the island, watch out their strong!), and breathtaking views of Waikiki Beach.

Sunset view from House Without a Key

Whether you are visiting Oahu or live and work here, there should always be time for a great lunch with a friend or two. Taking a break in the day and enjoying great bites in a fun, unique, elegant or casual environment does not just nourish your body, it refreshes all your senses and lifts the spirit.

Here are some of my current favorites that fit all moods and appetites:

Chez Sovan Express, Restaurant Row, Honolulu

This small Cambodian temple of great cuisine is rather hidden, but so worth to find it. In this self service, take out or eat in restaurant you’ll find an array of delicious and unique dishes, that surprise your taste buds, are plenty, healthy and also great for your budget. Chez Sovan’s signature dish is “Amok”, flaky white fish smothered in exotic seasonings and steamed in a banana leaf. Are you drooling yet?

The barbequed chicken or beef sticks are great and I can never get enough of the eggplant and tofu. Oh, did I mention the steak salad?

Gordon Biersch, Aloha Tower Market Place, Honolulu

One reason to have lunch at Gordon Biersch is the location. Anything tastes so much better when enjoyed with a view of the ocean and small or large ships passing by. Another reason is the large menu that features great sandwiches, a few amazing salads, local and international flavors and if there is still room, delightful desserts. All at a good price. Try the pecan crusted chicken on a pear and blue cheese salad or the seafood cobb salad. Break da mouth burgers come with the signature garlic fries and if you want it light and local, go for the seared ahi or the fresh poke. Plan a little more time for this one, as the service and the kitchen are usually not the speediest, but make up for it with being friendly and knowledgeable.

New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel, Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu

At the end of Waikiki, close to Diamond Head is a true oasis for an hour away from all the hustle and bustle. Come early! Lunch hours are from 11:45am to 2 pm and the tables fill up fast. At the Hau Tree Lanai you are pretty much sitting at the beach just inches away from the sand, but with little luxuries like real linen, amazing service and knowing that Robert Louis Stevenson used to relax under the same trees. The atmosphere is filled with a delightful nostalgia and 60s design in the bar. Try the grilled shrimp salad or one of their variations on Eggs Benedict!

Hot Dog On A Stick, Windward Mall, Kane’ohe

They are fried, fresh and fabulous. All of the few menu items undergo the same treatment. Dipped in batter and fried to perfection! Hot dogs, cheese sticks, large chunks of fish or chicken and, for the less carnivorous among us, the zucchini sticks. It’s all good and intensely comforting. Who does not love anything that is crisp on the outside, hot and tender inside and made right in front of your eyes? I cannot leave windward mall without at least getting one of their signature lemonades. Made with real lemons and you can even watch the colorfully clad staff every two hours preparing a new batch. It’s lemonade like grandma used to make it and worth a stop in Kane’ohe.

I’m going out to lunch now! To be continued …

One of the true gems of downtown Honolulu is the courtyard & mezzanine of what has been the Remington College Building for many years at 1111 Bishop Street, right between Hotel Street and Beretania Street. It is a perfect spot not more than fifteen minutes away from most anyplace in the Financial & University & Culture & Arts District in the historic heart of Honolulu Hawai’i.

The designers got this one right. On street level is a Mezzanine lined with shops & eateries allowing an open air courtyard one level down. Downtown this translates into a cool oasis where one has a view more of feet than faces which encourages diners sitting at the comfortable tables to focus on one another or the book/magazine/newspaper or whatever. The custodial staff maintains a clean comfortable environment conducive to lengthy lunches which is fortunate for the food close at hand demands consumption. The Remington College Building is chock full of delightful dining places and so this review will feature three with no slight to any of the other available eateries each of which offer bewitching choices.

On the Mauka side of the courtyard is that Downtown rarity in a disposable World. A purse/bag/strap/etc ‘leather’ repair shop, sometimes closed sometimes open, yet under whatever owner always welcome by the harried business exec who has reasons to keep the ‘same old bag’ and merely wants the old one fixed.

Time to grind! Dim Sum House has anchored the food court for at least a decade. Good local style Chinese food good for fast on the go or take it slow and enjoy the food court. Downtown regulars know they can throw an impromptu birthday bash for eight to twenty with ease in the Remington Courtyard and many have built up a working relationship with the staff at Dim Sum House, calling ahead for the daily specials, having a budget in mind for lunch aware the selections range from $2.18 per basket for Honk Kong Style Dim Sum to $4 to $8 for House Style & Special Dishes. Dim Sum House makes things easy for those impromptu parties with a Party A Menu for $10.95 a person, and a Party B Menu for $12.95. Dim Sum House is open Monday thru Friday 6:30AM to 4:30 PM and Saturday 10:00AM to 4 PM. Their phone # is 808-524-8328.

Right next door is Asian Express a more modern equally robust eatery offering healthy choices for 21st Century folk. Actual quote, “Ho, they got Pho fo’ five fifty and six,” screamed across four lanes of Bishop Street traffic. Mo’ than Pho, Asian Express offers up two Summer Rolls or (there ought to be a drum roll here) Two Tofu Rolls which are addictive as Heck, for $3.95, and deep fried Spring rolls for $3.75. Their Green Papaya Salad is terrific for $5.50, as is their delicious take on Chicken Salad for Five American & a Quarter ($5.25). Asian Express serves Rice Vermicelli Noodles in a variety of ways from $6.25 or $7.25, and steamed rice plates in many ways from $6.25 to $7.95 for Ox Tail Soup – - – Kung Hee Fat Choy, celebrate Year of the Ox 4077. Asian Express is open 8:00AM to 4:00 PM Monday thru Friday, and 10AM To 3 PM Saturday, closed Sunday.  You can call them via 808-469-8353.

Locals know Panya Bakery and now they know that they have a Downtown location Courtyard Level The Remington College Building. Panya Downtown offers an incredible selection of goodies baked fresh locally at the Queen Street bakery. Panya Downtown has an equally impressive selection of lunch treats; specialty sandwiches, salads, Panini, premium burgers, rice & noodle combinations, and specialty drinks. Panya pricing is not ‘cheap’ but the quality justifies the price as well as the friendly staff. Prices range from $4.95 to $9.95, with $8 as an average, do your self a favor, keep life simple, with beverage, plan to spend fifteen per person and go with the flow. That is the Hawai’i Stimulus Package. Panya Downtown is open 7AM to 3PM Monday thru Friday, closed weekends and some major holidays. You can check them out via 808-536-8363. The Panya Catering Hotline is 597-8880.

So plan on slow walks through Honolulu The Year of the Ox 4077 (2009) and unwind by spending time at the many food courts & arcades in The Financial District. Or celebrate for many of these food courts are great for toasting a co-workers success or a blessed event or whatever.

photo courtesy of http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/MainSite/Listing/Profile/Profile.aspx?LID=13400499&PopupView

Need a good dose of vintage Hawaiian tiki ambiance? For the ultimate trip back in time, venture to Sand Island and enter the world of La Mariana Restaurant and Sailing Club. Named after the founder and owner, the late Annette La Mariana Nahinu, this beloved watering hole has enchanted locals and visitors since 1955 and is the last of the grand old bars smothering you with the flair of 50’s Hollywood style Polynesia and some of the best Mai Tai you can find on Oahu.

Hidden in a dusty, industrial neighborhood, the magic starts once you enter through the gate and walk down the tiki and palm tree lined path to the entrance of the restaurant. Beware of the watch parrot! Rest your-weary-from-the-world bones in large rattan chairs and enjoy the view of the boats gently rocking in the small harbor while you sip on your favorite tropical drink.

Large glass float lamps set the mood, as do the fishing nets, the carvings and all of the delightful vintage Hawaiian coconut and pineapple kitsch. La Mariana a true museum of Hawaiian art, souvenirs and the South Seas sailing life throughout the decades. It is a grand celebration of tiki passion and the kind of place that is close to extinction. You’ll might recognize some items from the old Tahitian Lanai, Don The Beachcomber, and Trader Vic’s.

In the evenings you can sing along with the piano player and ask him to play your favorite tune. Sit at the bar and talk story with some old timers and new visitors or just lean back and take it all in before you have to return to the real world.

Visiting La Mariana’s for me is always like a mini-vacation, an attempt of time travel and leaving the rest of the world behind for an hour or two. It never failed!

A little raindrop on the parade – almost no one visits La Mariana for the food. The menu boasts a good selection of sandwiches, salads, soup, fish and chips and various grilled items. The Mahi Sandwich is quite nice, and in general all of the food is fresh and plenty.  However, it lacks the kind of creativity in flavor and presentation that we have become spoiled with by so many excellent restaurants on Oahu.

The excellent drinks and the unforgettable atmosphere make up for every culinary shortcoming before you even notice it.

La Mariana Sailing Club

50, Sand Island Access Road, Honolulu

There are many ways to judge one of those Honolulu restaurants that people talk about. Imagine dropping in at the last possible moment on a hectic Christmas Eve, an afternoon when most of the staff has demanded and received time off.  The sole remaining waiter maintains aplomb in spite of obstacles such as a poorly laid out space & inconveniently positioned kitchen. Despite these obstacles, the waiter gives good service, maintaining a genuine smile. With most of the specials exhausted, one orders an unpronounceable (for those of English-German-American heritage) Tacchinio Affumacato, pleasantly described as a ‘Rotisserie roasted turkey breast, sliced and served with Parma Prosciutto, Provolone cheese, tomato, lettuce, and a pesto aioli.

The Turkey Sandwich (American translation) arrives, is quite good, especially two side dishes of red potato salad and coleslaw, plus a pickle slice and a pepper chino. However, this writer has a dozen errands yet to accomplish.  Thus half of the sandwich is packed up to go. In the Christmas rush the sandwich languishes in a bag amidst a pile of bags dumped on couch for most of the evening, gets thrown into the depths of the refrigerator where it is ignored for two days. On the third day, adhering to the adage, waste not, this writer retrieves sandwich.  “Wow.”  It tastes incredible, remaining moist.  The three seed baguette is tasty, not all dried out. That is the mark of a good restaurant.

The downtown crowd raves about Café Che Pasta parked on the mauka end of Bishop Square, at 1001 Bishop St . Mention snagging lunch or dinner at Che Pasta and eyes will sparkle with eyebrows raised.  Inevitably, “how was it?” is spoken with the preset notion that it must have been great. Hard core Italian food lovers might quibble, but those wishing to nibble pasta & sauce with various meats & veggies will enjoy the fare at Café Che Pasta, and your wallet will not suffer grievously. Prices are reasonable considering the variety and the care with which food is prepared, though be prepared for grandly named dishes that are in fact simple good food. Even my Italian friends admit their language is ‘pretentious.  Thus one is confronted with items such as Linguini Con Granchico Piccante, Papparadelle Toscani, Canneloni Bologonesse, and Insalata Con Frutti Di Mare, among other items priced between $8.50 to $12.95.

Che Pasta is popular for its Antipasto selections; Bruschetta, grilled herbed Italian bread topped with Roma tomatoes, basil & dry aged cheeses for $6.50 but by far the most popular choices are Calimari Fritti, seasoned fried calamari with wild greens & julienne vegetables with wasabi cocktail sauce for $9.50, Zuppa Di Vongole, fresh Manila Clams braised with fresh herbs in a light tomato sauce for $10.50, and Carappaccio Di Salmone, naturally cold smoked salmon filet, lemon zest, Italian parsley, red onion, capers, cream cheese and crostini for $10.50.

Friends assure me that the menu is easier to pronounce after a few drinks thus Che Pasta has a full service bar, as well as sodas, ice tea, expresso, Cappucino, and Café Latte. There is an array of delectable deserts; Gelato, Sorbetto Confections, and Cakes & Pastries made in house. Everyone is encouraged to ask about their daily Dessert Specials.

Café Che Pasta is popular for their catering services supplying many a downtown office party with an incentive to stay around (or, at least until the food is pau), one can call them via 808-524-0004 or fax a request via 808-533-0028. Café Che Pasta is open from 11AM To 2 PM for Lunch Monday thru Friday, and Dinner from 4:30 PM to Closing at 8PM.

An important note, though the restaurant is closed on Saturday, the bar is open as Café Che Pasta hosts Salsa Saturday from 10PM To 2PM when “DJ Chavo spins merengue, reggaeton, bachata and salsa, and La Friikiitona’s models display the latest fashions.”

Tucked away in a wonderful old building at 2743 South King Street, within shouting distance of the Kokua Market Coop, is the unpretentious, simply nice Pho’ South King Restaurant featuring traditional Vietnamese cuisine like noodle soup with a choice of seafood or chicken or special beef. Pho’ South King offers comfort food in a comfortable setting. One enters a bright airy space with high ceilings and white washed walls , and the atmosphere basically captures the splashes of sunlight streaming through the windows. One is greeted, most often, by the owner, a truly nice gentleman whose demeanor is welcoming and reassuring.  With such a welcome, visitors know they are about to receive a good meal.

The menu is simple, the food good, the vegetables fresh and plentiful.  A variety of spicy sauces invite one to add as much heat as they wish to their dish. Vegetarian Spring Rolls are well worth the $5.25 for five price but, for the more budget conscious, Summer Rolls with Shrimp are $2.95 for two, each a wonderful appetizer. Expect to spend $5.75 for medium or $7.00 for the large Pho’ when dining in, depending upon your selection, for take-out there is only one size, either $6.50 or $7.00 depending upon your choice of Pho’.

I enjoyed the Beef Balls, a word which some westerners have a hard time dealing with (!), while my friend enjoyed the Seafood Pho’. The very best thing about Pho’ South King is the clarity of the broth, the unobtrusive taste of the noodles, the plentitude of sauces and veggies one can add to their bowl of Pho’.

Service is at the pace of the server, so do not expect a lightning fast dine & dash.  Be prepared for a leisurely pace and be assured that the results are well worth the wait. As an added treat, consider the sweet chilled French coffee as a perfect capper for your meal.

Pho’ South King is open six days a week, Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM.  Reservations are not needed, and takeout is available if you call #808-942-4577. Bon Appetite.