Posts Tagged ‘food’

When was the last time someone offered you a free wiener?  Apparently the folks at Hot Dog on a Stick at the Windward Mall really appreciate their loyal customers and have decided to honor them as well as complete strangers by offering $1 Hot Dogs on a Stick throughout Tuesday June 15^th 2010 and then FREE from 5PM to 8PM.

Hot Dog on a Stick is located in Windward Mall’s Pa’ina Ko’olau Food Court. Limit one free hot dog, per person.  LOCATION: Hot Dog on a Stick (Food Court) TIME: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.”

Wow lucky you live or visit Hawai’i and mo’ bettah you check out Windward Mall and its exciting collection of shops and eateries.  Check out windward mall for more info.

Among the many Pride events in Honolulu in June the Annual Friday Night Ohana Gathering is perhaps the most relaxed least hectic a truly Pau Hana event with the emphasis on friendship, a time to catch up with friends before the craziness attendant on the Pride Parade & Festival the next day.

Friday June 18^th 2010 from 3PM to 8PM gather on the outside Honolulu Zoo lawn for a local style gathering with Bar=B-Q plate lunches for only $8.00 (Teri chicken sandwich, corn on the cob, mac salad & dessert plate or teri-burger plate.).  Refresh your thirst with fresh squeezed lemonade.

There will be a miniature style golf tournament plus music, a fireworks show, and an opportunity to win gift baskets and Hawai’i’ Theatre Tickets.  Reservations are welcome via the event facebook posting.  Afterwords trade the tranquility of the Zoo for the Circus!  Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand a short walk away hosts  ‘Cirque Du So Gay’ later in the evening, so continue to enjoy a month of Pride, Diversity and Fellowship/Friendship in Honolulu.

When people on Kaua’i party they party, just check out the incredible line up of entertainers for the annual Waimea Town Celebration 2010, on Friday, February 19, 2010. Second Nature, Makaha Sons, Natalie Ai Kamaluu, Wailoa, Cherry Cherry, Kirby Keohn perform.

Then on Saturday, February 20, 2010 more stellar performances by Kiwini Vaitai, Mana’o Co., High Risk Factor, Pono Breeze and Hoolea.  In addition too all of the great music all of Waimea will be one vast party with food booths, crafts & games, lots of local products for sale, Hawai’i’an Heritage & Hula, and the sheer joy of family & friends and new found friends celebrating the joy of living on Kaua’i.

Suds a plenty with a beer garden for adults and carnival rides for children of all ages.  Festivities begin at 4:30 PM on Friday running to 11:30 PM, and then Saturday it is an all day party from 10AM to 11:30 PM.

There will be an on going softball tournament, three men basketball, but the biggest draw will be the 10^th Annual Waimea Round-Up Rodeo. All sorts of fun stuff from Steer Roping and Po’owaiu to Barrel Racing, plus the antics of Rodeo Clowns, and the drama of expert horsemanship plus colorful costumes and the sheer enthusiasm of the crowd all combine to make this a must attend event.

Most all of the Waimea Town Celebration events are free and open to the public while the main rodeo events are a screamingly modest $3, so grab this opportunity to explore Kaua’i the Unconquered Isle.  For further info about the Rodeo, Chelsie Ludington Phone: (808) 652-3770, and for the Waimea Town Celebration Mark Nellis Phone: (808) 651-3368 or check out WKBPA Events.

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.

The Arts & Cultural District Honolulu and Tim Bostock Productions continue to serve up tasty Friday night treats in the urban core of Honolulu on October 9, 2009.  What was once the Taste of the Arts Festival has become the (truly) Alternative Taste Street Festival, an eclectic electric event offering more than a few twists & turns.  Embracing the GLBT Community, mixing in elements intended to entertain entire families, the Alternative Taste Festival will be such a big event that several downtown streets will be freed from the demands of vehicular traffic, open only to those on feet or more personal wheeled devices.

Nuuanu Avenue will be closed from Chaplain Lane above Marks Garage to King Street, and Hotel Street will be closed from Bethel to Smith.  Pauahi Street will be closed from the Marks Garage exit to the Smith -Beretania lot exit.  There will be three/3 music stages set up throughout the district plus a DJ stage providing continuous entertainment from 6PM to 10PM, though the partying will continue on throughout the night at the many wonderful clubs in the Arts & Cultural District.

What sort of diversity can one expect?  On the main stage at Pauahi and Nuuanu one can gyrate to the hip hop-klezmer-funk mix of Haberdashy, smash dance to local hard punk from 86 List, kick up their heels to the hard driving Celtic music of Doolin’ Rakes, and end the night with a Salsa fandango tango via veteran music legend Rolando Sanchez Salsa Band, headliners for the event.  All that on just one of the stages!  The equally renowned Otto, musical prodigy and cheesecake baker extraordinaire, will be serving up his signature cheesecakes by the Nuuanu Stage, as well as launching 86 List’s debut CD (Otto is their Bassist).  More food will be served up by ING Direct Café.

Befitting Hotel Streets historic friendship towards Honolulu’s GLBT community, the stage at Hotel & Smith Street will play host to a full on drag show, Chinatown Follies featuring ‘Lip Gloss,’ ‘Paper Dolls,  ‘Gender Bender,’ Linda Brown, Brandy Lee, and Emcee Rachel with other participants to be announced.  The ‘Miller Lite’ DJ Car will feature bartenders from Hulas’ Bar & Lei Stand, and you can get your wig on at artists Roy Venter’s ‘dedicated’ wig stand, in cooperation with the (http://www.alohaupdate.com/2008/12/01/a-cut-above-the-rest/) LGW Institute of Hair and Design   - – - The Iggy Box.

The Stage at Nuuanu and King Street will accommodate a slate of diverse talent.  Improv Artists, Poets from Youth Speak Hawai’i Millicent Cummings, Hope Mayo, PLUS specialist fire dancers from Hawai’I Fire Artists, and if that is not enough to stuff into your cranium you can witness the aerial acrobatics of Samadi Hawai’i.

Dizzy yet?  Latin DJ Lion of Judah will spin tunes at the ‘Red Bull’ DJ Stage at Nuuanu and Hotel.  Stilt Walkers from Monkey Waterfall will be ‘working’ the crowd, while one can expect to encounter Tarot Card Readers and other PSCHYCIS at various locations.

Bring plenty of cash to this for there will be lots of cool things to do that you will want to invest in aside from food & drink and a Tarot Card reading.  “The Alternative Market will include information booths on many alternative lifestyle issues, offering activities and sharing materials on cultural and community services.  Blue Planet Foundation, Lesbian and Gay Business of Hawaii, Pride Alliance Hawaii, Black Cat Tattoo, Dr. Ray Yoza and Land of Organica Sorbets will be part of the Alternative Market. Temporary tattoos and massages will be provided alongside other alternative healing and alternative energy tents.”

Naturally there will be lots to eat & drink at this event :: “Food booths from local restaurants Indigo, Brasserie Du Vin, Murphy’s Bar and Grill, Balé, Café Joy, Tea @ 1024 and Soul de Cuba will be joined by newcomers India Café with vegetarian curries and Hale Kealoha with healthy Hawaiian food, or ai pono.  All menu items will be paired with a premium beer, with selections on offer including Blue Moon, Killians, Grolsch, Pilsner Urquell, Miller Chill and Peroni.  Draught Miller Lite will be available for $3.  Bacardi Mojitos, 1800 Silver T Margaritas, Bombay Sapphire Tom Collins, 42 Below Vodka Bull and other mixed drinks also available from $5.”

A final note a final quote, this is one event that you will not want to miss!  “Alternative Taste 2009 is presented by local nonprofit, the Honolulu Culture & Arts District Association, together with the Arts District Merchants Association, and is sponsored by Miller Lite and Blue Moon Beers, ING Direct Bank, Bacardi, 42 Below, Jack Daniels, 1800 Silver T, Bombay Sapphire, Honolulu Weekly, and Star 101.9 Radio.  The City and County of Honolulu and Hawaii Tourism Authority support HCAD. Alternative Taste is produced by Tim Bostock Productions.  For more information about the event as it approaches, including program detail, a site map, menus and beer pairing details, please go to www.alternativetaste.com. “

For those who haven’t been to Aiea Bowl lately they don’t know what their missing. Located on 99-115 Aiea Heights Drive in Aiea, Aiea Bowl is a great place for the seasoned bowler, kids, nightlife lovers, and foodies.  Aiea Bowl and its 24 lanes of bowling is open from 9 am to 2 am Monday thru Sundays and 9 am to 1 am on Wednesdays.

Aiea Bowl is unlike other bowling alleys on the island, thanks to brothers Gregg and Glenn Uyeda who bought Aiea Bowl in 2005 and completely remodeled the facility.  From the new computerized bowling scoreboards to the inside of the bathrooms, this is not your dirty old bowling alley.  In fact Aiea Bowl is clean, innovative, comes with amazing food at their in house restaurant called The Alley, and features cosmic bowling with loud dance music and black lights on some special event nights.  Aiea Bowl also has a full bar for those 21 and over.

“Moonlight Mondays” and “Her Way Thursdays” are 2 events that go on weekly.  They start at 9:30 pm for cosmic bowling and feature drink specials, giveaways, Djs, and emcees.  Event nights here turn into a nightclub with bowling.  This place gets packed and has become the new “place to be” on the leeward side during event nights.

For me, the best thing about Aiea Bowl is their in house restaurant The Alley that serves high quality and delicious comfort food.  They have plate lunch dishes gourmet style, sandwiches and burgers, salads, homemade pizza, fresh baked desserts, and they even serve breakfast.  The Alley is open from 7 am to 2 am Monday thru Thursdays and Sundays and 7 am to 3 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The last time I was there I wolfed down their local moco with flame broiled choice ground hamburger meat, over-easy eggs, homemade brown gravy, brown rice, and macaroni salad.  I also had a side of their crunchy garlic fries to go with it.  Honestly, I think their food is to die for and my boyfriend even caught me licking the gravy off my plate.  The portions here are enormous and their dishes will delight your taste buds.  Don’t leave The Alley without trying one of their desserts.  I recommend their cake-like blueberry cream cheese scones.  Have one and you’ll be addicted!

I actually go to Aiea Bowl for the food at The Alley.   For me the bowling is an extra perk.  For more information call 808-488-6854 (bowling), 808-486-3499 (restaurant), or check out www.aieabowl.com.  This website has bowling times, prices, reservation numbers, event nights, The Alley’s full menus, and even a photo gallery to view pictures.

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 …

The Punahou Carnival begins today at 11 a.m. and will continue through Saturday night until 11 p.m.  There are tons of great rides, games, and food to enjoy as well as shopping to be had.  This year’s theme is “Lights! Camera! Carnival! Keepin’ it ‘Reel.’”  There is limited parking, so you are advised to take the bus or ride a bike to Punahou and Wilder Streets.

Foods traditional on the Punahou Midway include malassadas, Hawaiian plate, Portuguese bean soup, chili, nachos and Greek gyros sandwiches. Also included: skills booths, White Elephant, fresh produce, haku lei, ceramics, plants, and a Live Auction. The Art Gallery continues to showcase outstanding island artists, located in the Punahou Science Center. E. K. Fernandez provides action-packed rides.

Here’s a bit of Carnival trivia:

Over 5,000 pounds of sugar was donated to the Carnival for malasadas. Is that why they are so good?

The two hamburger booths each cook 108 patties every 10 minutes. At that rate they could make over 31,000 burgers at the carnival. Eat them your way: plain, teri or with cheese!

In 2006, 8,000 jars of mango chutney and 2,000 jars of lilikoi butter were made for the Carnival. Fruit picking and cooking is completed during the summer. They still sell out on Friday!

The Haku Lei Booth began in 1972. That makes 37 years. Do you have one?

2,100 gallons - over 33,000 cups – of Portuguese Bean Soup are enjoyed at Carnival. Why? It’s great!

There are 64 booths and 18 E. K. Fernandez rides at the Punahou Carnival. How many have you tried?

I have been hearing hype for the past few months about the new burger joint called “Burgers on the Edge,” located in the new Kapahulu Safeway shopping center, so I had to try it out for myself.  I am actually not a huge hamburger fan, so this place needed to be special for me to write a raving review of it.   The place is a quaint venue with some table seating inside and outside.  The decor is modern and fun.  Burgers on the Edge has a mission “to create the best tasting burgers on the planet.”

For a burger joint the menu is quite extensive and as I approached the register and started reading the menu I was stumped.  A friendly employee approached me and explained “the deal” with ordering.  It wasn’t as simple as ordering a hamburger or a cheeseburger.

The friendly employee explained to me that there are 4 steps in ordering your burger.  First, you choose your type of burger: beef, chicken breast, portabello mushroom, or turkey burger.  Second, you choose from 10 different types of cheese.  Third, you choose from 12 different types of gourmet sauces/dressings.  And lastly, you choose 4 toppings from such as applewood smoked bacon to pico de gallo from their 19 different toppings.

After the explanation I was still stumped on what to order, so the very friendly and very patient employee told me that there were also 12 burgers on the menu to choose from for those who can’t make up their minds.  I decided to go with that short list and ordered the “Milano” burger made with ground chuck, lettuce, tomatoes, basil pesto, and gruyere cheese.  To top it off I order some truffle shoestring fries to go with it.  This place also has sweet potato fries, chili, and even salads on the menu.

I found a table to sit at outside in the fresh air and within a few minutes they brought out my order.  The burger was well made with fresh ingredients.  I especially liked the soft hamburger bun.  I came to find out that their bread is made fresh from the Mauna Kea Baking Company.  The pesto sauce gave my burger an extra kick that I also enjoyed.  The fries were a nice addition to burger with lots of added flavor.  I usually stray away from burger joints because of the monotony that they sometimes can have.  This place breaks that generic burger mold.

I will definitely be returning to Burgers on the Edge again.  I may have to study the menu before I come back, so I don’t spend 20 minutes standing at the register again.  If you would like information on Burgers on the Edge, visit their website www.burgersontheedge.com.  Their menu is posted on the website, so for newbees I suggest a look over the menu before you go.

A few months ago I accidentally discovered what Hawaii has been missing: a authentic Mexican restaurant that is aptly named Mexico Restaurant. Growing up in Texas, I was raised on Mexican food and found that Hawaii just does not have good Mexican food — until now. 

Mexico opened over a year ago in an unlikely place in the heart of Kalihi.  Even though this restaurant is located off the beaten path (1247 N. School St. near the Bishop Museum and Kamehameha Shopping Center) any time I have ever been there the place is packed.  The restaurant is a casual venue with true Mexican decór and bright colors throughout.

The menu is enormous with traditional items like tamales and tacos, but it also includes their own seafood and fajita specials.  The highlight of the restaurant is their full bar with their Cadillac top shelf margaritas, imported beers, and much more.  Try not to eat too many chips and salsa because the portions are also HUGE.  I either eat until I’m sick or take a to-go container home with me.  Most plates come with pico de gallo, sour cream, and homemade guacamole with no extra charge.

On Fridays and Saturdays there is a mariachi singer that plays guitar and entertains the crowd with with popular Latin songs.  If you have been searching for good Mexican food on the island you have to try this spot.  On the weekends this place can get busy, but sorry, they don’t take reservations.  For hours and directions call (808-845-9059).