Posts Tagged ‘Sports’

Idaho has become bowl eligible for the first time in tens years. And they did it at the expense of Warriors last night.

Idaho beat the Warriors 35 – 23 and moves to 6 and 1 on the year and 3 and 0 in WAC conference play. Idaho came out victorious with a balanced offense of running and passing. But the big news was their defense, who, despite a great offensive showing by UH, was able to keep them out of the endzone.

UH quarterback, Bryant Moniz ,completed 30 of 42 passes for 360 yards. Which on any other day would be a great set of stats, but on this night, it wasn’t the case.

UH falls to 2 and 4 on the year, which doesn’t look good for their bowl eligibility.

I am fortunate to live on the beautiful Windward side of the island, but for the past few weeks not so fortunate because of the variable winds conditions resulting in stifling weather conditions.  I had been praying for the trades to come back and about to dump a glass of cold water on my head when it dawned on me, variable winds = good surf on the East-side!

Now when I mean “East-side” I  am referring to the East-side of the island of Oahu such as Kailua, Kaneohe, Ka’a'awa, Punalu’u, Hau’ula, Laie, and Kahuku.  I have been living on this side of the island in Kahalu’u for the past 7 years and I have been honored to surf some of these secret local breaks.  I exclude Sandy Beach and Makapu’u simply for the fact that there is currently a surf report done on these surf locations and they may be considered “East-side” breaks but there are no secrets here.  As for the rest of the areas for those who know where to go and when to go, these places can produce some of the best surf on the island with NO CROWDS!

To catch great surf on the East-side many factors must be just right.

#1. The right winds.

#2. Large swells generating from either the north or the south.

#3. The right tide.

#4. No hungry sharks around.

If one of these factors are just a little off the surf won’t be right and most times un-surfable.  I have driven out to a particular break many times and have not paddled out because the conditions were wrong.

There are also other factors to consider when thinking about surfing the East-side.   Firstly, most of the surf breaks cannot be seen by the untrained surfer eye.  The surf breaks are either so far out that most people don’t even notice surfers or to get to the break you have to go through parks or even people’s houses.  Next once you’ve found the break, there are no surf reports for any of the breaks from Kailua to Kahuku, so you must physically be standing in front of the break to know how it is.  Once you decide you should paddle out most of the East-side breaks have no formal parking area, so you must park your car at your own risk, which is usually on the side of the road or in a neighborhood.  Another thing to remember is that the locals who surf these spots don’t like foreigners (anyone else that didn’t grow up surfing there) so be prepared not to be welcomed and even hated on.

Lastly and most importantly, if you are lucky to spot a break with ideal conditions, find a parking, and decide to go out, understand that whatever wave size you think it is the actual height when you paddle out is usually twice that size and double the strength.  East-side breaks tend to be very deceiving and usually not in the new-comers favor.  East-side breaks tend to barrel on the reef and waves come with lots of speed and power behind it.  Trust me, over the years I have learned all these things out the hard way.

As I took the 20 minute paddle out to an undisclosed surf break this weekend I got into “serious surfer mode.”  After the stare down by the locals and without any smiling I took a spot off the peak out of the way.  Surfing with “east-siders” is one like no other.  There is a very different vibe with a focus on catching as many waves as possible and not getting killed on the reef.  These guys are about ripping it up, safety, and camaraderie, not about showing off, dropping in on someone, and bragging about it.  It was an amazing day with head high waves and some of the best glass-est surf I had seen in months and months.  Even I got a few choice waves and I even saw one smile come my way from a local.

I would like to warn tourists and new surfers of East-side breaks.  These spots aren’t for the light hearted and in my opinion because of all the sketchy variables the East-side can be a tougher place than North Shore.  I respect the locals in cherishing these untouched spots and will never publish the actual locations or names of the breaks that I have been to for fear of ruining their spots.  If you surf the East-side consider yourself lucky, always respect the locals and the beaches, and don’t forget to watch your back for sharks.

Here’s an actual conversation overheard in restroom: “Eh, I go off island tomorrow, 9 months, maybe mo’, so, we stay Kochi’s, yea?  My parents took me here, it’s terrific, good food, so, come down, let’s hang out.  Yea, Kochi, that’s on King, yea, by McCully.”

This snippet sums up Kochi Restaurant & Lounge, by Gulick Deli, at 1936 South King Street about two blocks before McCully Street. A simple tasteful place where family and friends hang out and eat terrific food, partaking in beverages including a full service bar. Befitting a lounge there are several huge screen television monitors, so on ‘Game’ Day expect an enthusiastic crowd.

McCully is the name describing one of the best inner city neighborhoods, right on the gateway to Waikiki bridging passage between midtown downtown, Makiki, Kaimuki, and makai of H-1. McCully is a fantastic mix of modest apartment/condo complexes, duplexes, and a few tiny tidy homes on modest lots. An able neighborhood with a wondrous mix of eateries & shops & stores, there is plenty of parking, but who needs a vehicle?  Getting out & walking is one of the reasons McCully is a great place to unwind.

Kochi caters to those who are not in a rush, who wish to spend time with family & friends catching up. One can spot these folk meeting in the ample parking lot, hugs, laughter, an exchange of lei, they chat as they drift inside Kochi, many have phoned ahead with a reservation, the host or hostess greets them with a smile, guiding them to a table where they will spend an hour or more eating & drinking and talking story. Folk exit in the same leisurely fashion, pausing just outside the door for a few more minutes of chat, returning to their vehicles, or preparing to walk to close by bus stops, they exchange a few more words & friendly gestures.

Kochi provides a comfortable environment. Frosted glass windows impart a tranquil light. High backed cushioned chairs around substantial wooden tables with no more clutter than a pair of salt & pepper shakers. Early Birds arrive when Kochi opens at 5PM, and they are treated to special prices & dishes to 6:30 PM, seven days a week. Dinner is served daily from 5 PM to 10 PM and those in need of a libation can expect Happy Hour Specials daily to 8PM. Even when you are ‘pau’ dinner, you do not have to go, take your party into the bar/lounge where you will find Pupu (s) served from 10PM to closing at 2AM.

Kochi serves local style Japanese food: translation, good tasty treats mainly from the ocean or not all that far from the ocean. Naturally their Sushi & Sashimi is excellent Kochi proudly says this about their Fresh Fish Entree, “Everything fresh and cut right here! We’ll prepare it to your choice of: Garlic, Shoyu, Furikake Crusted, lemon garlic butter.” Served with brown or white rice and green or macaroni salad,  it’s a terrific deal for $15.95

McCully is a place for cheap eats, but the eats here are not cheap. They are well-prepared and satisfying — the sort of food one feels perfectly fine when spending on average between $16 to $30 for an entrée, with Sushi & Appetizers between $7 and $20. Kochi has a welcoming yet fun menu. You can find the usual suspects; Stuffed Shitake Mushrooms ($6.95), Spicy Garlic Shrimp ($11.95), Fresh Salmon Poke ($9.95). And the not so usual; Tempura Soft Shell Crab ($10.95) with Yuzu Vinaigrette, Baked Cream Mussels ($9.95), and Gyuniku no Tataki ($17.95) “seared thin slice choice strip loin w/ sliced garlic, daikon oroshi and ponzu.”

Kochi has a terrific selection of salads and sushi rolls for both the novice and the more adventuresome. Simple plate of House Greens for $4.95 to a popular favorite Sashimi Salad for $12.95, as well as a Roasted Pear Bleu Cheese Salad for $9.95 described as “Gogonzola, slow roasted pear, and greens in balsamic vinaigrette. Dragon Rolls are always a favorite ($10.95), and even Midwestern American guests can enjoy a California Sushi Roll ($7.95), or a Vegetable Roll for $6.95, and when Kochi says “trust us, just try it,” you should and you would be delighted by the Kochi Roll for $8.95.

Entrees are equally balanced between expected & exotic-lite. Nothing startling yet everything tasty and well prepared. Though I tend to slaughter land animals & birds, I was tempted by their fish selections (since so many have raved to me about Kochi fish dishes). Furitake Crusted Mahi Mahi ($12.95) and Blackened Ahi ($18.95) highly recommended but I chose Misoyaki Butterfish ($18.50) and was delighted by “fillets of butterfish marinated in GD miso sauce.”

Kochi is equally renowned for beef and pork.  Their Kurobuta Kakuni ($16.95) is described as “the Kobe beef of pork, braised in a Hatcho Miso Reduction.” One can chose New York Steak for $16.95 or Rib-Eye for $19.95, but the next time I grind at Kochi I will be ordering their Deep Fried Pork Chops for $13.95.

I will reorder Garlic Fried Rice, which was an excellent bargain for $6.95 for two or three, or family sized for $10.95.  This  excellent rice with garlic & onion was tasty, though my dinner companion insists I check out the Crab Fried Rice next time.

I didn’t have room for dessert, but they all sound delicious — especially the flourless Decadence Chocolate Cake for $7.50, served w/ raspberry couli.

Kochi is a terrific place for those planning a midday event (example, business luncheons) for fifteen or more people. Call ahead to 941-2835, tell them that you know they are closed for lunch but open for private parties, mainly between 10/11AM and 2/3 PM. Kochi is perfect for those ‘awkward’ birthday parties. Parents know what I mean: children in their late teens or early twenties — they want a place that is grown up yet still playful.  For a lunchtime birthday party check ‘em out.