I don’t think I need to say this, but people take things too literally, especially when it comes to blogging. Despite my Godzilla like size, I’m not suggesting we literally take a bit out of the Sin City. About a week ago, my friend and Hawaii’s favorite pushy Chinee Broad, Melissa Chang asked me to find some new places to eat during my trip to Las Vegas, NV for BlogWorld Expo. Instead of searching online, using Yelp or waiting till we arrived to randomly ask I reached out to my network of Hawaii expats now living in the brightly lit city.
Here are the suggestions:
- Ciao Pizzeria on E. Tropicana and according to our friend, Sara Paikai-Sylva, “They have one of the best pizza’s and the philly cheese steaks I ever ate.”
- Sergio’s Italian Gardens also on E. Topicana and also recommended by Sara.
- Gold Rush Casino in Henderson, NV has fried Oreos, and as Sara puts it, “It’s definitely heaven!”
- Island Sushi and Grill has “pretty good tasting food,” according my classmate and fellow Mighty Tiger, Danielle Sako. According to their website, Island Sushi and Grill are owned by former residents of Oahu and the Big Island so not only is this a must place to visit, but a possible story for Hawaii Traditions.
- With a family of 5, my friend, Punahou alum, Lauren Scott recommends their family favorite, Studio B buffet at The M Resort.
- Firefly serves a variety of Tapas and according to Lauren it’s a very popular dining choice.
- Lauren also recommends, Texas de Brazil steakhouse and if their flavors are as lively as Fogo de Chao where Lilinoe, Guy, and I dined in Austin, Texas then count us in!
We will also be taking our favorite Executive Pastry Chef, business partner, and friend, Ed Morita to the Rio’s Village Seafood buffet when he arrives later this week. But, as you can see we have a great variety of suggestions that we’ll do our best to fit into our schedules.
If you don’t already, subscribe to iNEENZ where I share with the world what I capture with my iPhone and of course, eyes which is likely where I’ll post our experiences immediately.
A few weeks ago I had a midnight rendezvous with my friends Melissa Chang and Ed Morita — I invited Lilinoe, but she declined reminding me that we were frolicking the streets of Honolulu at the hour most forty-somethings are drifting into REM. Our late night out required me to have (3) outfits, a smile, and an appetite. Armed with blue, black, and peach freshly pressed shirts; I hopped into the 2010 Toyota Prius and cruised on over to Alan Wong’s restaurant.
We were there for a photo shoot for a public service announcement for The Good Table — a movement to end Senior hunger. Honorary Chair Alan Wong and a 15-member committee have organized an event on Thursday, October 22, 2009 to benefit Lanakila Pacific’s Meals on Wheels Program.
Founded 70 years ago by the passion and generosity of Violet Kam, formerly known as the Lanakila Rehabilitation Center, their Meals on Wheels Program prepares and delivers more than 1,700 nutritional meals a day.
Lending my support to Lanakila Pacific is very personal for me, several years ago I spent many nights talking story with my late Aunty Ulu over coffee (or in my case, passion orange juice) while the medical staff worked with my late Uncle Gary after he suffered a stroke. Today, I’m giving back in many ways for my gratitude.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Or, the best ways to get involved is by reserving a table at one of the 50 participating restaurants on October 22, 2009.
Watch for it on Oceanic Time Warner Cable’s Food Network, Travel Channel, TLC, Golf and others beginning today through the next six weeks or check it out on YouTube.
Through building my professional network, I have gained a personal friend — Melanie Kosaka, creator and founder of culinary website, Share Your Table. The team effort of Melanie, and local blogger, writer, and everyone’s favorite pushy Chinee broad Melissa Chang; I have been discovering my inner foodie. It’s obvious that I love to eat, but being a foodie is also about appreciating the process and creativity involved in before plating (and eventually devouring).
Share Your Table recently hosted, “Think Global, Live Local“ at the Whole Foods in Kahala Mall Center that focused on educating the local community in living an organic and sustainable lifestyle through grower appearances and demos by some of Hawaii’s most famous chefs.
SYT issued a challenge to all of Hawaii residents to spend 10% of their budget on locally produced products. To better understand some facts behind this challenge, SYT produced “Why Eat Local” video. After watching it, it inspired both Lilinoe and I to commit to this challenge.
Beginning today we have commited to spending 10% of our budget on locally grown and produced items for the next 90-days and then evaluate our experience. To accomplish these things, we are using the following resources:
And, the biggest resource is you our community, what are you suggestions to helping us achieve this goal? Are you too willing to make this commitment in your town?
Dining, Travel•
on March 20th, 2009•
Our first night in Austin, Texas we were greeted with temperature in the 40’s and we decided that one of the best ways to warm up was to dine on spicy Cajun seafood at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen.
I was familiar with the Pappas Family of restaurants, but had only eaten at Pappasito’s Cantina. After traveling for nearly a dozen hours, we were famished.
Being indoors really made us happy, but the lobster tank was empty.
$3.95 for a pound of crawfish gets a thumbs up!
The seasoning was very spicy, so I let Lilinoe have the cob of corn.
The deals got even better! A dozen oysters on a half shell for $3.95!
It didn’t take us long to get through the starter dishes!
The prawns were very spicy, so we cooled our palates with a refreshing Meauxjito.
Lilinoe had the Filet Mignon & Grilled Rock Lobster with garlic mashed potatoes and fresh green beans. $29.95
Blackened with oysters, shrimp & crabmeat in a lemon garlic butter sauce with dirty rice.$21.95
There are Pappadeaux restaurants in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, New Mexico, Ohio and throughout the great state of Texas and we highly recommend you dine on their savory Cajun-style seafood. Compared to the cost of seafood in Hawaii, Pappadeaux offered very reasonable prices. Most importantly, the service was very personal.
More of our Pappadeaux photos.
Are you frugal? Do you have divine skills that can feed masses with only a few baskets of fish? Or, are you just broke? If you’re one or all of the above Metromix Honolulu seeks your deal breaking skills. They’re looking for four teams of two, (single broke people need not apply, but two single broke people are absolutely eligible!), who can turn $40 into the best day ever!
Team applications are due by 11:59 p.m. (I’m guessing that they’re saving one minute to keep in the spirit of being thrifty!) and must (well, technically it’s not required, but perhaps if you “look broke” it could help your chances?) upload photos of each team member. Each weekend in March, a team will roam Oahu with their very own Metromix Honolulu photographer with (2) crisp (Disclaimer: The bills may not be crisp, but gently used.) $20 bills. At the end of the month based on the level of fun, food, and excitement one team will be chosen to receive a special prize.
Be creative. If you’re thinking of having (10) beers each at a $2 happy hour bar, I’m sure you’d be hilarious, but you’d also be breaking the rules (1 alcoholic beverage per person) and totally unoriginal. You know that idea that includes paying someone five bucks to work their “five finger” discount, forget about it – no illegal activities. So, what do you say, do you have the skills that can turn pocket lint and a few bucks into full stomachs and body aches from more than enough laughter?
Metromix Honolulu aims to be your one-stop local entertainment guide. I first met the team at Pink Tiki’s with the local Twitter crew. And then again, when Lilinoe was afforded a much deserved and very pampered makeover. Yet, once more when I was treated to a traditional Chinese feast to ring in the Chinese New Year. And, just the other night at Honolulu Twestival where we raised $7,000 for charity: water. Club scene, fashion, cultural events and social causes — seems to me like their hitting their target!
Just in case, here’s all the top frugality news, tips and strategies to help you out.
Dining, Entertainment, Hawai'i•
on January 17th, 2009•
Like a beautiful garland of flowers on display at the Honolulu Airport lei stands, I’ve been hand-picked to embark 
on a “special journey to celebrate Chinese New Years” with marketing and new media goddess, Melissa Chang.
2009 is The Year of the Ox, and if your birthdate falls within the Ox years and you believe the folklore you bear the characteristics of the ox. You are believed to be a born leader whose a hard worker with extreme endurance and a complimenting tolerance. These are some very good attributes, would you agree oxen? In case you’re wondering, I was born under the Dog sign and I’m amazed that it’s pretty accurate.
Honolulu Metromix sponsored a contest to dine with Melissa at Legend Seafood Restaurant to ring in Kung Hee Fat Choy and each entrant had to leave a comment answering the question, “What’s your favorite Chinese dish that proves you’re a foodie?” Like the craftsperson who weaves together the flowers and foliage to create a lei, I had to get creative to get the attention of the decision-makers.
There’s so much to enjoy about Chinese food; cake noodles, lup cheong, cold ginger chicken, the array of dim sum choices and even a simple dish of choi sum with oyster sauce. But, I recall a time when I had the most delicious noodles — it was divine, nothing fancy but well-prepared, perfect texture and it had a “secret ingredient.” My friend Po, a dragon warrior, cooked up a batch a week after he defeated some town bully in a dual. There were five others at the table with us, but I didn’t speak to them they seemed a bit “furious.” Anyways, after a few bowls I had to ask my Panda-of-a-friend, Po about this “secret ingredient.” He whispered it in my ear and we laughed. You see…there is no secret ingredient, you just have to believe. Kung Hee Fat Choy!
I know creative may be a stretch, but I think I nailed silly and corny which I guess is all I needed! We’ll be getting our dim sum on this coming Wednesday, so follow @Melissa808, @Aloha_Aina or @NEENZ on Twitter for tweet updates.
Update: Here’s the official review on the Honolulu Metromix site and I posted some photos no my Posterous blog.
I thought I retired from my “disco days” years ago, but it seems I have to dust off the neon colored, checkered Vans; stretch out the hamstrings; – who am I kidding, I’m always up for a party!
If you were at Podcamp Hawaii last month you’ll recall Tiki’s Grill & Bar sponsored the Friday night party and not only served up a specially brewed “Podcamp Punch” but local band Vaihi performed a “Podcamp Song.” It was a very festive night, one that had me strolling out way too late in the evening or was it early morning?
The other day I had a great conversation with Michael Miller, Director of Sales & Marketing for Tiki’s and he shared with me that this Friday is the debut of Pink Tiki. Pink Tiki is not only yet another popular drink concoction, but the establishment’s weekly club night. What could make this even better and was the closing deal for me? A dollar from every Pink Tiki purchased will be donated to the Queen’s Medical Center Cancer Division.
Lilinoe and her entourage will be dining in Waikiki for their monthly girl’s night out, and then we’ll all meet up on the 2nd floor of ResortQuest’s Waikiki Beach Hotel for Pink Tiki! Now, I need to hustle my own entourage. Leave me a comment, hit me up on Twitter or we can do it the old fashion way and shoot me an email – but I want to roll with YOU and put you on my VIP list.
Here’s a picture of Napua on a night out with Lilinoe.
Dining, Hawai'i•
on May 6th, 2008•
I received an email from one of my readers, Bruce Wheeler of Seventh Wave PhotoGraphics on Maui that Tony Roma’s in Lahaina had shutdown. Living on Oahu now, I immediately dispatched my protege and Maui correspondent, my 2-year-old niece Taimane.
NEENZ: “Hi, Tai Tai.”
TAIMANE: “Hi Auntie. What are you doing?”
NEENZ: “Working. Can you ask Mommy to confirm that Tony Roma’s in Lahaina closed down.”
TAIMANE: “OK.”
NEENZ: “OK. Tell Mommy.”
TAIMANE: “OK. What are you doing?”
NEENZ: “Still working. Tai can you ask Mommy.”
TAIMANE: “OK. Mommy can we check if Tony has clothes.”
Close enough. And, yes Tony Roma’s in Lahaina closed its doors in perhaps not even a year since opening. The location is still listed as being open on its website, but a quick call to a friend at the Aiea location confirmed that low business sales had forced the decision to close.
Perhaps it was the level of customer service?
Dining•
on April 27th, 2008•
Lilinoe has been dining at Ushio-Tei Japanese Restaurant at the Ihilani Resort and Spa at least once a month for over a year. It’s her time to indulge in Japanese delicacies with her friends or as I like to refer to them as, a “gaggle of geese.” After the week that I had, I was reluctant to take my turn to watch the kids, so we used one of our child watching vouchers and sent Chelsea and Jayden to Papa and Tutu’s home.
The restaurant is aptly named, Ushio-Tei which means the subtle tides of Hawai’i because the entire buffet spread is so quaint and subtle that you might mistake it for the dessert line. The set-up is the only subtlety, the delicious flavors of fresh ahi, hamachi and smoked salmon capture all of your taste buds. The tempura, chicken, and steak dribbled in teriyaki sauce prompts any sized eater for seconds. Craving for more? Choose from a generous spread of nigiri sushi, fresh water eel, and fried oysters. Ushio-Tei offers a variety of desserts, including Lilinoe’s favorite, crème brulée.
If you enjoy Japanese food, then you must make it a point to take a drive to the West side of Oahu and escape into the Ihilani Resort where you will discover Ushio-Tei. I’m not sure if there was a “no pictures” rule, but here’s a few.
Dining•
on February 9th, 2008•
Reflecting on past posts of From the Mind of NEENZ, it’s appearing as though all I do is eat! It’s not entirely untrue, but being able to dine in Hawai’i is one of the true experiences of our local culture. My most recent dining experience was a first at Hula Grill Ka’anapali. Hula Grill Ka’anapali is one of a dozen restaurants owned by TS Restaurants. It’s located on the west side of the island of Maui inside of Whaler’s Village mall. The walk towards the entrance of the restaurant is lined with tiki torches and a slight bridge that carries you past a quaint waterfall. Once inside, I was reminded of the home I grew up in, old Hawai’i feel with wood floors, white walls, columns, and even wooden canoes hanging from the ceilings. The open restaurant sits right on Ka’anapali beach with an awesome view of the daily sunset and a gentle ocean breeze. The live music from the Barefoot Bar serenades patrons and beach walkers strolling on the sand. Every associate that I encountered at the Hula Grill was genuine in their smile, menu recommendations, and casual Aloha.
But let’s get to the most important part of any restaurant, the food!
With a mouth watering menu we began our journey led by our taste buds with a variety of pupu dishes. Crab and Macadamia Nut Wontons served with a shoyu and hot mustard sauce, but tastes even better with the house chili sauce. Using a fresh taro chip, scoop into Poisson Cru – fresh fish seasoned with lime, coconut milk Maui onion and avocado. The plate of Imu Style Barbecue Ribs were enough to be a meal and the generous slices of sashimi were ocean fresh. But my favorite were the lobster and scallop pot stickers. The entrees were even more superb than the previously devoured pupu dishes. The food was so excellent, we had to thank the culinary team personally!
Pan Roasted Shrimp with Mac Nut Pesto Pasta
Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi
Maui Cattle Co. Steak with Shiitake mushroom risoto
Shrimp Scampi (Kid’s Menu)
Keawe Grilled Prime Kansas City Cut Strip Steak
Dining•
on February 6th, 2008•
Living in Hawai’i not only includes enjoying its beautiful landscapes and diverse culture, but its different flavors. In 1966, brothers Charles and Francis Higa opened the first Zippy’s restaurant, back then just a saimin stand, on the island of Oahu in the McCully district. Today the operation has expanded to 27 restaurants on Oahu with one scheduled to open on the island of Maui this summer, the first ever on an outer island.
For a faithful patron to describe the menu it would be generalized as “local food.” It’s not far from founder Charles Higa’s description who said in an interview, “We have local food, mostly for local people. And other stuff.” Their most popular dish which accounts for 20% of sales, is their chili sold either by the bento, zip meal or barrel and those don’t include the mixed plate options available. If your organization is in need of fundraising, selling tickets redeemable for Zippy’s chili is a guaranteed way to gain a profit.
Over the years Zippy’s has expanded from the small saimin stand to a food counter or restaurant style dining options, catering and their most recent development, the Zippy’s online store which allows you to order or send their famous chili or other dishes to any of the other 49 states. Operations have also expanded with Napoleon’s Bakery, Osaka Okazuya and most recently Kahala Sushi at the Kahala location.
Our visits to a Zippy’s restaurant are weekly, in fact as I write this Lilinoe is warming up a zip meal container of chili for our lunch.
Dining•
on February 5th, 2008•
Lately, by the time the official lunch hour rolls around, I’m famished and as much as I love leftovers, it’s been for something else. Usually, I’m a creature of habit, a bowl of poi with a quarter pound of shoyu poke will satisfy my hunger for weeks in a row. But, not on this particular day. Since moving to Maui, I had yet to eat at Honokowai Okazuya & Deli even though it’s a half-a-block walking distance. I’ve been there several times years before, so I knew that it would be smarter for me to call in my order. Well, I didn’t call it in, my sister did. My default meal is always a hamburger steak plate lunch so that’s what she ordered, but she added in “sloppy.”
What? I brushed it off thinking it had nothing to do with my anticipated plate lunch. We could have walked, but hunger made us lazy so we drove. The restaurant is small, it’s a grab and go type of place, and sitting oceanside at a park bench or picnic table is only across the street. We choose to eat in the luxury of our home.
As we paid for our meals, my sister shouted to the cook, “Sloppy right?”
He responded, “Yes, all sloppy.”
What?
We returned home, and it took me mere seconds to uncover my plate lunch. Oh sloppy! My homemade hamburger patties, one large scoop of rice and an equally same scoop of macaroni salad had homemade gravy with fresh mushrooms poured all over.
If you’re ever on the West side of Maui, make Honokowai Okazuya & Deli one of your dining experiences. You will not be disappointed with a variety of choices of Japanese, Korean, Vegetarian, American and Italian dishes of hefty portions that will require two hands to carry your plate.
Dining•
on February 3rd, 2008•
If you haven’t noticed, my family is my priority, and creating memories and cultivating relationships are not only the most important, but the most special things for me to do. And, perhaps the only reason I’ll completely unplug from the ‘net. Flying in from Maui, and fresh from a muddied Punahou Carnival we gathered all of the grandchildren for an afternoon with Papa and Tutu at Chuck E. Cheese in Aina Haina.
In 2007, Chuck E. Cheese celebrated 30 years of being in the business of “where a kid can be a kid.” And, if memory serves me correctly, the Aina Haina location opened as Showbiz Pizza, if my memory is foggy someone please let me know. In 1984, Showbiz and Chuck merged, settling on renaming all of the locations after the mouse.
Does anyone recall when establishments began using tokens instead of quarters? When it began, it was a simple system each token functioned as a quarter, of course without having any monetary value. But, in our visit to Chuck E. Cheese I couldn’t determine if I was getting a “deal or no deal.” I know that it’s more economical to order the saver packages of pizza, drinks and tokens versus feeding your cash into the automated token machine; but is it now one token is actually a dollar? I believe so. All of the games and rides at Chuck E. Cheese cost one token, so it “appears” to be cheaper, unless if you’re an early video game arcade frequenter like myself. And me discussing this is an example of Lilinoe telling me I think too much, and I should just enjoy.
The most popular games for all of us were the Super Shot Deluxe Electronic Basketball and Dance Dance Revolution! At 2-years-old Taimane enjoys dancing, and no matter the genre she’ll always somehow incorporate her learned Tahitian moves into her choreography! Maiyah pretends to be shy, but once she hears the beat of the music she begins shaking her head, and even dragged Taylor up to the DDR stage! Chelsea accepted the Super Shot challenge from Tolea, and won three times in a row by double digits. Tolea couldn’t believe it, and spent most of the time seeking revenge. He finally won, only after logging a loss or maybe two to Lilinoe. Amu and Jayden were content in their own corners of the arcade spending their tokens evenly amongst all of the rides and games.
Chuck E. Cheese is a great arcade for children, and they still control the entries and exits of all adults and children. It’s a better atmosphere than the more popular Dave and Busters, but in D&B’s defense they do market towards the 21 and over crowd. There are only two in Hawai’i, and though we live closer to the Pearl City location, Aina Haina is in my opinion cleaner and overall friendlier.
From L to R: Chelsea (11), Amu (10), Tolea (9), Taylor (7), Maiyah (4), Jayden (3), Taimane (2), and missing Ghesiah (3 mos.)
More photos from our family day on Flickr.
Dining•
on January 13th, 2008•
Prior to flying from Maui to Oahu for the Unconferenz, Lilinoe and I decided that we would try P.F. Chang’s restaurant on Ala Moana Boulevard in the Hokua building that opened in September 2006. I was familiar with the brand having lived only minutes away from the Highland Village Center location in Houston, Texas but had yet to enjoy the experience.
We arrived for an early dinner and found close parking within the building and a few other patrons seated inside. Influenced by my determination to document my journey, Jayden and I toured the outside of the Hokua building, him serving as director of photography! The Hokua is a 40-story luxury high rise with 248-residential condominiums and a reported value of $800 – $1,000 per square foot. On the ground level, the restaurant’s neighbors are a Starbucks and the recently opened urban clothing store, Stussy. I took particular interest in the rock pathway because there were petroglyphs embedded randomly around the building. 
Jayden was immediately attracted to the towering stallion statue that sits outside the entry door and I learned that it’s completely hollow.
Once inside, the restaurant is decorated in hues of browns, reds, yellows and black giving the feeling of a Chinese palace. My description may be accurate because all throughout were statues of emperors. The atmosphere was elegant, and I kept Jayden nearby so as not to damage anything.
Our server recommended that we try the Chang’s Chicken in Soothing Lettuce Wraps and we added the Crab Wontons since it’s one of our favorites to make at home. Wait let me be honest, I don’t make them at home Lilinoe does, I just eat them. Serving at this restaurant is family style, so to complete our order we added Chang’s Spicy Chicken (non-spicy), Cantonese Shrimp, and the Double Pan-Fried Noodles with Shrimp.
The goal of a P.F. Chang’s meal is to attain harmony of taste, texture, color and aroma by balancing the Chinese principles of fan and t’sai. Fan foods include rice, noodles, grains and dumplings, while vegetables, meat, poultry, and seafood are t’sai foods.
P.F. Chang’s exceeded it’s goal in our opinion and the service was excellent. For those planning on visiting for the first time, have your server introduce a mixture of the sauces provided and add it to your lettuce wrap. Now, if you’re from Hawai’i and hoping for the tastes of Patti’s Chinese Kitchen you’ll be disappointed, with the closing of their Ala Moana location, we recommend Au’s Garden Restaurant in Kalihi or Wah Kung Seafood Restaurant at the 99 Ranch Market.
Dining•
on January 11th, 2008•
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990 under President George Bush. The ADA prohibits discrimination against disabled citizens and mandates the removal of barriers that may limit their full participation. By now, I’m sure most of us are aware of the basic intent of the ADA and have noticed since its enactment, modifications to public venues, especially government operated facilities. And now, many of you readers are wondering why an introduction to the ADA when this post is titled, “Tony Roma’s Lahaina.” It’s because this restaurant is located on the second floor with only a large staircase as access for the public. Is this a violation of the ADA? Read on to find out.
“Tony Roma’s” opened on Front Street in the middle of Lahaina town in late 2007. It’s in a prime spot over looking the Lahaina harbor and sits above the Diamond Head Gallery. Decorating the walls are the spirit-filled paintings by Leohone Magno with hardwood floors through out the entire restaurant. Small parties can dine on the balcony and enjoy the ambiance of Front Street, but in my family “small” is rarely an appropriate adjective.
We were seated in a booth style section, and I immediately noticed a change in temperature. I asked our hostess if something was wrong with the air conditioning, and she replied, “Oh yeah, it’s leaking…so it’s going to be hot.” Noticing a section of empty tables, under a working ceiling fan, I did a quick rearranging and we moved.
We devoured two Onion Ring loaves and the spinach artichoke dish before being served our full rack Original flavored baby back ribs. The kids decided on the shrimp, and Jayden ordered the mac ‘n cheese from the children’s menu. For dessert, we shared an order of Fried Oreo Cookie topped with vanilla ice cream. Tony Roma’s lived up to its reputation of serving delicious meals from the appetizers to the main course and desserts.
Now, would we return? Of course, it’s the only Tony Roma’s on the island. But, if we could make a few suggestions:
- I understand that things happen, like air conditioners leaking, but it would be in the best interest of everyone to notify the customer instead of ignoring the problem hoping it goes unnoticed.
- Re-train your staff on how to answer the tough questions in an honest, professional way.
According to the FAQ at the ADA site:
Q. Will businesses need to install elevators?
A. Businesses are not required to retrofit their facilities to install elevators unless such installation is readily achievable, which is unlikely in most cases.
Since I am not an expert on the ADA law, I would think that Tony Roma’s in Lahaina falls under this exemption, but answering me, “Uh, nope” when I inquired about accessibility, to me reflects the attitude of the entire organization, unless they heed my suggestion of retraining.
