Saturday, October 11, 2014

Ono-Yo (Kahuku)






This place has frozen greek yogurt and they only have two flavors at a time. They have plain all the time and rotate the other flavor. Follow them on: 
They always post what the rotating flavor is on their social media sites. 

Everything is super fresh and I love that they use real fruit and real Greek yogurt to make their frozen yogurt. They also partnered with several local companies for their toppings. They use local honey, chocolate, granola, fruits, and fruit purees. 

Ono Yo

Near Giovanni's Shrimp truck. 
Kahuku, HI 96731
If you took the Like Like/Pali/H3 and up Kamehameha Hwy, the truck is on the right hand side near the pedestrian crossing sign just before Giovanni's Shrimp Truck.

If you came up the H-2 to Kamehameha Hwy, the truck will be after the shrimp truck on the left hand side. Make a left into the dirt parking area near the signal light ahead sign. 

















Goma Tei (Aiea, Ala Moana, Ward Centre)

Goma Tei, Ala Moana Center
Located Level 1, Makai Side 
Phone:  808-947-9188


Goma Tei, Ward Centre
1200 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 42, Honolulu, HI 96814
Phone:  808-591-9188


Goma Tei, Pearlridge Uptown

98-1005 Moanalua Rd
AieaHI 96701
Phone: (808) 488-9188
http://www.yelp.com/biz/goma-tei-aiea-5

Their ramen is always on point. There are three locations which is nice. The Ward one is the smallest one. Every time I go I get my fill of Tan Tan Ramen and curry. Everything is very tasty. I added their link on yelp. Can't go wrong with this place if you are craving ramen. 

Marukame Udon (Downtown and Waikiki)



Garlic Chicken Salad Udon (Not sure if they still have it)
Niku Udon (beef udon my absolute favorite)

Link to video clip: Inside Downtown Marukame Udon

Marukame Udon


Waikiki Location:2310 Kuhio Ave Suite 124Honolulu, HI 96815

Downtown Location:Fort Street MallHonolulu, HI 96813
I absolutely love this place! I included a video clip because it isn't your typical sit down noodle bar. It is cafeteria style. You grab a tray, tell them what type of noodle you want, you pick what ever freshly made tempura you want, add on any musubis, and pay at the end. The line can be long but it usually moves pretty quickly. I love that the noodles are incredibly fresh. You can see them making the noodles, cooking them, and placing them into bowls. I was so excited to see this place open up 3 blocks from the office. 

***Drinks available is just water and unsweetened green tea. 

He'eia Pier General Store and Deli


 Miso Beef Sandwich
Hamburger Steak

Heading to and from the pier. 

He'eia Pier General Store & Deli
46-499 Kamehameha Hwy

Kaneohe, HI 96744

This place is on the windward side, kind of out of the way. It is a nice drive to get away from the busy waikiki area. I wish I took a picture of their menu board, but that miso beef sandwich was amazing! I drove back just to get another sandwich it was so good. This place is located at the end of the pier and usually will catch sailboats coming and going out of the boat harbor. I think there must be a water sports company that uses the area because last time I went there were a bunch of Japanese tourists waiting to head out for different water activities. 

I liked this place because it was something different for my dad and I to check out. I would definitely go back after a day at the beach on that side of the island.

Ethel's Grill (Kalihi)






 Hamburger Steak
 Hamburger Steak and Ahi
Beef Rib Stew

 Tataki Sashimi 

Ethel's Grill

232 Kalihi St
Honolulu, HI 96819

Open: Monday - Saturday 5:30am-2:00pm

This place is a true mom and pop kind of place. Very small I think there were maybe 6 tables inside. Lunch time can get pretty hectic. There is limited parking along the street and sometimes you can score a spot in the lot underneath the apartment complex (where the dark colored pick up truck is in the picture). If you like sashimi I highly suggest getting an order of the tataki sashimi. It just melts in your mouth. 

If it is your first time when you drive up you will probably think "what the heck?" or "why am I in an industrial area?" Yes, you are at the right place and it is totally worth it. This is now on our list of places we have to go to while we are on Oahu.

Paalaa Kai Bakery (Waialua near Haleiwa)




Paalaa Kai Bakery

66-1425 Kaukonahua Rd
Waialua, HI 96791
http://www.pkbsweets.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/paalaa-kai-bakery-waialua

When ever I head to the north shore I always stop by the bakery to pick up "snow puffies". The place is tiny and you can pass the place if you aren't paying attention. When you walk inside the "snow puffies" are in the glass case around the corner on the right. My first time inside I didn't see them because they are in a case of their own. It is a puff pastry filled with a light custard topped with powdered sugar and chocolate. It's surprisingly not super sweet. The powder sugar makes it messy so I suggest eating it outside the car. It was my uncle's first time and yes he thoroughly enjoyed it. I believe we walked out the bakery with a dozen "snow puffies". 

I included a picture of the outside view because it is easy to miss. The building to the left is like a mini market. They have fried chicken, musubi, fried gyoza, and other random hot food items along with the regular items you may find in a convenient store. The building on the right is the bakery with all type of yummy baked goods. 

Kahuku Farms (Kahuku)

Look for this sign along kam hwy right across the street from Romy's Shrimp Truck


This place is a good alternative from the garlic butter shrimp for those who don't like shell fish or are allergic.  



Awesome gifts to take home. Their body butters are awesome stuff!



Grilled Banana Bread topped w/ Vanilla Caramel and Vanilla Haupia

Grilled Banana Bread A la mode: Add a scoop of your choice of ice cream

Farm Pizza & Side Salad
Tomato & Eggplant Bruchetta topped with Mozzeralla and Basil Mac Nut Pesto

1/2 a Grilled Veggie Panini Sandwich and Side Salad
Eggplant, Bell Pepper, Zucchini, Tomato, Lettuce, Mozzarella with a Lilikoi Cooler
 Plantation Iced Tea with Lilikoi Sorbet and a Lemonade
Lilikoi Icecream! yum!!

They even have tractor tours on the weekends! 


Array of refreshing treats, farm harvested ice creams, sorbets, thirst quenching mango iced tea and delicious fresh fruit smoothies. wholesome, farm fresh salads, and hearty panini sandwiches too.


 If you are out on the northshore this is a perfect spot to have a fresh light lunch with a beautiful view of their farm. There is plenty of parking and their food is super fresh and very tasty. The veggie panini was so good. Im not a huge fan of no meat sandwiches but this one is very filling and taste amazing! They have added a couple new items to their menu, so you have to check it out if you haven't been in a while. Its located across the street from Romy's Shrimp truck or look for their sign with the giant bee logo along the hwy.

It is on the pricier side, but you are supporting a local family farm and everything is super fresh. I haven't been disappointed yet. I think the only downside to the place is the long drive from town. 


Open everyday except Tuesdays from 11am -4pm

56-800 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku, HI 96731
(808) 372-7522 kahukufarms.comhttps://www.facebook.com/kahukufarms
Add them on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram every so often they run specials and they keep you updated if they have anything that isn't on their normal menu such as fresh fruit/veggies, flowers, etc. 

Home Bar and Grill (Honolulu) =


Home Salad: Nalo greens with real bacon pieces, cheese, and an awesome balsamic vinaigrette. We always get this salad. 

Tater tott nachos: cheese, salsa, sour cream, bacon, jalapenos, olives, and green onions 
super good to snack on with a cold beer. Blue Moon on tap for $4 can't go wrong

Kalbi Fried Noodles

Spicy Garlic Chicken (That is super NOT spicy)


I am not a huge fan of peas and carrots in my fried rice, so I normally ask them to hold the veggies. Their fried rice is very tasty. It is always a toss up between getting the kim chi fried rice and the regular fried rice. Both have very different tastes and are always on point. 

The top picture is the google maps street view of the "Front" side of the restaurant and the bottom picture is the "Back" side. The building is still blue, so it helps when you are trying to find it. The lot on the diamond head side (east side) has been flattened and is now a paid parking lot. After 4pm, on the "Back" side, the restaurant has $5 valet parking. If you go early and will be out of the place by 4pm you can park in the front or the back of the restaurant for free. 

It can be difficult to find the place if it is your first time so here is a map to show where things are in relation to the restaurant. Kalauokalani Way looks like more of an alley than a "street" this is where the "back" side of the restaurant is located. You can enter from either side. If I can't find free parking I usually look on Makaloa street or Poni Street for metered parking. I don't suggest parking in Don Quijote's lot or you may not find your car when you return. Last thing you want is your car towed while on vacation.  

1683 Kalakaua Ave
HonoluluHI 96826
(808) 942-2237
Pros: $4 Blue Moon, food is amazing and comes out quickly, and super reasonable prices. When I say super reasonable for four people we ordered a home salad, kalbi fried noodle, spicy chicken, and fried rice, our total was around $40. No way we could have done that at Side Street Inn, it probably would have been closer to $60 or $70. I would pick this place over Side Street Inn any day.
Cons: Parking ($5 valet, meter, or go after 6pm and find street parking and bam its free!), if there is a UFC fight they sometimes have a cover charge, only take reservations for parties of 8 or more before 6pm, wait time is a pain if you go after 5-5:30pm (after work crowd). 
It is a bar setting so people can sit and occupy tables for hours. If it is your first time I highly suggest going for a late lunch early dinner during the week because after 5pm it tends to get crowded with everyone getting off of work. At least this way you can sit down and enjoy your food without feeling like you are getting pushed out of the restaurant. This is one of those places where the food is so good, affordable, and food comes out quickly, so I tend to overlook the con's. 
The dishes are family style. The menu isn't very extensive but I haven't had something I didnt like. 

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Ray's Cafe (Kalihi)

I think the last time my dad came out we went to this place about 4 times in less than 2 weeks. Yes, it was that good. The place is so small if you blink you will miss it. It only has about 6 tables. We usually do take out. The prices are beyond reasonable for the amount of food you get. I don't have a favorite because everything has been amazing. I would for sure suggest getting any of the specials. I so far I have tried the prime rib, tuna, opakapaka, ono, salmon, ham steak, and Portuguese sausage omelette. I have not been disappointed yet. This is truly a place where you won't see tourist coming. This is a good ol "hole in the wall" place with nothing fancy, just good food.

They are supposed to be open Monday - Saturday 7:30-9pm and Sunday 7-3pm but from experience they are not open on Tuesday. I went there 3 times on a Tuesday and they were closed. They usually close early if they run out of their specials. Check they out let and let me know what you think.

Top picture is the store front. Bottom picture is so you can see the relation of the restaurant to Gulick where you can find parking.

2033 North King Street  Honolulu, HI 96819
I usually park on Guilik and walk across the street.
(808) 841-2771



I don't remember what kind of fish this was but it was amazing!
Portuguese Sausage Omelette 
Fried chicken and Ono

$14.95 Prime Rib. Probably the best prime rib I have ever had. 


Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Farmer’s Market (Kapiolani Community College and Kailua)

Farmers Market at Kapiolani Community College (Only Sat. morning 6-11am)
Diamond Head Rd and Makapuu Ave
Honolulu, HI 


They have all kinds of food booths, flowers, bread, corn etc. Visit the yellow tent for really meaty papaya. They have some of the best one and they are ridiculously affordable and super fresh (compared to the ones in the store). They have other produce and products like body butter, hand soap, hand sanitizer, etc. Everything smells really good but not too over whelming. There are a good amount of food stands so come hungry! I love Grandma G's french toast and fried rice. If I go with my parents we usually get the fried rice and portugese sausage and split a french toast. 
Also there’s a tent that has lumpia and puff pastry called beignet with lilikoi (passion fruit) sauce It is heaven!! If there are any early risers I totally recommend checking it out

Farmer’s Market in Kailua in back of Long’s (Thursday nights 5-7:30pm)
Take the Pali stay straight and take it all the way down till you hit the town of Kailua. Stay in the right lane once you go over a little stream make a right onto Hamakua drive, turn left onto Hahani St, turn into the huge parking lot on the left it is in the back under the parking structure across from longs. 
They have the same kinds of foods that was at KCC, but it is limited probably a ¼ of the amount of vendors. I haven't been in a while so not sure what vendors are here. If you are in the area I would go and check it out and support the local farmers!