foodiepalooza

Satoshi's whirlwind vacation sadly came to an end today...he's heading back as I write this.

He had so many things he wanted to do and people to see, but just not enough time.

When he arrived his request for lunch was at The Alley...for their garlic shrimp.

We tried the Button Up Cafe in Pearl City.

Where he had their housemade corned beef hash benedicts.

Their food was delicious! and I still can't believe there is a brunch place where Diego's used to be...

He had garlic shrimp at Romy's.

Man, I didn't realize the wait for an order takes almost 40 minutes!

Views at Sunset Beach. (click on the photo to see the video)

His first snow puffy from Paalaa Kai Bakery.

A visit to the newly renovated International Marketplace.

A beautiful space, I hope this place can make a go of things.

We bought some pineapple cakes from Kula & Kō, for his friends...I wish the packaging for these were easier to pack in small suitcases (they are long rectangular boxes).

He visited the Shirokiya Japan Village Walk for the first time and was kinda shocked at how expensive gyoza was...close to $7 (plus tax) (in Osaka we pay half that price...)

We tried Kulu Kulu's Hello Kitty Waffles, which remind me of the baby castellas that we get in Japan, except that these were a little too sweet for us.

His first butter roll at Liliha Bakery...man this was buttery goodness!

Breakfast with Ryan and S...so much fun, though he thought that Rocky's loco moco was on the teeny side...

Furikake Seared Ahi at Fresh Catch...delicious.

Our first time trying Dorito Salad...Oh em gee...so easy to make and sinfully good.

Dinners with family.

Just reconnecting...talking story, laughing and eating...good times.

He also got to play catch with my cousin's son and "maybe" work off some of the food he's been eating...

He also got to see his favorite view. (click to see the video)

He was shocked to see all the changes going on because of the rail system coming up.

And I am pretty sure we will both need to go on a diet after this...

I hope he had a nice and relaxing time, even if we were on the go for most of the time he was here.

Have a safe trip back and see you soon!

Button Up Cafe
719 Kamehameha Highway
Pearl City, Hawaii
Phone: 808.454.5454
Closed Mondays
Hours: Tuesdays-Saturdays 7:00-14:00, Sundays 7:00-13:00

Kula & Kō
International Marketplace, 2nd floor
Waikiki, Hawaii
Phone: 808.692.6788
Hours: 10:00-22:00

Kulu Kulu
Shirokiya Japan Village Walk
Ala Moana Shopping Center
Phone: 808.931.0503
Hours: Daily 10:00-22:00

mr donut's & bakery

Not sure when or how I heard about Mr Donut's, but I do remember that Jalna, checked them out.

FYI: They are not the same company as Mister Donut (MisDo) in Japan.

Anyway, since I was near the shop yesterday, I went to check them out.

I bought their apple fritter...HUGE!

Bummer though not much apple in it.

If I do go back to the area, I wouldn't mind trying the doughnut holes...

Mr Donut's & Bakery
134 Bishop Street
Honolulu, Hawaii
Phone: 808.545.2961
Open 24 hours

fete hawaii & honolulu coffee

Met up with family friend, D, for lunch at Fete Hawaii.

When we got there the place was pretty empty but when we left it was packed!

I ordered the Eggplant Tartine : Grilled Fête toast, red pepper feta, Babaganoush, fried zucchini...delicious!

D chose the Brunch Sausage Sandwich : Italian sausage, sunny local egg, cheddar, maple syrup, brioche bun, field greens, frites,
bread & butter pickles, ketchup

D's sandwich was messy eats, but he said it was delicious.

Bummer that the ketchup they served the fries with was a bit watery...

D also gave me these macarons from Honolulu Coffee.

They were delicious, most were cream filled.

My favorite was the coconut (not pictured).

Downtown is still quite scary to me with all the homeless walking around, but it was nice to meet up & catch up with D.

Thanks for today, D!

Fete Hawaii
2 North Hotel Street
Honolulu, Hawaii
Phone: 808.369.1390
Hours: Mondays-Thursdays 11:00-22:00
Fridays: 11:00-23:00
Saturday 11:00-23:00
Pau Hana (Happy Hour) Mondays-Saturdays 14:00-17:30
Closed: Sundays

harbor pier 38 & via gelato

Met up with Mineko today.

We had lunch at Harbor Pier 38.

I'm glad this place wasn't crowded, so we got to chat & lunch leisurely.

We shared this crab & artichoke dip...super creamy!

I had their reuben...not too sure what was making this so salty...the chips or the meat inside the sandwich...

Mineko had their clam linguini...looked delicious!

After lunch we went to Via Gelato.

We both got affogatos.

I chose Mint Chip, while Mineko chose Green Tea.

Surprisingly Green Tea matched with a shot of espresso.

I enjoyed how the mint flavor of my gelato wasn't overpowering.

Mineko gave me some omiyage...a lipstick & these chocolates by Pierre Marcolini...I think I will share these with Satoshi when he visits in a couple of weeks.

It was great catching up with Mineko, I hope she had a nice time too.

Thanks for a great day!

p.s. I hope you can view the photos...when I pressed preview, I couldn't see any of the photos...

nico's

It had been about 6 years since the last time I visited Nico's at Pier 38.

Since then, I think this area had a major overhaul. The restaurant had a nice face lift and a fish market is now next door.

There is also lots of free parking in a lot at the front.

Aunty M had their daily salad which was a fried monchong (pomfret) with garlic pesto shrimp on a bed of spinach which she enjoyed.

I had their fried calamari salad. I liked this but wished the sweet chili sauce/dressing would've coated the spinach better. Most bites were "dry" having no dressing at all.

Other than that, it was nice to have lunch with Aunty and her friend. Thanks Aunty.

Nico's (Pier 38)
1129 North Nimitz Highway
Honolulu, Hawaii
Phone: 808.540.1377

honolulu burger co

Got a chance to have lunch with my parents, Satoshi, my Aunty, my cousin, P, from the mainland and her family.

We went to check out the newly opened Honolulu Burger Company.

This shop uses local grass-fed beef and lots of local produce.

We got there early and were lucky that they could accommodate they 8 of us inside.

You can create your own burger or get one of their "Favorites" or "Sandwiches".

From the "Favorites"--I chose the Blue Hawaii--1/3 pound burger with gorgonzola, bacon, Hauula tomatoes and Maui onions. So juicy! and how can you go wrong with gorgonzola, bacon and caramelized onions??

Satoshi also chose from the "Favorites" and ordered the Loco Moco Burger--1/3 pound burger with spam, over-hard egg, bacon and brown gravy.

Satoshi said this was really good and fixed his craving for loco moco.

We also tried an order each of their sweet potato, garlic and homemade fries...all really crispy and tasty.

Parking is shared with Beretania Florist on the side or in front with on-street parking.

They make the burger after you order, so call in your order or prepare to wait awhile.

I'm glad we all got to try it and I would definitely go back. (Thanks for lunch P!)

Honolulu Burger Co.
1295 S. Beretania Street
Honolulu, Hawaii
Phone: 808.626.5202
Open everyday 10:30-21:00