September 21, 2014
Sanji Ramen
In the past few years, it seems that ramen has become to foodies what model-of-the-moment Hansel was to fashion mogul Mugatu in the movie Zoolander — “So hot right now.” Not only does the Japanese noodle soup literally warm things…
September 14, 2014
Nice Day Chinese Seafood Restaurant
It is often said that names match the personalities they accompany. Case in point: Cruella De Vil wasn’t exactly an admirable Disney character, was she? Well recently, I got to thinking that the same “rule” applies to restaurant names, as…
September 7, 2014
Max's of Manila
Ask any restaurant manager about the importance of serving specials on the menu, and they’ll probably tell you that those limited-time offers, weekly favorites and brand-new bites can be just as valuable as the signature dishes themselves. Not only do…
August 31, 2014
Nabeya Maido
In Japanese culture, partaking in the hot pot style of cooking known as nabe is like carving out a bit of one’s day to spend with family and friends while sharing in a single nourishing pot of warmth — the…
August 24, 2014
Shiro's Saimin Haven
When Franz Shiro Matsuo, known affectionately as “Mistah Saimin,” first opened Shiro’s Saimin Haven in 1969 at Aiea Bowl, to share his wildly delicious comfort foods, Hawaii’s diners instantly took to his creative renditions of saimin and other island favorites.…
August 17, 2014
Ahi & Vegetable
Every morning at 4:30 a.m., restaurant owner and ahi wholesaler Sam Seo arrives at Hawaii Fish Auction Pier 38 to scope out fresh, supreme catches of the day. With more than 15 years of experience attending the auction, and 15…
August 10, 2014
Mimasuya Italiano of Kyoto
A visit to Mimasuya Italiano of Kyoto on Kapiolani Boulevard is a chance to experience exquisitely prepared Italian cuisine, unveiled with the refined aesthetics of Japanese food presentation. Open since December 2012, this east-meets-west eatery is the first of Japanese…
July 20, 2014
Million Restaurant
This past week has been quite a scorcher, hasn’t it? When the sun is blazing and mugginess prevails, I know it’s ever so tempting to use any morsel of energy you have left to practically lunge toward the closest shave…
July 13, 2014
JJ's Bistro & French Pastry
From the comfort-inducing plate lunches we pack up for the beach, to gourmet Pacific Rim meals we treat ourselves to on special occasions, it’s safe to say that fusion-filled fare is all around us here in the Islands. Even so,…
July 6, 2014
Seafood Village Chinese Cuisine
If you haven’t done so already, it’s worthwhile to join the throngs of patrons dining at Seafood Village. Located in Hyatt Regency Waikiki on Kalakaua Avenue, the eatery exemplifies the thrill of Oahu’s resort hub, with personable service, an ornate…
