January 17, 2022
The Mandalay
ANNE LEE speaks with The Mandalay manager CHRISTINA CHAN Christina Chan never thought she would be operating a restaurant today (she likes to skydive!), but being raised in this industry, parents Larry and Linda started the first Eastern Garden Chinese…
January 9, 2022
Plumeria Beach House
ANNE LEE speaks with DANNY KALEIKINI Aloooha! Danny Kaleikini, the Ambassador of Aloha (former Gov. John Waihee gave him the moniker in 1988), was born into a family of eight children. Raised in Papakolea, his humble roots taught him how…
January 2, 2022
Sushi King
ANNE LEE speaks with Sushi King managers SYLVIA KONDO AKAKA AND TEZ HARTNEY, and founder/owner/mom SHU-LEE KONDO I met with Sushi King manager Sylvia Kondo Akaka, founder/owner/mom Shu-Lee Kondo and manager Tez Hartney — aka the sushi queens — at…
December 26, 2021
The Café at Dada
In the spirit of the holiday season, our team is at home celebrating with their families, and we wanted to re-share the interview with executive chef/owner Cyrus Goo at The Café at Dada. Happy holidays to all and a big…
December 19, 2021
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
ANNE LEE speaks withThe Kahala Hotel & Resort restaurant manager WON BAE and executive chef JONATHAN MIZUKAMI When you imagine having afternoon tea, the one place that comes to mind is The Veranda at The Kahala Hotel & Resort. I…
December 12, 2021
Ichifuji
ANNE LEE speaks with Ichifuji owner TAKUYA TSUTSUMI, general manager AYA FURUTA and chef MITCHEL TOMAS Ichifuji, located upstairs from sister restaurant Tori Ton, celebrates its one-year anniversary this month, and I was invited to try the Otoshi Nabe Premium…
December 5, 2021
Orchids At Halekulani
ANNE LEE speaks with Orchids chef de cuisine CHRISTIAN TESTA Halekulani’s Hawaiian name translates to “house befitting heaven.” It was named by the locals when area fisherman were welcomed to rest at Robert Lewers’ two-story home, where the main building…
November 28, 2021
Island Popper
ANNE LEE speaks with Island Popper owner ANDREA TOURNIS-VAGENAS (pictured with pup Deuce) The secret to Hawaii’s most addicting popcorn is the homemade flavors curated by Island Popper owner Andrea Tournis-Vagenas and her team. Every batch is handcrafted and made…
November 21, 2021
Up Roll Café
ANNE LEE speaks with Up Roll Café co-owners ANNA AND MANNY MANIWA Up Roll Café owner Manny Maniwa is not your usual chef. He actually is a food scientist, and majored in chemistry in college. He left Japan to travel…
November 14, 2021
Waiolu Ocean Cuisine
ANNE LEE speaks with Trump International Hotel Waikiki executive chef JOSEPH ROSE There are delectable things happening at Waiolu Ocean Cuisine. Resort/hotel dining tends to cater to everyone, but Joseph Rose, executive chef at Trump International Hotel Waikiki, has his…
