http://www.chow.com/boards/25 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 21:19:14 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/628158#4827565 Salmon is not very big. I camped outside of town, but did not stop in town. My impression is that it caters to two populations - local ranchers, and river-runners. I suspect the later is mainly interested in beer and pizza. That may be simplifying things, but gives a sense of the level of dining that you should expect. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:24:58 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/628158#4827565 http://www.chow.com/topics/633728#4827476 I've been scouring the posts and found great recommendations for Anchorage but all seem to close Sunday! Can anyone suggest a great Sunday dinner spot? We're both industry. Decor not important. Food is. Thanks! Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:33:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633728#4827476 http://www.chow.com/topics/632642#4827259 Thanks brewhill, we will give it a try. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:00:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632642#4827259 http://www.chow.com/topics/627651#4826219 Dang, it only took me six tries to post to CH tonight! I am with you on this one. Unless a restaurant has a good B-T-G, or half-bottle list, it can be difficult, at best, to pick the one quintessential bottle for all courses, especially if a couple is like my wife and me, and have different tastes. Often, I will make my mains selection based on the wine to pair with her choice. Hunt Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:27:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/627651#4826219 http://www.chow.com/topics/399583#4825526 I had a great meal recently at Barbacoa. Every part of the meal was fresh and delicious and the atmosphere was beautiful. Has anyone else had a similar experience there? Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:03:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/399583#4825526 http://www.chow.com/topics/627332#4822604 Macaraca has some great comments. I haven't been to Kalia's, but have heard good things about it. Ojisan was ommitted intentionally because of personal experiences there, as was Dosai, an Indian place near Ojisan. Glad to hear about catch of the day, was wondering how it was. And agree completely about the Spices special. Between Tamura's and Fujioka's the wine selection in Kaimuki is really good, and both of them have some gourmet foods, with Tamura's being more extensive. Fujioka's, in Market City is closer to UH, which may not make much of a difference unless you are on foot. Also in Market City is Formaggio, I've not been in a long time, it gets varied reviews. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:15:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/627332#4822604 http://www.chow.com/topics/633187#4821978 We are flying home tomorrow from a great 2 weeks in hawaii. We are looking for somewhere in Kona to get bento boxes to-go for our flight, any suggestions? thanks! Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:56:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633187#4821978 http://www.chow.com/topics/631778#4821706 Sounds like some good spots. Thanks so much! If anyone else has some other ideas, I welcome them. We aren't leaving until the 11th of July. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:29:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/631778#4821706 http://www.chow.com/topics/622520#4820121 I also feel that they are at the top. I only regret that I did not read my e-mail from them more closely, as they clearly stated that they were closed for lunch on Saturday. Our loss! Hunt Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:03:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/622520#4820121 http://www.chow.com/topics/625532#4820057 For your next trip, I would urge you to also look to the Hilo side of Hawai`i. While most visitors do head to an area near Kona (it is not bad in any respect), there is great charm and good food on the "forgotten side," Hilo. We've been fortunate to include both "sides" on most visits, though missed Hilo last trip, due to time constraints. Each side (as with most of the Islands) offers one a totally different look and experience. I would not trade my Hilo experiences for a month on any other Island, however much we've enjoyed the others. Next trip, do not let it pass you by. Aloha, Hunt Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:24:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/625532#4820057 http://www.chow.com/topics/307718#4820042 So to continue, we also visited Akasaka near the Convention Center and enjoyed the meal (sushi and a tempura platter) and service there. We also tried a number of places that had not been previously recommended as part of this thread. Mei Sum Dim Sum is at 65 N. Pauahi St, at the corner. The dim sum is served from 7 AM until 8+ PM. We went for lunch on Saturday and tried nine dishes, all of which were generous for two people. The items come in three price ranges, starting at $2.25, and then maxing out at a bit over $3/dish. We tried nine items, including two desserts, and everything was really tasty. The place was filled with locals, and they were doing a healthy take-out business as well. The tab for the lunch was about $23. In terms of value, this may have been the best meal we had in Honolulu, and we went back the next day and ate there again on our way to the airport. It was an odd time, about 10 AM and the service was a bit chaotic even though the place was not full. Still, everything we had was delightful. Across the street from this place there appears to be a place that sells buns or pastries, and although we did not try it, there was a steady stream of locals going in and coming out on Saturday with boxes. Next time. We had one dinner at Side Street Inn (1225 Hopaka St.) a place rumored to be a favorite stopping point for chefs on their night off. The service was very friendly, the place was low-key, the servings were very generous, and the food was good. They had a version of ribs with a lilikoi barbecue sauce that was very good. We stopped off at the Marukai Market on the way back to our hotel from a farmer's market. This is a membership-based market, but if you go to the service counter outside the store, they will give you a one-day pass for free if you can show them that you are from out of state. We went in and picked up an assortment of sushi, and a number of other items that are harder to find on the mainland. It is not a gourmet destination necessarily, but a good place to pick up some fruits, vegetables, and prepared foods. Having had extended stays in Tokyo and in Fukuoka, I am very fond of ramen, and I have not found anything here in the SF Bay Area that comes close to the shops I was taken to by friends in both Tokyo and Fukuoka. There is a shop in the Ala Moana Center that is named Goma Tei, and then another one about a block or so from the Nordstroms that is part of the Ala Moana Center and across from a Walmart/Sam's Club called Goma Ichi. At Goma Tei I had the tantan ramen with char sui; nice rich-tasting dark broth, very nice noodles, the pork was a generous portion, tender, but not as moist as I would have liked. At Goma Ichi I had their zasai sunghonmen which apparently had won an award from Honolulu Magazine readers. I liked this a great deal as well; the added char sui was fatty and a rather modest portion. I wish both would open a branch in Berkeley CA. Finally, a place or two that you could skip. I was hoping to find some good Korean food. I failed. We went to Yuchun Korean Restaurant at 1159 Kaiolani Blvd. near the Blaisdell Center. The kalbi was tough, and the spicy calamari and vegetables was uninspiring. They brought out a little portable heater, and a pan containing several whole squid slathered in hot sauce. They turned on the flame, walked away, and came back a few minutes later. The cooking time was perfect to bring everything to that golf ball texture we all love. Not worth it. On an excursion to Haleiwa we stopped off at Jameson's By The Sea. The view is very pretty. The service was very friendly but excruciatingly slow. The calamari appetizer was one of those magical calamari that is 3/8 of an inch thick and about three inches wide and eight inches long. It is a pity that I didn't ask, but if I had known I was getting a deep fried calamari "steak" I would have passed. This processed and reconstituted hunk of calamari paste had spent a bit too much time in the deep fryer. Can you say rubber? I had a caesar salad with blackened ahi. Unfortunately, no anchovies died in the making of the dressing. The ahi was not only blackened, it had been cooked to within a nanometer of its life, and very dry. It really was a horrible thing to do to a lovely fish. The others who joined me were equally uninspired by their choices. Why Frommers recommends this place is a mystery. Perhaps I caught them on a bad day. My thanks as always to those who posted some of the recommendations that we were able to follow up on. I hope that the additions are useful to someone down the road. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:18:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/307718#4820042 http://www.chow.com/topics/632846#4818296 Where can I buy Kurobuta pork on Oahu, looking for baby back ribs. Thanks Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:40:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632846#4818296 http://www.chow.com/topics/619395#4816995 don't miss the Holuakoa Cafe in tiny Holualoa town, above Kailua-Kona, in Waimea: breakfast/lunch=Hawaiian Style Cafe, lunch/dinner=HuliSue's and/or Fujimammas. expensive dinner=Merriman's, Kailua-Kona: Rapanui, Big Island Grill, Original Thai, Kenichi Pacific, south Kona=Keii Cafe...ka'ahele malu Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:47:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/619395#4816995 http://www.chow.com/topics/543319#4816929 Although it has been a few years since I have been there, the Cattle Baron in Babb was excellent the last time we were there. East Glacier, or rather up the road, Sisters is also good. Thimble Berry in E. Glacier. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:56:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/543319#4816929 http://www.chow.com/topics/632541#4815086 Dear CH'ers: Please share your favorite breakfast, lunch, and dinner spots that: 1. Aren't too much of a detour off the highway, 2. Are ok places to take two smallish kids, 3. Won't break the bank, and 4. Taste good! Any cuisine. We'll be going in a couple of months. It's likely that in the park itself, we'll be dining to survive and not for pleasure. But if there are particularly great or horrible eateries there, feel free to chime in too. It's our first trip out that way. Thanks!!!!!!! Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:12:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/632541#4815086 http://www.chow.com/topics/605777#4813104 1. Naps in Hamilton. Best burger in the world. 2. Eddies Steakhouse in Great Falls. Best steak in the world. Get it campfire style, and get green goddess dressing on your salad. 3. restaurant at Chico Hot Springs in Livingston 4. Lolo steakhouse in, well, Lolo. 5. Borries in Black Eagle Havre (Great Falls). The fried ravs dipped in spaghetti sauce are not to be missed. Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:39:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/605777#4813104 http://www.chow.com/topics/619439#4812787 That sums it up pretty good. I've never heard any positive feedback from any of my friends living in Hawaii about the Mexican food there. I guess the locals are more acclimated to plate lunches rather than to tacos and burritos? For me, I definitely love a tasty wet carne burrito smothered with cheese and salsa with a basket of deep fried tortilla chips! But that's me... Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:18:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/619439#4812787 http://www.chow.com/topics/573570#4809906 Kapolei is just a few miles from Ko Olina. A few more miles eastward is Waipahu with some good Filipino food at Thelmas and Elenas, which is a real dump to look at but has v. good adobos and superlative lechon kawali (pork cracklings with onions and tomatoes), when it is available. Unfortunately, they seem to sell out of it quickly. The lechon in coconut milk at Max's of Manila is good too, but their specialty, fried chicken, did not impress. The island is not large, so, if you are not here for complete R&R, a half-hour drive will put you downtown (so long as it is not rush hours, 3-6PM). There are lots of good eats there as indicated in other threads. Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:47:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573570#4809906 http://www.chow.com/topics/631069#4807282 Mahalo for the post, and Happy Anniversary. Over the decades, we've celebrated ours in Hawai`i and have seldom been disappointed. As for the prawns, they should NOT have been mushy. Unfortunately, they probably came from either the US, or Asian Mainland. Prawns should have a texture not unlike well cooked monkfish, or lightly done lobster. These probably had not traveled as well as they should have. With the shrimp-farming operaitons on the Northshore of O`ahu, I am a bit surprised. Farmed shrimp can be almost as good as wild, and sizing can be more even, if done properly. Given his penchant for fresh and local, I am surprised at this from Chef Merriman. With that one exception, it sounds like a wonderful occasion. Thanks for reporting, Hunt Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:53:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/631069#4807282 http://www.chow.com/topics/631343#4807268 We have only been to the Halekulani. I cannot compare with other Honolulu hotels/restaurants. It was good, but did pale to others on the Mainland and in the UK. For Waikiki, I'd go with the Halekulani. Aloha, Hunt Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:43:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/631343#4807268 http://www.chow.com/topics/631351#4805618 Mostly I would suggest that if you don't want over-priced, mediocre Indian food, then wait till you get back to the East Coast. Hawaii just doesn't have great Indian food. Some of it isn't bad, but from what anyone who knows Indian food tells me, none of it is actually good. Most recently I have been to Himalayan Kitchen, and one of the people in our group said it was the best around. It is BYOB, their webpage appears to be under construction. I don't remember if they had kebobs, but they do advertise tandoori cuisine. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:02:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/631351#4805618 http://www.chow.com/topics/629273#4804158 Not a lot of options unfortunately. I ate Dinner and Lunch at the Hangar. Great View of the Bay and good beer selection. The Cajun Halibut was very good. The Bahnhof (sp?) looked a little more upscale, but very dark. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 06:06:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/629273#4804158 http://www.chow.com/topics/630832#4799857 Thanks to earlier posters who recommened the Mint Bar-Cafe in Belgrade, I can honestly say I've had the best hamburger of my life. We were only in town for one night, but if it had been longer, we'd have gone back. The menu is full of interesting, delicious-sounding items, they have a good choice of beers and wines, and the atmosphere is welcoming and homey. Highly recommended. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:40:04 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/630832#4799857 http://www.chow.com/topics/617288#4793004 I'm afraid you ordered the wrong dishes :) you don't go to formaggio for seafood (I prefer mitch's or hiroshi for that). In fact, one of their dish, seafood platter, is pretty abysmal, so I don't recommend anybody ordering that one. (and the first time i ordered the lobster bisque, the lobster meat that is on top came out dry, so i never ordered it again) However, their kobe hamburger steak rivals pineapple room's as the island's best (order it rare, with an egg on top). Their ribs, on most nights, are also one of the best I've had - moist and succulent, with the fat on top of the meat ready to melt in your mouth. The sauce that goes with it is a zinfandel (?) based sauce, which has a nice kick to it. In short, order the meat, not the seafood. Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:53:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/617288#4793004 http://www.chow.com/topics/629797#4791246 We're driving back through Missoula tomorrow from Glacier. We need a lunch and dinner recommendation for Sunday - is there any asian (thai/ Vietnamese /indian etc) that's worth visiting? We're on a road trip out from CT for the last 3 weeks (doing many of the national parks) & are craving something with a little spice. Other recommendations also welcomed - we really enjoyed Hob Nobs b'fast, Biga Pizza, Petit Outre and Scotty's table on our way up seems to be a fantastic foody town. Thanks J Sun, 21 Jun 2009 02:10:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/629797#4791246 http://www.chow.com/topics/624164#4789428 The food in Maui did not disappoint! Dinners were at: Pineapple Grill, Merriman's, Sansei and David Paul's New Island Grill. We mostly lunched at Honolua store, but did make it to Hali'imaile General Store one day (when we visited the Lavendar Farm & Surfing Goat Dairy - both highly recommended). All the dinners were really fantastic with no complaints, Merriman's especially stands out (& we hit Pineapple Grill on Wednesday when they have half-price wine and had an amazing pinot noir) . We had breakfast one morning at Plantation House overlooking the golf course and it was delish! The food in Kauai was much better then expected, with the exception of Tide Pools at the Hyatt, which we found over-priced and a bit over-cooked. We went to the Luau at the Hyatt also and the food was actually very good...or maybe it was partially due to the unlimited Mai Tai's! Plantation Gardens was fab - we had the best server and the seafood curry was amazing. On our final night, we went to Red Salt at the Koa Kea hotel --- LOVED IT!! What a gorgeous space, especially the bar area with the white leather lounge sofa's. The food was top-notch also and reasonable for what you get. I will definitely consider staying here when I visit Kauai again. Thanks so much for all the tips & suggestions!!! Sat, 20 Jun 2009 07:15:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/624164#4789428 http://www.chow.com/topics/624318#4789275 Oops, forgot to get around to Robert, and now my last post is in the process of going to the server. Yes, he's the sommelier. On our night, other than an "early bird," there were no specials, and I was getting carried away with his wine list. I did feel sorry for some of the other diners, as he did spend a lot of time with us. There was more staff, that showed up from time to time, but he managed to find good reasons to stop by - maybe to sell us more Montrachet? More aloha, Hunt Sat, 20 Jun 2009 04:32:00 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/624318#4789275 http://www.chow.com/topics/435988#4788543 Have you heard of Fiori D'Italia? They actually go to Italy several times a year to bring back many fresh ingredients. My Hubby has a co-worker (he works at Hula Hands) who LOVES their food. He is taking me there tonight. I will let you know how it is. =) -Melissa http://www.yelp.com/biz/fiori-ditalia-anchorage Fri, 19 Jun 2009 22:01:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/435988#4788543 http://www.chow.com/topics/628238#4783364 Oh, yum! The poke bowl on their website looks fabulous. I'll have to check them out the next time I'm in Hawaii. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 04:40:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/628238#4783364 http://www.chow.com/topics/614124#4780330 Don Jose makes very good Mexican actually and they can be found around the State of AK, they have been around since 1982 and were first established in Homer http://www.alaskadonjoses.com/home.html . As for Burgers, you absolutely MUST try Tommy's Burger Stop ( 1106 W 29th Pl. 99503). Their burgers are mouth watering! I also love Arctic Road Runner, but my fav. burger is Tommy's. =) I totally agree with you about all the other restaurants. Pizza Olympia is still wonderful, but also try the Greek Corner. I had their Lobster Ravioli in white sauce once, which was the special of that particular day, and it ruined me during my last pregnancy because I couldn't stop fantasizing about it . =) Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:00:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/614124#4780330 http://www.chow.com/topics/627353#4780017 I just got back from a NW trip- stayed in Juneau for 2 nights. 2 meals I recommend- the salmon bake at the Thane Ore House- all you can eat fresh salmon filets and beer battered halibut chunks with beef ribs (only focused on the fish) and a salad bar- located near the water overlooking Gastineau Way with bald eagles perched in the surrounding trees. Great time. The halibut stole the show. Tracy's King Crab Shack located downtown by the dock served some serious king crab. The cocktail, bisque and cluster were delicious. 3 legs and 2 claws for $47- not a bad deal. There are a couple of tables outdoors to enjoy the food. I hear that the Hangar and Twisted Fish offer fresh seafood and are worthy of a visit. My trip wasn't long enough to give them a try. If you were spending the night I'd suggest the Pelmeni House downtown. A great meal after a night of drinking some Alaskan ale. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 04:16:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/627353#4780017 http://www.chow.com/topics/628385#4779964 Kaila, It's been a while for us, since we last visited your island. I still have wonderufl memories and we hope to be back sooner, rather than later. I have a few questions, especially as the Four Seasons was not a presence back then. In Lanai City, the Lanai City Grill that you mention - is it still run by two brothers from Westwego, Louisiana (IIRC, or maybe Gretna)? While the two higher-end meals at both Koele and Manele were great, and the less-formal dining at Manele was very good, we really enjoyed the Lanai City Grill. That night, the chef brother (the other ran the FOH) was working on a praline recipe. His brother out front recognized my wife's accent, and began talking to her. In short order, she was consulting on the pralines in the kitchen. This was some time before Chef Gannon was involved. The chef brother had wonderful spirit and was cooking with great passion. The meal was great. Also, as you so aptly point out, there was not a true Hawaiian restaurant on the island. There was actually more influence from Portugal, but that should be expected, given the recent history. Friends from O`ahu, who had their honeymoon on Lanai, told us that we were spending too much time there - six days. They missed that boat. We could have spent ten and not missed a beat. The food, the service, golf and tennis were great, although a bit different than other islands and sides of islands. Still, we must go back, even if we just hang out and eat for 10 days. In the end, an absolutely fantastic vacation, that was too long ago. To Mmreinbold, I hope that you are taking the ferry over from Lahaina. That alone is worth the effort and the greeting at the dock was wonderful. Enjoy and much aloha, Hunt Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:49:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/628385#4779964 http://www.chow.com/topics/627433#4779910 Shortly after my review, there was a local review done after dining with some friends (from France, IIRC). While our meal, and their's were at opposite ends of the dining spectrum, you might look that one up for a reference. Seems that it was done in late Dec, '08, or Jan, '09. This would be for balance. Enjoy, and please report. Hunt PS Not sure that one could really paint a romantic picture of dining overlooking a fairly busy street, but we found the lanai seating to be wonderful - no ocean view, obviously, but still lovely on a lovely evening. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 03:19:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/627433#4779910 http://www.chow.com/topics/598400#4777271 Bill - Though it's been over a year since I've been to Spago - I'd totally go there again - we really enjoyed it even though we were in a large family group. I wanted to go back - just me and the Mr - but ran out of time. We also liked Joe's Bar & Grill (owned by Bev Gammon) in the Wailea Tennis Center. I had an excellent dinner of gray snapper. I'll be looking forward to everyone's reports! Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:44:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/598400#4777271 http://www.chow.com/topics/628141#4774999 What is the best place to eat? Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:36:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/628141#4774999 http://www.chow.com/topics/258530#4772606 Thank you for the rec. for Lahaina Farms. We did notice it, but were always on the "other" side. Over the years, and on most islands, we've enjoyed Costco for our daily wines, and have used several wine shops for the higher-end offerings. This is because of the selections. It used to be that the Mainland stores, depending on their "neighborhood," had some real "gems." It appears that for economic reasons, even the stores, like Scottsdale, have cut way back on the higher-end products. So the Mainland seems to be "coming back" to the selections in Hawai`i. I do hope that Mr Wine can get back open, and not too much will have to change. I will also look into Lahaina Farms, as well. As for shipping my wines, I've never considered that. Now, we used to travel to Napa with 3 empty styro-shippers and one stuffed suitcase. We'd check the styro-shippers as luggage, and they'd be filled, for our return. We've even curtailed this practice and I really do not know how UAL feels about it any longer. Going back, we never had a problem. Now, a good friend does ship a case Fed-X to Maui, when his wife does her "ladies' week in Hawai`i," and he has been pleased. Though I'd like to empty out my cellar a bit, it just seems like too much work for me. Besides, I'd rather spend my $ with the locals in the Islands, rather than Fed-X - they get a lot of my $ already. Besides, if I by-pass the local wine shops, some day they will not be there for me, maybe like Mr Wine, though I always did support them handsomely. Thanks for the rec, Hunt Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:36:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/258530#4772606 http://www.chow.com/topics/627794#4771550 Years ago (actually over 20 years ago), when I went for the first time to Hawaii, the highlight of the trip was bringing home the best cookies I ever had. I don't know the name but I do recall that the woman had an italian name and her marketing concept was somewhere along the lines of a Hawaiian Mrs. Field's. The cookies themselves had very amusing names like Moana Loa Volcanoes or Snowtops etc. Anyway, they were buttery, chewy and most of them had delicious macadamias. Now, my little sister lives on Maui and she claims she has looked for them but has yet to come across anything like them. A search on the internet is just too confusing. Does anyone remember these cookies and what happened to the company? Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:57:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/627794#4771550 http://www.chow.com/topics/627338#4768769 Won't be in town, but if I was, I'd definitely attend. I've been a fan of the cooking of Chef Lagasse at several venues, over his career. Less a fan of his persona. Still, I also have fond memories of the old Maile Room at the Kahala, and would go in hopes to recapture just a touch of that magic. Just wish that we were there, and could attend. Please let everyone know how the event goes. Is this a charity event? Mahalo, Hunt Sat, 13 Jun 2009 04:30:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/627338#4768769 http://www.chow.com/topics/625582#4767959 I do feel strongly about macs mixed in the batter, as opposed to a topping (that's why I love Eggs 'n Things), so that's good to know. The haupia cream sauce sounds good enough, though, that I may have to try it. I have to say, when I tried Boots & Kimo, I was underwhelmed. The mac sauce wasn't as good as I was expecting, and the pancakes were flabby. People rave about it so much I feel like I should give them a second chance, but it's a long trip from Waikiki to Kailua on the bus ... Fri, 12 Jun 2009 22:36:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/625582#4767959 http://www.chow.com/topics/397568#4767033 I know this is kind of late in the game but as far as Indian food.. have you been to Himalayan Kitchen or Mahrani? Both of these are excellent. Also there is Bombay by like the Discovery Center off of Ala Moana, good buffet but I still prefer the other two to that restaurant. Maharani is BYOB also. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:01:32 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/397568#4767033 http://www.chow.com/topics/625148#4765043 Mahalo for a comprehensive report, especially from the north side of the Island. Not enough reports from there. I do agree about Dondero's. While I had a marvelous meal, my poor wife was caught by the uneveness of the evening. Her meal was any thing but spectacular. Now, I would return, but only with hopes that we'd get two meals, as good as mine on the last trip. Matter of fact, I had the filet and it ranked up within my all time top-10. That is tough territory to enter, and I'm sorry that yours' was not anything like mine. Thanks for taking the time to put this review together. Hunt Fri, 12 Jun 2009 01:07:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/625148#4765043 http://www.chow.com/topics/412679#4764350 Annabell's in the Gilmore Hotel in Ketchikan! Irish pub attached to very relaxed yet elegant (Alaskan classy :-) restaurant. It has been about 10 years since I was there but my favorite lunch was steamer clams, crab sandwich, and champagne. I have never stayed at the hotel so can't comment there. Tripadviser.com has some good input on both hotel and restaurant. It seems that the management may have changed since my last visit. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 21:05:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/412679#4764350 http://www.chow.com/topics/571197#4764328 That sounds kinda nice, I think I'll give it a go. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:59:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571197#4764328 http://www.chow.com/topics/447921#4764276 I still eat sapporo noodles even when I could go to foodland and make my own saimin, haha.. I swear those noodles are made with crack extract with how addictive they are. If we lived over on Kauai I don't know though, I'd probably give up my Sapporo habit for Hamura's on a regular basis... Mmmm..... Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:49:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/447921#4764276 http://www.chow.com/topics/259381#4762011 Well, perhaps for us folks who are visiting Montana from other parts of the country, maybe it is all about Venison Steaks and Huckleberry Shakes and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. I can get artisan breads and turnovers locally. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 03:10:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/259381#4762011 http://www.chow.com/topics/626859#4761941 If you're visiting the Mt. Rushmore/Black Hills area, we can highly recommend the Sage Creek Grille in Custer. Unlike the other steak/seafood/prime rib places in town, they make everything from scratch, inluding breads and desserts. We weren't in the mood for a big dinner, so DH had the buffalo burger, perfectly cooked and accompanied by scrumptions fried-in-butter red potatoes - he had a second helping of potatoes for dessert. I had a salad and the house soup, a pork stew, served with three slices of some the best sourdough bread I've had away from the west coast. The wine list is small, but well-chosen, not the usual distributor selection, and the beers show thought as well - several microbrews, many from the midwest, at a reasonable $3.50 a bottle. We'll probably go back tomorrow for a steak. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:50:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/626859#4761941 http://www.chow.com/topics/618257#4761839 I will. It's my 6th year to attend. I am looking forward to the cheese seminar and the Seafood Festival on Sunday. Friday is the Grand Tasting and the food is always good for that but the wine is the main event! I'll report back on my dining from the food at Honolua General Store as well, it is always good. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:20:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/618257#4761839 http://www.chow.com/topics/626838#4761677 I just drove a rental truck across country on I-80 from Washington, DC to Berkeley, CA. Before the trip I researched Chowhound extensively to identify prime locations en route and, while I unfortunately missed trying out a couple, I'd like to confirm the worth of some spots I found recommended-- and report some new ones I discovered-- so anyone else doing a similar trip can check them out. We travelled with a dog, so these spots are close to dog-friendly motels, too. First night: Montpelier, OH, which during research appeared to be a complete wasteland. Was prepared for Mickey D's, but made the pleasant discovery that the in-motel restaurant at the Ramada Bryan-Montpelier had a decent menu including super pork chops-- thick and juicy, with excellent baked potatoes. I repeat: go here for the pork chops! (And the photos of astronauts... the son of the owner is/was a shuttle crewmember.) Second night: Altoona, IA, just outside Des Moines. The Big Steer steakhouse came recommended and I confirm that it is a prime spot for fine steaks. (Don't get the Shiraz though, it's dire.) The place was absolutely hopping with locals. Salads in these midwestern places seem to be dismal iceberg affairs, but what the hell, go with the meat if the meat is good. Third night: Sidney, NE, where Wheatridge Steakhouse is part of the Holiday Inn. It was OK, another giant and juicy steak, but notable on the menu were the deep-fried prairie oysters, which I was too chicken to try by myself. My travelling companion demurred. Fourth night: Park City, UT, where since there was an important hockey game to be watched (I'm Canadian), we just got takeout from Whole Foods, and attempted to replace previously missing vitamins with a massive salad. Pretty good pizza at that store actually. On the fifth day we stopped in Battle Mountain, NV, mostly because I had read in the Washington Post that it was the absolute stinking worst town in the USA (voted the "Armpit of America")-- but my travelling companion had worked out of BM as a geologist and said that the town featured a good Mexican place, El Aguila Real. Indeed. It's a fine cantina and they do first-class burrito plates (we got carne asada and green chile pork). I wouldn't vouch for anything else though. Fifth night was Reno where we patronized Louis' Basque Corner, where you are served family-style at long tables with plastic check tablecloths. The oxtail starter and Basque beans were superb, and there was good roast lamb to follow. The red wine, curiously, comes sweet and cold, and probably ain't too great warm, but helps the rest down. To aid digestion we got glasses of Picon, an astringent Basque liqueur with lemon peel. Not a bad way to end a dinner. And then-- yes, Mickey D's for coffee on the last morning, and over the Sierras into CA. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:07:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/626838#4761677 http://www.chow.com/topics/626154#4757640 If you want great food I can't help you. If you want to eat at two memorable places that you will remember long after, then I've got what you need. First, the grill inside the "M&M". A local icon in uptown Butte. Standard greasy, filling and cheap diner-type food. Secondly, "The Pekin". A turn of the century Chinese food restaurant also located uptown. Its a two-story walk up rickety old stairs to arrive at this distinctly back- in-time eatery. If you can only do one of them make sure its "The Pekin". Ask any local for directions. After your meal duck inside the tiny bar for a drink. Or have one next door at "The Silver Dollar Saloon". Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:03:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/626154#4757640 http://www.chow.com/topics/608751#4754924 Thank you for the list. Hope that all was wonderful, and that the trip was excellent. Aloha, Hunt Tue, 09 Jun 2009 02:16:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/608751#4754924