Honolulu Review: Nov. 2008

[Clinton]

Just returned from Honolulu and thought I'd share my eating experiences. Decided first on Liliha Bakery for our first night there. The day before Thanksgiving was not really a good time to go since everyone was standing in line at 8PM for pies and stuff. Couldn't believe we had to wait at least a half an hour just to get a individual counter seat for a ribeye steak dinner with eggs and rice. The people sitting next to us was having pancakes and eggs while the next person was having French toast with Portuguese sausage and rice. Talk about being nostalgic.
Had brunch at the Pineapple Room at Macy's in Ala Moana which I thought was one of the best on the trip. Service was impeccable while the food was first class. One place which I was a little disappointed was the Side Street Inn in Kakaako. Service was slow and the food was quite bland. This place was highly recommended but I couldn't see what all the fuss was all about? The waitress hardly came around even though the place was not that crowded. We took five dollars out of her large tip and gave it to the valet which paid for the parking fee outside. Seemed reasonable at the time.
Chinatown was nice but it was our fault we got to Legends for dimsum quite late in the afternoon. They close at 2PM but we got there at 1:30PM. Selection wasn't that great since they were ready for last call just before closing. Had lunch the day before at Golden Palace near Maunakea Street which I though was very good but our waitress forgot about us. It was kind of packed but I had to wait at least half hour for my won ton noodles to be served. She even forgot to bring my credit card back to me after waiting for a while to leave. I'd go again but I'd make sure we didn't get the same waitress.
Happy Gardens in Kaimuki was top notch for food and service as well as Kim Chee II next door. The kalbi at KCII was to me still the best I've had for taste and tenderness. Happy Gardens Cantonese style food was quite a change from our LA style cuisine. Their roast duck was succulent and tasty while the spicy pork chops had a taste of it's own. Good food and friendly service.
The ahi limu kohu and kukui nut poke from Haile's in the Ala Moana Farmer's Market still has everyone beat. Killed a pound of it with no problem. Oh, speaking of raw fish, I got a pound of fresh ahi sashimi at Sam's Club with lots of shoyu and wasabi for a little over $10. A pound of fresh sashimi at a party didn't lat too long!
Wanted to try more places but one can eat only so much in such a short period of time. Our old standby Like Like Drive In was always there for something fast and ono. These were just the memorable places I can think of right now not including the little snacks we had at Marukai and Shirokiya's. Didn't get to have my shave ice at Waiola's or malassadas at Leonard's. Ah, but we did have the coco puffs from Liliha Bakery though.

[manomin]

Great report Clinton, thanks! I always enjoy the Pineapple Room for lunch. I wish though that
they would do a refurbishment on the chairs and rug, last time I was there even the menu covers
were worn and tired looking. I love the burger there and any of their soups. The Kalua BLT is
also a winner.

Thanks for your comments on Sidestreet, I've yet to venture there in all these years. I went to
a benefit once a couple years ago and their food was good for that event. Too bad about the
service but I think you did the right thing as far as the valet went.

Love those coco puffs! Haven't had any in about 10 years, I need to get out more often!
Glad you enjoyed your visit. A hui hou!

[curiousgeo]

Thanks for the report Clinton. I love sitting on the counter at Liliha Bakery and eating a meal. I always get a kick out of seeing people eating eggs and their wonderful pancakes for dinner. For myself it's usually the mahimahi plate or their hamburger steak, unless it's for breakfast in the morning.

I heard the new owner had steak on the menu again, how was the ribeye? Steak and eggs for dinner sounds good.

[Clinton]

Aloha Curiousgeo,

Someone mentioned that the owner of Yummy's bought out Liliha Bakery. I think his last name was Kim? The ribeye we had was very tender and ono. I had to take back some to the hotel since I "was forced" to eat my wife's portion too because she couldn't eat it all. It came with two large eggs, rice, and muffins on the side along with their homemade jelly. As a side note, the French toast made with soft sweetbread look so good on the grill right in front of you as you sat and ate. Everything was made fresh and smelled so good. Too bad we only had one stomach! Wanted to try everything on the first page of the menu.

We had the fresh ground burgers at the Pineapple Room and the mahi mahi sandwich with furukaki mac salad. Someone ordered the loco moco and provided no leftovers for evidence. Our waitress stuck to us like hot rice and was extra pleasant to chat with. Everyone wanted to go back there again. Maybe next trip?