New-ish places in Honolulu?

[pickledginger]

In a couple weeks I'll be visiting home in Honolulu. For years when I've visited I've gone to the same old favorite places, and while I love them I haven't been keeping up my cred as someone who knows her stuff. I need a new list--restaurants, take-out, everything. So: what's opened in the last few years that a local who loves food should know about?

[HIeats]

Izakaya Sushi Gaku
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2008/Aug/22/en/hawaii808220303.html

Kaiwa
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Sep/28/en/hawaii709280303.html

Vino
http://www.foodandwine.com/golist/2008/us-canada/us/honolulu/vino

Matsugen
http://www.foodandwine.com/golist/2008/us-canada/us/honolulu/matsugen

12th Avenue Grill (Daniel Dae Kim ate there last week
)http://www.foodandwine.com/golist/2008/us-canada/us/honolulu/12th-avenue-grill

Downtown
http://www.foodandwine.com/golist/2008/us-canada/us/honolulu/downtown

Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas
http://www.foodandwine.com/golist/2007/us-canada/us/honolulu/hiroshi-eurasion-tapas

Town
http://www.foodandwine.com/golist/200...

[HIeats]

Azure in the newly refurbished Royal Hawaiian. It's where Jon Matsubara landed.
Here's review of it on my new food blog: http://hieats.wordpress.com/

[Bill Hunt]

Is there any tie to "Azure" at the Ko`olina? Just curious, as we hope to spend some time at that Marriott property in the Fall.

Mahalo,

Hunt

[HIeats]

No, no connection. The restaurant at Ko Olina is called Azul.

[Bill Hunt]

Of course you are correct. That is the second time in a year, that I have tried to name it Azure. When will I ever learn?

Thanks,

Hunt

[HIeats]

That's cause Azure is intuitive. But what the hell is an Azul?

[KaimukiMan]

azul is "blue" in spanish (and portuguese)

[HIeats]

gracias, obrigado

[HIeats]

But there is nothing Spanish or Portuguese about the menu, so the name still puzzles.

[manomin]

Maybe it's because from some tables you can see the ocean? I thought it was
a lovely room and a has a nice outdoor eating area.

[KaimukiMan]

perhaps should have been named Polu or Uli (ways of saying blue in Hawaiian)

[HIeats]

Nice idea!

[ladybugthepug]

If you want the best soba noodles in the world I'd give Matsugen in Waikiki a try. We went for lunch and it was incredible. I will warn you though, the staff is Japanese and the service was not the best. The food far surpasses the services. If you're a service junkie I'd try somewhere else.

[ML8000]

Hank's Haute Dog

-----
Hank's Haute Dogs
324 Coral St, Honolulu, HI

Hank's Haute Dogs
2330 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI

[pickledginger]

Yup, I've got that one on my radar. It sounds like lots of fun and not the usual food I eat when I visit.

[barbecue]

Ok...we've been here for five days and here's where we've eaten:
Kakaako Kitchen, breakfast: loco moco (no msg), fried rice, kakaako kitchen omelette.
Mariposa, Nieman Marcus: unbelievable popovers.
Ala Moana Mall food court: Yummys (bi bim bop), Chinese Express (tofu, cold ginger chicken)
Kirin Restaurant: ulua with peppery salt, sesame pockets with minced pork and mustard greens.
Sensei Seafood and Sushi House: 50% off Sun-Mon til 6pm; 25% off other days before 6pm.
Shokudo: Hamachi w/ yuzu and capers,
Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin: kurobuta (berkshire) pork, thick pieces, in very carefully fried panko. A double fry method. First fried at 180 degrees, and finished at 200 degrees.
Whole Foods Market: pretty good lunches, some local style.
Kapiolani Community College Farmer's Market on Saturdays, local produce and food products.

I'll be interested to hear where you go!

[barbecue]

forgot to mention The Counter, the new restaurant opened by "jin" from Lost. Heard the sliders come with sweet tasting bread. Haven't had a chance to try it.

Maybe other chowhounds have.

[pickledginger]

I intend to visit The Counter very soon, as it's not far from where I'm staying. Thought I might try a few other local burgers while I'm at it.

[KaimukiMan]

A couple of years ago I made a list of places to go with friends (otherwise we keep ending up at the same few time and time again). This is not meant to be a comprehensive list of places to eat on Oahu, and it is a mix of great to mediocre, including mainland chains, local chains, etc. Some places were deliberately omitted, others accidently. I am pretty sure everything listed here is still in operation, but no guarantees. They are definately not all "new", but they may or may not be new to you, or you may have forgotten a couple (like the shrimp trucks). There are definitely places worth going that I may not have listed for one reason or another. I always recommend googling someplace new before you go, see what others have said.

Things are listed alphabetically, not by preference. Hope this is more helpful than confusing.

AMERICAN/FUSION - Everyday
Big City Diner*
Chili’s
CPK*
49er Fountain, Aiea
Good to Grill, Kapahulu
Kakkaako Kitchen, Ward*
Kona Brewing Co., Hawaii Kai
Murphy’s, Downtown
Outback Steakhouse
Ruby Tuesday
Ryan’s Grill, Ward
Side Street Inn

AMERICAN/FUSION - Nicer
Blue Water Cafe, Hawaii Kai
Buzz’s Steakhouse, Aiea, Kailua
Chart House, Waikiki (iffy these days)
Chuck's Steakhouse, Waikiki
Cheesecake Factory, Waikiki
Duke’s, Waikiki*
Henry Loui’s, Mapunapuna
Jameson’s, Haleiwa
La Mariana Sailing Club, Sand Island*
Tiki’s, Marriot, Waikiki
Town, Kaimuki*
12th Avenue Grill, Kaimuki

AMERICAN/FUSION - Finer Dining
Alan Wong’s
DK Steak House, Waikiki
Duc’s Bistro, Chinatown*
Hau Tree Lanai, Waikiki*
Hoku’s, Kahala
Hy’s Steakhouse, Waikiki*
Mariposa, Ala Moana
Ninniku-Ya Garlic Restaurant, Kaimuki
Orchid’s, Halekulani
La Mer, Halekulani
Longhi’s, Ala Moana
Plumeria Cafe, Kahala
Roy’s
3660 On The Rise

BREAKFAST KINE PLACES
Bob’s Big Boy, Mapunapuna
Koa Pancake House
Liliha Bakery*
Original Pancake House, Ala Moana*
Wailana Coffee Shop, Waikiki

BURGERS & SUCH
BaLe Sandwiches
Burgers on The Edge, Kapahulu
Da Big Kahuna, Airport*
Hank’s Haute Dogs
Islands, Ala Moana
Kua Aina*, Ward & Haleiwa
Moose McGilycuddy’s, Waikiki
Puka Dog, Waikiki
The Shack, Various, inc Waikiki
Teddy’s Bigger Burgers*
W&M Burgers (wed-sun, lunch only), Kaimuki

CHINESE
Asia Manoa, Manoa
Dew Drop Inn, Lower Makiki
Duk Kee, Kaimuki*
Eastern Paradise (Korean Style), King St.
Happy Days, Kaimuki*
Legend’s, Chinatown*
Little Village Noodle House, Chinatown*
On On, McCully
Royal Garden, Ala Moana

DIM SUM
Happy Days, Kaimuki
Legends, Chinatown
Mei Sum, Chinatown
Panda Restaurant, Keeamoku
Royal Garden, Ala Moana

FAST FOOD (chains)
Arby’s
Blimpies
Burger King
Carl’s Jr.
Jack-in-the-Box
KFC
Mc Donalds
Pizza Hut
Popeye’s
Quiznos
Subway
Taco Bell

FILIPINO
don’t know any anymore...help

HAWAIIAN
Ono’s, Kapahulu
The Willows, Moiliili (not exactly Hawaiian)

INDIAN
Cafe Maharani, King St.

ITALIAN
Assagio, Various
Auntie Pasto’s, Lower Makiki
Pizzarina, King St.*
(Romano’s) Macaroni Grill
Verbano Waialae.*
Zia’s, Windward side

JAPANESE
Gyotaku (various)
Ichi Riki, Keeamoku
Irifune, Kapahulu
Sekiyas, Kaimuki
Yamagen, King St.*

KOREAN
Gina’s, Market City
Sorabol, Keeamoku/Lower Makiki
Choi’s Garden, Lower Makiki
Cafe Million, Lower Makiki

LUNCH ONLY (or breakfast/lunch)
Brent’s (Deli), Kailua*
Honey Glazed Hams (tue-sat), Moiliili
Waioli Tea Room, Manoa
Monarch Seafood, Lunch Take Out, Kalihi
Nico’s, Pier 38 (lunch), Nimitz*
Yama’s, Moiliili (Lunch)
W&M Burgers, Kaimuki

MALASADAS
Champion, Beretania/Makiki
Leonards, Kapahulu

MANAPUA
Char Hung Sut, Chinatown
Libby Manapua, Kalihi
Royal Kitchen, Chinatown*

MEXICAN
Azteca*, Kaimuki
Caliente Del Sol, Kapahulu
Mexico, Liliha/Kalihi
Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, Ward
El Charro, Sand Island Acess Road

MIDDLE EASTERN/GREEK
The Fat Greek, Kaimuki
The Greek Corner, Moiliili
Olive Tree, Kahala
Pyramids, Kapahulu

PLATE LUNCH
Bob’s bbq, Kalihi
Byron’s, Airport
Grace’s Inn
Likelike Drive-In
Mitsu-ken, Liliha/Kalihi
Rainbow Drive-In*, Kapahulu
Tsukenjo’s, Kakaako
Zippy’s, Various

SAIMIN RAMEN
Boulevard Saimin, Liliha
Ezogiku, Moiliili
Palace Saimin, Kalihi (odd hrs)
Sanoya, King St.
Shiro’s, Aiea

SEAFOOD
Kincaids, Ward
Monarch Seafood, Kalihi (take out only)
Nicos, Nimitz/Kalihi Kai
Sam Choy’s BL&C, Nimitz
Nicos, Pier 39 (?)

SUSHI
Genki Sushi (various)
Kats Sushi, King St/Makiki
Mitch’s, Airport
Zippy’s (Kahala & Aiea Only)

THAI
Chai’s (Thai inspired), Aloha Tower
Keo’s, Waikiki
Pae Thai, King St./Makiki*
Spices (Thai inspired), Moiliili

VEGAN
There is supposed to be a really good place across the street (ocean side) from Wall Mart, I haven't been, but a couple of people told me it's good).

VIETNAMESE
Green Papaya, Kaimuki
Hale Vietnam, Kaimuki
Pho Mai, King St./Makiki
Pho South King, Moiliili
Saigon, Kaimuki

[monku]

KM.........Ethel's Grill still around?
My favorite place to go when I get off da plane.

[KaimukiMan]

apparently it is. ive heard of it, but never been. in the same area there is a great but impossible to park at plate lunch place, really a market - but I can't remember the name of it...

so much to eat, so little time

[monku]

You'd better give me the name of that other place because it's killing me I can't remember the name of it and I've been there too.

[KaimukiMan]

No, Masu's was good, but that was up at Liliha, and yes, it is gone now. This place is called Alicia's Market, between Democrat and Homerule on Mokauea St. Great roast pork (chinese kine), fresh poki, etc.

I'll have to remember to ask you the good places next time i'm in LA

[monku]

Alicia's Market is on my go to list next trip.
Check out Ethels Grill it belongs on your list. It's an institution and Ethel's a gracious host and hoot.

I owe you one KM.
Aloha

[monku]

Never mind......got it now.
Masu's.
Forgot they closed RIP.

-----
Masu's Massive Plate Lunch
1808 Liliha St, Honolulu, HI

[pickledginger]

I'm sorry I haven't responded yet, KaimukiMan. I've been overwhelmed by your amazing, comprehensive list and have been putting off delving into it until I have a good amount of time to devote to it. I really appreciate it!

[KaimukiMan]

ha, no problem. if any of them you haven't heard of and are curious, just ask... either I or someone else in here is bound to answer.

[Joebob]

Re Filipino: Elena's and Thelma's, both in Waipahu, and Marilou's in Wahiawa. A new Thai place that IMO is better than most on your list is Kookie's Thai Kitchen. Also, I would rate Bac Nam and Cuu Long as superior Vietnamese places.

[KaimukiMan]

Thanks Joebob. My favorite on the list i have is Pae Thai, but I am always glad to get new suggestions. Wish I could find someplace in town for Filipino, but will keep those two in mind.

[Steve R]

KaimukiMan -- We'll be on Oahu for 2 weeks beginning April 30th and will take your list with us. Although we've been quite a few times & have friends living in Waikiki, this list is invaluable. If you're ever in NYC, let me know & we'll return the favor.

Just a couple of questions about places not on your list -- first, what do you think of Chef Mavro? We've never been & I'm considering it this time around. Not worth it? And, secondly, how about Tai Pan (100 N.Beretania) for dim sum? It was highly recommended to me by someone who was a regular on this board but now lives in NYC. Thanks again... I owe you.

[KaimukiMan]

Steve: I'll book my flight to NYC immediately. Seriously though, thanks for the offer, who knows... I have no doubt your friends in Waikiki will have comments on my list (I'd love to hear them).

I have only been to Chef Mavro twice. I can't say anything bad about the food, it was really excellent. I just found the service to be somewhat overbearing. I got tired of being told how wonderful my food was and how lucky I was to be able to eat there instead of being asked if I was enjoying my meal. Just a personal quirk of mine I guess, but for that kind of money I would personally choose one of Honolulu's top end restaurants.

I have heard good things about Tai Pan, but I haven't ever been there, so anything I could say would be second hand information. When do you get here? Maybe I need to go eat dim sum.... LOL.

[barbecue]

Boy, I'll be interested in hearing about responses, too. We'll be coming April 3-11. We love Side St, Kakaako Kitchen, Alan Wong--Pineapple, not the main restaurant, Little Village Noodle House, Kirin, Maple Garden...but looking for more places. Clue me in on what blogs you're checking.

[pickledginger]

Let's see...here's what I've got. FYI, some of these don't update often, and who knows with restaurants opening and closing all the time, but I figure they're a place to start.

http://epicureanappetite.blogspot.com/
http://www.starrydream.com/blog/
http://www.locokinegrindz.com/
http://lunch-time.blogspot.com/
http://madehealthier.com/
http://maona.net/ (This one has a list of newish Hawaii food blogs, ones I haven't looked at yet, dated 3/30/09
)http://www.onokinegrindz.net/
http://tastyisland.wordpress.com/
http://www.wowgrinds.com/

Thanks for sharing your favorite restaurants. I've been meaning to visit some of those and haven't yet. A few of our favorites are Legend and its spouse Legend Vegetarian, Gina's in Market City, and Mekong. I've been liking Blue Water Grill in the last couple years. And everyone has a shave ice preference; mine is Keneke's in Waimanalo (despite the fact that Fear God Weight Lifting isn't really my thing).

[barbecue]

Wow, pickled ginger--you've done your research. Impressive! I'l look through some of them. If I think of more places we frequent, I'll let you know. Our absolute favorite shave ice place is Waiola. Two locations, one on Waiola and the other on Kapahulu.

[manomin]

I'd like to know when the last time you were here and what sort of places you like. There are many "new" places as well as many closing. What do you like to eat? I think that sort of information would help us out and give you direction.

[Bill Hunt]

And, does "new" mean new SINCE you were last in Honolulu, or new to you?

While there have probably been dozens of new places that have opened in the last few years, but I'm not sure how many would be noteworthy.

The last few openings seem to have been in the Beachwalk area of Waikiki, but then I've probably missed many. Manomin and KaimukiMan can probably fill you in on particulars as well as anybody in the Islands.

I'll wait to hear what your definition, and timeframe are, regarding "new," before I attempt to add anything, if I can.

Hunt

[pickledginger]

The last time I visited was last fall, but as I said I've tended to visit the same old places, so I don't think I've been to many places that opened less than, oh, five years ago? I like everything: plate lunch, anything Asian, bistro, poke, whatever's really worth eating. But since it's not hard to find great cheap food in Honolulu or upscale American where I live, I probably wouldn't bother spending over $20/entree unless it's world-class. Thanks for your help!

[Bill Hunt]

That is very helpful. Unfortunately Manomin, KaimukiMan and other locals can possibly help you more than I can.

Most of all, ejoy!

Aloha,

Hunt

[KaimukiMan]

as you can see from the lack of responses, there really aren't any places that have really grabbed anyone's attention of late. sad to say, news has been more about places that have closed.

[pickledginger]

I was wondering! And now disappointed.... I'll be there for a couple weeks, so maybe I can do some searching myself. I've found a bunch of ideas on food blogs, but now I hope those places haven't closed. Thanks for the response, though.