Category — Eating out in Hawaii

We had some errands to run near Kaimuki yesterday so we timed it that we could have lunch over at Rainbow Drive In.

Although it was pretty late - around 2:00 pm - it was still packed with no tables open. I was hungry and didn’t want to hover around to snag a table so we just hopped into the car and ate in there.

I had a chili and rice bowl ($2.50)

and some of his mix plate - teri beef, chicken cutlet, fish, rice, mac salad ($6.50)

I really love Rainbow’s chili. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever gone there without getting it! My orders seem to revolve around the chili plate, chili bowl, chili bowl and sandwich, or chili dog plate!

After satisfying our Rainbow’s craving and running our errands, we stopped by Ward Center to do a little window shopping. I haven’t been there for quite some time but I knew there was one place I wanted to check out.

For my birthday last year, one of my coworkers bought me this awesome chocolate cake from Satura Cakes. In my … years of life, this was definitely the most delicious birthday cake I’ve ever had! I had to see what else this shop had to offer.

In the display case I saw my chocolate cake but it looked a little different with nuts on top. Mine last year had fruits like blueberries and raspberries on top - it matched really nicely with the dark chocolate!

Yesterday we decided to go for these individual desserts that sell for $3.95 each.

We shared the Berry Blue Parfait. In the description it says this is a low fat yogurt mousse with a blueberry compote, soft sponge cake and fresh blueberries. It was really, really good!

Rainbow Drive In
Address: 3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI
Phone: 737-0177
Website: http://www.rainbowdrivein.com

Satura Cakes - Ward
Address: 1200 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI
Location: Next to Borders at Ward Center
Phone: 537-1206
Website: http://www.saturacakes.com/hawaii

I’ve had these pictures in my camera since June! Luckily a post from Lauren reminded me to rescue them from the black hole to which all unused blog photos disappear.

What can I say about Bangkok Chef? I love this place in Nuuanu! When I was in grad school at the University I used to always stop by here to pick up some dinner on the way.

When I would get to about 5 minutes away from Nuuanu on the freeway, I’d call in my takeout order. I actually have their number saved in my cell phone for this reason. If I had that Fave 5 program, they’d probably be one of my faves!

Here’s what it looks like on the inside. It has a garage door for a store front, a moderate amount of tables, water cooler, tv, and various Thai ingredients and produce for sale.

My favorite thing to order is the eggplant chicken. I usually get it mild instead of medium spicy. It’s made with chicken breast, eggplant, oyster sauce, ground bean sauce, garlic, and fresh basil. Yum!

They also have lots of other good things to order. Take a peek below!
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When it was finally the week for our friends from Tokyo to return home, we went with my dad to take them out for a sayonara dinner at Longhi’s in Ala Moana. I’ve been here once before, and several times to the Longhi’s on Maui.

What I remember about this restaurant, especially on Maui, is that it was always so accommodating with excellent service and good food. I remember back when they didn’t use menus. The waiter would just ask you what you felt like eating - seafood, meat, chicken, pasta, etc. And in a couple minutes you’d have a personalized order being sent to the kitchen.
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It’s been a catch and release kind of week. Meaning, we haven’t been able to bring anything up worthy of the dinner table recently. On most days the only bite I get is of whatever I have for lunch. So sad.

However, there have been a couple hook ups. At the first beach (picture above) I brought up a little eel in the afternoon. Disappointed without any fish, we tried some simple handpole fishing and picked up a kupipi…

and a bunch of mamo. All went quickly back into the water to enjoy another day.

At this other place we tried, there were a lot of nibbles on the line but no big bites. Continue reading →

When I’m in central Oahu I go to Highway Inn for my Hawaiian food fix. However, when I’m in town I often stop by Yama’s Fish Market on Young Street.

We always get the same thing here. He gets the #3 - Lau Lau, Lomi Salmon, Poke & Haupia ($9.00).

I get the #12 - Kalua Pig Cabbage plate ($5.85) and a side order of shoyu poke.

But wait, there’s more! Continue reading →

Have you ever tried these famous crepes from Harajuku, Japan? I’ve known about them for a while but didn’t get a chance to try them the last time I was in Tokyo. I’m so glad that they came over to Hawaii to do a food demonstration this month!
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I don’t usually think of the supermarket as a lunch destination, but the other day I was talked into trying one of the sandwiches from Safeway. I was a little skeptical, but it turned out to be pretty good. I got the California Dreamin’ (turkey, lettuce, tomato, bacon, avocado) on wheat bread.

And for dessert…lychee. I do have to point out it wasn’t just any ‘ol lychee but Big Island lychee. There’s a big difference, especially in the pocketbook. This one I got was about $5.50/lb. The local Oahu or other imported ones usually go for a couple dollars less a pound.

I don’t think I’ll splurge on these too often, but let me tell you - they were so sweet and juicy! If you ever get the chance, give ‘em a try.