Think Of It As A $2.50 Lunch

Posted by CLYDE on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 4:02 PM

Hata Restaurant is a popular place to eat Japanese food. Lots of people go there before University of Hawaii games at Stan Sheriff Arena on the school’s campus. We go there because they serve simple Japanese food that taste great.

I usually face the street when eating there but situations caused me to face the kitchen this last time. “Pork chops?” That’s what one of their items was pasted on the bulletin board along with “Kinki”, which is Thornyhead Fish, and Alaskan Flounder (halibut?).

I decided on the pork chops but should I control my eating by ordering just one ($10.50) or get the two for $13 and save the leftovers for lunch? What the heck, go for it!

The pork chops were huge! These chops were hand-sized, almost three quarters of an inch thick. They were fried to perfection with a nice crust. I just had to put some rice under them to soak up the juicy goodness.

It was worth the $2.50 more for the second pork chop. Think of it as a $2.50 lunch.

Korean Food in Waipahu for a Song

Posted by CLYDE on Friday, July 08, 2011 4:09 PM

If you like Korean food then there are many places you can go in town. Going west, once you pass Kalihi your choices are few. Sure you can find Korean food at the food courts in the malls but nothing beats a Korean restaurant where you can sit down and enjoy the wide assortments of banchan (small plates) that they offer.

One day while cruising Waipahu I see this roadside sign. Forget what it exactly said but it referred to Korean BBQ behind Times Supermarket. Not too much people venture off of Farrington Highway in that area except for residents.

What used to be Koto Restaurant and Okazuya has been replaced by Song's Korean BBQ Restaurant. Been there since December 1, 2010 and seven months later I see it? Had to go and eat there.

Went there for lunch. It wasn't that crowded. The menu looked familiar and had some stuff you won't find at the Korean counters at the food court.
The banchan is good! The kimchee and onion pancake "NCS" (No Can Stop) eating. It's good that they refill your banchan too.We had the lunch plate and the spicy chicken. If it were hotter I'd swear it was like Chicken Alice's.I will definitely make it back there when I'm in Waipahu. It may even be worth the drive if you're only going to Pearl City.

Cheap Eats - Breakfast at Ethel's

Posted by CLYDE on Thursday, April 07, 2011 8:28 PM

What's for breakfast? That's the first thing that comes to my mind when waking up in the morning. Where can I go for breakfast that doesn't cost more than five dollars. No let's eat for not more than four dollars.

I got the perfect place...Ethel's Grill in Kalihi. This little eating place is worth finding, and then finding parking. And then sometimes waiting outside for a table inside.

Once inside you find walls full of sumo wrestling memorabilia. It's kind of funny because if one of them were actually there they'd take up most of the dining area.How's this? $3.75 for two eggs, your choice of meat, rice or toast, salad and miso soup. Cheap yah? Worth it yah? I didn't include the coffee because I had a cup earlier on the way. Even though...it's hard to beat Ethel's Grill.I'll discuss their delicious hamburger steak some other time. Which by the way is available all day.Ethel's Grill
232 Kalihi St.
Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 847-6467
Monday to Saturday, 6am to 2pm

Kahuku: Corn, Watermelon, Shrimp, and Curry?

Posted by CLYDE on Monday, April 04, 2011 4:39 AM

When thinking of food in Kahuku, several things come to mind. Corn, watermelon and shrimp. Is there even any watermelon grown in Kahuku anymore? The best corn can be found at Nozawa’s Farm stand across from Fumis shrimp stand. There are lots of shrimp stands and trucks in Kahuku.

What about curry? Not Japanese or local style, but Fijian style. There is a place you can get curry and it’s right in Kahuku.

Fiji Market serves several types of curry. On this day we tried the Corned Beef Curry. First time and I must say it tasted pretty good. Add some roti to scoop up the curry to eat and you are in heaven.
Next time you go around the island: buy some corn; look for watermelon; find a good place to eat shrimp; and eat some curry!

Fiji Market (Website)
56-565 Kamehameha Hwy.
Kahuku, HI 96731
(808) 293-7120

Store Hours
Monday to Saturday, 10:00am to 9:00pm
Sunday Closed

Curry Kitchen opens at 11:00am

Summer 2010 in Alaska...Eating

Posted by CLYDE on Friday, August 20, 2010 5:57 AM

There are some foods that come to mind when you think of Alaska. Salmon, halibut and crab! The adventure is to see how many different ways there are to prepare these foods and if you missed any. Let's see how long it takes me to share this year's eating adventure.

Day 1 - The adventure begins...
We left for Ketchikan in the morning. There was one stopover in Seattle before reaching our final destination. So excited with the variety of food offered at the SeaTac Airport. We had Zippy's Zippacs on the flight over so we weren't that hungry...or were we?
We decided to eat at Ivar's Fish Bar in the airport.

The chowder and fish and chips satisfied our first taste of our journey. The maki sushi (hiding on the table) made me realize that this may be the last time eating rice for awhile.
8:00pm - Arrive in Ketchikan
The sky was overcast but it was still bright outside. Time to check in at the Cape Fox Lodge.
9:45pm - Too late to eat
Decided to have a few drinks and save our appetite for breakfast. There was a piece of pie ordered, but not hungry enough to eat it.
Day 2 - Good morning!
It gets lighted somewhere before 5 a.m. here in Ketchikan. You can look out the window and slowly the town wakes up to arriving cruise ships and buses, planes and other boats prepare for the day's excursions.
Took a walk before breakfast in the cool air by the river nearby.
We decided to eat breakfast at our hotel.
The Bear, which is cold-smoked salmon layered on flat bread with cream cheese and garnished with dill, chives, red onions and capers, makes you realize that you are in Alaska.

After some sight seeing finding totem poles and eagles it was time for lunch. Back in town for some chowder at Alaska Fish House by the harbor ports.The chowder tastes great in 55 degree weather. The salad represents our healthy eating.
For dinner, we decided to check out some of Ketchikan's food that is not of the usual fare. Salmon Falls Lodge fit the bill. You can view our experience here.
Day 3 - We go North!
There are three main legs in Ketchikan. Today we venture the opposite way. Relaxation was the key so while some of us slept, others wanted to go out and see the town.
We read and saw this place close to our hotel to go for breakfast. Pioneer Cafe on Mission Street was a very warm feeling place. Even the flies knew where to go to keep warm. Oddly the flies didn't bother us. They just hovered around the place.
The food was good. I don't have any photos but I liked the sourdough pancakes.
Once everyone was ready we hit the road. First stop...Totem Bright State Park. I think this park is better than Saxman. It's peaceful and not too much visitors because the cruise ships take their passengers to Saxman.
Met this man and his wife, who watched over the place. They were very friendly. The man, who I forgot his name already, took time to show me his fishing gear and to give me some pointers. I really liked spending some peaceful time there.
We continued our journey and drove to the end of the road. A hiking trail was very peaceful and scary at the same time. A ways in then we see the Beware of Bears sign. Okay, time for lunch!
We drive back to the town of Ketchikan and stop at this place called Burger Queen. I must admit it did taste better than the higher ranking franchise.

When in Rome...Iolani School's 2010 Fair a hit again.

Posted by CLYDE on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 6:29 AM

"When in Rome..." Iolani Schools' Fair MMX was great!. The food, the fun, and all for a good cause made a day in the sun well worth it.

Every year I look forward going to the Iolani Fair and having my annual steak sandwich which this year was titled "Ben Hur's Huli Beef". It's served with an Au jus dipping sauce but it never needs it. It's great as served.

This was the first year I went during the daytime on Saturday and it was as crowded as ever. Being a little warmer than I'm used to I had to partake in my Rainbow Shave Ice from Waiola Shave Ice.

Back to food. This is the first year I tried the Kalbi Barbeque Chicken Combo plate. Wow!
When in Rome this is the best food to eat with your fingers.
In the shade were some cool desserts. The panna cotta was good as well as the li hing pineapple. That was the first time I ever ate that and I'm sure it's not my last.

With some extra tickets left the Brutus Burgers and malasadas were a wise investment.
When the next Iolani Fair comes around in 2011 you have to make sure and mark it on your calendar and attend.

Fresh Vegetables From Farm to Home to Table All In the Same Day

Posted by CLYDE on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 4:18 PM

Otsuji Farm has several fresh ideas here. There are the fresh vegetables. That is obvious. They also have fresh ideas. You can buy their vegetables direct either at an off-site location or at their farm.

What makes Otsuji Farm unique is their "box" of farm fresh veggies. That's right a box. For $10 you get a box filled with five or six different vegetables that were just picked that day. In the box you get a variety that can include: lettuce; turnips (daikon); choy sum; bok choy; radish; and green onions.

They also have other vegetables like: red beets; kale; spinach; pak choy; eggplant; parsley; lettuces; cherry tomatoes; and more. Remember that they were all picked that day.

When I heard of this place I wanted to experience this so I went to the farm the following Saturday.

It's 9:00 Saturday in the morning and people have gathered.The people working there are very friendly and accomodating.I needed some Italian Parsley. Someone actually went on the farm and picked fresh bunches for me. Such great service.
You are welcome to take a walk on the farm as well. There you can see where your farm fresh veggies came from. I heard that today's vegetables were picked at 5:00 in the morning. Even the roosters are still sleeping.The green onions look so nice. If you ever get green onions here you can tell the difference. There's an aroma from them that brings you back to your childhood. It's that noticeable.Even the herbs in the garden look happy.I tried to grow green onions once and they never even looked as nice and healthy as these seedlings.Here's what was in the box that day. The radishes were very red and round.

So if you are ever in Hawaii Kai early one Saturday morning, stop by Otsuji Farm and experience farm fresh veggies. They are located right behind Kaiser High School's tennis courts at 459 Pakala Street. Follow the signs. Hours are 8:00am to 11:00am.
You can also purchase vegetables at their farm Friday afternoons from 3:30 to 5:30. On Tuesday evenints they are on Kaiser High School's lawn 3:30pm to 6:30pm.
Visit their website.

Flatout Flatbread Breakfast Burrito

Posted by CLYDE on Friday, March 05, 2010 4:10 PM

Ever since learning about Flatout Flatbread, breakfast is good again.
Breakfast used to be two boiled eggs and a diet coke. Not anymore.
I first bought Flatout Flatbread at Costco. It's a healthier alternative to regular bread. Really! I found out that Safeway sells it too. And in a different flavor, Italian.

One and a half to two large eggs will be enough. These eggs have jalapenos in them. You can add anything to it. I've tried vienna sausage, bacon, spam, salami and it's all good.Once your omelette is done let it sit awhile to cool.Place your omelette onto a flatbread.Roll it up like a burrito.Enjoy! It really tastes good with taco sauce too.