Cafe Hula Girl: Guest Chef Zach Sato

I attended another of Cafe Hula Girl's "Guest Chef" events. This is where chefs from different venues come to the cafe and get to have fun. They really express themselves in a five course set menu, something they may not really be able to do at their regular gigs.

Cafe Hula Girl's "Guest Chef" events are the most interesting and most innovative dining experiences of this year! I attended a previous one, the "encore" of chef Merle Mariano, who was formerlly at the Wynn Las Vegas. I blogged (raved, really) about it previously.

As Im learning, the proprietors of Cafe Hula Girl have the wit and imagination that really makes you certain that there was some "purpose" in the naming of the last event. For those fortunate enough to have enjoyed the Wynn Las Vegas, you may know that they expanded the resort to include a second hotel tower, another casino, and more ammenities. They named their expansion the "Encore". Similarly, Cafe Hula Girl's repeat of Chef Mariano was named his "encore."

On to Chef Sato's dinner... I simply do not have the leeway, nor the energy, to artfully, or witfully, dance around my review of this Chef's dinner. It's just impossible for me not to rave about Chef Sato's fabulous dinner!

Highlights: The french onion soup, (called something else that night), did not have a toasty, cheesey crust. Instead, it was accompanied by a puff pastry "gift" (see my amateurish attempt to photograph it). A hearty delight! There was also a "deconstructed" gazpacho, with all the flavors of this summertime soup, but none of the soup! The pork loin had flavor, literally, gushing from the meat! The presentation was nothing short of spectacular! Fit for any Ramsay, Morimoto or Flay!

Lets not forget the ambiance! The service was very friendly and efficient, and, there even seemed to be time for the staff to chat with the tables, making people feel comfortable and welcome! The entertainment was,again, by Paul Barton. One of the waiters confided in me that the originally booked entertainer was forced to cancel, due to an emergency. But, the result was another fabulous performance. Paul's non-vocal guitar stylings are the perfect accompanyment to these creative and delicious dinners. The music is, at once, passionate, energetic and entertaining--without taking away one bit from the food. On the contrary, the two best accompanyments for Chef Sato's dinner was a wonderful glass of red wine and Paul Barton's guitar!

Rosarino Pizza

Although Rosarino Pizza is the lone Italian restaurant amidst numerous windows with hanging roast duck, odd smelling asian produce, and chinese imports, it does not particularly stand out. You'd think an Italian restaurant in China Town would stick out like a sore thumb, (with marinara sauce). True, it is odd, but once your eyes re-focus and you realize what it is, but, you could just as easily walked by. The interior is equally non-descript. Nonetheless, Rosarina Pizza has a reputation that reaches all shores of Oahu. Friends from "the country" have made special note to bring back Rosarina to their eagerly waiting friends and family, "way out there".

I finally tried Rosarina Pizza recently and wasn't at all disappointed. I've worked down town for years, too many years, and have known about this place for quite some time. So, of course, I had to try the infamous pizza: delicious! We split the pizza because I was compelled to also try the spaghetti with meatballs, my favorite food on earth. If you can impress me with your spaghetti, well.... Simply put, I was impressed. Tasted a lot like my Italian Nana made for me as a child. (o.k., Nana really wasn't italian, but, her spaghetti was as fabulous as any I've had anywhere, ahhh Nana...)

Cafe Hula Girl's "Guest Chef" Event

Cafe Hula Girl's Guest Chef Events are five-course set menus prepared by chefs from various other venues, including mainland venues, personal chefs and other Hawaii restaurants. We were at Chef Merle Marian's Guest Chef Event. He is from the Wynn Las Vegas, and, it shows. The presentation was spot-on and multi-dimensional (if you'll allow me a little use of my vocabulary). The Deep Blue Sea Menu included Crab Cakes, Scallops and Birds Nest Soup, Rock Shrimp Pot Stickers and Pan Seared Opakapaka. Oh, and the Opakapaka came out riding a blue wave made from fried sweet potato, very cool. The entertainment was by Paul Barton, who played beautiful guitar as a backdrop to this divine dinner. If you have the chance to try a Guest Chef Event, take my advice and do it!

OTTO Cakes

In other cities on the mainland and abroad, small, "alternative," "bohemian" type businesses like OTTO Cakes thrive. They offer people other choices in products, services, etc. These types of businesses can really have something special and enjoyable. Unfortunately, the small business climate in Hawaii has not been very favorable to these smaller alternatives. Im very glad to see OTTO Cakes exist and thrive! That alone was reason enough to visit. I did it and really enjoyed it. When these boys tweet about having awesome cakes, they are correct! I must say, it is among the best cheesecake I have ever had, in Hawaii or anywhere else!

Kona Brewing Company

Water from the bay and torch lighting create a sense of anticipation and energy at this Hawaii Kai hang out. Its all about "atmosphere," with live music playing in the bar and the smell of grilling foods wafting out of the open kitchen. On a busy Friday night, expect to wait a little for your food, but, it is tastey. All in all, an enjoyable but not especially memorable evening. But then, perhaps that was not really the goal. Sometimes an enjoyable dinner is something good in itself.

M P Lei Shop in China Town

Four Dollars for an orchid lei, now thats a deal. M P Lei Shop, in China Town has some beautiful cut flowers, arrangements and leis.

St. Germain's Bakery

If you decide to try St. Germaine's Bakery, bring your self-restraint! Very Clever: They provide you a tray, waxed paper liner and prongs, then tell you to walk around the store and pick your own treats. There are rows and rows of pastries, sweet and savory, almonds & custard, pizza, and on and on... Be careful not to overload your tray! The treats are delicious and fresh!

Sumo Sushi

Sumo Sushi is a small take out sushi place, located in a little building near the Pali Longs Drugs store. I stopped in for a small snack while I was waiting for my prescription to be filled. Who knew you could get a delicious sushi-bar quality California Roll to eat while you're just waiting for your prescription? It really was tastey and fresh!

Grace's Inn

Among local people in Hawaii, Grace's Inn is considered one of the best of the best in plate lunches. Their chicken katsu plate is legendary among constuction workers because it seems to weigh 5 pounds and comes with two scoops of rice, mac salad, and two other salads and kimchee and chow fun. Quite a value. Its fast, filling and consistent.

Tiki's Cafe-Down Town

Ok, so today I followed my own advice: Instead of just passing by a place, over and over, and just wondering about it--why not just give it a try already? So, instead of just passing by Tiki's Cafe-as I usually do, on my way to the busy lunch places on Fort Street, I stopped in. Like so many other people, it seems that no one wants to be the first to try some place. Or, no one wants to give a chance to a place that looks empty. I walked in to see a poorly decorated hodge-podge of a place, with tables and chairs that looked like they were bought at garage sales, elementary schools, etc. When I got to the counter I was greeted by an eager, friendly man who explained that the $6 lunch special included salad and a drink! So I ordered my lunch and sat down. It was actually pretty tastey. And as I sat there, more people filed in, filing up the dining room. I'll definitely be back!

Govindaji-Vegetarian Cuisine

Govindaji, from what I've read, translates to "the Protector of Cows." Its an appropriate name for a vegetarian cafe, where no cow meat is served. The very interesting menu usually has 2 or 3 entrees, which is served with a nice salad and organic-ish looking rice. Todays rice was an interestingly brownish-red, with varying shades of the colors, and a nice nutty flavor/texture. My entree was a sort of pumpkin curry, which was spiced mildly and almost reminded me of christmas. (Im sure it was not intended to do that--after all it is a hindu cafe). The interior was quite simply done, and did not vary much from the rest of Fort Street. However, there were beautiful touches, including silk table clothes (under the plexiglass tops) and a gorgeous, hand-painted wall that depicted scenes of India. The staff was pleasant. While they looked like your typical white skater-types, their peaceful demeanor made them quite believable as hindu vegetarians.

1132 Cafe & Espresso Bar

Deep inside the base of a red granite obelisk, the 1132 Cafe & Expresso Bar is brief notch within the giant polished slabs of stone. Through this brief notch an observant passer by can see an array of delightful muffins, salads and coffees. There is usually a smiling face at the counter to serve you--Its also made of polished red granite, (the counter, not the smiling face). The coffee is as smooth as the polished stone. Try the Walnut Chicken Sandwich on dark brown bread, delicious!

The Shack, Hawaii Kai

At the same time that the Shack is, well, literally just being a shack, its also being a torch-lit (almost romantic) spot on the water. There is ugly industrial tile on the floor, but at the same time, beautiful wooden railings made out of natural form branches. The waitresses are pretty, and, their obvious attitude is enhanced by their tight uniforms. But at the same time, they are friendly and playful. The food at this multifacited, multi-sided Hawaii Kai hang out was reasonably priced, tastey and filling.

Million Korean Restaurant

As I walked in, passing the pink leatherette booths and the fry-at-your-own table grills, I expected to see an aproned korean lady, with a loose perm and a cigarette stuck to her bottom lip. I did not. (Smoking is prohibited indoors). There were the usual small bowls with side dishes like kimchee, sprouts, etc. But, then there were also unusual side dishes, like raw crab, steamed tofu and octopuss with hot sauce. Multiple little side dishes always catch my attention... if only they were in nicer bowls... We ordered kalbi, which really was quite good. It was juicy without being too greasy, and, very flavorful. The aproned korean lady served us and was really friendly. All in all, an enjoyable lunch! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to brush my teeth.

Vita Juice

Vita Juice is another hidden gem. Located on Fort Street mall, amidst the fast food places and plate luncheonettes, bums, HPU students and businesspeople, Vita Juice offers healthy smoothies, fruit bowls, supplements and other healthy foods. Dont let the bright orange background fool you, the smoothies here are every bit as good, if not better, than any other in town. The staff is friendly and usually remembers what you order, even if you havent been there in weeks! Great service is, in itself, a hidden gem. Try Vita Juice, and, my personal favorite, an acai smoothie!

R&B's aka Sand Island Sports Bar

We went to R&B's which is also known as Sand Island Sports Bar. Its an out of the way club with a mildly dated decor, kinda Fresh Prince meets the 90s. They have live music on Thurs, Fris and Sundays. Tonite they had a band called "Gravy All Over" a cool band of youngish local boys, kinda Jawaiian, Reggae, local, it was fun! The cover was only $3 which was a bargain for the entertainment and the service was friendly. Friendly service is so important these days! Its an unexpectedly fun time in the heart of Sand Island! I like finding unexpected gems.

JJ Dolans Down Town Pub

Today we had lunch at JJ Dolans Pub in down town Honolulu. The service was very friendly. They have several varieties of pizza on the menu. There are free refils on the iced tea and sodas. The pizza was okay, but, there were tons of people there so maybe I'll give it another try--maybe I didnt order the right one?

Hukilau Sports Bar & Grill

We went to Hukilau Sports Bar & Grill today for the first time. We had a business meeting, which was very convenient, as the restaurant is in the heart of down town Honolulu. Its in the basement of the Executive Center. The decor was nicely done, but not off the deep end of Tiki Tiki Time. I havent decided if they may not have gone far enough in that direction or not. But, suffice to say that the decor was pleasant. Lunch prices were just slightly on the higher end, but then, for sit down service for a business lunch, it was quite par. The signs posted some very attractive happy hour prices, pitchers, taco tuesdays, etc. We may have to come check it out again! The service was very friendly, we had a polite and cheerful waitress. The food was good, my guest had some steamed Opah which looked and smelled delicious. She didnt even have to add shoyu, which is high praise from her--indeed! I had a grilled chicken sandwhich, which was good, I loved the toasted bun--a nice touch. All in all, it was a pleasant lunch and we will be back to try it again!