My very first standalone dining experience with Na'au Hilo was in September 2022. But eight months later, the stars aligned, and they had another dinner during my impromptu hop over to the island. So, in May 2023, I had a Na'au Hilo round 2 dinner. And it was fantastic! … [Read more...] about Na’au Hilo Round 2
Meals
Review: Waiahole Poi Factory Windward Mall
It's been years since I last visited Waiahole Poi Factory. Though I love the place, its distance from me, coupled with the insane crowds that descend onto the small roadside eatery every day, have kept me away. That's why I'm so glad that Waiahole Poi Factory Windward Mall recently opened. … [Read more...] about Review: Waiahole Poi Factory Windward Mall
Review: Tali’s Bagels and Schmear
Recently, I had a hankering for some bagels & lox. Since we were in the area, I decided to check out Tali's Bagels and Schmear and Ward Center. This is the second bagel shop that's popped up in recent years, the other being Montreal-style bagel spot Empty Elle's in Kailua. … [Read more...] about Review: Tali’s Bagels and Schmear
Review: Obake Honolulu
The loss of Kaimuki's HeiHo House was a gut-punch to me. There, they served up quirky, unique, yet insanely delicious food and drink, by some of the best people in the industry. So I was elated to hear that the team would be back together at a completely different concept: Obake Honolulu. … [Read more...] about Review: Obake Honolulu
Review: Luna Mexican Kitchen
On our final night in the Bay Area, I tried to get us another fantastic dining experience. This was more difficult than I thought it would be, as San Jose actually has some great options. Eventually, I settled on checking out Luna Mexican Kitchen, which has a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand designation. … [Read more...] about Review: Luna Mexican Kitchen
Review: Dim Sum at Yank Sing
During our last visit to the Bay Area, we checked out the phenomenal take on Chinese dim sum - Mister Jiu's. But as much as we loved that restaurant, we wanted to try something more traditional, so I booked a brunch reservation for dim sum at Yank Sing. … [Read more...] about Review: Dim Sum at Yank Sing
Review: The Progress SF
Do you know what's more difficult than choosing a hotel in San Francisco? Picking a dinner spot. With just two nights to play in the city, I had to pick carefully. As such, I decided to book a table at one of the hottest restaurants in the Bay Area: The Progress SF. … [Read more...] about Review: The Progress SF
Review: La Calenda Mexican
After our extravagant pre-dinner, it was time to head to the main event at another Thomas Keller establishment - La Calenda. His first ethnic concept, the restaurant serves up authentic Mexican cuisine in downtown Yountville. … [Read more...] about Review: La Calenda Mexican
Review: Regiis Ova Caviar and Champagne Lounge
After our wine tasting and tour at Schramsberg Vineyard, we decided to pre-game (food) before dinner at one of Thomas Keller's many establishments in Yountville - the Regiis Ova Lounge. And why not? A couple of snacks couldn't hurt, and actually served us well, given how the rest of the night went. But more on that later. … [Read more...] about Review: Regiis Ova Caviar and Champagne Lounge
Review: Press Napa Valley
After checking into the Alila Napa Valley and settling in, it was time to head to dinner. On this night, I chose Press Napa Valley as our dining destination. And, boy, this was one of the best eating experiences of our whole trip. … [Read more...] about Review: Press Napa Valley