There are many Japanese restaurants of differing quality and style around Honolulu. However, one has stood the test of time as a reliable standby - Sushi Izakaya Gaku. Despite being around for a while now, I've never been here until recently. And I'm glad I finally made it out to try this beloved spot. … [Read more...] about Review: Sushi Izakaya Gaku
Honolulu Eats
Review: ‘Olili Waikiki
During our brief staycation in Waikiki, I made it a point to try a new to us restaurant, despite having established favorites in the area. This was an even greater challenge due to budgetary constraints. Eventually, I settled on 'Olili Waikiki, which is a newer restaurant concept by Foodland Hawai'i. … [Read more...] about Review: ‘Olili Waikiki
Chillest Shave Ice
Hawai'i has a plethora of shave ice spots. However, if you're a fan of more natural and/or less sweet options, your selection becomes quite a bit narrower. Thankfully, that's changing, too. One of these newer options is a place called Chillest Shave Ice, which is a popup concept that has interesting flavors. … [Read more...] about Chillest Shave Ice
Review: Mr Ojisan Neo Bar and Sushi
Honolulu is home to a plethora of Japanese restaurants, consisting of a mixture of newer spots and older ones, traditional ones and more modern ones. For better or worst, the older spots evolve, while others don't. Mr Ojisan is of the later type, having moved a couple of times and reinvented itself. … [Read more...] about Review: Mr Ojisan Neo Bar and Sushi
Review: Arden Waikiki
With my shift in priorities came, not only a reduction in travel, but a massive scaling back in the amount I dine out. As such, I haven't really been keeping track of restaurant openings. But, Mrs. Island Miler wanted to treat me to a nice night out, and I ended up picking Arden Waikiki. … [Read more...] about Review: Arden Waikiki
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: Utage Restaurant
People often think of Japan as a homogeneous society - it is not. There are two major minorities in Japan, including the Ainu in the North and Okinawans down in, well, Okinawa. Each has its own, unique cuisines, which are often difficult to experience. Luckily, in Honolulu, we have places like Utage Restaurant serving up Okinawan fare. … [Read more...] about Review: Utage Restaurant
Review: Noods Ramen Bar Kaimuki
I've been on a bit of a ramen bender lately, seeking redemption for my disappointing experience at STIX Asia. The latest stop on my ramen adventure is Noods Ramen Bar Kaimuki - someplace I've actually been eyeing for a while now. … [Read more...] about Review: Noods Ramen Bar Kaimuki