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There was a lot of buzz when Macaroni Grill announced it was opening in Hawaii at Ala Moana Center. I ate at a location in New York a few years ago and wasn't exactly bowled over. However, with the...
There was a lot of buzz when Macaroni Grill announced it was opening in Hawaii at Ala Moana Center. I ate at a location in New York a few years ago and wasn't exactly bowled over. However, with the way everyone carried on about it, I was intrigued.
I went for lunch with others from the office. The food was good, though I know some of the others were disappointed with what they had. My dish was good, just not really memorable. What was disappointing was the service. It was just really slow. It was hard to fault the server, because it didn't seem like it was something she could control.
Normally I dismiss these kinds of experiences and give the restaurants the benefit of the doubt. However, I've heard similar stories of slow service, so it makes you wonder if there's something more to it.
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I knew Daiei back when it was called Holiday Mart. The store will undergo a similar transformation later this year as it transitions to its new owner's brand, the strangely named Don Quixote out of...
I knew Daiei back when it was called Holiday Mart. The store will undergo a similar transformation later this year as it transitions to its new owner's brand, the strangely named Don Quixote out of Japan.
Regardless of what it's called, Daiei has remained true to its mission of selling a variety of goods all under one roof. There is a full grocery, meat, fish and produce department, along with everything from auto supplies to toys to televisions. I've actually found a better selection of car polishes at Daiei than I have at WalMart or even Checker's Auto Parts.
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Ba-Le Sandwich shops has become a "Vietnamese McDonalds" of sorts, with franchises in almost every neighborhood on Oahu. I first started eating their tasty sandwiches at the Kailua location next to...
Ba-Le Sandwich shops has become a "Vietnamese McDonalds" of sorts, with franchises in almost every neighborhood on Oahu. I first started eating their tasty sandwiches at the Kailua location next to Daiei.
For around $4, you get a flakey French-style loaf filled with meat (my favorites are the chicken and lemongrass chicken), pickled daikon, carrots, and cilantro. Ask them to add the optional hot sauce if you want an extra kick.
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Panda Express has a location in the Windward Mall, but it's not in the Food Court. Rather, it's tucked away in the corner of one of the mall's wings. It doesn't matter, though. People know where to...
Panda Express has a location in the Windward Mall, but it's not in the Food Court. Rather, it's tucked away in the corner of one of the mall's wings. It doesn't matter, though. People know where to go to get the best orange chicken around. The texture is perfect and the sauce isn't overly sweet.
I had heard about Panda Express' reputation for orange chicken, but didn't believe it till I actually tried it. It's superb, far better than even traditional sit-down Chinese restaurants
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I received a gift card for Planet Smoothie a few months ago, so I decided to give them a try. I visited the location on Bishop Street next to Finance Factors.
Inside, the friendly hostess...
I received a gift card for Planet Smoothie a few months ago, so I decided to give them a try. I visited the location on Bishop Street next to Finance Factors.
Inside, the friendly hostess carefully explained the menu and explained that they only use fresh bananas, not frozen like their competitors. The difference is that frozen bananas add an oil-like sludge to the smoothie as it thaws.
She also noted that many of their smoothies are all fruits and ice, without the sherbert or yogurt typically found at Jamba. I had a strawberry-banana-orange juice smoothie and found it to be lighter and less sweet without the sherbert.
The gift card doubles as a loyalty card where you earn points, so be sure to keep it.
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Sam Sato's is located in the industrial area of Wailuku on the island of Maui. Parking is relatively scarce during the busy lunch hour, but street parking is also available. Sam Sato's is known for...
Sam Sato's is located in the industrial area of Wailuku on the island of Maui. Parking is relatively scarce during the busy lunch hour, but street parking is also available. Sam Sato's is known for its baked manju, along with their saimin.
Personally, I find their noodles to be too thick and gummy. It's easy to find yourself with a bunch of noodles left and only a little soup remaining.
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Tasty Crust is located in Wailuku on the island of Maui. As the appearance of the restaurant implies, you'll get a home-style meal at a reasonable price. Although they are famous for their pancakes,...
Tasty Crust is located in Wailuku on the island of Maui. As the appearance of the restaurant implies, you'll get a home-style meal at a reasonable price. Although they are famous for their pancakes, I was in the mood for a burger. I had their cheeseburger deluxe sandwich, fries, and a thick chocolate shake. Nothing spectacular, but just a decent meal to get you on your way.
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Sugoi
Category:
Delis
1286 Kalani St Ste 106
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
(808) 841-7984
Located in the City Square mall, Sugoi has become well known for its tasty bentos and garlic chicken at relatively inexpensive prices. My favorite Sugoi menu item, however, is their spicy chicken....
Located in the City Square mall, Sugoi has become well known for its tasty bentos and garlic chicken at relatively inexpensive prices. My favorite Sugoi menu item, however, is their spicy chicken. The spicy chicken captures the intense flavor of their standard garlic chicken, but with the additional kick of habanero peppers. If garlic is not coming out of your pores, steam certainly will.
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Honokowai Okazuya & Deli is located in a small strip mall off of Lower Honoapiilani Highway in Honokowai. Limited seating is available, but most people take out. My favorite dishes are the...
Honokowai Okazuya & Deli is located in a small strip mall off of Lower Honoapiilani Highway in Honokowai. Limited seating is available, but most people take out. My favorite dishes are the black-bean chow funn noodles and the lemon caper mahi mahi. I suggest taking the stir fried vegetables in lieu of the standard macaroni salad.
The only downside is that they take cash only and no credit cards. This is a fairly significant flaw given that their dishes are not exactly cheap, with most in the $6 - 9 range.
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Yen Yen is located in the Enchanted Lake Shopping Center in Kailua. It is a casual dining restaurant, with more people coming in to pick up orders than eat in.
I tried my standard array of...
Yen Yen is located in the Enchanted Lake Shopping Center in Kailua. It is a casual dining restaurant, with more people coming in to pick up orders than eat in.
I tried my standard array of Chinese dishes and was impressed with amount that was given. However, the flavors were more on the bland side. Still, it was a decent meal and the prices were moderate.
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