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If you're ever driving down King Street heading into downtown in the morning, you might notice a long line of people standing outside a hole in the wall near the river. My dad always told me, if...
If you're ever driving down King Street heading into downtown in the morning, you might notice a long line of people standing outside a hole in the wall near the river. My dad always told me, if you're looking for a place to eat, follow the crowds. And the line doesn't lie with To Chau.
To Chau serves up Pho (pronounced fa), or Vietnamese rice noodles in a beef broth. You're served a big bowl of rice noodles in a beef broth, along with servings of meat, cilantro, green onions, and a side of basil, bean sprouts, and lemon that you add to taste. Ask for a "combination" and you'll get a gamut of meats, including slices of round eye steak (the thickest and best tasting I've had in any pho place), beef brisket, meat balls, and tripe. Add your own portions of hoisin sauce and chili sauces and oils to your taste. This is one of the best pho I have ever tasted (the generous servings of meat definitely is a plus). And all this for around $5, depending on the size of your pho.
To Chau does serve soft drinks and coffee here, but if you're like me and like your noodles hot you might want to stick with the water and keep that coming. They also have the traditional appetizers like spring rolls, but a bowl of pho really is enough to fill your stomach.
The restaurant is a bit dark and run down, and there are newer pho restaurants on the same block of Chinatown or very near by, but To Chau still has the best noodles. Like I said, expect a line. To Chau opens early, by about 8:30 a.m to 9 a.m. and it doesn't stay open very long after lunch, as it seems they close down by about 2 or 3 p.m. While you only have a brief window to get some hearty noodles, it's perfect for a morning or lunch time meal.
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Leonard's is *the* place to get your malasadas, or Portugese donuts, in Hawaii. The malasadas here are reputed to be the best on the island, and they've won acclaim from local newspapers and have...
Leonard's is *the* place to get your malasadas, or Portugese donuts, in Hawaii. The malasadas here are reputed to be the best on the island, and they've won acclaim from local newspapers and have even been featured on a Food Network special on donuts.
I've had great malasadas here (when they're fresh from the deep fry) and not so great malasadas (when they're soggy from sitting out too long). I think the only other malasadas that can even compare are the ones offered at the Punahou Carnival or the state fairs. And you can only get the latter when those fairs are running. Leonard's is the staple, though, and if someone's bringing malasadas to anything (potlucks, parties, office lunch), it's almost sure to be from Leonard's.
The place is a bit run down, but this is an old Hawaii joint. There may be flashier restaurants popping up and down Kapahulu and Waialae Ave., but Leonard's will always be a classic.
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Gyu Kaku
Category:
Restaurants
1221 Kapiolani Blvd.
Honolulu, Hawaii 96801
(808) 589-2989
I’m going to be honest, Gyukaku is trendy and expensive. And some might take offense that you’re paying so much to cook your own food. That said, I still love it. Of course, I’ve been to better...
I’m going to be honest, Gyukaku is trendy and expensive. And some might take offense that you’re paying so much to cook your own food. That said, I still love it. Of course, I’ve been to better and cheaper yakiniku places, but Gyukaku is still a treat.
I’m pretty sure Gyukaku is a Japanese chain. At least, I’ve seen several Gyukaku locations when I was last in Japan. And they’re slowly expanding. If you check out their website, they have U.S. locations in Hawaii, Los Angeles, and New York City, and all in happening locations. It shouldn’t be a surprise that you’ll see yuppies and hipsters at Gyukaku, and a crowd of mainly 20- to young 30-somethings.
The decor is dimly lit with straw textured walls and dark woods—very neo-Japanese design. Most parties are shown to individual booths fit for 4-6 people, larger parties are escorted to tables. And each booth has its own grill on which you cook your own meats. Reservations can be recommended because it does get busy. Service here is somewhat hit and miss, especially on busy nights. The only issues, I think, would be whether your grill is hot enough or clean enough.
Gyukaku’s menu is full of raw meats marinated in their special sauces, including Shio (a light white shoyu), Tare (a fruity, garlicy soy sauce), Miso (a soy bean barbeque sauce), Teriyaki, Basil, and Yuzu (that lemon-like Japanese citrus all the rage now). In addition, you can order dippings for your cooked meats, and these include butter garlic, sesame oil (with salt and pepper) and chili mayo.
I recommend a serving of rice, Kim Chee (spicy fermented cabbage), and Ahi Poke (raw marinated cubes of ahi tuna and seaweed) to start. My main course recommendations (to share, of course) include their U.S. Kobe meats (excellent beef from cows bred from Black Angus and Wagyu); Harami Miso (skirt steak marinated in miso), Premium Kalbi (boneless cuts of short rib), Basil Chicken, Japanese Kurobuta Sausage (pork sausages that snap), Miso Butterfish, Ahi Tuna (just lightly sear it, you’ll ruin it otherwise), and Shrimp Garlic. To finish off, definitely have the Dorayaki Ice Cream (two small pancakes you’ll grill and heat up) and a side serving of ice cream. If you don’t want to put the grill to waste, you can also order the S’mores (no explanation needed).
To compliment its meats, Gyukaku has a good selection of Japanese beers and sake, California wines, and Korean shochu. Almost anything goes well with barbequed food.
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Panya
Category:
Bakeries
711 Queen St
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
(808) 597-8880
Panya, means "bread shop" in Japanese, and Panya is definitely the place I go for Japanese bread and pastries.
The Japanese may not have a reputation like that of the French for bread, but...
Panya, means "bread shop" in Japanese, and Panya is definitely the place I go for Japanese bread and pastries.
The Japanese may not have a reputation like that of the French for bread, but they're steadily climbing up there. There's something about Japanese bread that almost lighter than their western counterparts. But also, the combination of bread and savory meats and Asian-inspired flavorings in their pastries make Panya unique. I don't know of any other bakery or patisserie in Hawaii offering Japanese pastries. And when I mean Japanese pastries, I mean the kind that you find around Tokyo, especially those near the JR Stations (the salarymen know what's up).
My favorite, by far, has to be the Hokkaido bread and buns. They're really two sizes of the same bread. Sweet and somewhat sticky on the outside, baked to an almost hard glazey texture, and soft and sweet on the inside. I haven't been able to find Panya's signature bread anywhere else on the mainland or even Japan.
Panya's cakes are also great. Decorative and fancy, they're almost show pieces, and I love ordering these cakes (mango and sometimes coconut) for family birthdays. The good news? They taste good too.
I'd review Panya's bistro and bar, but that's another location (in Ala Moana Shopping Center) and another review. There used to be three Panya locations years ago, two smaller locations at Ward Warehouse and this one at Queen Street, and a larger one with dining near Ward Center. But the Ward Warehouse location seems to have closed up and the one with dining has since moved to the Ala Moana center. The Queen Street location is still handy if you're near downtown and want to make a quick run for lunch. But definitely also check out the Ala Moana location and dine off the menu (their house-special Laksa Noodles and Clam Chowder remain my favorites).
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Liliha Bakery celebrates its, what, 55th anniversary this year? This is definitely an old time local-kine bakery and coffee shop that remains as ever popular and relevant today. I love the...
Liliha Bakery celebrates its, what, 55th anniversary this year? This is definitely an old time local-kine bakery and coffee shop that remains as ever popular and relevant today. I love the patisseries and bakeries that have opened up in and around Honolulu in recent years, but Liliha Bakery is still one of my favorites.
I think the attraction is definitely their coco puffs (the cream puffs are also nice). I’m not kidding when I say the bakery probably sells thousands of these each day. They’re always busy, so expect a wait. But it’s well worth it if you have the patience. If you’re there for the puffs, and you don’t want to wait in line, keep it short by grabbing a prepackaged box of coco puffs in their freezer. I also love their cinnamon twists, pies (custard, but pumpkin during the holidays), and cakes (mmm … chantilly). If you’re feeling daring, dabble with their haupia filled malasadas. Their donuts might not have the melt-in-your-mouth texture of Krispy Kreme, but these are good ol’ style donuts.
I also must recommend the coffee shop. They must have only about a dozen, or so, seats, and like the bakery there’s likely to be a line, but the fresh from the grill and buttery goodness of their menu is worth the wait. Your food is cooked in front of you on their grills. I love their Hamburger Steak, as well as their Country Style eggs scramble and their Steak and Eggs. The pancakes are also huge and delectable. My girlfriend loves their Grilled Cheese Sandwich. And most items on the menu come with a buttery dinner roll with jelly (whatever that stuff is, I want to take it home with me but its not for sale). I swear, I think their secret is the butter.
When I was younger, I’d go to Liliha Bakery’s coffee shop after a night out for a meal to wind down. Here’s where the open 24-hours is really convenient (with the exception of Mondays). But the shop definitely attracts a local crowd and the old timers are great to talk story with while you’re enjoying your food.
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Royal Palace is definitely my favorite Chinese restaurant, well, outside of China. This restaurant specializes in Cantonese/Hong Kong fare, and that means you’re treated to fresh produce and...
Royal Palace is definitely my favorite Chinese restaurant, well, outside of China. This restaurant specializes in Cantonese/Hong Kong fare, and that means you’re treated to fresh produce and ingredients. If you’re into the “fake Chinese” food popularized by chains like Panda Express or Patti’s, you’re not going to get that taste that can only come from thick artificial sauces here. I suppose if I wanted that, I could stay at home and open up a bottle of Lee Kum Kee and slap it on my poor attempts at stirfy. Here, the focus is on freshness and that means a delicate balance between the meats, greens, and sauces. Among their pairings, the seafood is really the star.
I mention again that the seafood is really the star at Royal Palace. In fact, most of my favorite dishes here are seafood. Must tries include Black Bean Clams (a mild balance of clams with the spiciness of black beans and fresh peppers), the Seafood Combination (a light dish of shrimp, scallops, calamari with a medley of mushrooms, snow peas and other vegetables), the Fish Fillet (delicately steamed sea bass with a sort of light shoyu and garnish base), the Honey Walnut Shrimp (mayo-citrus covered shrimp served with honey roasted walnuts), steamed Kumu (when available), and of course their black bean and ginger onion lobsters and crabs (for a special treat, try their “supreme sauce” lobster).
I agree with other reviewers when they say their dinner combination specials are a value. Here, you’re offered three choices from a menu of 38 and your pick of a Dungeness crab or Maine lobster prepared black bean or ginger onion styles, all for under $40.
For the non-seafood fans, my recommendations are the Mongolian Beef, Kau Yuk (pork belly simmered in a shoyu mix), Mushoo Pork (pork and veggies wrapped in soft wrappers), Crispy Chicken, and definitely the Peking Duck, Roast Pork, and Char Siu (better than what you’ll find in Chinatown).
Royal Palace is very casual and draws a mixed local, neighborhood, and Chinese crowd. The decor could use some updating. And some of the waitresses could give better service. But I go for the food and the value. Most of the menu is under $10 for generous portions and you’ll find yourself spending more (for less) elsewhere. You’ll sometimes find the place busy with dinner parties (as they have a number of party courses) or lunch buffets (which I’ll say is a hearty deal). The holidays and before or after games at the stadium tend to bring out the crowds. And the restaurant seems like a great place for a family meal after ice skating at Ice Palace. If you find yourself in the Moanalua/Salt Lake area, definitely eat at this gem.
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