SCRATCH KITCHEN, WARD – This restaurant was formerly in Chinatown and now in the Ward area, but still as tasty as ever. The wait was long, but that’s what happens when a restaurant is popular. We waited an hour, but it was worth it. I loved the Calentado, the first time I’ve tried it but the taste of the meat with the over easy egg was just right. The Street Tacos was inhaled by Alex. There’s more I want to try, like the pancakes. One of the best brunch on the island! It used to be open just until 2 pm in Chinatown, but now they serve dinner. http://www.scratch-hawaii.com/

CHICKEN IN A BARREL, WAHIAWA – Recommended by a friend who said it was “juicy” chicken and the it was so tasty that you didn’t need a sauce. She was right. It was worth the drive to Wahiawa, even if we couldn’t figure out the parking. The loaded fries are a must have, which we got with chicken. The grilled cornbread was something she wanted to take home. https://chickeninabarrel.com/

JEJUBING, ALA MOANA – I always passed by and would wonder what it was like, then I went there. During the week I think about how I can get myself to Jejubing. I day dream of the flavors that I enjoyed while eating mango and nuts. It isn’t just on the top, but worked into the bingsu. Drizzle it with the sweetened condensed milk. I love shaved ice, but this is more like milk shaved ice. I am planning a trip to Korea and will be looking for bingsu. I actually HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SPECIFIC bingsu spot. https://www.instagram.com/jejubingdessertcafe/?hl=en

VONS CHICKEN, MILILANI TOWN CENTER – As I get older, I find myself wanting food that it not oily but still tasty. I also need food that is light and doesn’t hurt my stomach. Vons chicken is exactly that. I heard it is fried twice, but it is not oily and heavy. It is busy and our family orders to go boxes of our favorites – garlic, snow, honey butter, and regular fried. The fries are super crunchy, but has flavor. I actually enjoy the fried mandoo and fried mochi (tteokbokki). http://towncenterofmililani.com/stores/vons-chicken/