There are the usual food items you would want in Korea, like kim chee or taegu. However, some of my favorites turned out to be things that are associated with the US or another country. When I’ve watched kdramas, they talked about pizza with pickles on the side. I had to see what that meant. The concierge at the hotel suggested Myeongdong Pizza which he said was a chain in Seoul. He suggested a specific location.
The location was in Myeongdong and in a smaller building. If you are looking for an outside sign, then you would miss it. We were able to find the building and checked out the building directory. We took the elevator up to the restaurant. When we entered it was clean and comfortable. There was a mixed of Korean and foreign people in the restaurant. They seated us and we waited because we didn’t say that we were ready.
Lupe picked the shrimp pasta and I got a pepperoni pizza. I know have to say THIS WAS ONE OF THE BEST PIZZAS I’VE HAD IN A LONG TIME. The crust was perfect and the sauce was just right. I am not a snob when it comes to pizza, but I am picky. I cannot eat Pizza Hut, unless I am totally desperate and that would only be the pan pizza. Usually when I get pizza at home the sauce is too sweet, which I cannot stand. Or it is too acidic which is bad for a person with acid reflux. But there was a balance of acid and sweetness in the sauce. They didn’t put too much cheese, which as I get older is harder to eat. EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS PIZZA WAS GREAT. I ate it so fast; I forgot about the pickles.
The pasta was also tasty. I cannot stress how much I dream about eating this pizza again, but they don’t have a Myeongdong Pizza in Hawai’i. So I have to be happy with the memory of it and plan for the next trip back to Seoul. #myeongdongpizza #seoulkorea
As part of our time together, Lupe and I traveled to Seoul, Korea with Non-Stop Travel in November 2022. https://nonstophawaii.com/tour-item/2023-seoul-mahalo-shopping-tour/ — This was the first time we traveled to another country together. This was the first time that either of us went to South Korea. It will not be the last time. I specifically went because it was affordable and mom wanted me to take a trip aboard.
When we landed, we went directly to the hotel and we were treated with a bento for dinner. It was huge and tasted really good. I was hungry and it was the side dishes that I loved the most, the kim chee and taegu. Lupe noticed that the texture of the taegu in the bento was different from the stuff we get at home. The taegu was softer and had more “sauce” on it.
The hotel was perfect and affordable, definitely somewhere I would return to when I go back. It was had easy access to transportation – a bus stop in front of the hotel, the entrance to the subway down the road, and when we needed a taxi. There was a variety of coffee cafes, restaurants, and shops. The convenience store, GS25 and CU were nearby. I went to the GS25 at least three times a day, including getting my T-money card for the subway. Finding musubi and onigiri made me feel at home because it reminded me of the 7-11 up the street. https://gs25.com.vn/en/about-us/
We went to Seoul during the middle of November, which was cold and a coat, scarf, and gloves were necessary. We are from Hawai’i and the changing of the seasons are not as beautiful as it was in Seoul. I loved the colors of the leaves.
On the ground floor is the Cheong Kwan Sapoon Sapoon Cafe, which is where I would purchase tea and coffee on my way out or when returning from a day of sightseeing. One thing I tried was a Red Ginsengccino which was a blend of red ginseng and coffee. It was bitter because as I learned in Korea, ginseng is bitter but good for your health. There was a variety of desserts and pastries. https://marriottbonvoyasia.com/restaurants-bars/courtyard-seoul-namdaemun-CheongKwanKang-SappoonSappoon-Cafe
The best part of the morning was at Momo Cafe which is the restaurant in the hotel. It was a morning buffet that featured Korean and American style food. It ranged from fresh fruit, pastries, kim chee, hangover soup, noodles in soup, omelets, bacon, and hashbrowns. There as even an espresso and latte machine which Lupe used often. I read various reviews before getting to Korea, but I have to say that I was happily content after each meal. The service was also excellent. https://marriottbonvoyasia.com/restaurants-bars/courtyard-seoul-namdaemun
One of our mother’s favorite Kauai restaurants is Hamura Saimin. We grew up eating at saimin restaurants, like Hall Saimin and Palace Saimin. Hall Saimin no longer exist. When I went to Kauai with our mom, Hamura was a go to. It still looks like the saimin restaurants of old. We went when it was not busy because we don’t like to wait in line. If you go during lunch and dinner, expect a line. But we went after lunch and before dinner.
We ordered and there was no real wait for the food. The only thing that the server forgot was my side beef stick. We always get saimin with beef sticks on the side. I’ve eaten this way my whole life. That day, I ordered a won ton min. The soup was kind of lukewarm, but there was still some flavor.
Lupe said that the taste of the soup base changed and I agree. But I wondered if it was that my memory of the saimin was not the same as the actual saimin. Or was it the changes that come as the restaurant changes from generation to generation. Each generation making changes that old people like myself might not want.
The one thing that is constant is the Lilikoi Chiffon Pie that I order and take home whenever I am in Kauai. It is worth the time it takes to carry it on the plane. It is worth the questions and “ahhhs” you get as you go through the TSA check. It is worth spending time savoring each time you eat it. If there is one dessert that you eat in Kauai, make it this pie. I did not share this pie at home. That is how much I loved it.
Lupe said that Hee Fat has the best shaved ice that she tasted. We were told that Hee Fat had a history of being one of the oldest stores in Kauai. I assumed that it would look like the traditional old Mom and Pop store, but I was surprised to see that my assumption was wrong.
You have a choice of the traditional syrup and then organic juices from fruits. While deciding what I wanted to eat, I took the time to shop for shirts. I ordered the Rainbow because it had li hing in it, which was a bit light for my taste. Lupe ordered the Hawaiian Sunrise. Sam ordered his shave ice with organic juices. Each shave ice came with ice cream.
The best thing about the shave ice is that it is not too sweet. The amount of syrup is just right and makes it easy to enjoy. Sometimes I get shave ice and there is more of the syrup than the ice, which can be almost “cavity” sweet.
I suggest that after your meal as you drive around, stop in Kapaa and check out Hee Fat, you won’t be disappointed.
This was not planned, but it was worth my time. I was looking for omiyage to take back to the office and happened to stop in Koloa. When I walked into the shop I looked around and thought it would be easy to carry home. We started to talk with the person in the store, who was so friendly. We told him that we were in Kauai due to Hawaiian Airlines low fares and our food blog.
I started to look around and the nuts reminded me of toffee covered nuts that I loved as a child. We were offered samples and I have to say, I started to pick out flavors for my co-workers and myself. Most of the nuts were spicy and hot, which I love. There was also curried nuts and sweet nuts. I was glad to get these because for those that travel, the size makes it the perfect omiyage.
I would’ve taken a picture of the nuts, but I ate them. It was that ono, yummy.
When I went to Kauai, I thought about Ono Burgers which is no longer in existence. The juicy burgers and huge onion rings. I wanted to find an equivalent to Ono Burgers, Kenji Burgers was one of the few hamburger restaurants open on Sunday. This was featured on the Food Network.
I think having a starting point from the past can make the present experience less than expected. Maybe I glorified the past experience at Ono Burgers. But the truth is this was my favorite burgers EVER in Hawai’i. Now that it is closed, I wanted to find a new favorite on Kauai. Kenji Burgers weren’t bad, but it doesn’t replace Ono Burgers. However, it actual had a variety of choices and the food was fresh.
There was a line outside and we waited under the umbrella of the park benches, which was good place to be because it was HOT outside. At the Kapaa location the seating was limited. The menu wasn’t. We ordered the Old Skool Burger, Chicken Katsu Burger, and a Poke Bowl. Although there were no onion rings, we ordered regular fries.
The Burgers
Sam ordered the Poke Bowl and he ate so fast that I didn’t even know he started. When asked if he liked the Poke Bowl, Sam shaked his head up and down. Alex had his own Old Skool Burger which he also inhaled. Lupe and I shared the Chicken Katsu Burger and an Old Skool Burger. The Chicken Katsu Burger sauce itself was tasty. The part of the burger I got didn’t have much in the way of chicken because I asked for the smallest cut. The deep fried portion of the chicken was crispy.
The fries were good, but needed salt. It is difficult for me to judge salt for others because I love salt. But all of us wanted more salt. The burger also needed salt. It was not dry, but it also was not juicy. I liked the fact that it was not greasy, oily, or filled with a premade patty. The ingredients were fresh; unlike picking up the burger from a drive thru that’s been sitting for 30 minutes. But I wanted flavor. I thought about what I hear when watching Chopped on the Food Network.
Does Kenji Burgers compare to my memories of Ono Burgers, no. But it was a new adventure that I don’t regret. I am wondering if the Koloa location is like. Maybe on the next trip to Kauai. http://kenjiburger.com/ #kenjiburgerskauai
My memories of Kauai are connected to food. Hamura Saimin. Ono Burgers. Bull Shed. It is one of those places that I feel most at ease in. Hawaiian Airlines helped spark the desire to go to the Garden Isle by selling $39 one-way tickets. It is one those places that I have wonderful memories with my mother. Dad was working on Uncommon Valor. We ate at Ono Burgers, Hamura’s, Bull Shed, and Waipoli Cafe. The idea of going back to Kauai made all those memories rush back. These are not owned by people, that I know of. We were headed to Unko’s for breakfast. I called Cheryl R. and told her my plans and she explained that in Kauai on a Sunday, it is best to call to make sure a place is open. After no one answered the phone, Cheryl suggested TIP TOP CAFE and explained that this was where locals go.
Tip Top Cafe is located in Lihue, not far from the airport. There is an attached motel and lots of parking. However…there is a line to get into the the cafe. When we stood in line, a person in the line told me that the line moves quickly. Cheryl told me that there used to be an hour limit of time in the restaurant. We were seated quickly. Cheryl recommended the fried rice loco moco, which she said I would love because I love salty food. Cheryl also recommended the oxtail soup, which I didn’t know places serve during breakfast. In fact, on Oahu it seems like oxtail soup is more a later in the day soup that is super expensive.
We didn’t wait too long. There was a big dining area and what appeared to be two servers, but the person that served us was perfect. The order was perfect and quick. We ordered two oxtail soups, pancakes, fried rice loco moco, and a side of goteborg sausage.
This was the first time Lupe ate oxtail soup and I have to say, she loved it. This is definitely one of the oxtail soups Mom would’ve loved. Unlike the restaurants on Oahu, this oxtail soup has long rice in it. The oxtail was tender and the broth was excellent. The ginger and cilantro was fresh. There are some restaurants that give you the minced ginger from a jar, but it doesn’t taste the same – these people need to taste the oxtail soup at Tip Top.
The fried rice loco moco was exactly like Cheryl mentioned, salty in the way I love it. The gravy was light but tasty. I should’ve asked for over easy eggs, but it was still ono. The pancakes were made from scratch. Goteborg is a sausage that I’ve only seen on Kauai. It was cut thin and crispy. It reminds me of salami. I heard that this sausage is used for musubi on Kauai.
I have to admit, when I think of extraordinarily delicious food Ewa Beach does not come to mind. When I think of sports, more specifically football then I think of Ewa Beach. Recently my inner food snob got a shock but some of the most tasty Thai food is in Ewa Beach at a restaurant called Ono Thai. We were actually headed to Spoon, but the bingsu machine was broken, we were so hungry that we decided to go to Ono Thai. It is right next to the L & L.
This was a highly suggested by Keenen and Devin. We sat down next to a couple that told us that every time they play golf in Ewa, they eat at this restaurant. The couple confirmed what Devin said, that this is the best Thai food on Oahu. We started with an order of summer and spring rolls. I have to say that all of it tasted fresh. The summer rolls were the best I’ve ever tasted. Usually when I order summer rolls the wrapper is usually hard at other restaurants – not at Ono Thai. I couldn’t stop eating the spring rolls and it was gone within minutes.
We also ordered curry, pad thai, and sticky rice. We all ordered different types of curry, I got my usual red curry because I love bamboo shoots. There was a balance of curry and coconut milk, which made it tasty but not overwhelming. I eat less red meat than before, so I ordered my curry with vegetables and tofu.
Alex ordered his curry with chicken. The pad thai was with chicken and medium hot. What makes this restaurant stand out is the balance of flavors and the freshness of the vegetables.
I didn’t eat the fried chicken, but it looked good. Lupe and Alex ate it and loved it. When Lupe called the family and asked what they wanted for take out – it started with the chicken.
For dessert, I tried both the banana tapioca and the halo halo. I have to be honest, I was envisioning the Filipino halo halo. I liked the fruit in the halo halo and the coconut milk. The banana tapioca was better than the halo halo.
The best way to find out about Ono Thai is to go there. It is worth the trip to Ewa Beach and for me that takes time because I live in Waipio Gentry.
This past month we went to San Diego for three days to be at Keoni and Hazel’s wedding. It was a last minute notification kind of trip with no real planning. Before we left San Diego, we wanted to try a Mexican restaurant. I wasn’t sure what to think because Hazel is from Los Angeles and I wasn’t sure what would be good. We were staying in Encinitas at an Airbnb. The final decision after looking at reviews was to go to Pina, in Encinitas.
When you go to the website, Encinitas describes the food as “Authentic Mexican Cuisine.” Going to this restaurant was a first for all of us. When we arrived there, I noticed that most of the seating was outdoors. There seemed to be two different types of areas: drinking area and dinner area. We were seated in the dining area. The first thing that struck me was that we appeared to be the only people of color. The only other “brown” person I saw was a chef that seemed to be taking a smoke break. https://www.pina-sd.com/
As it is with the Makekaus and Alex the first thing ordered were the drinks. We also ordered appetizers, or as we call it in Hawai’i – pupus. Hazel ordered chips, salsa, guacamole, and Queso Fundido. The salsa was bland. But everyone seemed to be eating the Queso Fundido. I ordered the Elote on the Cob and Barbacoa Nachos. These two I felt were the highlights of the meal. I corn on the cob was not oily or gross, but had flavor from the chili powder, cilantro, and lime. It was a huge corn cob, but there was only one which made it almost impossible to share. Not that I wanted to share it. The nachos were also tasty and the portion was huge, served on a deep cookie sheet and definitely made to share. The Barbacoa shredded short ribs were tender and there was a balance with the cheese. The main issue I had was that there was no heat and it was too bland for what I am used to. I heard someone on the table saying that exact thing.
Alex started to say that the alcoholic drinks seemed to be watered down. I didn’t pay attention to it because I still didn’t know what I wanted to eat for dinner. I ended up getting the Carnitas Torta, which was based on the fact that I haven’t had a torta that I liked – since my times in Comitan, Chiapas. Unfortunately, I was not happy with what I got. The bread was not toasted and it seemed to be more like a sloppy joe than a torta. The torta came with chicharonnes. Neither the torta or the chicharonnes were hot/spicy, which would’ve made it taste better. Alex ended up eating it so I wouldn’t waste it.
The best thing about the experience for me was spending time with people I love. Although we were hoping for more spice and heat, we stayed to talk and be “merry.” The restaurant really looked different at night. In fact, I think if I was younger and ready for late night drinks in Encinitas this might’ve been great.
The last part of my meal was the dessert, I ordered the Mexican Chocolate Ice Cream. The menu describes it as “Mexican Chocolate made with Califino Anejo Tequila.” I realized that all the heat and liquor that we were looking for was in this one bowl of ice cream. I LOVE Mexican Chocolate. I thought the liquor was a little overpowering, but it still tasted good.
Would I recommend Pina? Is this an authentic restaurant? I realized that for me, the food didn’t match up to my experiences in Mexico or what I was used to. It definitely wasn’t what my family expected. BUT, it is good for what it is. The food was decent and there were three distinct dishes I liked: Elote on the Cob, Barbacoa Nachos, and the Mexican Chocolate Ice Cream. The environment of the restaurant at the table was still beautiful because I was with those I love.
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/
Kau Kau Sistahs 