Kimo

As of September 5, 2005, the following is a Molokai update (hope this helps future visitors): Neighborhood Store (approximately 16 miles from the main town of Kaunakakai) - new ownership...apparently in escrow. I'll give more of an update. Hotel Molokai (approximately 2 miles from Kaunakakai) - waterfront; my husband and I have stopped going unless invited for breakfast; it's gone downhill in the six months we've been back on island. Paddlers' Inn - new restaurant owned by the former owner of Hotel Molokai. Decent high-end plate lunch food; place to be on Friday and Saturday nights. Subway - in Kaunakakai; we go there on Sundays--foot long sandwiches for $4.99 each. Molokai Drive Inn (Kaunakakai) - okay plate lunches; wonderful plate lunches when there's fresh ahi or opakapaka. Cody's Lunch Wagon (Kaunakakai) - cheap eats right next to Kamoi Snack-n-Go. Big Daddy's (Kaunakakai) - decent Filipino food and plate lunches. Oviedo's - new ownership; one of our employees could eat there everyday...decent Filipino food. Sunrise Cafe (next to Oviedo's) - another new Kaunakakai take-out place; decent sandwiches. Kanemitsu Bakery (in Kaunakakai, the main town) - "hot bread" from the ovens...after 10:30 p.m. every night except Monday (bakery is closed on Tuesdays). Ask any "local" and they'll tell you where you need to go (back alley, knock on the door and order your flavors--cinnamon and sugar or cream cheese and strawberry jam are the two most popular). The bread is incredible...no preservatives, does not last more than two days without refrigeration. Farmer's Market on Saturdays (in Kaunakakai, across the street from the main library) - haven't seen kulolo (taro-coconut pudding) lately, papayas, homemade cookies, okra, lettuce, tomatoes, zukes, etc. Health Food Store (in Kaunakakai, closed on Saturdays) - decent veggie sandwiches. Friendly Market (in Kaunakakai, closed on Sundays) - best selection of raw fish/poke, deli goods, best place to buy groceries. Misaki's - only market in Kaunakakai open everyday; decent poke; cheap canned goods and beer (best place/prices to buy liquor), only place to buy rotisserie chicken Wines and Spirits (in Kaunakakai, next to Kanemitsu Bakery) - for this town, an incredible selection of wines, okay cheeses (nothing special). Kamo'i Snack-n-Go (in Kaunakakai, next to my family's drugstore) - awesome ice creams (made in Hawaii by Dave's in Honolulu), including lychee, green tea, haupia (coconut), etc. We now offer Hoolehua, Molokai-grown organic banana splits with Molokai macadamia nuts and a slew of other sundaes, malts, Blizzard-like drinks, frozen coffees and milk shakes. Molokai Pizza Cafe (Kaunakakai) - surprisingly good pizza; Mexican lunch specials on Wednesdays. Stanley's Coffeehouse - only place in Kaunakakai for espresso; decent turkey sandwiches and homemade muffins. Cook House (Kualapuu) - new ownership; prime rib on Thursday nights; packet at night; great, homemade pies; decent plate lunches. Molokai Coffee House - one block from the Cook House; opens pretty late (after 8 a.m.); strong, Molokai-grown coffee; good for Molokai. Kumu Farms (near the airport) - most amazing mac nut pesto...basil grown on this farm. All the Hawaii-based Costcos sell it. Molokai Ranch - My husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary there...really can't recommend it. No Chinese place...yet! No Japanese, Indian, Middle Eastern, Steakhouse, McDonalds, etc. Aloha, Kimo

Does anyone have the recipe for Willows curry? My "Junior League Honolulu, Volume I" cookbook is packed in storage and I need to make this curry tomorrow (Saturday) for a house blessing. Aloha, Kimo

Since I'm the "matron of honor," probably up to $30-35 pp, inclusive of drinks, tax and gratuity (and parking, too). I thought about the following: Angelo Pietro (my sister's suggestion, not too appealing to my 88 year old Japanese grandmother) Pineapple Room Hawaii Prince Hotel buffet Parc Cafe at the Waikiki Parc L'Uraku Plumeria Cafe at Kahala Mandarin Mariposa at Neiman Marcus Japanese Tea Room (can't remember exact name, had my other sister's baby shower there) Yanagi Sushi (my sisters hosted my shower there in 1997) I would prefer a place with a private dining room. I'm just at a blank for a suitable place and need to start making calls today and tomorrow!

I need to plan a bridal shower for my baby sister (age 33) in five weeks. Please advise on a central place (Kahala through Downtown Honolulu) for women ages 18-90 (approximately 30 pax in attendance, including one in a wheelchair). The invitations will go out on Tuesday, April 26th (I already have 'em waiting). I will not have the opportunity to fly in to see the facility. Aloha, Kimo

My family and I relocated from WA to Moloka'i almost two months ago. I've been off eGullet until this afternoon. Sorry for not responding...it's been kinda crazy! Jojo's closed several years ago. The owners (who relocated to Moloka'i via India, London and Connecticut) opened an Indian restaurant in Honolulu (across from McCully Shopping Center). They have now retired from the restaurant biz. I'll submit a more detailed Moloka'i report next week...I'm off to my son's 1st year baby luau! Aloha, Kimo

I would love to hear more about Girl Chow's South Puget Sound/Tacoma family friendly restaurants... Kimo (mother of 4 1/2 year old and nine week old boys)...

I had the flu AND stomach flu for most of the nine days...unfortunately, no new news to report re: Molokai. Aloha, Kimo

From the beverage manager at Salish Lodge & Spa... Espresso Martini- 1 shot Stoli Vanilla 3/4 shot Bailey's Irish Cream 1/2 shot Kahlua 1 shot cream 1 shot espresso Mix in a shaker over ice then add one shot of espresso. Shake and serve into a martini glass. Garnish with three espresso beans. Espresso Nudge- 1/2 shot Kahlua 1/2 shot Dark Creme Cacao 1/2 shot Brandy 1 shot espresso Whipped cream Put into a coffee mug; add one shot of espresso. Fill with steamed milk and top with whipped cream. Snoqualmie Coffee- 1/2 shot Bailey's Irish Cream 1/2 shot Kahlua 1/2 shot Frangelico 1 cup of coffee Whipped cream Put into a coffee mug; add regular or decaf coffee and top with whipped cream. Chocolate Decadence- 3/4 shot Bailey's Irish Cream 3/4 shot Dark Creme Cacao 1 oz. chocolate syrup 1 cup milk Whipped cream Put into a coffee mug; add 1 oz chocolate syrup and fill with steamed milk. Top with whipped cream. Angel Mist- 3/4 shot Bailey's 3/4 shot Frangelico 1 cup milk Put into a coffee mug and fill with steamed milk.

Just a quick question: is there any green tea that a pregnant woman can drink? It seems I can only find caffeinated teas in my markets. Thank you, Kimo (20 weeks pregnant)

Fish, seafood, ferns (i.e. pohole), berries, lilikoi. There isn't a whole lot of "real" Hawaiian food. Almost everything (including the wild boar/pua'a) were brought in by the first Polynesians or missionaries. Kimo

Call the Hilton Hawaiian Village (808-949-4321) for more information on Aloha Friday fireworks (normally at 7:30 p.m. or so). Another great spot for viewing the fireworks: Golden Dragon at the Hilton or Orchids at the Halekulani Hotel.

This explains why I love the people of this island so much... Inside Moloka'i By Lollie Groth To get to know Moloka'i, you have to immerse yourself in the feel of the place - friendly, laid-back and very country http://www.spiritofaloha.com/features/0503...03/molokai.html

This is the only URL I have found with a semi-complete listing of restaurants: http://www.johann-sandra.com/hawaii/molokai/dining.htm Please note: KFC has gone out of business. There is now a Subway on the island. Kalua Koi Resort has closed down. Village Grill in Maunaloa has closed down. The microbrewery went under after less than four months. Aloha, Kimo

SW: There is no food scene on Molokai (speaking as a former 18-year resident and someone who has visited several times a year for the past 16 years). Luckily, my late grandmother was a fabulous cook/baker and my mother is a fine cook as well. So, I survived. The best bet: try to befriend a local or two and get invited to a luau. Molokai families make some of the best luau (plural, no "s") in Hawaii. Squid luau, poke, raw crab, poi, lomilomi salmon, kalua pig, haupia/coconut pudding, lau lau, etc. I always try to go to a "real" luau or two whenever I am home. However, some hidden gems (east to west): Neighborhood Store (approximately 16 miles from the main town of Kaunakakai) - okay plate lunches; mediocre saimin; known for mustard-mayo dipping sauce for fries. Hotel Molokai (approximately 2 miles from Kaunakakai) - waterfront, the best restaurant on the island; decent fried rice for breakfast. "Kanikapila" (musicians jamming and hula dancers dancing one after the other) on Friday "pau hana"/happy hour. Additional music on Saturday nights. Typical island cuisine (fresh fish, shrimp, steak, etc.) Kanemitsu Bakery (in Kaunakakai, the main town) - "hot bread" from the ovens...after 10:30 p.m. every night except Monday (bakery is closed on Tuesdays). Ask any "local" and they'll tell you where you need to go (back alley, knock on the door and order your flavors--cinnamon and sugar or cream cheese and strawberry jam are the two most popular). The bread is incredible...no preservatives, does not last more than two days without refrigeration. Farmer's Market on Saturdays (in Kaunakakai, across the street from the main library) - kulolo (taro-coconut pudding), papayas, homemade cookies, okra, lettuce, tomatoes, zukes, etc. Health Food Store (in Kaunakakai, closed on Saturdays) - decent veggie sandwiches. Friendly Market (in Kaunakakai, closed on Sundays) - best selection of raw fish/poke, best place to buy groceries. Kaunakakai Wine Shop (in Kaunakakai, next to Kanemitsu Bakery) - incredible selection of wines, okay cheeses (nothing special). Kamo'i Snack-n-Go (in Kaunakakai, next to my family's drugstore) - awesome ice creams (made in Hawaii by Dave's in Honolulu), including lychee, green tea, haupia (coconut), etc. My dad just installed a few new Icee and coffee machines. Molokai Pizza Cafe (Kaunakakai) - surprisingly good pizza. Cook House (Kualapuu) - great, homemade pies; decent plate lunches. Molokai Coffee House - one block from the Cook House; opens pretty late (after 8 a.m.); strong, Molokai-grown coffee. Kumu Farms (near the airport) - most amazing mac nut pesto...basil grown on this farm. All the Hawaii-based Costcos sell it. Sheraton Molokai Restaurant (Maunaloa, far west of island) - Chef Martina (former chef at the Kapalua Bay Hotel on Maui) makes great salads (only item I have tried). I need to go to this restaurant for dinner on my next visit. Hope this helps. We're back for nine days (Thanksgiving) and will try a few new places (i.e. new Chinese place in Kaunakakai)... Aloha, Kimo (girl!)

Thanks for the suggestions...learned something new!