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!

Help! I'm making risotto right as I type and need some advice. My son and I normally eat 30-60 minutes before my husband (due to long work hours). Is there a way I could keep some of the risotto on the side and then add a little broth and stir for the last five minutes...so hubby's risotto would taste as good as our risotto an hour prior? Thanks, Kimo

My favorite Hawaii-based cookbook is "A Taste of Aloha," published by the Junior League of Honolulu. I borrowed my mother's copy when I moved to Honolulu in 1991 and need to purchase a new one for her. I love the mango bread, banana nut bread and Willows Restaurant original shrimp curry recipes. The cookbook also has a variety of recipes, from the Punahou School malasadas recipe to an easy pineapple iced tea (from the Oahu Country Club) to the mahimahi recipe used at the Plaza Club by Chef Russell Siu, now the chef of 3660 On the Rise. There is also a fantastic section on lu'au foods (poke, lomilomi salmon, haupia dessert, pipikaula, lau lau, etc.) The original cookbook is 20 years old. The second version, which also has some great recipes, is around 10 years old. IMO the original is one of the top three cookbooks in my personal collection. Aloha, Kimo

Has there been any update on anyone reopening Washington Saimin? Does anyone know of an "authentic" saimin stand in Seattle/Tacoma/Everett?

Prior to moving to Seattle, I worked at several hotel chains in Hawaii (sales and marketing, not in food and beverage). The cost of running a hotel kitchen is outrageous. The prices seem high to the average consumer.; the prices barely cover food and especially labor (and benefits) costs. However, most hotels lose money in their kitchens (unless they have a great bar on the beach or at the pool with $8.50 lava flows and $8.00 Mai Tais). Restaurants are provided as an amenity and service for the hotel's guests. In Hawaii, the F&B employees are union and have incredible benefits (I was salaried and was a beneficiary of the awesome benefits plan, which included $3 generic medicine, no HMOs, no out-of-pocket while visiting our family doctor and no monthly fees for a family of four). At some hotels, Seattle included, the executive chefs make so much that there is no reason to leave. One of my former executive chefs had 10+ years at a major resort company and earned six digits. Why should he do anything out-of-the-ordinary? The best hotel restaurants I have experienced in Hawaii had executive chefs who were planning to open their own restaurants in 3-5 years and were establishing their reputations at high-end resorts prior to going off on their own. Kimo

Yes, Irwin. I'd love to hear about the history of McDonald's saimin in Hawaii (we frequented the Kahala Bowl McDonald's whenever my sisters and I were in Honolulu)...

My four-year old son and I ate saimin four times in seven days in Hawaii (we just returned early this morning). Just S&S at the Neighborhood Store in Pukoo, Molokai...it was close to the beach we frequent and very convenient. BTW, Uwajimaya (www.uwajimaya.com) is having a 10% off everything sale...final days, in honor of its 75th anniversary. Time to stock up on saimin noodles, shoyu/soy sauce, kamaboko, green onions, etc. The store is located in Seattle (I-District), Bellevue, and Beaverton, OR. My father owns Kamoi Snack-n-Go, a local-style snack shop on Molokai (Icee, ice cream, seeds, chips, candies, sodas, etc.)--the only non-Honolulu location of Dave's Ice Cream. We ate ice cream six days in a row--lychee (twice), green tea, Hawaiian rocky road, mac nut, vanilla, haupia/coconut (twice), cotton candy. The employees even top the ice cream with free samples of li hing mui. No really good plate lunches on Molokai (however, Kanemitsu Bakery is not to be missed). P.S. McDonald's saimin is still pretty darn good! Kimo

Just returned this early morning from Molokai and Oahu. I went to Rainbow Drive-Inn, my favorite post-surfing place to eat--stayed at the Moana and watched the surfers at my fave spot, Canoes...can't surf for another six months (until I stop being pregnant). At 11:20 a.m. there were at least 14 people in line and a line of cars waiting to park in the lot. If there are a lot of surfers and construction workers in line at a plate lunch place, that is a good sign. All of the construction workers were on their lunch break. I had the teri beef/mahimahi/fried chicken combo with two scoops rice and a mac salad. Not the local girl thing to do...I smothered my plate with ketchup and shoyu (soy sauce). Not much to report on the Oahu food scene (I was there for only one night and visited with family and friends). However, no matter what you do on the mainland (i.e. L&L opening all over the country), the plate lunches are still the best while in Hawaii (there's something about dining outside in 80 degree weather near the beach).

Kona Side Oodles of Noodles - Kona, in a strip mall (www.oodleskona.com) Pahui'a for the breakfast/brunch buffet (main dining room at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai) Manago Hotel for the best pork chops (if you like grease) - a real greasy spoon, pretty hard to find, legendary with the locals Sam Choy's - poke omelet, poke, plate lunches, real down-home Huggo's - fish Brown's Beach House - Fairmont Orchid Hotel (formerly the Ritz-Carlton Mauna Lani and Orchid at Mauna Lani) - great ice teas, awesome views Kamuela Provision Company - Hilton Waikoloa Village Hilo Side Kaikodo Restaurant - pretty new restaurant, high-end for Hilo, heard great things; nice story on Hilo, including this restaurant, in this Sunday's New York Times travel section

My almost-four-year-old son and I will be back in Hawaii for a short week (September 25 - October 2), mainly on Molokai with a few days on Oahu at the end (guess we're missing you, Alanamoana). I will be on the look-out for a few not-too-sweet items (i.e. poke, maybe some teriyaki venison...yikes, sweet again). Maybe this should be a separate thread...what are some food-related businesses missing from Hawaii? In general, food related businesses at a gourmand/foodie level don't always do well in Hawaii (look at the demise of the upscale market, Strawberry Connection in the industrial part of Honolulu, which moved closer to town and didn't survive). However, my surf-deprived husband, son, new kid-to-be and I would like to return some day (maybe the next 5-10 years) and possibly open or promote/market one of the following, which could do well in Honolulu: Artisan bakery (i.e. La Brea in LA or Macrena in Seattle) Restaurant with a great dessert menu, perfect for after the Honolulu symphony/Hawaii Opera Theatre/Blaisdell concerts (there's a fab restaurant in Portland that has a dessert menu of at least 20 desserts with wonderful dessert wines and ports and coffees) High-end gourmet store like Strawberry Connection in a better location Wine and cheese shop Medium-priced Alan Wongs-type restaurant (entrees in the teens, not as fancy with the plating) Tapas bar Trader Joes or something like it (maybe Trader Kimos) Whole Foods or other organic market/deli A family-friendly restaurant with good food (not just hot dogs and mac-and-cheese) A medium priced steakhouse (notch down from Ruth Chris) A great fish/seafood shop with wonderful selections of poke (like Tamashiro Market, but closer to town) An Atkins-themed restaurant (horror the thought!) My .02...

I have never thought of that...but it is so true that everything is so sweet. The irony of this is the number of diabetics in Hawaii and among the population who enjoy HRC-type cuisine who really shouldn't be eating so much sugar. I guess they make it so sweet so they can have Hawaiian salt, pepper, chili pepper water and shoyu on the tables to "balance" the bite. Personally, I think HRC got played up too much and the chefs all probably want their own publicity/marketing for their individual restaurants. I believe all of the HRC chefs are now on their own. So...you hardly hear about HRC except on the "10th" or "15th" anniversary of the start of HRC. There is even a group of 10 new and upcoming chefs in Hawaii who started their own group as well. I haven't heard about them recently, though. Kimo