Honolulu and Waikiki today have some of the world’s most famous chefs and restaurants making them a real gourmet paradise.
No longer do you think of Hawaii only as Luaus, Hula Dancers and Mal Tais. So many of the Hawaiian chefs today are internationally known. One of the most popular is Sam Choy. His PBS TV show has brought him international fame. I always enjoy lunch at Sam Choy’s Crab Breakfast & Big Aloha Brewery located at 80 N. Nimitz Highway.
Sam‘s famous fried poke, kalva pork quesadillas, steaks, fried noodles, oystersand crab dishes plus waffles and eggs are all outstanding. All beers are brewed on site. It is a "must" for lunch.
Sam Choy’s Diamond Head Restaurant in the heart of Waikiki is Sam’s unique interpretation of Hawaiian regional cuisine, famous for huge portions and local friendly flavors. His TV studio is in the restaurant. In fact one year for New Years Eve I ate dinner in the studio.
Here Sam takes well known international favorites and gives them an "Hawaiian twist" such as Island-style seafood bouillabaisse, Asian oso bucco, kalua pig potstickers and a most delicious loco moco. Great service and a good wine list. Open only for dinner and Sunday Brunch at 449 Kapahulu Avenue. Reservations suggested by calling 808 732-8645.
If you really want to eat where the natives dine, the best home cooked Hawaiian food is Ono Hawaiian Foods, 726 Kapahula Avenue. No Credit Cards, no checks and no reservations. Opens at 11 a.m., closes at 7:45 p.m. and dark on Sundays. There is always a line of people out front but there are places to sit. So hang out, talk to the people and get into a local frame of mind. It is worth the wait.
Whatever you like in the way of authentic Hawaiian foods and some you never heard of before, are available. Your server will gladly guide you through the menu. The combination plates; Chicken Long Rice, Combination, Laulau or Kalua pig is really the best for the first timer. The prices are $9.15 to $l2.30. Soft drinks or ice tea are the only beverages. It is a wonderful dining experience
The Colony Restaurant, in Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa, 2424 Kalakaua Avenue, is on the second floor of the shopping plaza in the hotel’s Diamond Head Tower. Famous for prime cuts of beef-kiawe grilled as well as comfort foods like house-smoked ribs with Kentucky Bourbon barbecue sauce and Oahu’s version of Yankee pot roast. The restaurant was this year’s “Taste of Honolulu" winner for best salad was their spectacular Maui onion-tomato salad with a creamy onion and garlic dressing. The lobster and steak dinner at $68 is the best deal on the island. It includes cocktail of prawns, Caesar salad, cold water lobster tail and 8 oz. filet mignon with choice of dessert. For dessert the sixteen layer chocolate Paradise cake is divine. There is a wonderful wine list reasonably priced and full bar. Reservations are suggested, call 808 923-1234.
Nick’s Fishmarket has always been a favorite of mine. This was my first return visit in a long time and it is still the same. It has been a favorite gathering spot for dancing and dining that defies its rather obscure location on the first floor of the modest Waikiki Gateway Hotel. You know you’re somebody if they lead you to a banquette, which is both nicely private and great for people watching.
Although the menu is touched by Italian themes; veal, chicken, steak and pasta dishes are featured, seafood is the centerpiece of Chef Eugenio Martignago’s menu. Try the Norwegian salmon marinated in honey and sake, the Hawaiian broadbill swordfish, the opakapaka, fresh seafood Bouillabaisse or the sauteed abalone. The club-like atmosphere and low lights with tuxedo dressed waiters makes for leisure dining and good conversation. There is a full bar and an extensive wine list. Reservations are a “must” at Nick’s Fishmarket, 2070 Kalakaua Avenue.
Graphic Design by Impact Graphics