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FUUD: Menchanko Tei in Keeaumoku

by on March 22, 2013 in Food

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It’s been so cold lately.

In fact, with the exception of last night, I’ve been wearing pajamas to bed every night and sleeping under three layers of blankets.

And it’s almost April!

So lately I’ve had a craving for ramen — that warm bowl of noodles is the perfect cold-weather dish.

My girlfriend suggested we try Menchanko Tei on Keeaumoku Street, which opened this location in May 2012. The original shop was founded in Hakata, Japan in 1980 by Akihide Yonehama, who then opened up shops in Fukuoka, Manhattan and Honolulu.

I hadn’t been since it opened here — there was a location in Waikiki — and I was eager to try something new.

So here’s what our recent lunch looked like:

Inside Menchanko Tei

Inside Menchanko Tei
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This ramen shop — its first location outside of Waikiki — opened here last year in the space vacated by Go Shi Go and Broadway Seafood & Oyster Bar on Keeaumoku Street. But I remember this spot most as the location where my beloved Taishoken Ramen once was. It was hard going back!

Menchanko Tei, 903 Keeaumoku St. Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-11 p.m. daily. Phone: (808) 946-1888

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FUUD: Kissaten Ramen in Waikiki

by on March 1, 2013 in Food

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I miss Kiwami, that authentic noodle shop on the lower level of the Waikiki Shopping Plaza.

And ever since it closed last year, I still frequent the spot, waiting to see if there’s word it will re-open somewhere else.

But last night, something else was in the spot vacated by one of my favorite ramen shops.

Kissaten Ramen — or Japanese Noodle Shop, as it said on the window — had its soft opening yesterday

This is owned by the same folks who run the popular 24-hour Kissaten Cafe near Ala Moana Center. But it’s strictly a ramen shop; don’t expect to find the cafe’s tomato bisque or turkey pesto melt here.

Here’s what our recent dinner looked like:

Kissaten Ramen

Kissaten Ramen
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I'm not sure if this place is called "KIssaten Ramen" or "Kissaten Japanese Noodle Shop," but the sentiment is the same: this is a ramen shop, not a coffee bar.

Kissaten Ramen, 2250 Kalakaua Ave. Suite LL-102, Waikiki.

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FUUD: Doraku Sushi in Waikiki

by on January 4, 2013 in Food

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For years, I had walked past — or, rather, under — Doraku Sushi on Kalakaua Avenue and always thought, “Someday, I’m going to eat there.”

Friends had raved about it. Foodies love it. And it was just a matter of time before I just walked up there and made reservations.

So one night, as Derek and I strolled around Waikiki, we decided to pop in and see if the restaurant had any available tables. It was 9 p.m. — and the restaurant was packed. Luckily, there was an open table on the lanai overlooking Kalakaua, so we ordered drinks and sat down.

Here’s the backstory about this place: This fusion sushi bar was started first in South Beach, Fla. by Kevin Aoki, the son of famous restauranteur Rocky Aoki (of Benihana fame). Doraku — which literally means something like path of fun — boasts a contemporary menu fusing Asian and Cuban flavors, from a nigiri with slices of Cuban beef to a South Beach roll with shrimp, takuan, avocado, shiso, salmon and mango salsa.

Interesting, right?

So here’s what we ate on our recent visit to this unusual sushi bar:

Doraku Sushi in Waikiki

Doraku Sushi in Waikiki
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Located in the revitalized Royal Hawaiian Center, Doraku Sushi has garnered a loyal following of foodies and late-night eaters with its interesting blend of Asian and Cuban dishes. This contemporary fusion sushi bar was started in Miami by Kevin Aoki, son of famous restaurateur Rocky Aoki. As a result, you'll find some Cuban-influenced fusion dishes on the mostly-traditional sushi menu that are as exceptional as they are unique, like the nigiri with slices of Cuban beef or the spicy lobster roll with cucumber and a spicy cream sauce.

Doraku Sushi, Royal Hawaiian Center, 2233 Kalakaua Ave. Hours: Noon-10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, noon to 11:30 p.m. Friday, noon-midnight Saturday. Happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. excluding holidays. Phone: (808) 922-3323.

Its second location on Kapiolani Boulevard is also worth trying. Read the review by Ed Morita from Nonstop Honolulu.

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FUUD: 53 By the Sea by Kewalo

by on October 5, 2012 in Food

It might be billed as a wedding venue, but 53 By the Sea is a food destination in its own right.

The restaurant, located on the site of the former John Dominis, is the island’s newest Italian restaurant, headed by chef Hiroshi Hayakawa. The menu boasts an extensive variety of appetizers and entrees, many of them inspired by the cuisine of Sardinia, an island in the Mediterranean Sea.

You just have to get past the building.

The restaurant is on the ground floor of a $16 million, two-story Mediterranean-meets-gothic-style structure that’s part chapel, part reception hall with an unobstructed view of Diamond Head. To say it’s huge would be an understatement. In fact, it’s a little intimidating — and probably not be the best spot for a first date, if you know what I mean.

We were invited by the operators of the restaurant to check out the menu last night — and I never pass up a chance to eat!

So here’s what our dinner looked like:

53 By the Sea

53 By the Sea
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The restaurant is on the ground floor of a two-story building that serves as a chapel and reception hall. You have to walk around this grand staircase to the 200-seat Italian restaurant.


53 By The Sea, 53 Ahui St. Hours: Lunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Sunday; dinner, 5-10 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Phone: (808) 536-5353.

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FUUD: Moena Cafe in Hawaii Kai

by on September 28, 2012 in Food

Having lived in East Honolulu for more than a decade now, I know breakfast spots are few and far between.

Sure, there’s Jack’s in Aina Haina — love the special biscuits — and Koa Pancake House in Hawaii Kai. But short of driving into Kaimuki — there are lots to choose from there! — there aren’t many other spots for pancakes and a cup of coffee.

Until earlier this year.

In May, Eric and Nicole Chang opened Moena Cafe in Koko Marina Center, serving breakfast and brunch items every day. The little cafe occupies the space vacated by Papa John’s.

Eric has nearly 30 years of culinary experience, having worked at Bueno Nalo Restaurant, La Rotisserie & Grill, California Pizza Kitchen and Sunset Grill. His last gig was at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider, where he was the head dinner chef.

You can tell from the menu — which features items like crab benedict, sweet and savory crepes, homemade three-cheese baked macaroni and ham, panini sandwiches and a slew of hearty salads — that there’s a bonafide chef behind it. But be prepared to pay for it: the prices here are slightly more expensive than elsewhere.

So a few of us — all from East Honolulu — headed down one weekday afternoon to satisfy our breakfast cravings.

Word of caution: make reservations. It gets crowded here!

Here’s what we ate:

Moena Cafe

Moena Cafe
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This little cafe in Koko Marina Center opened in May to rave reviews. It's one of the few places in East Honolulu that serves breakfast — and all day long.

Moena Cafe, Koko Marina Center, 7192 Kalanianaole Highway. Hours: 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. Phone: (808) 888-7716

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