On a Fashion Note...

Here are just a few pics from the other night. I really like the casual but still dressy look of this outfit, plus the simple colors of beige and black. And with the neutral colors that I'm wearing, I love adding a splash of color with bright lipstick!

Less is always more!

Same picture as above, but "there's an app for everything!"
Love the frame and coloring.

Ichiban Okazuya (Maui)

If you're like me, you love little hole-in-the-wall okazus that serve authentic Japanese dishes that you don't have to travel all the way to Japan for. And if you love Fukuya on Oahu, you will also love Ichiban Okazuya on Maui.

The okazu is located next to business buildings, so during lunch time, everyone walks over and gets their plate lunch. People were standing outside waiting to get in the door! Inside, almost everyone was ordering the famous and "best on the island" Chicken Katsu. To me, their Tempura was light, crispy and not oily- my favorite. I highly recommend their Katsu, Tempura and Nishimae. Other favorites include Tofu Patties, Dry Mein, Chow Fun, Chicken Burgers, Saba, Unagi, Croquette, Pork Tofu, Karaage, Zucchini, Shoyu Chicken and Hapa (brown/white) rice!

This little hole-in-the-wall Okazuya is big in my book!!

Katsu/Tempura combo!

Maui Open Market

Just wanted to post a picture of the humongous avocados I saw at the open market in Maui.

Two for $10!!!

Avocados as big as Cantaloupe!

UPDATE!

How PERFECT is this?

Da Kitchen...on Maui

I've been wanting to try Da Kitchen (local, hawaiian food) on Oahu, but just never seemed to get around to it. Well, on my Maui business trip, I finally found the time. FINALLY!! I have to say, I will be back. The portions were gigantic, and I mean, GIGANTIC. Most of the dishes you can share with another person, or if not, you will most likely walk out with a doggy bag. And did I mention the price? For all the food you get, the price is right! This is a very good value.

Crowded? Yes, and lucky us, we just beat the crowd at around 715pm. I've heard that this place is always bumpin' at lunch/dinner on Oahu, and it seemed to be the same at the Maui location too.

For yummy, local food with good-size portions at an affordable price, THIS is your place.

PS- We only had enough stomach room for one entree and an appetizer, but there were a variety of dishes being served and they all looked authentic and HUGE. I recommend you try whatever your heart desires, as everything looked good. Plus, judging from the repeat customers/crowd, this place has to be a hit with many. Food seems to be very consistent.

Next up- making time for the Honolulu location!

Fried Spam Musubi- a Hawaiian favorite.....but crunchy!
It was one of my favorites.

Who knew a crispy and crunchy Spam Musubi would be so delicious!?

Da Hawaiian Plate- Lau Lau, Kalua Pig, Chicken Long Rice, Lomi Salmon and Rice
Side Poi, please!!

Grindin'!

Can't Forget My Favorites

One of my passions is finding new places to eat at and trying their most highly-rated dishes. But, then there are the places I frequent regularly, and of course can't leave out of my blog! Therefore, I'm dedicating this one to Serg's, one of my favorite lunch places! Now you have to know that Mexican food is not high on my 'favorite foods list,' but Serg's is one of a kind. They serve traditional Mexican style food- the owner himself is from Mexico City! They are located in Manoa in what looks like an old gas station. Most of you that went to school in the Manoa area, might have frequented Boston's Pizza when you were younger, and this is exactly where Serg's is located now. They share the lot with Boston's Pizza and also Le Crepe Cafe. However much I love Crepes, I can never get myself to stray from Serg's!

So far, I've tried their Horchata, which is a traditional rice drink flavored with almonds, cinnamon, lime zest, and sugar. It has a milky appearance, but it totally dairy-free. Perfect for you lactose-intolerants out there. Next, which is highly-rated on Yelp, their Beef Flauta! OMG, to me, it is like a huge, crunchy beef taquito smothered with queso fresco (a mild cheese), their green sauce, sour cream and parsley. This is my absolute favorite.

Lastly, I've tried the Al Pastor Burrito (marinated pork burrito), which is also a hit from Yelpers. That day was the last day I have ever strayed from my beloved Beef Flauta. Although the Al Pastor Burrito was delicious and moist, the Beef Flauta is a must-have.

From that day on, my usual order has always been a Beef Flauta and a Horchata!

(PS- They just opened a new location in Waimanalo next to Keneke's, so if you're ever in that area and in need of delicious Mexican food and a refreshing Horchata, you know where to go!)

Refreshing Horchata on a hot day in Honolulu

THE Beef Flauta

Close-up of the Beef Flauta

Al Pastor Burrito

Al Pastor Burrito

Kohnotori

Having come here once or twice years ago, I knew I had to come back. Kohnotori popped into my head a day or two ago, and I was immediately reminded of the ono Bacon-wrapped Enoki Mushrooms. This is probably one of their most popular items.

BUT, before I get into the food, here is some background info. It is a small restaurant next to Imanas-Tei on King Street by the 7-11. Kohnotori is all Izakaya/Robata so most of the food comes in small dishes or on skewers. You might think you'll walk out hungry, but if you order enough small dishes, you will walk out more than satisfied. Be careful though, all those small dishes add up!

Another thing- Parking. I have to say I'd probably come here more often if the place wasn't always so packed (people are always waiting outside either restaurant) and parking wasn't such a nightmare. Kohnotori and Imanas-Tei both share a tiny, and I mean TINY lot, which is also very tight. It probably holds about 8-10 cars, but you have to squeeze in and out of it. I recommend finding street parking and always making a reservation. Those are the best options.

Here we go with the food...!

Check off what you want, quantity and if you'd like Teriyaki style or with Salt.
Quantity 1 means 1 skewer stick, not one order.

Let's do this!

Popping the Ramune bottle! (Also in front of me is the refreshing Daikon Salad!)

Shochu Ramune!

Daikon Salad- a popular dish of grated daikon with ume/vinegar dressing.
Very refreshing. We ordered TWO!

Fried Cheese- good, but I could feel my arteries getting clogged by the second

Tofu with Nametake Mushrooms- MY FAVORITE to the Left
Cold Tofu (with bonito, ginger and onions) to the Right- I'd say too much Bonito flakes, but overall, a decent dish.

Sausage Skewer- came with 3 to a skewer, but oops, we ate 2 already!

Tsukune (Chicken meatball) and Chicken Thigh- decent. We actually didn't order these,
but they gave it to us anyway,
and didn't charge us! Wooo!

Rice Ball with Cod Roe

I was very ungraceful when splitting open the inside of this rice ball.
(Only chopsticks in this joint!)
Cod Roe on the inside. I'd definitely get this again. A salty inside to the rice/nori outside. If you like Tobiko and
Ikura, you will definitely like this!

Tsukune, Chicken thigh, and bottom right is chicken with daikon in ponzu.
The ponzu really added some juice to usual bland white meat chicken breast.

One of my favorites- Chicken with Shiso. If you like minty, this is a great dish.
Chicken can be dry and bland, but the Shiso really added a kick of taste.
I might be bias since I LOVE Shiso, but this is a winner.

Bacon-wrapped tomatos and bacon-wrapped enoki!

Bacon-wrapped mochi! This is not on the menu, so you need to add it to your menu slip yourself

Bacon-wrapped Asparagus

Baked Onigiri with Miso- Crispy rice with Miso? Can't get any better than that!

My friend wanted to try this- Chicken thigh with Onions. He said it was tasty,
but if you've seen from my pictures, I'm not a huge fan of onions.

It was a little gray and rainy tonight...