Moku Kitchen, Honolulu
Moku, Moku, Moku. If you know me, you know that I L O V E Moku Kitchen in Kaka’ako. In addition to the restaurant, I love the whole Salt Kaka’ako area, it is definitely one of my favorite spots to hang out. Moku Kitchen’s happy hour is what truly captured my heart however. Happy Hour drinks and great good? Count me in! To start off, their Monkeypod Mai Tai topped with a honey-lilikoi foam is so delicious. My second favorite drink would be their Paloma - a classic tequila drink with a refreshing grapefruit finish. Now onto the food…Szechuan stir-fry green beans with mac nuts, roasted squash ravioli, garlic truffle oil fries, hamakua wild mushroom pizza with truffle oil, and a strawberry cream pie. My mouth is already watering! It is a stylish urban restaurant with the best vibes - including sometimes live music! Taking me to Moku’s happy hour is the best way to my heart. I love it here.
Din Tai Fung, Various Locations (Dined at California, Seattle, & Las Vegas)
The. BEST. Dumplings. Every time I visit the mainland that has a Din Tai Fung nearby, I am always down to go. The restaurant is best known for their xiao long bao, a broth-filled dumpling steamed in a bamboo basket. Accompanied by their vinegar, ginger, and chili oil mix, these are a 10/10. However, as a lover of green beans, I have got to say that they have the best string beans with garlic. My favorite list of items to order is the: Hot & Sour Soup, Kurobuta Pork Xiao Long Bao, Cod dumplings, Vegetable & Kurobuta Pork Spicy Wontons, Noodles with Sesame Sauce, Shrimp & Kurobuta Pork Pot Stickers, String Beans with Garlic, and the Chocolate Mochi Xiao Long Bao. It may sound like a lot, however, with a small group, and a hungry stomach, it is definitely possible. By the end, this restaurant will stand high and mighty amongst your other dumpling spots, I promise!
Gozu, San Francisco
Now this is no ordinary restaurant, Gozu is an insane dining journey. According to our specialized menu, “Gozu is a tasting experience deeply focused on elevating the wagyu breed while exploring its versatility and nuance through the preparation of the animal in its entirety.” Their tasting menu focuses on a variety of cuts and techniques, as well as, local produce and the Japanese sea life. Each course contains wagyu; some course are obvious while others display the subtlety of the breed. Our October 2021 menu consisted of 9 “courses”: canapé, caviar, tomato, bonito, suppon, scallop, wagyu, dates & caramel, and sweets. In addition to an amazing menu, this exquisite space offers an amazing beverage collection. I opt’ed for a Japanese whiskey flight that paired well with every course. The dinner was definitely on the expensive side, however, I would recommend the experience to anyone who says they love food - learning about new foods, tasting interesting flavors, and admiring the presentation of food. It is such a treat and I would love to bring someone here just so I can have someone to talk about it with, so much to unpack!
Rigo, Honolulu
This Spanish-Italian restaurant is definitely a must try. As a pasta-lover, I was super intrigued in how the fusion would elevate a type of food I already enjoy. Let me tell you, this place did not disappoint. As soon as you walk in, the restaurant has a very relaxing stylish atmosphere with high ceilings and a balcony displaying rows and rows of different wines. The appetizers are split into a Spanish and Italian division. My favorite was the Crostini: a toasted baguette slice with prosciutto, papaya, mascarpone cheese, and a macadamia nut blossom honey. There were three entrees that were calling my name: the Arrabbiata with smoky mozzarella, Chicken Paella, and Bolognese. I know, I know, Bolognese?! You might be thinking, “Who can screw up a Bolognese?” However, our server assured me I would not regret picking that dish….and she was right. I did not know a bolognese could be THAT GOOD. It was to die for, 100% recommend. I was in pasta heaven. If you are looking for a restaurant that will give you a twist on your classic Italian craving, Rigo is definitely the place to go.
Izakaya UOSAN, Honolulu
Recently, I have been more open to trying new foods, as well as re-trying foods that I was not fond of when I was younger. I attended a family celebration dinner at Izakaya UOSAN and tried a variety of new dishes that night. I have not been a fan of natto for quite some time, however I was intrigued to try it in the dish pictured to the right. The natto was mixed with a variety of other ingredients and then was placed in a nori. I was pleasantly surprised when I took my first bite. Another dish that was amazing was their Truffle Uni Rice. A bowl of rice was topped with an egg yolk, a few pieces of uni, with a soy sauce drizzled on top, which was to be mixed all together. The dish is extremely savory and delicious. It is a definite try in my mind!
Mendocino Farms, California
I could probably live off of sandwiches and salads. That combination has always been a go-to for me. When I was introduced to Mendocino Farms by my brother, my expectations for a sandwich and a salad combo increased tremendously. Their website states that, “At Mendocino Farms we choose to open our doors each day with the conviction that even something as simple as a sandwich shop can make a difference in peoples’ lives—that’s why we say that we don’t just sell sandwiches, We Sell Happy.” and I 100% believe it. When I go to Mendo’s, as I like to call it, I love to get the Pork Belly Banh Mi sandwich and the Sophisticated Chicken and Prosciutto Salad. It is so good…. oh so mouth watering. If you have the chance to try Mendo’s, bring a big appetite so you can try both at the same time or bring a friend so you guys can share both items. They also have delicious deli-sides like the couscous that is a must-try (and they will let you try all of them too). If you like sandwiches and salads as much as I do, Mendo’s won’t disappoint, promise.
CAFE MATCHA MAIKO, Waikiki
I’m a sucker for desserts, especially ice cream. Matcha + Ice Cream, it’s a done deal. There has been an increase of matcha dessert places, but I think Cafe Matcha Maiko has the best one. There is a place called Nana’s really close by that comes close to this place, but the matcha flavor is so good here, it is #1 in my eyes. They have an assortment of matcha desserts including a matcha float, but I love to get the match swirl cone. If you are spending the day walking around Waikiki, I highly recommend finding this place. It is a little shop behind International Marketplace, but it is big in their flavors. Yum!
BLUE BOWL, Orange
Forget everything you thought you knew about Acai bowls because none of them compare to Blue Bowl (if we’re talking about in California). Think of Subway, but for Acai bowls. At Blue Bowl, you can add whatever you want on top of granola, warm chia pudding, and smooth acai. My go-to order is half acai, half chia pudding, quinoa granola, strawberries, bananas, almond butter, cacao nibs, and a drizzle of agave. I’m drooling already. On top of it tasting delicious, it is also relatively healthy for you. It’s a win-win in my mind.
THAI TOWNE EATERY, Orange
If you haven’t tried Thai food yet, try it, it is amazing. I was introduced to Thai food in my Freshmen year of college and I cannot imagine my life without it now. There is a Thai restaurant in the Orange Circle, close to Chapman, called Thai Towne Eatery. Their food is so flavorful, you will not regret it. I am a Thai food fanatic, so I am a bit bias, but Thai Towne Eatery is one of my favorite Thai restaurants in Orange. I have been on a search for great Thai food in Hawaii and nothing has come remotely close to this restaurant. If you are in the area, I totally recommend this place.
KATSUMIDORI, Honolulu
Growing up in Hawaii, we are surrounded by good fish dishes. Poke has been a staple food throughout my life and I absolutely love it. But, sushi is on a whole different level of love. Katsumidori is located in the Price Hotel in Waikiki and it is one of my favorite places to eat sushi on the whole island. They always serve huge slabs of fish that is so tasty, it is hard to describe the sensation. My favorite thing to order is the Chutoro, which is the medium fatty tuna. It just melts in your mouth. On top of quality fish, Katsumidori is decently priced. It is easy to spend a lot of money while at a sushi restaurant, Katsumidori gives you the bang for your buck. If you ever find yourself in the area, make a reservation and try it, you won’t regret it!
TSUJITA, Los Angeles
Have you ever driven 45min - 1 hr to eat something? Well, I have. I was first shown Tsujita LA in 2016. It is a ramen restaurant that specializes in Tsukemen, which is a dipping ramen. Ramen is one of my favorite foods and Tsujita does not disappoint. My favorite dish to order is a Ajitama Tsukemen. If you don’t know, an ajitama is a soft boiled egg that is usually seasoned in a sauce. It is delicious. I was super excited to find that Tsujita was going to open a location in Hawaii, however, when I tried it, it was not the same. For some reason, the Tsujita on Sawtelle is so much better.
HALEIWA BOWLS, Haleiwa
There is something so satisfying about eating an acai bowl after spending the day at the beach. Whenever my friends and I go to North Shore, we always end our day with a Haleiwa Bowl. Personally, I like getting the Mana Bowl with no coconut, strawberries, and sometimes papaya. The Mana Bowl has more of a sorbet consistency, while their other bowl, the Hapa, is more like a thick smoothie. The line is sometimes really long, but I always think it is worth it.