Best of Biting Commentary 2019: Editor’s Favorites
In case you missed them: 10 of my favorite Biting Commentary stories of 2019.
10. Get Your Spicy Chinese Food Fix at Chengdu Taste
Published February 25
Photo: Martha Cheng
I was so happy when Chengdu Taste reopened on the second floor of 808 Center, bigger and more unapologetically Chinese than ever. (Plus, Mian is open downstairs once again!)
9. First Look: Skull & Crown Trading Co.
Published June 14
Photo: Katrina Valcourt
It makes sense that our managing editor, Katrina, whose name eerily resembles La Catrina (the skeleton often associated with Día de los Muertos) and who is also obsessed with skulls, would be the first to visit the new tiki bar Skull & Crown. Also, she had me at Dole Whip. Plus rum. Together at last.
SEE ALSO: The Most-Read Dining Stories of 2019 From HONOLULU Magazine’s Food Blog
8. What Are Honolulu Chefs Obsessed with Right Now?
Published June 3
Photo: Richard Walker
A Vermicular Musui-Kamado, screwpine and rose syrup, and more.
7. Learn an Exclusive Vegetarian Recipe from Chef’s Table Star Jeong Kwan
Published March 25
PHOTO: LISA YAMAMOTO
I’m not super interested in celebrity chefs. But celebrity monk chefs? Yes, please.
6. J. Ludovico: The Island-Grown Chicken Found in Honolulu’s Best Restaurants
Published August 16
Photo: STEVE CZERNIAK
Says the social worker turned chicken farmer: “Man, I wish being hot right now translated into us making more money.”
5. The Pig & the Lady Tokyo: What It Takes To Open a Hawai‘i Restaurant in Japan
Published November 6
PHOTO: MARTHA CHENG
Hawai‘i sells. But for his first restaurant in Tokyo, Andrew Le is resisting Hawai‘ification.
4. Taste Test: I Ate Every Dish on the Menu at Rangoon Burmese Kitchen
Published September 30
PHOTO: SARAH BURCHARD
In the greatest dining feat of 2019 (though really, I don’t know how we’re ever going to top this), Sarah Burchard tried every single dish at Rangoon. All 74.
3. Why McDonald’s Hawai‘i Has the Only Fried Apple Pies in the Country
Published March 6
Photo: Martha Cheng
My favorite line from Victor Lim, McDonald’s Hawai‘i franchise owner: “It’s not so simple you can do fried pies again.”
2. Find Your Next Favorite Fruit or Vegetable at the Variety Showcase
Published November 18
PHOTO: SHAWN LINEHAN
If I had a signature produce, it might be Love Lies Bleeding.
1. An Introvert’s Guide to Dining Solo in Honolulu
Published October 21
Photo: Martha Cheng
Sometimes one is the best number.
Read more stories by Martha Cheng
