Melissa Chang

Frolic Contributor

Melissa Chang graduated from the University of Hawai‘i with a degree in journalism and has been blogging since 2007, mostly on food and travel. She works primarily in social media, so you can find her on Twitter and Instagram.

 

 

Articles

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Sneak peek: Hale Ohuna

After months of waiting … and waiting … and waiting, chef Lee Anne Wong’s newest restaurant is finally opening to the public Friday night. It seems quite fitting that the name is Hale Ohuna (which means “secret house” in Hawaiian),…

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Something new: Urban Bistro

Urban Bistro in 808 Center. I’ve been waiting to see what that new building on the corner of Rycroft and Sheridan (behind Walmart) would turn into since they started building it last year. Recently, two hair salons have opened in…

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Popping up with Jonathan Mizukami

When Vintage Cave mysteriously closed earlier this year, it sent several top-notch chefs out into the foodie wilderness … and this is a great thing for food lovers who previously couldn’t get to (read: afford) the exclusive dining venue. Now,…

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Preview: Asian cinema night at Wang Chung’s

On any given night, Wang Chung’s karaoke bar is packed with locals and visitors looking for a fun time in Waikiki. But once in a while, owner Danny Chang changes things up with special theme nights — and tomorrow, you’re…

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Hidden gem: Natsunoya Tea House sushi bar

I’d been wanting to try the hidden sushi bar at Natsunoya Tea House since Garrett Wong (now of Sushi Ii) was there. I knew it was tiny and had its regulars, but somehow never had the time to think about…

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Something new: Sammies

By now you’ve heard of The Little Oven, the quirky little dessert shop on King Street with the quirky owner and fabulous desserts. Owner Joyce Harada only opens on Friday and Saturday nights, and now the equally quirky Da Ala…

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Exploring Ka Iwi

You may have noticed on my social media channels that I’ve been doing quite a few hikes lately around Oahu to change up my fitness routine. The latest was with a group, the Livable Hawai’i Kai Hui (LHK), that is working with the Trust…

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New items at Longhi’s

Hard to believe, but Longhi’s Ala Moana celebrates 12 years in business this year. Where has the time gone? They have been consistent with their food and drinks throughout the years, and still have one of the more popular happy hours in…

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Party pics: Buho Cocina y Cantina’s first anniversary

Buho Cocina y Cantina, the Mexican-themed rooftop restaurant and bar in Waikiki, celebrated its first anniversary last night with a twist on its monthly Cinco de Buho event. In addition to food and drink specials, attendees could participate in salsa…

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Where should your out-of-town guests eat?

Hi Uncle Ron! Remember me greeting Aunty Sue and the cousins at the airport every summer? This time of year, many of you have visiting family and friends, and you want to impress them with the food Oahu has to…

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Taormina’s summer menu

Chef Hiroyuki “Hiro” Mimura of Taormina Sicilian Cuisine. I’ve been kind of surprised to see chef Hiro Mimura of Taormina Sicilian Cuisine being so proactive lately, with events like Mangoes at the Moana, and now various seasonal menus. I have always…

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My first juice cleanse: Nalo Juice Company

Nalo Juice’s daily menu, found outside 24 Hour Fitness on King and Bishop streets. I was about to do a Something New post about Nalo Juice Company, which hit the scene quietly about three months ago, when owner Kale Furuya…

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Did this: Mangoes at the Moana 2015

Can you believe it’s been seven years since the first mango festival at the Moana Surfrider came to be? I remember when it was held out at the Sheraton Makaha, coordinated by Mark and Candy Suiso of Makaha Mangoes right…

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Happy birthday, Rap Reiplinger

Poi Dog, one of the most popular of Rap Reiplinger’s nine comedy albums. If you’re local, usually over 35 years old, you remember this funny guy with a funny name who hit the comedy scene in the 1970s. Rap Reiplinger made…

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Something new: Flyin’ Ahi

There are a few places in town that we haven’t been able to preview — like Central Bakery and Menya Musashi — because they were just too unready for us to tell anyone to try. (Which is weird, because they…

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The Farm Fair’s winning pie

The Hawaii State Farm Fair pie recipe finalists, from left: Pamela Jinnohara, Cynthia Murakami Pratt, and Allisen Fong. I love it when my worlds intersect! Yesterday I got to be a judge at the Hawaii State Farm Fair’s annual pie…

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A menu makeover for Tsurumen

When Tsurumen first opened on Kapahulu more than a year ago, I went for lunch but wasn’t going to do a blog post. It was too soon, and the food didn’t seem ready yet. But so many people asked about…

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Have you ever had #SwitchersRemorse ?

Did you ever regret making a decision you thought was better for you just to find out that you should have probably stayed where you were? The situation doesn’t have to be work-related. Photo by Michael Browning. I had been…

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Healing touches at Laka Spa

Akiko Chun (left) and Amy Hastanan of Laka Spa. You’ve probably seen the photos, but have you ever had “cupping” as part of your massage at a spa? I was always scared to try it, but Laka Spa owner Akiko…

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Hidden gem: HiBlend Health Bar & Cafe

I really should walk around my neighborhood more often. There are so many eateries in the two-mile radius near Ala Moana, it’s easy to miss little gems, and by the time I “discover” them, they’ve already been open two years. One…

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Career advice: Adapt or die

In front of the Honolulu Advertiser building on June 6, 2010, the day it was officially closed. The five-year anniversary of the Honolulu Advertiser’s closure was earlier this month, and it made me think of how it caused hundreds of…

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Sipping toward the Joy of Sake: Kickoff party

Photo by Eric Baranda. Kampai! Get ready for the largest, most extensive sake-tasting event in the country — the largest in the world outside Japan — as the Joy of Sake kicks off ticket sales for its annual event happening…

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Mango season at Moke’s: new li hing mango pancakes

What do you do when it’s mango season and your friends drop off a mother lode of their sweet bounty? If you own a restaurant, chances are you’ll serve it in something. If you own Moke’s Bread & Breakfast, you…

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Deodorant review: TLDYEU

My family has some distinct genetic quirks, and unfortunately one of them is our body odor. It’s kind of difficult to not be aromatic, since we live in Hawaii and love being active. Sam and Jennifer Chillingworth with their TLDYEU…

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Something new: Shimazu Shave Ice on Kapahulu

As the temps start inching upwards of 90 degrees, it’s only natural that Shimazu Store, the popular shave ice spot on School Street, would branch out with a second location to cool us off. And, since it is a local favorite,…