New noshes at The Modern
It seems like a lot of chefs around town are trying to spread their creative wings so they’re not stuck cooking the same old, same old at their same old jobs. Although diners like to go back to restaurants for…
Melissa Chang
Articles
Something new: Harbor Restaurant at Pier 38
With most restaurants now, there is no such thing as a soft opening. They open their doors and BOOM! everyone’s busting down the doors and picking apart the food and service within the first hour, and posting it online for…
Whisky Wednesdays at Avenue’s Bar & Eatery
Tasting Hakushu 18 in Kobuchizawa. I’m still very much a novice at drinking whisky, but I have learned to appreciate it nonetheless. After last November’s visit to Suntory’s Hakushu distillery in Japan, I have a new appreciation for Japanese spirits…
Something new: Fujiyama Texas
Many people mourned the loss of South King Lounge, located in the same complex as longtime karaoke bar Anyplace Lounge. The owners were denied visa renewal, leaving them to re-restart their lives in Tokyo. The old space is home to…
Happy third anniversary to Arancino at the Kahala
They say that if you own a business and make it to the three-year mark, you know you’re going to be okay. Arancino at the Kahala is now celebrating its third anniversary, and they are introducing a new menu today…
The 2016 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards
Jimmy Borges’ daughter Steffanie and wife Vicki accept his Hokus for him. Many people had no idea that in his 60 years in the entertainment business, jazz vocalist Jimmy Borges had never won a Hoku Award. Last night, he won four.…
Something new: Chick & Meck
This restaurant has since closed. You’ve probably been wondering about that weirdly named new restaurant on Keeaumoku Street. Chick & Meck? What does that mean? Well, the chicken part is pretty self-explanatory: They serve chicken. The “meck” is shortened slang…
Props to the pop up, Province SF
Since our flight to Dubai originated in San Francisco, we had time before and after that adventure to have another mini-adventure in the City by the Bay. One of my favorite people there to eat with is my Twitter friend…
Review: miraDry to stop underarm sweat
You may have seen my blog last year about TLDYEU, an organic, locally made underarm deodorant that smells good. I’ve been using it ever since my review, and was ready to take a sample tin with me to Dubai to…
Droolworthy: Kulu Kulu’s new shave ice cake
Kulu Kulu’s Chief Technical Patissier Takanobu Horiki with the shave ice cake. Summer is coming, and everyone will be looking for shave ice for relief. For a different twist, bringing two of our favorite desserts together, Kulu Kulu is launching a…
Flying on Emirates Air (plus Dubai travel tips)
When we first booked our trip to Dubai, people’s eyes would light up as they asked, “Are you flying on Emirates Airlines?” Everyone knows about the famous airline with the beautiful flight attendants that wear a red hat with a veil.…
Something new: Tin Roof Maui
It’s been a long time in the making, but chef Sheldon Simeon of Top Chef fame has finally opened a place of his own, Tin Roof Maui, in Kahului. Janice and Sheldon Simeon in front of the door that she…
A day trip to Abu Dhabi
The Grand Mosque Sheikh Zayed in Abu Dhabi. If you go to Dubai, leave some time to take a day trip to Abu Dhabi, which is about an hour and a half drive away. The main attraction there is the…
Dubai: To market, to market
You can’t go to Dubai without visiting the souks (old markets), at least for the experience. They’re full of stimulation for all the senses, to be sure, even if you’re not looking to buy anything. Here’s my warning, though: You know how,…
Dubai: What we ate
With just four full days in Dubai — two of which were on tour — there wasn’t a lot of opportunity to try everything people recommended. Nonetheless, the flavors on this side of the world were as intense and wonderful as we…
Man-made Dubai
Dubai skyline at dawn by Jan Michael Pfeiffer. The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building there. One of the most striking things about the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dubai in particular is the grand scale upon which they build…
Aloha Dubai: Discovering the desert
Aloha from Dubai! Here’s a look at my quick vacation in the fabulous man-made oasis in middle of the vast desert of the United Arab Emirates. My friend Val texted me a few months ago, saying she and her boyfriend Kyle…
Addicting street food flavors at Million Pocha
This restaurant has since closed. This blog post on Million Pocha has taken a long time to come to fruition … so long, in fact, that it’s not quite something new, but enough people know about it that it’s not…
Happy hour at bill’s Sydney
We love our happy hours in Hawaii! Dining out can be expensive, and sometimes eating a little earlier can save us money while we have things that we might not normally make at home. One of the new happy hour…
Hawaii: In Real Life ~ Wing Lam
With Wing Lam, the founder of Wahoo’s Fish Tacos. Many of us in Hawaii know about Wahoo’s Fish Tacos on Ward Avenue and … not much else about it, right? If you’re like me, you’ve probably eaten there and thought it…
Something new: Avenue’s Bar + Eatery
It’s been a few months in the making, but 12th Avenue Grill’s Kevin Hanney is ready to unveil his new bar and dining concept tomorrow in the former Salt-turned-Hale-Ohuna space on Waialae Avenue. He refers to it as “12th Avenue…
Hidden gem: Napili Kai Resort
On my recent trip to Maui for the annual Ag Fest, the Maui Visitor’s Bureau put me up in the Napili Kai Resort out in Kapalua. I didn’t think anything of it until my friend, Maui writer Shannon Wianecki found…
Something new: Taverna
Taverna, one of Maui’s newest restaurants, opened at Kapalua Resort a few weeks ago and like many hotspots, hit the ground running. Located in the former Vino space adjacent to the Kapalua Visitor Center, it benefits from daily visitor traffic,…
Something new: Ichiriki in Kaimuki
I don’t understand Hawaii’s obsession with hotpot. Okay, I like it and I think the whole communal cooking experience is fun. I especially enjoy the places that let you make your own dipping sauces, as I’ll go to town and…
Did this: Maui Ag Fest 2016
Evonouk Farms sold out of their herb packs, but had all of this for free! Every year on the first Saturday in April, Maui has its big agricultural festival — a celebration of the amazing and abundant products from the Valley…
A taste of Hana Ranch
I’d been hearing a lot of buzz about Hana Ranch Provisions in Paia from my Maui friends over the last few months. They weren’t just raving about it; they were claiming it was their favorite Maui restaurant. That’s a pretty…
This Historic Mānoa Home is an Architect’s Masterpiece
Presented by Diane Ito (R) at Keller Williams Honolulu: A custom mid-century-modern dwelling that's both spacious and private.
Here’s a Sneak Peek of Maui’s Newest Condo Development
Open house pick of the week: Each unit in Keala o Wailea will have panoramic ocean views.
Mill House Maui opens (officially)
Mill House Maui in Waikapu finally had its grand opening this past weekend … Wait, wasn’t the Mill House Maui already open? Well, sort of. Maui Tropical Plantation, upon which the restaurant sits, has played a big part in the…
Preview: Hula Grill digs farmers
Hula Grill in the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is always having special events that highlight local products and benefitting local organizations, and this Wednesday’s paniolo-themed dinner is looking like a unique, meaty experience. They’ll be featuring Makaweli Meat Co. from…
Party pics: 10th annual Great Chefs Fight Hunger
Hundreds of people turned out to support the Hawaii Foodbank’s 10th annual Great Chefs Fight Hunger fundraiser, featuring about 20 Oahu restaurants and 13 beverage companies at the main warehouse in Mapunapuna. This year’s crowd was even larger, as the…
A Retro Wilhelmina Rise Home With a Jacuzzi and Views Overlooking Kāhala
Open house pick of the week: This Wilhelmina Rise home has a huge lot that gives you room to expand.
Ramen roundup
Melissa (M): Well, it’s finally feeling like winter in Hawaii, and as sure as people reach for that second blanket at night, they are looking for a bowl of steaming hot ramen to keep them warm. March is also National Noodle Month,…
If You Want to Entertain Guests, This Condo Might Be the Place For You
Open house pick of the week: This Kapi‘olani Condo is a hidden gem.
Hawaii: In Real Life ~ Calabash & Cooks
From left: Delilah, Jacob, Pauline, me, Lars and Rodson at Moanalua High School. The Mālama Learning Center is putting keiki in the kitchen for their annual Calabash & Cooks fundraiser! This Saturday, March 12, professional chefs from Roy’s at Ko Olina, Pono…
Something new: Hopika Bake Stop
Kimmy Harbin with one of her platters. It’s First Friday! You’re probably headed to Chinatown tonight for the big monthly street party, so here’s a civilized option for you as you weave through the crowds and art galleries looking for…
Finally, a Home in Honolulu Priced Under $1 Million
Open house pick of the week: a custom home in Kaimukī with a yard.
Something new: Maui Nui Venison
Axis deer in Hawaii. Photo provided by Maui Nui Venison. In recent years, more local companies and chefs have been coming up with new ways to bring invasive species to the table in a delicious way, so we all can…
A Modern Home Surrounded by Tropical Lush Landscaping in Mānoa
Open house pick of the week: Appreciate nature in a sophisticated environment.
Did this: An evening with Osteria Di Passignano
It’s not every day you get to taste what a Michelin-star chef can do, especially in Hawaii. The Halekulani Hotel brought in Michelin star chef Nicola Damiani and his sous chef Nearco Boninsegni from Osteria Di Passignano, a restaurant just outside Florence,…
