Fat Kid Friday: Extra beefy Pho-strami burger

Fat Kid Friday is a video series spotlighting exuberant dishes across Oahu. Crazy, ginormous or over-the-top luxe, these are the broke-the-mouth dishes we push across the table and tell our friends, “Try this. TRY IT.” Big enough to be a hat. Knowing the way Piggy Smalls operates, this video could have been obsolete if they changed their menu as often…

VIDEO: How Biki just made lunch more ono

Biki, Honolulu’s new bikeshare program, is a contentious topic on my Facebook newsfeed. With friends arguing on both sides of the debate, I decided to test it out for myself. Would Biki be a plus for my lifestyle? Riding down Hotel Street, we saw a few other friendly Biki riders. I’m always on the hunt for new places to eat…

Where Japanese foodies eat in Japan

By Aya Leslie Special to Frolic Hawaii Aya Leslie is a Los Angeles native who enjoys great food and Crossfit workouts. Working in restaurants for many years exposed her to different ingredients and preparations, deepening her interest in trying new things and cooking at home. Check her out on Instagram (@aya.leslie) to see her restaurant meals, prepared dinners and Crossfit…

It’s Taco Tuesday! Here are 3 ice cream tacos

Taco Tuesdays usually mean extra deals and long lines at your favorite Mexican place. But now they have added significance: ice cream tacos. The first time I saw waffle ice cream tacos was at Ben & Jerry’s in Ward Village. They launched their Chillaco ($6.99) toward the end of April, and it’s a limited-edition item (basically, it’s available until supplies…

Now you can eat dinner at Scratch Kitchen & Meatery

Calling all carnivores: Scratch Kitchen & Meatery’s dinner launches Friday, June 16. Yes, the lineup is meaty, but with chef-owner Brian Chan’s Creole leanings, you also get seafood, grits and desserts that don’t skimp on the cream. Meatery’s staff preparing for the full-dinner service. All the dinner items are new to Meatery. Aside from pop-ups, it’s the first time Scratch…

Video bites: Sizzling sukiyaki in Japan

By Aya Nishihara Special to Frolic Hawaii Aya Leslie is a Los Angeles native who enjoys great food and Crossfit workouts. Working in restaurants for many years exposed her to different ingredients and preparations, deepening her interest in trying new things and cooking at home. Check her out on Instagram (@aya.leslie) to see her restaurant meals, prepared dinners and Crossfit…

Ice cream taco face-off

Which local spot does it better?

Taco Tuesdays usually mean extra deals and long lines at your favorite Mexican place. But now, they have added significance: ice cream tacos. There are only a few places on the island that serve ice cream tacos, but which one’s the best? Here’s a face-off between two ice cream tacos, and you can determine which is better suited for your…

Spicy ahi poke: Watch how a local pro does it

Tips for everything from choosing and slicing fish to seasoning and mixing

Poke has always been a local phenomenon — and now it’s gone national. Whatever you have to say about mainland-style poke with cauliflower, nuts, sunflower seeds, zucchini noodles, corn (I’ll stop here), that’s not what this post is about. This post is about how a local fish expert makes spicy ahi poke. My boyfriend works at Nico’s Pier 38, where…

Awesome eats this Thursday: Alicia’s Market smoked brisket & prime rib

Awesome eats is our curated pop-up that brings hard-to-access restaurants and shops to the corner of Bishop and King in downtown for one day only. Alicia’s Market’s last pop-up sold out almost immediately so we knew we needed to bring back this longtime Kalihi icon known for their roast pork, poke, Hawaiian plates and smoked meats. This Thursday, they’re bringing smoked…

Video bites from Korea: fried chicken and crazy soju bombs

Bites of Korea is a mini-series of short videos documenting the delicious food mecca of Seoul, South Korea. Each episode is a tiny look into the cuisine and food culture found in every corner of the bustling metropolis, from Michelin-rated mandoo to street food. If there’s one thing I learned while in Seoul, it’s that Koreans love fried chicken and…

Lea Salonga to perform at Kristi Yamaguchi’s Golden Moment 2017

Sponsored Kristi Yamaguchi’s Golden Moment Hawaii is returning with world-renowned actress and singer Lea Salonga. Salonga will join Yamaguchi and an all-star team of figure skating champions in an all-new production of Golden Moment. This two-day “concert on ice” raises awareness and funds to support early childhood literacy in Hawaii. Show times are Saturday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept….

News alert: Honolulu now has Rita’s frozen custard

Ever tried frozen custard? No? Well you are denied no longer because Rita’s of Hawaii, a local franchise of the famous East Coast chain, has arrived at the Tiki’s Family Fun Center at Dole Cannery in Iwilei. Walk through the glow-in-the-dark mini golf, air hockey and laser tag and you’ll find yourself in front of a display of unique frozen…

Video bites from Korea: Michelin-rated Mandoo

ites of Korea is a mini-series of short videos documenting the delicious food mecca of Seoul, South Korea. Each episode is a tiny look into the cuisine and food culture found in every corner of the bustling metropolis, from Michelin-rated mandoo to street food. Imagine it’s 46º outside and browsing yet another cosmetics store is just not at the top…

Video bites from Korea: Grandma Toast

Bites of Korea is a mini-series of short videos documenting the delicious food mecca of Seoul, South Korea. Each episode is a tiny look into the cuisine and food culture found in every corner of the bustling metropolis, from Michelin-rated mandoo to street food. Gwangjang, or grandma toast as I like to call it, is a simple sweet and savory…

Try these crazy taiyaki snacks from Yoloha Cafe

I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s been drooling over all the recent taiyaki posts on Instagram. Places like Taiyaki NYC are famous for their IG-worthy taiyaki ice cream. Here’s my taiyaki pic, from Yoloha Cafe in Waipahu: For those who don’t know about this trendy snack that’s become popular from places like Taiyaki NYC to SomiSomi in L.A., taiyaki…

Happy National Grilled Cheese Day! Are you ready for this?

Today is National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, because for millions like me, the quintessential American sandwich just never gets old.But there’s always room for variety, so in that spirit here’s a version that’s unconventional, over the top and … well, let’s just say breadless.It’s at Million Pocha, a karaoke spot known for its grapefruit soju, spicy chicken wings and other…

Video & pics: Cosplay madness at Kawaii Kon 2017

  I spent the weekend at Kawaii Kon 2017, the largest anime convention in Hawaii. It was good to be among my people. Anime, manga, video games and cosplay as far as the eye could see. I witnessed a lightsaber duel, watched a Jfashion show and saw amazing cosplays. I’ll have to remember to wear something with better foot support…