Shop and drop in for a bite
In the midst of last-minute mall frenzy, keep your energy up with Lei Chic senior editor Christi Young’s dining recommendations. (Why Christi? Malls are like her satellite offices, and her taste in food as excellent as her daily picks.)
Her refuel stops at Ala Moana Mall:
- Mariposa: “Love the silky interior of their popovers. Plus, there's a great selection for un-wining after a long day scoping for new finds.”
- The Pineapple Room's “crispy calamari somen salad is a little spicy, a little indulgent with the fried calamari, but still light and satisfying.”
- Nordstrom Café: “I used to live on the avocado club panini while across the street at KGMB. Now it's the the cucumber miso salad with furikake tofu and the bite of watercress, so I have room for the amazingly soft pumpkin mochi and, of course, a cup of tomato basil soup (which they sell in jars to take home).”
While shopping Pearlridge Mall, she heads to Tsuruya in the downtown food court for nabeyaki udon. “You've got to feel special when an entire pot full of vegetables, chewy noodles, egg and shrimp tempura is unveiled in cloud of steam in front of you. I almost always mean to share, almost never do.”
In Pearl Kai, it’s Tadashi for sushi. “Love the combos at Tadashi, sushi, tempura, and udon. You never go wrong by just letting the sushi chef do their best here.”
As for Windward Mall: "There is something oddly enticing about Hot Dog on a Stick. Corn dogs are goooood."
