As we approach the 20th anniversary of successfully cloning mice with the same technique used to clone Dolly the sheep, University of Hawaii geneticists have set their sights on bringing back a long-extinct native Hawaiian bird. The moa-nalo, or “lost…
There are many who take their food far too seriously. I admit to doing that on occasion myself. “Tampopo,” which makes a return engagement at the Hawaii International Film Festival, exposes the ridiculousness behind the many food fetishes we have.…
Black Friday shopping? Since 2011, I’ve pretty much avoided it as if it were that drunk uncle at Thanksgiving dinner who has no concept of personal space. As a result, Cyber Monday has become my favorite day to shop for…
I’m a baker by trade, and after culinary school and working around the country with great chef-mentors, I had a job as the pastry chef at Longhi’s Ala Moana. Then in 2009 an injury to my right hand forced me…
For many, the Hawaii International Film Festival is not only known for great films, it is also synonymous with great food. This year, HIFF features a pair of foodie films that should not be missed. It would be best to…
It’s that time of year again when visions of sugar plum fairies only whet our appetite for more. We need holiday treats studded with candies and chocolate and dusted with snowy sugar, preferably with rum involved. Heck, we don’t even…
One of the rare perks of being a chef and writer is the occasional invitation to judge cooking contests. These are hit or miss. Often the the hardest competitions to judge are when none of the entries really stand out…
The madness of Black Friday behind us, we come now to my preferred shopping day, Cyber Monday, where people go online to look for deals. Here are my top three gift recommendations for the foodie in your life. Hedley &…
Food always features prominently at HIFF. This year is no different: There are a trio of food documentaries that will have you planning your next meal before the credits start rolling. “Foodies” Friday, Nov. 13, 5:45 p.m., Dole Sunday, Nov.…
It’s brilliant when you look at how last week’s “South Park” Yelp episode has played out on social media. In its wake, a satirical news article about the satirical television show has ended up touching on some real issues that…
Humidity and morning rain weren’t enough to keep away the crowd that showed up for the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival’s Battle of the Brunch II on Sunday. The weather cleared up shortly before, and the three chef teams were…
I’ve been putting this off for longer than I should. Despite months of planning, hard work and sheer determination to succeed, nothing can prepare you for the unexpected. Amidst questions from friends, colleagues and media, I realize that I can’t…
I’ve never been a fan of “Entourage.” Early in the series I found the characters insipid and annoying. Vincent Chase, played by Adrian Grenier, was the worst one of them all. Vince’s aloofness to his success and “everything will work…
Even if you haven’t seen the Japanese television series upon which “Midnight Diner” is based, there is a strange familiarity that draws you into this film, currently screening at the Hawaii International Film Festival’s Spring Showcase. Halfway through, I realized…
Since yesterday, my social media feeds have been inundated with “We Are Mauna Kea” posts, which have left me conflicted. First of all, any movement that identifies itself with a catchphrase has a limited digital shelf life and is forgotten…
I’ve been a longtime connoisseur of cookbooks.Given my chosen field, it’s pretty much a necessity to know what other chefs are doing and to keep up to date with current food trends.Based on what I have seen in the countless…
Something New is a food fest with a twist: Nine of Honolulu’s craziest chefs were paired with local ingredients and challenged to create something new. Savory chefs got sweet ingredients. Pastry chefs got savory. One got a whole cow. Another…
Disclaimer: The following represents my views only and should in no way reflect upon or be interpreted as the opinion of any past, present or future employers. As unbelievable as it is to me, I have gone through two restaurant…
I never imagined a year ago that I would be where I am. I clearly can recall opening Highway Inn Kaka‘ako, but now it’s time for me to leave Highway Inn to pursue new endeavors, so I’m in the process…
Despite being unofficially referred to as, “Turkey Day,” one thing that’s just as integral to Thanksgiving dinner is the ubiquitous pumpkin pie. About a month ago, someone asked me for recommendations on where to get the best pumpkin pie, but…
In an exclusive private uncorking event this week, Vintage Cave introduced the newest addition to its prestigious list of offerings — gourmet food, fine wine and now one of the most expensive bottles of whisky in the world. Retailing at…
It is said that the measure of a leader is how many leaders they create. A prime example of this is in the life of Master Chef Peter Timmins. Based on the number of leaders Timmins created during his 40-year…
This is Part 3 of a series about how I found my way back into the kitchen after a near career-ending injury. Here’s Part 1 and Part 2. While having lunch at the Highway Inn bar with chef Mike Kealoha,…
Rainy and muggy weather nor questions of will or won’t hurricane Ana hit Oahu didn’t stop the cast and crew of the “The Fishing Club” from gathering Friday night at Kaka‘ako Agora for a preview screening of the film that…
The home base for the 2022 Hale ‘Aina Restaurateurs of the Year is a hidden paradise that serves up the best Lao and Thai food in Honolulu.
Kats Sushi is the only place you can find made-to-order AYCE sushi that’s not on a buffet table.
Follow the scent of grilled meats to the old Meadow Gold parking lot.
Meat-, dairy- and egg-free menu items at Planted by La Tour Café include burgers, banh mi sandwiches and yes—macarons.
How well do you know Big Island beers? Here‘s a round-the-island guide to Hawai‘i Island's top breweries.
Honolulu’s first modern tea restaurant has delicious milk tea, laksa and sweet toasts six days a week except Thursdays (for now).
