Le Bistro

Prime Rib Eye ($35).  Apple Tarte ($9).

Chicken Fried Chicken

Chicken Fried Chicken ($10.50) from Kakaako Kitchen.  It's very light, you can tell because it's tan and white.  Seriously, it is ....

Still More Lucky Belly

About a month after their first foray to LuckyBelly, Umami and Elle went back for a weekday lunch.  They were first in when it opened at 11; by 11:30 all the tables were full, but there were seats at the bar.  So the crowd's died down some, but still better to go early during mealtimes.

First up, a fine Bundaberg Ginger Beer . . . not too sweet, with a good zip of ginger, it's a bracing soda for a hot day.

Bundaberg Ginger Beer.  Bunda-bar!

And because it was a hot day, Umami and Elle passed on the ramen, in favor of trying other items.  Like the Pork Belly Bao:

Pork Belly Bao

Nice cuts of pork belly (with fat!), with cilantro and pickle, sesame seed and hoisin sauce.  Umami thinks the greens can be a little aggressive, to the detriment of the pork.  It's easily remedied, however, just take out what you don't want.

Beet Salad

Layers of Beet and Goat Cheese

The Beet Salad is layers of beet and goat cheese, looking a bit like a terrine.  The beets are cooked through (i.e., not crunchy) and cold, so a little off-putting to Umami, though Elle liked it well enough.  The green salad on the side comes with nicely sweet granola instead of croutons, which was a pleasant surprise.

Chicken Karaage Sandwich

The Chicken Karaage Sandwich is a nicely executed take on a Banh Mi, karaage chicken dressed with namasu.  There's a brightness to the greens, such that it would work really well with a batter-fried fish sandwich as well.  Oh, and this comes with a salad on the side as well . . . means the three dishes was a lot of food for two.  But you could do far, far worse for lunch than to get that sandwich.

Lucky Belly

50 N Hotel St
Honolulu, HI 96817

Lucky Belly

One of Umami's old favorite Chinatown places, Mini Garden, has given way a new eatery that seems destined to become one of his new favorite Chinatown places.  Lucky Belly first opened as a late night take out window in June of this year, but has since opened as full restaurant and bar.  And, as usual for all things food in this town, it was quickly mobbed.  Want to go for lunch?  Get there at 11?  Dinner?  Be prepared to wait an hour on a First Friday night.  Maybe more.

[Hint:  If it's too crowded, skip it, skip Little Village (which is also likely to be crowded) and go to Ken Fong down the street and have the Arp Tui Min - stewed duck noodle.  That's some serious comfort food too!]

Umami and Elle were, well, lucky, last Friday.  The Hawaii Theatre crowd had just left (for the Shaolin Warriors!) so there were two seats at the bar.  Elle ordered the Shrimp Kim Chee Bowl ($14), recommended by Mookie:

Shrimp Kim Chee Bowl

Mookie described the broth as "sort of a goma-miso" and Umami gets the miso part of the equation.  The sesame seed part was a little harder for him to pick up.  Regardless, the broth is elegant miso soup comfort food.  The ramen is perfectly done (i.e., what Umama would call "firm" and what in another language might be called al dente).  Shrimp very lightly tempura battered and, according to Elle, "sweet."  Kim chee and chili oil and shichimi give some heat.  Oh, and an egg.

Umami opted for the Belly Bowl ($14), because . . . well, why not?  No sense fooling around.  The Belly Bowl is like the Shrimp Kim Chee Bowl, but with pork belly, thick slice bacon, and arabiki sausage instead of the shrimp and kim chee.  

Belly Bowl

The best part is that the bacon (which has a nice, required, layer of fat) soaks up the soup.  It's so rich and full of bacon goodness that Umami took really small bites just to savor it as long as possible.  So good!

There are other menu items (featuring bacon!) that Umami and Elle will return to try.  Though maybe wait for the crowd to thin a bit when the next-big-thing opens up.

Lucky Belly

50 N Hotel St
Honolulu, HI 96817

Central at Caesar's Palace

Central is the 24/7 restaurant near the registration area of Caesar's Palace owned by Michel Richard (James Beard winner; owner of Central (D.C.) and Citrus (L.A.)).

Umami and Elle went in January of 2012 and thoroughly enjoyed it.  The Lobster Burger ($35 late night) is crazy decadent, with lump lobster meat, but also super rich and food coma inducing.  Which is fine for Las Vegas.

Lobster Burger!

Lobster Burger!

Central's concept is American-Favorites-with-a-French-Twist, so this time, Umami and Elle opted for comfort food:  Meatloaf ($24) for Umami and Fried Chicken ($23) for Elle.  There's only so much you can do with meatloaf and fried chicken before it becomes a parody of moodiness.  Does anyone really want "deconstructed" or "architectural" or "molecularly gastronomic" or "fusion" versions of meatloaf?  Of fried chicken?

Wisely, then, Central doesn't mess around.  The meatloaf is an excellent, albeit straightforward version of the classic.

Meatloaf, like a Bat of Hell!

The Fried Chicken is boneless, with a crunchily executed coating, so it's essentially a chicken katsu on steroids.

Winner, Winner, Fried Chicken Dinner!
(There's a second cutlet lurking underneath!)

 It's not cheap, but it is very, very good, and if you're in Vegas to live the life, why not?

Central
Caesars Palace (near Hotel Registration)
3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109

  

Slater's 50/50 Burger

Umami and Elle were visiting family (Elle's) in Torrance, CA when they heard about a place that served a burger that was half beef and half bacon (!)!  The place is called Slater's 50/50, located in Anaheim Hills, off the 91 on Santa Ana Canyon Road east of Imperial Highway.

[Umami was amused to learn that Los Angelenos really do like the characters in Saturday Night Live's "The Californians," where everything revolves around freeways . . .

  

Really, they do . . . ]

So, Umami and Elle, after visiting the Fender Guitar museum in Corona, were driving back on the 91 west and took the S Weir exit, then west on East Santa Ana Canyon Road to Slater's, which is in a little mall at the corner with Fairmont.  [Really, it is]

Slater's 50/50

The 50/50 has the aforementioned 50/50 burger, a sunnyside up egg, avocado mash, pepper jack and chipotle mayo, all on brioche.  The waitress said the egg is a problem for some people, but since Umami and Elle can down a loco moco with no problem whatsoever, the egg on the 50/50 is also, no problem whatsoever.  And it makes the burger more luxurious, as well as giving it an additional "bacon and eggs for breakfast comfort food" quality.

Sheer luxuriousness

Their waitress said that the owner was, like, 28 years old and just really liked bacon with (in?) his hamburgers.  Now he's got three restaurants and has Umami thinking "Hey, why couldn't I think of that?"

Good stuff.

Slater's 50/50
6362 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd (near the 91 and Imperial)
Anaheim Hills, CA 92807

This would be fun

Osaka Ramen - Spicy Tan Tan Ramen

Sorry for the absence sports fans . . . Umami's been busy lately, what with two cats joining the household . . .

L to R:  Sasha Fierce and Rufus Khat

and learning to play bass . . .

Basses (and Dr. Sher's guitar that dropped by for a visit)

it's been a busy month!
But, on Sunday, Umami and Elle went off to check out the music fair at McKinley High, then went off to Jelly's Aiea.  Then, on the way, they stopped in to Osaka Ramen at Pearl Kai Shopping Center.  By accident, because Umami thought this was the place Ms. D recommended for spicy ramen.

Wrong!  Ms. D's likes Wang's Garden for Jyajangmyeon (Black Bean Noodles).

Spicy (!) Tan Tan Ramen

The Spicy Tan Tan Ramen is . . . Spicy!  If you like a strong sesame flavor, then Goma Tei's version is more your speed.  This version goes for the heat, with minced pork, green onion, and, for a change of pace, cucumber slices.  Throw in some minced garlic (kept in condiment jars on the table!)  and you've a dish that'll work up a sweat!   For those of you suffering from a hangover, and you know who you are, give this a try.

Osaka Ramen

98-199 Kamehameha Hwy
Ste B9
Aiea, HI 96701

TJ's Oyster Shooters

Oyster Shooters

$10 gets you four of these little guys.  Oyster, quail egg, cocktail sauce, tobiko, green onion.  Umami likes his oyster shooters, but was concerned about the egg.  Not to worry, it added some richness to the whole enterprise.  For those of you who don't like oysters because they're slimy, well, a cold raw egg probably isn't going to change your mind.  But fun if you're a fan.


TJ's Sports Bar & Grill
600 Kapiolani Blvd, Ste 100
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 545-2424

Is This Any Way To Do A Grand Opening?

One of Umami's favorite downtown lunch places, Aloha Island Grill, has closed up to tackle a bigger space in the Mililani Town Center.  Aloha, Vil and Michele, Umami'll miss you!

In their old downtown space, a new restaurant, whose name (was it "BGH?") escapes Umami's memory.  Perhaps just as well . . . *cue foreboding music* . . .

Today they were running a super grand opening special:  $4 for any regular burger or plate lunch.  The menu is fairly nondescript, so Umami opted for the Hamburger Steak.  This is what he got:

Hamburger Steak Plate

It was rather disappointing actually, a rather pedestrian pre-fab burger with equally pedestrian gravy, tasteless mac salad.  And is this really a regular size plate?  Umami misses Aloha Island Grill already!

Maybe there's some growing pains and maybe it will improve.  But Umami's not prioritizing a return trip.

For those of you who must know:

BGH?
1111 Bishop Street (Remington College Building)
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 545-2960

Support

Umami is impressed by 9-yo blogger, Veg.  Why "Veg?"  She says "My dad says I should myself Veritas Ex Gustu, truth from tasting in Latin but who knows Latin?  You can call me Veg."


She blogs (Site:  NeverSeconds) about her school lunches and Umami wishes he could write things like this:  

"It is quite hard to eat peas and sweetcorn without dropping them but I was very careful. The dessert is called Australian Crunch but I don't know why. The only reason I can think of is it has coconut in it unless its a traditional Australian recipe."

Unfortunately, local school officials banned taking her photos because they were misleading and distressing to cafeteria staff.


The public outcry, however, soon forced them to see the error of their ways, and Veg is back in business!  Fight the Power, Veg!  You get on wit' yo' bad self!

And, as if that's not enough, she's raising money for Mary's Meals, which is a charity that sets up school feeding projects in communities where hunger and poverty prevent children from gaining an education.  She's raised £67,000 ($105,000)!!  Umami's was so impressed, he chipped in £10.00.  Respect. 

Ka 'ike o ka Moana: The Knowledge of the Ocean

Umami was invited to submit an artwork for a show called "Ka 'ike o ka Moana:  The Knowledge of the Ocean."  The works had to be themed on "the ocean."   Here's Umami's painting . . . if you think it looks raw in the photo, it's even raw-er in real life . . .

"All Tomorrow's Parties"

It's called "All Tomorrow's Parties" because, well, Umami really likes (1) the Velvet Underground song of the same name and (2) the William Gibson novel of the same name.  And, especially, the song lyric:

"And where will she go and what shall she do When midnight comes around"

Because, eventually, midnight will come around for the oceans and, then, where will we go and what shall we do when they're gone and the painting tries to ask that (but not answer it).   Yes, Umami's really a leftist hippie environmentalist at heart.

It'll be interesting to see what other people did.

Here's the show flyer . . . reception is June 14.  There's some nice entertainment and Umami might be prowling the pupu line.  Should be pretty cool.

Ka 'ike o ka Moana:  The Knowledge of the Ocean
Honolulu Hale Courtyard
530 South King Street

Bacon Ice Cream Waffle.

This what happens when Umami watches Iron Chef . . .

Iron Chef was having a "Grill" weekend marathon, with secret ingredients like pork and hot dogs (seriously, there was a "Challenge: Hot Dog").  After watching that, Umami had to make a Bacon Ice Cream Waffle - Turkey Bacon, scoop of Hagen Daz Vanilla Ice Cream, and an Eggo Whole Wheat Waffle.  With some Blue Agave Syrup over the whole mess.   Of course, it was fabulous . . . or, as Elle would say:  "Grub-able!"

The Shack - Hawaii Kai

The View from The Deck

There's not much better than late afternoon beer and pupus, especially sitting out on a deck with a view.  6:00 p.m. Tuesday, and Umami and Elle are on the back deck of The Shack - Hawaii Kai for just that.  Happy Hour goes until 7:00, Black and Tans were $3.00, pupus were half-price and all was good.

Set of Sliders

Set of Sliders has one Swiss and Mushroom, one Bacon Cheeseburger, and one Shack Slider (with Portuguese Sausage slice).  With Curly Fries.  $12/$6 happy hour.

Potato Skins (but you knew that)

Potato Skins with Jack and Cheddar, Bacon Bits, Sour Cream, Green Onions $8/$4 happy hour.

Bucket of Wings

Buffalo Wings are messy good fun.  Umami and Elle, for some reason, thought they could eat a Bucket (16 pieces) instead of the more realistic Regular (8 pieces) on top of everything else they'd ordered.  Bucket $14/$7 happy hour.  Regular $8/$4 happy hour.

It's bar food, to be sure, but well done, well priced (total tab was $30), and, with a deck, can't be beat.
 
THE SHACK (Hawaii Kai)
377 Keahole St. #C2
Honolulu, HI 96825-3409
Tel: (808) 396-1919

Island Twist Cafe: Vegetarian Spaghetti

Vegetarian Spaghetti

Spaghetti sauce is "Tuscany," with chunks of tomato, and green and black olives.  Finished with some cheese (so it's not vegan) and green onion (which Island Twist uses as a garnish on lots of their dishes).  Also comes with some bread with tomato slices and cheese, almost a mini-pizza.  $7.50 for a good solid, light lunch.


B & D Island Twist Cafe
134 South Hotel Street
Honolulu, Hawaii  96813

Cinco de Mayo at Miguelz

For Cinco de Mayo, Umami and Elle decided to try, Miguelz, the new tapas place at Koko Marina Shopping Center.  It's in the spot most recently occupied by Just Tacos, before that, Therapy, and, way back when, an excellent Thai restaurant called Bua Khao.

Umami and Elle had walked by previously and thought the menu intriguing, so it seemed an opportune time.  And, speaking of opportune timing, turns out Miguelz was running a drink special, four tickets, redeemable for beer and/or shots, for $10.  So, some pints of Dos Equis Amber and some Cuervo shots for $10?  Not a bad start.

Tortilla Espanola

Because the menu seemed a little ambitious, Umami and Elle decided to go slow, ordering a couple of dishes just to see.  First up, Tortilla Espanola ($10), five pieces of a rather thick potato, egg, onion, classic, with a roasted red pepper coulis and aioli.  Here, the red pepper is a winner . . . Umami dredged pretty much everything through it.

Crispy Brussel Sprouts

Including the Crispy Brussel Sprouts ($12).  Flash fried to a crunch, with salt and trimmed with apples. The menu says they're tossed in homemade pineapple vinegar and with a pineapple "cream fresh," but Umami didn't register that.  It was better with the red pepper coulis anyway.

Braized Lamb

Emboldened by the first two dishes (and the Dos Equis), they moved on to the Braised Lamb ($17 (yikes!)).  The menu description sounded fascinating:  "Lamb cooked in sous vide, lamb ravioli, Swish [sic] chard, root beer foam, and red pepper coulis."  Despite the presence of the red pepper coulis (yes!), Umami thought the reach exceeded the grasp, as the dish fell just a bit short.  The lamb and ravioli were okay, but not outstanding.  Umami did think the root beer was a fun touch, but the foam wrecked the presentation.  Far better to incorporate it into the dish, maybe in the braising liquid?  At $17, Umami and Elle have tried it . . .  you don't need to.

Crema Frita

The Crema Frita ($10), however, is definitely worth a try.  Like eating a deep fried custard filled doughnut, minus the doughnut, Umami and, especially, Elle, thought it was worth the wait.  And, for some reason, it took forever for this to come out of the kitchen.  Their waitress said the kitchen was backed up, which is a little concerning since the place was pretty empty at the time.  Maybe the one big table was a problem, but still . . . 

All in all, the food is pretty good, but doesn't quite live up to the ambitions, though it may yet do so.  Couple that with price points that are on the high side, and Umami thinks they're going to have a rough time of it.

Still, Umami and Elle had a good time, their server was excellent, and there was enough there to warrant a return visit to try some other items.  And Elle will be sure to have the Crema Frita again!

Miguelz

Koko Marina Shopping Center D-105
7194 Kalanianaole Hwy
Honolulu, HI 96825
(808) 396-6100

Corned Beef Hash Loco Moco

When Umami gets grouchy, he tends to defy Dr. Lois by going for the brown and white food.  Hence, the Corned Beef Hash Loco Moco from Island Twist Cafe.

Corned Beef Hash Loco Moco

It's true, Umami seems intent on trying everything on their menu*, but that's because he's liked everything he's tried.

This one, alas, falls a little short.  Nothing wrong with the gravy, eggs, and rice, and, frankly, Umami was pretty pleased just to be eating eggs.  No, the issue here is that the Corned Beef Hash could actually use more corned beef to stand up to the mashed potatoes in the hash and to the overall flavor profile of the dish.  ("Flavor profile?"  Umami's been watching too much Food Network).

Not a bad dish.  Just . . . frustrating.  But, wait, minus the gravy, this would be an awesome breakfast . . . hmmm . . . .

*Try:  Snapper, Pork Chops, Salmon.

B & D Island Twist Cafe
134 South Hotel Street
Honolulu, Hawaii  96813

Dispatch from the Secret Menu Front: Dr. Sher reviews the Double Filet-0-Fish

Double Filet-o-Fish

Dr. Sher reports:

"Drove through McDonald's and ordered secret menu item: double filet-o-fish. Person taking the order seemed stumped by it, but when we said, "You know, a filet-o-fish with two fish filets" she said, "Oh, ok, extra patty." The extra patty costs $1. When we get to the window to pay, my friend asks what would be the best way to order this. We are told, "Order a filet-o-fish with an extra patty." That is, don't say, "Double filet-o-fish." We leave the drive-through only to discover that there is no extra patty. My friend goes into the restaurant, where they put on another filet and cheese.

Anyway, I think the bun:fish:cheese ratio is best when ordering the regular sandwich. The extra filet is not the way to go."

Umami thinks he's tried this as a limited time special before . . . maybe as a test in McDonald's Hawaii?  Anyway, he totally agrees with Dr. Sher that the extra patty throws of the balance of the sandwich.  Far, far better to just get two Filet-o-Fishes . . . or is that Filets-o-Fish?   Kinda steep, though, when they cost $3.50 a pop!


McDonald's
You don't need Umami's help to find one, do you?

B & D Island Twist Cafe:

Umami's a fan of B & D Island Twist Cafe, and it looks word is getting out.  Lines have been getting longer and B & D will have to step up getting the food out in a timely manner if they don't want to start losing business.  Translation:  Go early and avoid the rush.

Snapper

Tuesday, Umami tried a new (to him) special:  Fresh Snapper ($8).  Two egg battered filets, sun dried tomato sauce, with a basil-tomato-capers-olives relish.  The egg batter is comforting, the relish has a nice bite from the fresh basil.  Umami feels he must point out that the fish gets a little lost, but he also thinks that's only an issue if you're a judge on Iron Chef for "Battle Snapper."  With brown rice and salad (crunches, cukes, tomato and a subtle balsamic(?) dressing), even Dr. Lois couldn't be that upset.  Good stuff.  If it shows up again as a special, leap at the chance.


B & D Island Twist Cafe
134 South Hotel Street
Honolulu, Hawaii  96813

Soul Patrol at CPB

On Monday, Sean Priester's "Soul Patrol" food truck was at Central Pacific Bank at the corner of Alakea and King; part of a lunch fundraiser for various non-profits that runs through Friday.  Some days, it's Camille's, some days, it's Soul Patrol.  Umami's not really sure who will be there on any given day, but, since he likes them both, not really a problem.

The Southern Sampler ($16) was such a huge plate, that it was almost daring Umami to try it!  So he did.

Southern Sampler!

This bad boy featured BBQ Braised Pork Ham Shank (skin on!), which was a revelation to Umami because he had not previously tried ham with BBQ sauce.  Now he wonders what took him so long!  Sides were:  Collards (under the cornbread at right), Cornbread (2 pieces!), Slaw (under the pork), Black Eyed Pea Chili (under the cornbread at left) and Mac and Cheese (not Mac Salad, despite its appearance).

Umami ate some for lunch, shared some with Elle at dinner, and Elle finished it off for lunch two days later.  Now, they're wishing they had some more.  Maybe should have bought two plates . . .

Soul Patrol

Central Pacific Bank (Downtown)

Corner of Alakea and King

Umami and Elle - "Dos Locos!"

Friday night.  Pau hana.  Hungry, and on the prowl for Mexican Food, which can be tough to find in Honolulu.  Umami and Elle decide on a Dos Locos, a place recommended by their friend, Big Hilo (not to be confused with their friends Little Hilo or She-Lo).

Dos Locos is a Burrito Truck in a parking lot on Kapiolani Boulevard across from Club Evergreen.  (By the away, the Club Evergreen Yelp! page is hilarious . . . good sushi bar, hmmm?).  Back to Dos Locos . . . 

Don't call it a Taco Truck!

Owners Bill, formerly of Matteo's, and Raoul, formerly of French Laundry and Spago, took pains to correct Elle when she called it a taco truck .  .  . "It's a Burrito Truck!"  But they do have tacos . . . 

See, Tacos!  (And Burritos)

The burritos are $6.50 and you can add any and/or all of the listed ingredients and the burritos still comes out weighing roughly a pound.  Umami had the refried beans/grilled chicken/charred maui onions/roasted pepper/spicy salsa/sour cream.  Loved it!  Unfortunately, burritos are not necessarily the most photogenic of foods, so no pic this time (maybe next time).

Thai Chicken Tacos

Bill recommended that Elle try the Thai Chicken Tacos, because "all the ladies like them."  Three tacos with chicken, fresh mint and Thai basil, crunchy veggies were excellent.

"Just to Try"

Bill also made a Carnitas Taco for Umami and Elle "just to try." Umami and Elle sat in the small seating area next to the truck and chowed down.  It was so much food however, that they ended up taking two of the Thai Tacos home (lunch!).

For a new truck (just opened March 21), these guys are seriously on their game.  Convenient location and parking, great food, great price ($13.50 total tab!).  Gotta go.

Dos Locos - "Crazy Good Tacos"

1391 Kapiolani Boulevard (across from Evergreen Lounge)
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

808.381.0983

Camille's at CPB

Camille, of the eponymous Camille's on Wheels, has a gig at the Central Pacific Bank location on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of this week and next, so it's an easy walk for Umami et al.  Today's menu:

What, no Tacos???

It's different because there are no tacos whatsoever.  Umami was planning on the the Quinoa and Portobello Tacos (and the salmon) to split with Elle, but instead ended up with the Meatloaf San (and salmon).

Meatloaf Sandwich

This, then, is the Meatloaf Sandwich.  Umami likes that it comes dressed with slaw . . . gives it a little crunch, and the vegetables alleviate Umami's considerable guilt over eating too much red meat.

Helluva Plate

To call the Salmon Plate an . . . um, Salmon Plate, is an understatement of absurd proportions.  Sure, it's got salmon, but on a bed of kale salad, with pine nuts and roasted vegetables (beet, brussels sprout, onion, garlic, zucchini), with curried quinoa and mac salad on the side.  So good, and so good for you.

Dessert  #1 was the Lemongrass and Thyme Bar (not pictured), which for some reason tilted more to the straight Lemon Bar than the Lemongrass and Kaffir Lime Bar.  Still, very, very, good, if you like lemon bars (and Umami does).  Just not as surprising.

Umami et (and et) "Brownette"

Dessert #2 was the "Brownette," scratch-made, chewy but not dense, and neither overpoweringly sweet nor overpoweringly chocolate-y.  Good stuff.  Elle's hoarding hers . . . maybe for breakfast tomorrow.  Unless Umami gets to them tonight . . . now, where are those buggers . . .

Camille's on Wheels
Central Pacific Bank (Downtown)
Corner of Alakea and King

Umami's Two!

Umami must be getting old, because his blog turned two years old on Saturday and he plain forgot!  Yep, it's true,  it's been two years since Umami posted about Sekiya's Hash Tempura (seriously).  Elle wants to go and revisit the scene of the crime, so stay tuned for that.


For now, Umami and Elle were at Paina Cafe (Ward Warehouse) for dinner.  They've moved from the little takeout window next to T&C and relocated to the former Chowder House space . . . now they're a restaurant!   Food is unchanged, i.e., still good.

Salmon Poke Bowl

Ginger-soy salmon poke, with red onion, sprouts, masago on brown rice ($8.50).  Umami's feeling pretty good for being two years older . . . but then he's always been a paragon of clean living (seriously!).


Paina Cafe
1200 Ala Moana Blvd (Ward Warehouse)
Honolulu, HI 96814

Umami Boycotts Heineken

In the new James Bond film, "Skyfall," Bond has a Heineken instead of a Vodka Martini, shaken not stirred?  That's just not right.  It's bad enough that Bond drinks Vodka Martinis, instead of a proper Gin Martini, but, jeez, at least it's a martini!  Is the need for product placement and advertising tie-ins that strong?  Well, Umami's not having it!  No more Heinekens!

How did Frank Booth put it?



Testify, Frank!!

Testing, Testing, Testing

Umami's testing posting via e-mail . . . hope it works!

Quick Pic: Baked Crab and Artichoke Crusted Salmon with Boursin Cream Sauce

Baked Crab and Artichoke Crusted Salmon with Boursin Cream Sauce

Umami and Mis Lis paid a visit to B & D Island Twist Cafe on Tuesday.  Mis Lis had the Panko Crusted Pork Chops.  

Umami's choice was proof that a fish dish need not be light, as the Boursin Cream Sauce is hugely rich, making for a rather decadent, delicious, lunch.  With the Okinawan Sweet Potato Mac salad, you might need a nap.  It's a steal at $8.50.

B & D Island Twist Cafe
134 South Hotel Street
Honolulu, Hawaii  96813

Sweet Tooth, Salt Tooth

It works out nicely that Elle has a sweet tooth and Umami has a salt tooth . . . for the most part, they leave each other's snacks alone!  A little ditty about salt




The song is actually called "NaCl (Sodium Chloride)," by the way, from Kate and Anna McGarrigle.   Umami really like the McGarrigles


And, a song about Sugar (sort of) . . .


Hah, bet you thought it was going to be "Sugar, Sugar!"by the Archies!

Umami Fervently Hopes So: "Your hangover makes you smarter*"

Or, should that be, "Umami Fermentedly Hopes So?" In any case, an amusing article:

Your hangover makes you smarter*: As is the case with many theories, the Theory of Hangover-Induced Neurosuperiority [THIN] has its detractors . . .

Popular chef raises awareness for honeybees - Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL

Alan Wong and Adopt-a-Beehive:

Popular chef raises awareness for honeybees - Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL

The comments are interesting too.  Did Einstein actually say "If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left"?  Snopes has the scoops:

http://www.snopes.com/quotes/einstein/bees.asp

Quick Pic: B & D Island Twist Cafe

New place:  B & D Island Twist Cafe. Located on Union Mall, at (roughly) the corner of Bishop and Hotel, across the street from Executive Center/Downtown Long's/Downtown Ross, in the space previously occupied by Twin Pho and, before that, Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Panko Crusted Pork Chops with Portuguese Sausage Stuffing

Umami saw this on the specials board yesterday, but yesterday was lasagna day at Govindaji's, so he had to pass.  But today . . .

Two panko crusted pork chops on a bed of Portuguese sausage stuffing covered with brown gravy with onions and mushrooms.  Okinawan sweet potato macaroni salad.  And brown rice, as if it weren't healthy enough to begin with.  $8.  Can't beat it.  Umami, Ms. D, and Makizushi all rate it a Nomx4.  
Good stuff.  You'll need a nap, tho, so don't operate heavy machinery afterwards.

B & D Island Twist Cafe
134 South Hotel Street
Honolulu, Hawaii  96813

Signs of Umami-ness in the Universe

From the Umami Reader:

An article on miso in the NY Times, with an absolutely superb title:  "Umami Dearest"

And an article on the discovery of the fifth taste, National Public Radio.  "Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter ... and Umami"

Umami himself has been frequently called bitter, often salty, sometimes sour . . .  and, rarely, sweet.  Turns out, he was unique, just not recognized as such.

Hole in the Wall - Chili with Little Smokies

Chili with Little Smokies

With Camille's on Wheels gearing up for testimony on Bill 59 (aka "Da Food Truck Bill"), Umami, Ms. D and Makizushi were forced to find other lunch options.  The ended up at Hole in the Wall on Chaplain Lane.  Umami had always wanted to try the Chili with Little Smokies ($7.50) and finally gave in.

The chili is pretty good, more of a savory, rather than sweet, style.  With optional cheese and onions, and hit with a couple of shots of Tabasco, it's a seriously filling lunch.  Especially since it comes with two scoops of (oddly bland) mac salad.  Enough for two meals . . . and it's more economical and less guilt-inducing that way.  Umami's finishing the rest of his tomorrow.

Hole in the Wall
1154 Fort Street Mall (Chaplain Lane)
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 532-9911