Sunrise Restaurant (Okinawan)

Sunrise Restaurant, yet another Kapahulu restaurant that has been added to my "favorites" list (along with Rai Rai Ramen, Tenkaippin, and the newly discovered Zaratez Mexicatessen). It is the direct neighbor to Tacos Ricos, and imparts the true definition of "hole in the wall." Walking in this tiny restaurant (holds about 25 people, I'd say 5-6 tables and a small sushi bar area), you can hear the the sound of authentic traditional Okinawan music. How lucky am I?! What other restaurant provides you with great authentic food and entertains you as well? And how many places entertain you with Okinawan music? They also use authentic Okinawan musical instruments as well, though my friend, Danny, says they will even have patrons play music using their pots and pans! I loved the humble, genuine, homey feeling this place has. Not many restaurants in Hawaii have that sort of feeling. It is quite hard to come by nowadays.

Parking- One of my favorite subjects! Now, like I said before, I don't normally frequent places with few parking spaces that make street parking a must. Not my cup of tea! However, there are few occasional places that I make exceptions for. Sunrise Restaurant definitely makes the cut. With about 4 parking spaces in the front of the restaurant, you need to be lucky to swipe one. You can also park in the Pay and Park lot across the street (directly across Uncle Bo's) for $5 for 3 hours. Worth it. Ample parking and of course, you can drink and play music all night with the owner and his family for three whole hours! (It is a family-owned business with the Dad as the sushi chef, Mom as the waitress, and I saw their teen boy in the back, who I think cooks some of the food!!! AMAZING!)

We arrive at around 715pm on a Saturday, and there are only a couple tables left. I'd recommend making reservations like we did, or coming right when they open. There's also more of a likelihood that you'll scoop one of the parking spaces in the front of the restaurant. Some other recommendations I've read from Yelpers is to preorder the Hamachi Kama, Butterfish or Oxtail Soup. These are VERY popular dishes and they run out fast! Having ordered the Oxtail Soup tonight, I can totally understand why it runs out. I have to say that it is THE BEST Oxtail Soup on the island. The meat, literally, (and I know this is cliche, but it is oh so true!) falls off the bone. You don't even need a fork or chopstick! It is simmered and cooked so long that the meat is extremely tender. As for the Butterfish, that was gone by the time we got there. Instead we tried the Kama, which I hear is just as popular, though I'd be fine with just an Oxtail Soup and rice! Knowing my dad loves Oxtail Soup, I will definitely have to take him here for lunch before golf one day. He will love it! Maybe an early Father's Day present?! While we're on the subject of lunch, they only open for lunch on Mondays and Thursdays 1130am-2pm. They also have takeout.....too bad I don't live in Kapahulu. I could have paid their rent with my daily takeout orders! Haha!

Did I also mention it is BYOB? Go across the street to the little liquor shop to grab some Heiney's, or bring your own favorite drink of choice.

Prices? Everything is so tasty and authentic and less than $15 a dish. What a deal!

Went for a casual look for dinner.
Mink Pink Rambo top from Mikinola, Fighting Eel cardigan (first wore my Fighting Eel cardi here),
vintage red shorts (from high school! Can't believe I still fit those things!), Steve Madden wedges,
and new Ginger13 necklace.

My new favorite Ginger13 necklace.
I love the turquoise beads with the marbley brown/black/white ones.

Besides these specials listed on the board, they have a short small menu of about 10 items.
All Okinawan and ALL delicious. Whatever you decide on, I can guarantee you won't regret it.
I want to try the Dynamite and Butterfish next time!
I saw a few tables ordering the Dynamite. 

Deep Fried Squid- light and crispy

Yakisoba! I told my friend Danny (who ordered), that I don't normally get Yakisoba.
If anything, I'd rather have Udon!
This, however, was delicious! I've had bland Yakisobas, but this was so flavorful.
Lots of ingredients like mushrooms, kamaboko, bean sprouts, ginger, cabbage, onions and ham/spam.

Top: Spare rib soup
Bottom: Oxtail soup
Both were out of this world good. Spare rib soup came with more of a clear broth, but just as tasty.
Totally different soups though. You need to try both!

Oxtail Soup- lots and lots of meat! Chunks on the bone, bits in the soup...SO GOOD!
And lots of parsley!! Yum!

Spare rib soup with melon

Both soups came with sushi set

Hamachi Kama

Lots of meat in the Kama!!

Zaratez Mexicatessen (Taco Truck)

If you read my last post here on Taco Tuesdays, you'll know why I wanted to try Zaratez. Many Yelpers have said it is one of the best mexican places in Hawaii. I now agree. So glad I've found this place. It will be added to my routine whenever I'm out in Kapahulu. Man oh man, how I'd love to live in Kapahulu. GREAT eating places at my fingertips! Zaratez will have to compete with Rai Rai Ramen and of course, my old favorite, Tenkaippin. But, as for now, I'm so craving a carnitas taco!!! Gimme, Gimme!

What I've also realized is that great things happen on a rainy day. The last time we went to Eat the Street, it was raining cats and dogs. But if you can survive the rain, in turn, there are no lines/no wait and lots of parking. This is exactly what happened at Zaratez. I went on a particularly rainy, overcast day and found a parking space relatively easily and was the first in line! Food was fresh and came out in less than 5 minutes. They also have a little overhang where you order that shielded me from the rain while I waited. Perfect. The only thing a little less than perfect? I'm not so much a spicy food fan, so while in my car eating, with windows up (since it was raining), I was overheating!! Spicy Mexican food in a closed-up car equals "no bueno." But hey, I'd do it again to have another perfect Carnitas Taco.

Other info: located on Mokihana Street in Kapahulu, they are in a parking lot with ample parking, next to Waiola Shave Ice. Cash only. Hours: Tues-F 1130am-8pm, Sat 1130am-4pm.

NO LINE!

Carnitas and Carne Asada Tacos

The chorizo taco!

I ordered 3 tacos: Chorizo, Carnitas, and Carne Asada.
I'm not a big Chorizo fan, but it was tasty.
My favorites were the Carnitas and Carne Asada.
I love that they were all loaded with generous amounts of onions and my favorite, cilantro!
I also recommend giving a bit of squeeze of lemon for a citrusy kick.

Heard the Mulitas were wonderful as well. Meat and cheese between 2 corn tortillas.

Sounds like a quesadilla, but who's asking!

This was just as great as the tacos. I asked for a Carne Asada Mulita...

and it was gone in minutes.

Yes, Paul, I ate every single thing. (You said you wouldn't tell anybody!)

Taco Tuesdays in Honolulu

Yesterday, my friend, Jason, asked me for a good Taco Tuesdays place. I was on the road and didn't have time to help him out. Only places that came to mind are Tropics Bar and Grill (my old stomping grounds for delicious Taco Tuesdays), Compadres (another old stomping ground for TT, now CLOSED) and Dave and Buster's (but after researching, I don't think they have a TT). Since then, I decided to do some research. Here's what I found. This is for you, Jason!

Update: Read my Taco Tuesday review of Mai Tai Bar HERE!

Wahoo's-
Two Locations: Ward or Kahala (new)
$2 fish, pork, beef or veggie tacos
Topped generously with lettuce/cabbage, salsa and cheese
$2 Primos
Serving until 9pm
Live music on Tuesdays

Tropics Bar and Grill- This is my favorite Taco Tuesday. Location may be a bit hard to find, but it's in the same parking lot as Marukai Ward. You can park in that parking lot as well. Great place to chill and have an inexpensive drink and eats. Their tortilla soup recipe is a secret...and I know why it's a secret. It's the best I've ever tasted. You definitely need to have the $1 tortilla soup!
Happy Hour 4-7pm M-F- $3 Well, $4 Call, $3 Draft Beer, $10 60 oz pitcher, $3 house wine, $1 sliders, $3 Chicken Wings, $3 Edamame, $3 Garlic Fries.
Taco Tuesdays 4-7pm
Taco Bar is cash only
$1 shredded chicken taco or ground beef taco (with lettuce, salsa and/or jalapenos)
$1 homemade tortilla soup
$3 pork quesadillas
$2 fish tacos
$1.50 salsa and chips
$3 Corona, Corona Lite, Negra Modelo, and Margaritas
Hard shell tacos

Pablo's Cantina- Oh how I miss Compadres!!! But Pablo's has taken their spot and here's the details!
Happy Hour 4-7pm, 10pm-1am, Half price pupus
Taco Tuesdays- $1 Beef and Chicken Tacos, $2 Carnitas, Fish Tacos, and Al Pastor (marinated pulled pork)
You add your own toppings, so you control how much! Toppings include lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream and mild sauce
$4 Coronas and Margaritas
ON SPECIAL NOW: $17 pitcher of House Margarita (which I've read is really good)
Cash Only for Taco Tuesday Taco Bar
Soft tortillas upon request
Open seating in bar/outside area only
No free chips and salsa if you are participating in Taco Tuesdays

Serg's- Now this place I can vouch for. Read about Serg's here and here. I absolutely adore their Beef Flautas and Horchatas. These are a must-tries! They also have a deal now- 10% off with valid ID for Military, College, or Senior Citizens every day excluding Taco Tuesdays.
Taco Tuesdays- Fish, Carne Asada, Chicken, Chorizo, Chili Verde Carnitas or Al Pastor Tacos
$2 Fish Tacos, all other tacos are $1.50

BC Burrito-
$2 Puffy Tacos for Taco Tuesdays
Besides Taco Tuesdays, here's some other info:
Breakfast Tacos (Japapeno, spinach or wheat tortilla choices) are highly recommended, served til noon
Composed of bacon, egg, chipotle ranch sauce, cheese and salsa
Lunch Tacos served all day
BYOB
Also serving soyrizo aka tofu-like chorizo. It's spicy!
Quiz question answered right= free nachos con queso
$4.99 Potato Burrito Wednesdays- potato burrito plus a soft drink!

Zaratez Mexicatessen- (Mokihana Street)
This is a taco truck located in a parking lot across Safeway Kapahulu and behind Waiola's Shave Ice. Many Yelpers said they stopped for dessert at Waiola's after!
Easy to park
Paul, the owner, is a friendly guy!
Authentic LA-style Tacos
2 corn tortillas topped with meat, onions, cilantro
Meat choices- thin cut sirloin asada (carne asada, beef), shredded pork (carnitas), griddled chicken (pollo asada), griddled chorizo (spicy sausage)= $2.50 each
"Super Mixto" for all 4 meats, extra $1.50
Also highly recommended: Mulitas- sandwiched taco made with meat served between 2 tortillas, $3
Read my review on Zaratez HERE!

Hope this helps! Enjoy your tacos!! I will be on my way to Zaratez Taco Truck!!

Soup in a Bread Bowl!

SF Boudin's Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl

Just received a question from my friend's wife, Jennelle. She's pregnant and having a major craving for bread bowls! Now, we're not in SF, so this isn't as easy to find! Apparently, if you don't live in SF, these bread bowls are going extinct!!! The only place I could find with bread bowls is Paradise Cafe in Makai Market Place at Ala Moana Center. They also serve healthy sandwiches and specialize in pastries and cookies! I will be going down soon to try this bread bowl. I'm sure nothing would compare to a nice hot bread bowl full of Clam Chowder down in chilly Pier 39 in San Francisco. If only........

Shillawon Korean Restaurant

Now I know you will see more than your fair share of Japanese restaurants and eats on here, so it was only right to do a post on a Korean restaurant! It was only a matter of time, people! 

Shillawon Korean Restaurant was recommended to me by my friend, David. He has a lot of Korean friends that take him out to eat, so I figure he knows what he's talking about. Well, he (and his friends) were right! This place is definitely authentic and good for the price. But first, let me talk to you about parking. This is a major consideration for me. If parking is scarce or you have to find street parking, I most likely will not go...or I'll try it once. On the other hand, if parking is in abundance, I'm more likely to go often if I like the place. So, Shillawon. Yes, you can park on the street, but in the downstairs structure, there are about 10-12 numbered stalls that you can park in. Before driving in, look at the sign, it says something like "Korean Restaurant Stalls 51-58 and 63-69" or something like that. It's also FREE.

Location- In a business building located minutes away from Don Quijote. I had to GPS it.

Now, the food. The great thing about this restaurant is that for $25.99 ($23.99 until 3pm) you can either get All you can eat Shabu Shabu or All you can eat Korean BBQ. The only catch? We thought we were being sly by asking if we could get one order of the All you can eat BBQ and one order of the All you can eat Shabu, but apparently, you can only get one or the other for you and whoever you are eating with. They charge the $25.99 per person. Also, another catch (and I've seen this before), if you waste meat, you will be charged a $3.00 fee. I've seen this at BBQ/Yakiniku and also All you can eat Sushi places.

Anyway, the food was fantastic. Some meat was frozen, but it all tasted great. Meat included Bulgogi, Brisket, Kalbi, Chicken, Ribeye, Pork Belly, etc. We didn't leave one bit of meat and even ordered a plate of Brisket at the end. When you do order the meat, they bring you a variety of the meats they have, and I'm sure you can minus a few things and add more of a type of meat you like. We definitely didn't order the tongue!!!

The Banchan (Korean side dishes) were pretty decent as well. Of course there was Kimchi which looked extra spicy (David said not so, but the kimchi was bright red!), soybean sprouts, salad with a spicy kimchi sauce (I loved this), cabbage and soybean paste soup, sesame zucchini (one of my faves), hot tofu soup (spicy, but so addicting), Potato Salad, Eggplant and garlic, and blocks of brown gelatin made from beans aka Mook? Correct me if I'm wrong. We both had no idea what the gelatin was, but didn't ask, because I liked it so much. 

Rice was plentiful and you could always ask for more. Sauces were also plentiful. We got seconds of the two sauces- one was an oil/salt/pepper sauce that David liked, and I like the second one. Tasted like a Korean Ponzu sauce with Sesame oil and a bit of spice, of course!

Lastly, this place is CLEAN. I was very impressed by how clean and neat this place was. They also managed to wipe down our grill top 2-3 times throughout our meal. 

Bonus- they leave you with cold Cinnamon Tea as dessert. I wish they sold this at Starbucks or something! This would be a BIG hit. It's basically just water, cinnamon, ginger, sugar and probably some other secret ingredients that they simmer overnight. Tastes like Gingerbread in the form of liquid. AMAZING.

One last thought- Why can't you stop yourself from eating spicy food when you're mouth is on fire? It's just that addicting.

Shorts and beautifully beaded Cardigan from Bamboo Sky, Shoes from VS.
Cardi gifted to me from Summer for my Bday. First seen here.
Thanks Summer, it's beautiful!

Great lunch deals!

Banchan dishes

Sauces- oil/salt/pepper to L, Spicy "ponzu sauce" to R

They also bring you lettuce so that you can wrap your cooked meat in it with raw cloves of garlic, miso and any of the veggies from the Banchan dishes. 

This banchan salad dish was so refreshing.
Spicy, but I just couldn't stop!!

That's the Mook or gelatin in the middle!

Hot Tofu Soup

David's sample of his meat and lettuce wrap!

Ending with deliciously refreshing CINNAMON TEA!