Tony Roma's Waikiki

I have to admit.....Tony Roma's was never at the top of my FFF list, but when I was invited for a good friend's bday, I didn't hesitate. Happy Bday Anthony!!

Located at the beginning of Waikiki, I love the fact that they have their own parking lot, valet only (no fee, the valet guys work off of tips). It's really convenient, especially in Waikiki. After settling down inside, I really liked the extensive drink menu- page after page of unique, colorful and mouth-watering drinks. Everything sounded delicious! Finally settled on their Hurricane, which was essentially a blend of dark and light rum and a mix of juices. Ultimately, I wondered if it had any alcohol in it- tasted like juice. Silent killer, here we come...

We also ordered a couple of appetizers for our table- Spinach Artichoke Dip, which was super cheesy and creamy, and also the Kickin' Shrimp. The shrimp was tender and lightly fried to a golden brown and then tossed in a cream sauce which was slightly spicy. Not too hot!

For my meal, I decided on their Original Baby Back Ribs, Roma Rack, please! How could I come here and not have their famous ribs?! The menu stated that I could either order a rack of 6, 9 or 12. I went with the Roma Rack of 9, and promptly gobbled it all up in a matter of minutes. Everyone else was still working on their meals! I blame it on the fact that the ribs were SO tender and literally fell off the bones. I hardly had to tug and pull at the meat! The wet sauce on the ribs were also just right- perfectly sweet and salty. Only thing I didn't enjoy was the $1.99 side of Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon bits. Could have done without that.

After seeing everyone else's meals that they had ordered, I highly suggest ordering what Tony Roma's is known for! Their Ribs! You won't regret it.

Service was also great. Very attentive and always at our beck and call.

The "Hurricane"

Kickin' Shrimp

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Shrimp Scampi

Who orders a Caesar Salad at Tony Roma's?!

Roma Rack of Ribs with side of Mac n Cheese! Just wish it came with RICE.

Phuket Thai (Ward Location)

Kristen and I love thai food, and whenever she comes home to visit, we usually have at least one of our lunches at Phuket Thai. My usual order consists of Thai Iced Tea and Shrimp Pad Thai (very moist!). This time, I ordered my usual plus their Tom Kha soup (Thai Coconut soup). I absolutely loved it! I love anything prepared with coconut milk!! For your preference, you can request to have it mild, medium or spicy and also have a choice of chicken, pork or shrimp to be included.

Kristen ordered the Red Curry (medium spice), but boy was it way too spicy for my taste!!! I could hardly have a second serving of it! Options include Bamboo Shoots or Eggplant and also Chicken/Pork or Shrimp. Other favorite Thai Curries of mine include Panang Curry or their Yellow Curry, but trust me, you won't go wrong with any from Phuket Thai!

Lunch was great, and we were surely filled up and ready for a fun day full of Ward-area shopping! I highly recommend this place for lunch or dinner if you're in the area.

Wahoo's Kahala

Taco Tuesdays is one of my favorite things to do on a weekday. Maybe it's just a good reason to have some margaritas! I recently caught up with a good HS friend, Tai, at Wahoo's since we couldn't get in at Olive Tree Cafe next door. (Sorry Tai! I know that's your favorite place to eat!)

I was really looking forward to trying Olive Tree Cafe which specializes in Greek food, but it was very crowded! Next time! Although we had a change of venue, I was really happy with Taco Tuesdays at Wahoo's. We had a great time, full of margaritas and chicken/fish/beef tacos! If you're looking for a great place to hang out, eat some tacos, and drink, all while listening to live music, this is your place!!

Check out Wahoo's Taco Tuesday Specials and other Taco Tuesdays venues on Oahu here!

Loaded with spicy tomato salsa and lots of lettuce/cilantro.

Costco's Carne Asada Bake

Costco is not only great for buying in bulk, but have you tried any of their hot food outside? One of my favorite things is their Costco hot dogs, not to mention one of the greatest deals there. $1.50 for a hot dog and drink!? Amazing. See here. Or their deli/poke (fresh fish) counter located inside? I highly recommend their Garlic Shrimp Poke.

After a nice NYE day at Sandy's with my BFF, Kristen, we were craving a snack and decided on Costco. I had a Berry Smoothie, and Kristen ordered one of their newer items, the Carne Asada Bake. It's pretty large and would make for a big hearty meal, but taste is mediocre. I'm going to stick to my $1.50 hot dog and drink deal!

Tenkaippin's Newest Ramen, Tan Tan!

Now, you all know I love me some goooood ramen! Bf Brian really likes Tan Tan, and I had never tried Tenkaippin's, so what better time to take a trip there! I had my usual thick and creamy Kotteri pictured here, and Brian had the Tan Tan. He's not a fan of spicy foods, but ordered anyway. I have to warn you all, it doesn't taste too spicy at first, but it sure does add up! He ended up leaving some noodles just because his mouth was on fire. The broth is oh-so tasty though! If it was more on the milder side, I think I might even order it occasionally. I enjoyed it much more than Goma Tei's Tan Tan.

Yama Arashi Ramen- Shirokiya

Here we go again with my Shirokiya Ramen Shop updates! New to the scene this month is Yama Arashi, straight from Sapporo, Hokkaido. Here only until Jan 15, you better start making your rounds! What's different about this ramen from my countless other entries? See all here, here, here, here, here, here, annnnnd here. PHEW! Well, for starters, I love the creamy broth topped with a slice of butter, their different topping options and their al dente (firm) noodles. My favorite is their #1 most recommended, which comes with butter corn, sprouts, onions, 4 slices of roasted pork, and bamboo shoots. My most favorite though? The slice of butter on top! Duh! Trust me, it makes the soupy broth that much more tasty. My advice? Slowly swirl the butter around so that it melts evenly in the broth. Delicious. Yama Arashi is definitely at the top of my list of favorite ramens so far. Now I know why people are addicted to Butter Ramen........!

Same thing on a different occasion with an even bigger slice of butter!

Mai Tai's Ala Moana

One of the best Taco Tuesdays here on Oahu is at Mai Tai's, located in Ho'okipa Terrace at Ala Moana. Read about my original post here. Recently went here for a very early Happy Hour (on a Tuesday. Pictured below are 3 plates of chicken/pork/steak tacos!) with friends around 330pm, and really enjoyed the cool breeze and comfy couch chairs. I like the fact that it's not crowded around that time either. I highly suggest their Passion fruit Mojito, Lychee Mai Tai or their Caramel Apple Martini. Happy Hour eats are also really delicious and inexpensive for an afternoon snack!

Caramel Apple Martini, Icy Mai Tai (very strong! One ingredient is Bacardi 151!), and Passion fruit Mojito

Huge Onion Rings with Barbecue and Ranch Sauce