Kabuki (Kapiolani Blvd)

As I have mentioned time and time again, I love sushi. So where do I go when I want the best sushi experience on O'ahu? In a name Kabuki and there is only one word that can describe the experience -- epic. Located on the far west end of Kapiolani Boulevard, Kabuki has been serving quality Japanese food since its opening in the 70's. Parking at Kabuki can become problematic as it is a very popular restaurant especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

Kabuki's atmosphere reflects most older Japanese restaurants of its time. Japanese prints adorn the walls, the weathered wooden tables -- all very typical with a izakaya type of feel. The food at Kabuki is top notch Japanese serving all of the traditional favorites. But that is not why I come to Kabuki. I come to Kabuki for one thing and one thing only. Sushi.

As you enter Kabuki you are greeted by the host who ask us if we have a reservation or want a table but we (I don't like eating sushi alone) usually just decline and make our way over to the sushi bar which is secluded behind some Japanese style drapes.

We're greeted with a friendly hello (it's good to know your local sushi chef) and take our seats. We're presented with the traditional wood block of ginger and wasabi while we pour our own shoyu. A hot towel is presented to wipe our hands with while handling the sushi one of the waitresses bring us hot tea.

Now here's where Kabuki shines above other sushi bars. The chef (Yoshio Kazama) brings in only the freshest and finest cuts of fish. He will not settle for lesser grades and would rather be sold out of an item than use a lesser cut. This strive for excellence and years of experience under his belt produce some of the best sushi I have ever eaten in my life.

My theory when it comes to sushi of this quality is to leave your meal in the hands of the chef. Sure you'll order some of your favorites but it's always a good idea to ask what's fresh and what the chef recommends for this evening which is why befriending your chef is a good idea as he won't just recommend whatever special he may be running to get rid of old product. Yoshio-san knows that I have an expensive yet adventurous appetite so he threw me a couple curveballs this meal.

I started off with hamachi nigiri. I love hamachi but I've actually stopped ordering hamachi from other sushi restaurants because recently the hamachi that I've been eating seems sub-par (stringy, fishy, and flavorless). The hamachi at Kabuki however is completely opposite. Kabuki's hamachi is buttery, flavorful and delicate.

I then proceeded with soft-shell crab rolls (Yoshio makes the best), maguro, ama-ebi, and a few more courses. In addition to sushi I also had a special treat that night hamachi collar. I've reviewed hamachi collar before from Shirokiya but this has absolutely no comparison the flavor is just so much more intense.

I ended my meal with fresh akule nigiri (which is again why it is important to ask what what's fresh and what the chef recommends) and some uni (I love uni). We order some sushi to go then leave with bows of appreciation. BUT.... I have to admit. Quality has it's price tag and for a meal of this size and caliber be prepared to drop big bucks (I'm talking triple digits for a dinner for two) when eating at Kabuki. However, after all is said and done you will look back and remember that it's worth it. The quality and satisfaction just can't be beat.

Kabuki
Rating System: 1-2.5-5 (poor-average-excellent)

Service: 4.75
Food Quality: 5
Monetary Value: 4.75
Quality vs Quantity: Quality
Overall: 4.8

600 Kapiolani Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-545-5995

TIP: Call ahead to find out if the sushi bar is crowded and to make reservations if necessary.

W&M BBQ Burger

I just remembered that I saved a draft for a review of W&M BBQ Burger. So here's a special in depth review!

W&M BBQ Burger

Along Waialae Avenue sits a classic East O'ahu burger institution. W&M BBQ Burger. Located across from Fresh Catch, W&M BBQ Burger can be easily missed (the only indication visible from the road being a small wooden sign). I suggest you get your burgers early because parking is very limited (only about ten parking spaces) and the lot fills up fast.

So how does a burger joint with such a small parking lot that doesn't even open on Monday's and Tuesday's make rent? Simple. Make the best teri-burger on the island. Although it looks like something you'd get from a fast food restaurant these burgers aren't your average burger. The Royal Burger is W&M's version of a deluxe. They start with a premade hamburger patty dipped in their special teriyaki sauce (more on that later) then thrown on the fire. The patty is dipped a couple more times in the sauce before having the cheese added and then being placed on a bun and topped with lettuce, onion and tomato's with your choice of condiments. The Royal Burger is quite expensive at $3.60 each but is worth every penny. Well, I lied. I opt for a different approach. I start with their standard cheese burger and ask for no lettuce and add mayo. I find that the taste of the burger really shines without the extras.

Now earlier I mentioned W&M BBQ Burger's special teriyaki sauce. This sauce is what makes these burgers so delicious. Without the sauce, W&M would just be like any other burger joint. The sauce is key. They dunk everything in it -- burgers, cheese, teri-steak burgers even hotdogs! The sauce is what makes this institution so phenomenal.

So the next time you're up and around Waialae Ave keep an eye out for W&M BBQ Burger (just make sure it isn't a Monday or Tuesday!)

W&M BBQ Burger
Rating System: 1-2.5-5 (poor-average-excellent)

Service: 2
Food Quality: 2.5
Monetary Value: 4.5
Quality vs Quantity: -TASTE-
Overall: 3

Wed-Fri: 10AM-4:30PM
Sat-Sun: 9AM-4:30PM
Mon-Tue: Closed

3104 Waialae Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
(Phone Orders:) 808-734-3350

Kin Wah

Today we have a special post sent in by one of my close friends. This will; be the first of two special guest posts (the second should be posted within the next few days). -The Chef

Kin Wah

When it comes to Chinese food, one restaurant comes to mind: Kin Wah Chop Suey. My mother ate there when she was pregnant with me, I had my graduation party there, and I eat there every so often with my family. Kin Wah has been a tradition for many years. Situated on Kamehameha highway in Kaneohe, Kin Wah has a large menu specializing in food made from the Canton region of China. Their menu is very large and covers both authentic Chinese items as well as local favorites such as Lemon chicken, Crispy Gau Gee Min, and Kau Yuk (pork belly simmered in a red sauce and served with buns)

As stated earlier, the menu is very diverse. Even picky eaters should be able to find something on the menu that they enjoy, if not palatable. If one can list all the Chinese foods they know, all of them will be on the menu. Food is served family style with plenty of rice and tea on the side. Being with a large group at the time, I was given the opportunity to sample many of the dishes. Ranging from Crispy Chicken, Mongolian beef, to Walnut Shrimp, most of the dishes on the menu are less than ten dollars. Each of these dishes are what many eaters come to expect from the dishes. There are no frills or excitement here (except for the occasional sizzling dishes here and there), just food that is tasty and delicious. The dishes are generous, and will feed a bunch of hungry men and women.

A personal favorite of mine is the Taro Duck. This dish consists of duck which is placed on the bottom, then covered with Taro, and then deep fried and cut. When biting into this item, one can taste the taro and the duck together, as well as the crunchiness from the outer piece. This dish usually vanishes quickly, even amongst newer eaters to the restaurant. Going there, I suggest that one go with a large group, and each person order something on the menu. Kin Wah has been staple for a many years. Its large menu allows for those who want local favorites to have it, and if they want something different, they have many choices from there.

Rating System: 1-2.5-5 (poor-average-excellent) [Note: This was a guest rating and was not rated by The Chef]

Service: 2.5
Food Quality: 3
Monetary Value: 3.5
Quality vs Quantity: Quantity

Overall: 3

Contact Info:

45-588 Kamehameha Highway, Kane'ohe.

Phone: 247-4812,

10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.

Roy's (Hawai'i Kai)

Roy's Hawai'i Kai

Roy Yamaguchi. Innovator, artist, restaurateur, and father of Hawai'ian fusion. it is hard to find words to describe the ingenuity of his dishes as well as his intricate play on regional cuisine.

For years chefs in Hawai'i and all over the pacific rim have taken Roys ideas and have popularized them ultimately resulting in many of the dishes we take for granted and see on menus in everyday restaurants here in Hawai'i. Yes, all of those blackened ahi variations and mac-nut crusted white fish all share their roots with Roy and the innovates of Hawai'i regional cuisine.

I was excited when I found out that I had the chance to write a review on Roy's. Of course there were a lot new and exciting dishes on the menu (all of which I wanted to try) but I decided that I would stick with the classics. I wanted to see what made Roy into such a success. Also being a student of the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at KCC it was also a matter of getting back to the roots of cooking. At school we focus on pan-pacific, asian, and the like so it was a very interesting experience for me as well.

When I was seated at my table on the upper floor I noted the relaxed atmosphere and open kitchen and was greeted with a bowl of Roy's edamame (recipe can be found on his website!). The seasonings used on the edamame wasn't what impressed me it was how fresh, perfectly cooked and crisp they were.

I knew that I wanted to try the classics but I couldn't help but order the roasted shrimp with lemongrass spetzel as an appetizer. When it arrived at my table the first thing that immediately caught my attention was the size. I had to ask myself weather this was the appetizer or entree sized portion. When I usually eat out at fine dining establishments I order a few appetizers rather than just an entree (or a tasting menu if available) since I am able to taste more dishes and since appetizers are usually relatively small. In this case, my appetizer was almost as big as my entree. The shrimp was roasted to perfection and the lemongrass spetzel were perfectly cooked. The sauce that tied the dish together was fantastic and went well with the few bits of vegetables that were mixed into the dish.

Roasted Shrimp with Lemongrass Spetzel

My main course was Roy's Classic Trio. The dish consisted of three of Roy's famous fish dishes. First there was blackened ahi with a spicy soy mustard butter sauce. The ahi was perfectly cooked and the sauce was spicy but not overwhelming which played well with the buttery flavor of this top quality fish. The next dish contained Roy's macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi. Also cooked to delicate perfection it came with a sweet lobster cognac butter sauce. The rich sauce paired well with the oils given off by the macadamia nuts. The third and final dish on the plate was a piece of chinese-style steamed ono. Once again the fish was cooked to perfection and the presentation was jaw-dropping. I believe that this dish truly depicts the flavor of our islands and that this dish was put together with much care and thought. Although preparations such as blackened ahi have been torn apart, duplicated, and murdered these past couple of decades after trying the originals I can see how innovative the idea must have been at the time -- the only way I could describe this dinner was being able to taste innovation both past and present.

Roy's Classic Trio (with rice)

Roy's Hawai'i Kai
Rating System: 1-2.5-5 (poor-average-excellent)

Service: 4.0
Food Quality: 4.5
Monetary Value: 3.75
Quality vs Quantity: Quality
Overall: 4

808-3966-7697
6600 Kalanianaole Hwy
Honolulu, HI 96825

Mon-Thur: 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Fri: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Sat: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sun: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Reservations Highly Recommended

Website: http://www.roysrestaurant.com/index.asp

Gyotaku (King Street)

Gyotaku

Situated along the busy hub that is King Street sits a restaurant that serves traditional Japanese fare. Its name is Gyotaku. Gyotaku is the Japanese tradition of fish printing. These paintings line the walls of this fine establishment and range from menpachi to papio. Parking at Gyotaku can be limited during the lunch and dinner rush but parking can usually be found at all hours.

Gyotaku serves most local Japanese influenced dishes along with an array of traditional ones. Gyotaku is known for it's combination bentos in which you can choose either two or three dishes for a reasonable price (2 choices for $13.95, 3 choices for $18.95) the meal also comes with rice, miso soup, salad, and pickled Japanese vegetables.

Another favorite of mine is the ten-don. It is shrimp and vegetable tempura served over rice with a sweet tempura sauce drizzled over the top (also served with miso soup and the other sides).

Gyotaku also prides itself in serving fresh sushi and sashimi. Although the selections aren't very impressive the quality is. If you are feeling a bit adventurous I suggest trying Gyotaku's nattocho's as an appetizer.

Overall, I feel that Gyotaku has hit the nail right on the head when it comes to Japanese food here in Hawai'i. Two thumbs up!

Gyotaku
Rating System: 1-2.5-5 (poor-average-excellent)

Service: 3
Food Quality: 3
Monetary Value: 2.5
Quality vs Quantity: Quality
Overall: 2.8


1824 King St.
Phone - 949-4584
Fax - 946-6529

Hours of Operation:
Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm
Fri-Sat 11am-10pm

Bento & Plate Lunch Window: 9am-1:30pm

Printable Menu's

Gyotaku Website

Aloha 2009!

Aloha, and Happy New Year! We have a lot of great reviews in the works including a guest review! Here's a peek at what's to come.

Upcoming Reviews:

- Gyotaku (King St)
- Roy's (Hawai'i Kai)
- La Bamba
- W&M BBQ Burger
- Kin Wah
- Shige's Saimin Stand
- Sekiya's Restaurant & Delicatessen

And Much Much More!