Therapy Sports Grill

Looking for a home base for March Madness or just a great brew? Therapy Sports Grill is the place to be! Located in Koko Marina Center Therapy Sports Grill is a shining jewel in today's restaurant scene. Aside from having a wide selection of on-tap beer and made-to-order drink specialties, Therapy Sports Grill really shines through its eclectic menu.

Usually when someone is trying to put together a menu they stick with one or two types of cuisines. For example an Asian themed menu with a local Californian twist or a bar featuring traditional Japanese bar food. In Therapy's case, they took this standard and threw it out the window.

Therapy's menu consists of traditional bar food, local favorites, sushi and so much more. However, what you have to keep in mind is that like most bars, food is a premium and can therefore be costly. This is common for most restaurants and especially for bars (making money off of drinks rather than food). But enough about the ins and outs of restaurant finances, lets talk food.

Sushi. Before I continue let me just say just between myself and a friend we spent $120 on this review. I'll just let you guess how much of that went into sushi. Therapy's nigiri sushi menu is quite expensive and their sashimi menu directly reflects the sushi menu as well. My suggestion is to go with the sushi moriawase large ($50.00) for two people or small ($30.00) for one person. This platter (we ordered the large) contains a variety of nigiri (two pieces each) as well as a mound of lobster salad and spicy tuna. The quality of sushi was disappointing for $50.00 (not to say that it was bad but just disappointing). I'd place the quality a little above genki sushi. Aside from the nigiri menu Therapy also features a large hand roll menu with many creative and new combinations that are worth taking a look. Aside from sushi and sashimi Therapy also offers a few selections of house-made poke.

The salads and burgers at Therapy didn't stand out much in my mind so I didn't order any of them. However the pupu's and plates section really caught my attention. We ordered hamachi kama (which took about 45 minutes to cook but was worth the wait and was served with the traditional sauces and sides), wasabi chicken (sort of like mochiko chicken with wasabi aioli. very tasty) and mushrooms with brie (a classic). Let me also mention that their garlic chicken, furikake chicken, buffalo chicken and dynamite chicken are basically the same as the wasabi chicken but with different sauces. Other dishes that caught my eye were their black bean fried rice (sounds interesting), fried pickles (love them), and their fried mac and cheese (another classic). And to top it all off, Therapy also serves a variety of donburi including maguro & natto don and spicy tuna don.

Did I mention beer? Therapy prides itself in serving not only foreign and domestic but local as well. Their cocktail menu is also filled with a variety of classic drinks. No wonder it's called Therapy Sports Grill! The mix of sports, great eclectic food and drinks combined with a relaxed atmosphere really is therapy for the mind, body, and soul all in the heart of Hawai'i Kai.


Therapy Sports Grill
Rating System: 1-2.5-5 (poor-average-excellent)

Service: 2.75
Food Quality: 2.75
Monetary Value: 2
Quality vs Quantity: tie
Overall: 2.5

Open Daily
11 AM - 2 AM (Happy Hour: 2 PM - 6 PM [ Ain't it great when happy hour is hours long?])

7192 Kalanianaole Highway (Koko Marina Center)
Honolulu, HI 96825
808-394-8200

Note: The day that we went in to review Therapy they didn't accept credit cards. However I am assured that they do accept credit cards.

Sushi King

You know that you're a sucker for sushi when you go to a restaurant to eat a cheap and filling late night special for $10 and end up buying a $30 platter of sushi. Yes that's me. Sushi King is a casual late night haunt for me and my friends. Located along South King Street just a block away from Aki no No lies Sushi King in all its glory.

The menu was so diverse that I needed two visits to review this restaurant. The menu (at least in the way that I look at it) is sectioned off in a few categories. First you have the classic combination dinners with all of your favorites such as tempura, katsu, butterfish and the like. I suggest you skip this section and go for the good stuff (the sushi).

The next section that I would like to highlight on the menu is the sushi and sashimi section. The nigiri and to-order sushi menu is a bit pricey (in my opinion) for the quality of fish served. My suggestion (and I really do push this when I eat here with others) is to get the sushi omakase ($30.00). For $30 the chef will present you with a rather large platter of sushi. This platter varies as the chef chooses what he sees is fit for you to eat. By ordering the sushi omakase option you get a wider variety than you would get from ordering $30 worth of nigiri sushi. My platter contained 6 pieces of tekka-maki, 2 piece maguro, 2 piece egg nigiri, 1 piece mirugai, 1 piece halibut, 1 piece ama-ebi, and to top it all off -- 1 piece toro, uni, and ikura! What a steal for $30.00!

The next section isn't as grand as the sushi section but it's just as good -- the grilled section. Sushi King has it's own traditional Japanese grill sitting in the back corner of the restaurant. During my first review of Sushi King I was fortunate to sit in the corner and view the display box of all of the delectable ready-to-grill products. Included in the display were the traditional beef tataki, chicken yakitori, and sanma among other protein options. However what stood out in my mind was that they offered offal. If you remember back to my yakiniku spotlight I talked about how offal was the traditional grilled meat during Japanese occupied Korea in WWII. Sushi King offers cow tripe, cow tongue, chicken liver and much more! Although the portions aren't that great everything was cooked perfectly and is a great way to introduce yourself to offal. It is because of these grilled meats that I had to come back for a second review of the restaurant.

The last section worthy of praise is Sushi King's late night specials. Starting from 10:00 PM you can order off of their late night specials. For $9.95 you can order a variety of combination platters. Each platter includes Sushi King's amazing miso soup (lots of fillers!), rice, salad, and six pieces of either california maki, spicy tuna maki (sells out fast), or three pieces of inari sushi. My favorite late night platter would be the ika tempura platter (very tender!). In addition to the combination platters, Sushi King also offers a late night chirashi special. For $13.95 you get the miso soup and a platter of chirashi sushi (fish cuts vary from what I hear as I haven't tried this yet).

So if you're looking for good cheap eats, late-night Sushi King is your restaurant. Besides, you just can't beat that omakase sushi platter. Although I hate to admit it, there's just a point in time where if you offer such a wide variety of sushi for such a low price I will sacrifice the quality of what I eat. What else can I say? Sushi King 2700 South King Street! Late night satisfaction.


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

Service: 2.5
Food Quality: 4
Monetary Value: 4.5
Quality vs Quantity: Both!
Overall: 3.6

2700 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96826
808-947-2836

Hours
Mon: 11:30 AM - 2 PM // 5:30 PM - 2 AM
Tue: 11:30 AM - 2 PM // 5:30 PM - 10 PM
Wed-Sat: 11:30 AM - 2 PM // 5:30 PM - 2 AM
Sun: 11:30 AM - 2 PM // 5:30 PM - 12 AM

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.

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

Genki Sushi Kapahulu

Genki Sushi Kapahulu

>:(

Genki Sushi is a most loved and cherished sushi restaurant. On Sunday November 9th, 2008 we decided to drop by one of my all-time favorite restaurants. As we parked our car in the small cramped lot, we were greeted not by a smiling face but by a big angry one. Some may think, "Why is he angry? Shouldn't he be smiling?" In my opinion it doesn't matter. That angry white face speaks one thing to me; sushi. Lots and lots of sushi.

As The Host, a friend and I walk from our car to the front doors, I ponder the meaning of "genki". I've taken Japanese classes and through it I've learned the phrase, "O genki desu ka?" which translates to "how are you?" in English. Genki, in the literal sense, roughly translates to "healthy". This gave me pause -- Healthy Sushi? The thought passed as we walked through the doors and we were greeted by our waiter.

Our waiter seemed a bit confused. He had a slight mix-up on open booths and didn't seem to know where there were open chairs for three. We finally got a booth about a minute later. I was starving.

The basic layout of any Genki Sushi is a long usually round counter with stools and in our case at Kapahulu Genki Sushi there were booths as well. The counter holds a moving conveyor belt with slow moving plates of sushi. The way your bill is totaled up is by the color of the plates on which the sushi are placed on. The plates are counted up and your bill is given to you.

Here you can see the conveyor belt and the plates of sushi. Note the sushi prep area in view of the public.

The prices of the plates ranges from $1.20 - $4.80. I should note that when quality vs quantity is concerned, quantity is the winner in this case (which is why I love it on an empty stomach). Genki Sushi Kapahulu also offers take out and party platters. Besides sushi Genki also serves a range of Japanese treats. You can choose from edamame, miso soup, fried chicken, shrimp tempura -- desserts such as mochi ice cream, green tea ice cream and cheesecake; the list goes on.
Above is my favorite dish at Genki Sushi (Scallop Mayo). Below is one of Genki Sushi's more expensive rolls (soft shell crab roll).


It is important to note the time at which you eat at Genki Sushi. We sat down at 3:00 PM so some of the sushi had been sitting out on the conveyor belt for quite some time. Although I'm sure Genki Sushi complies with local health regulations, leaving the sushi out that long makes me cringe at times. This sitting of food is easily noted as I order sushi off of their menu (which is freshly made). The nori of the sushi that we had ordered off of the menu was crisp while some of the sushi that we had eaten off of the conveyor belt felt chewy.

The best tip that I can give you if you are going to any Genki Sushi restaurant is to order off of the menu. The conveyor belt doesn't always have everything that is on the menu circulating all at the same time. So if you want freshly made sushi (especially those that you cant find on the conveyor belt) I highly recommend ordering off of the menu. I also suggest sitting near the chefs work station. If you are sitting near the chef, he will usually hand you the plates himself instead of giving it to the waiter. I say this because our server had some problems remembering who ordered what and how many. Now I must admit, this is the first time that I've encountered waiter problems at any Genki Sushi so this might have just been an off day.

As for the quality, Genki Sushi serves decent sushi. If you were to ask me for a comparison, I would say better than Kozo Sushi and Aloha Sushi but not as good as a formal Japanese restaurant. The main reason for going to Genki Sushi is the variety of sushi and the cost. For the amount of money that you are paying for sushi at Genki Sushi, you would be eating only half or even less than half at a formal Japanese restaurant.

Arigato Gozaimasu, Genki Sushi Kapahulu! Thank you for another great meal!

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

Service: 2
Food Quality: 2.75
Monetary Value: 4
Quality vs Quantity: Quantity
Overall: 3

Contact Info:
Address: 900 Kapahulu Ave.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Phone: 808-735-7700
Hours: 11AM - 9PM (Sunday-Thursday), 11AM - 10PM (Friday-Saturday), 11AM - 9PM (Takeout 7 Days A Week)