The Adventures of Tin-Tin

Honolulu, HI--Side Street Inn

We had dinner here on our last night in Honolulu. Even though my digestive system was dying from all the fatty greasy food I was eating all week, I had to save some room for the famous fried pork chops and fried rice at Side Street Inn. Roy Yamaguchi (Roy's) celebrated his birthday here and it's famous for being a local spors bar where celebrity chefs hang out. That being said, how bad could it be?

The fried pork chops were simple but so juicy and crispy. And the fried rice had some dashi, green onions, char siu and bits of linguica. It was very tasty and unlike any fried rice I have ever had. This was some serious Asian-style comfort food. All that was missing was a fried egg but I didn't mind. I had enough cholesterol issues that night.

I heard the mother of the owner (Colin Nishida) still makes the wontons by hand. These were actually my favorite that night. Served with a little hot mustard which I mixed with some soy sauce, I couldn't get enough.

Then when we got home, the Hawaii episode of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations featured Side Street Inn. I had no idea they had so many different types of food there! I missed out and went straight for the fried food. Apparently they have all sorts of Chinese food, fried chicken and other tasty treats. I think I just looked at the menu and zeroed in on the pork chops and fried rice (and fried wontons). I will definitely be back for more.

SIDE STREET INN

1225 Hopaka St
Honolulu, HI 96814

(808) 591-0253   

Honolulu, HI--3660 on the Rise

I had heard so many good things about Chef Russell Siu and his innovative use of local ingredients at 3660 on the Rise.  One of my favorite dishes was the ahi katsu. Wrapped in nori, deep-fried and served with a wasabi gingery buttery sauce--the dish incorporated very familiar Asian flavors but in combinations and textures I had never experienced before.

One of the other treats of the night was an entree which had a trio of chicken, filet mignon, and maybe more ahi? I can't remember. What I do remember is that I LOVED IT!

This was one of the more memorable meals of my life. I get so dramatic sometimes... :)

3660 on the Rise

3660 Waialae Ave Frnt
Honolulu, HI 96816

(808) 737-1177   

Honolulu, HI--Beard Papa

I used to feel compelled to go to a McDonald's whenever I was travelling far from home. It was cool to see what was the same and what was different. I don't go to McDonald's that much anymore, but I couldn't really pass up trying the breakfast sandwiches at Beard Papa. Sure, we have a couple Beard Papas in the Bay Area, but I don't think any of them have sandwiches.

We tried the portuguese sausage sandwich and the bacon sandwich as well. I think they forgot to heat up the sausage sandwich because the cheese was cold. :( The bacon sandwich was excellent though. It was like a crossaint sandwich.

They also had egg salad, chicken and some other sandwiches and snacks. The classic vanilla cream puff remains my favorite.

Beard Papa

227 Lewers St., Suite 126

Honolulu, HI, 96815

(808) 926-8247

 

Honolulu, HI--Leonard's Malasadas

So. These are the infamous malasadas from Leonard's. What can I say? It's deep fried dough.

Sprinkled with crunchy sugar and filled with creamy custards...

My limit is two malasadas in one minute. After that, I will need half a day to recover.

Leonard's Bakery

933 Kapahulu Ave

Honolulu, HI, 96816

(808) 737-5591

Honolulu, HI--Eggs N' Things

J and I recently made a trip to Honolulu to scope out the ceremony and reception venues. While we were there, we made sure to stop by some foodie haunts. One of our first stops was Eggs N' Things. This place is super popular...especially with Japanese tourists. I had pancakes on my mind...

And I got em! The banana pancakes were sooo tasty and fluffy. I was humming Jack Johnson's Banana Pancakes song the entire time.

They had an assortment of tropical syrups. My favorite was the coconut.

We also tried their omelettes--which you can get with a side of rice. I didn't order vienna sausages, spam or corned beef hash but I saw that others did. Hawaii is so filipino friendly! :)

Eggs n Things

1911 Kalakaua Ave

Honolulu, HI, 96815

(808) 949-0820