Jason Genegabus photos
Hitting you with a double-dose of Grind Time this week, since my visit to Red Mango was actually preceded by pupus and sake at Doraku Sushi in the Royal Hawaiian Center.
Jason Genegabus photos
As a kid growing up in Kailua during the 1980’s, one of my favorite places to visit was Baskin-Robbins.
It was close to my house, they had my favorite flavor (Gold Medal Ribbon!!!) and not once did I ever have to pay, since my parents always picked up the tab.
Then I discovered Penguins.
Located just down the street from Baskin-Robbins, the frozen yogurt shop opened sometime in the late 80’s (I think) and had closed by the time I graduated college and moved home in 1999. But for a while, the mix of flavored frozen yogurt with a variety of candy toppings managed to shake my allegiance to ice cream and try something that was supposed to be “good for me.”
Some 15 years later, frozen yogurt is starting to make a comeback.
Locally, the new Yogurtland near UH-Manoa features self-serve fro-yo and has enjoyed long lines since its opening earlier this year. On the mainland, companies like Pinkberry, Kiwiberry, Yogurt World and Yolato compete with Red Mango, which opened its first Hawaii shop last week.
Star-Bulletin file
Star-Bulletin business columnist Erika Engle tipped me off to a report in this week’s Pacific Business News that longtime Waikiki eatery Eggs ‘n Things will close its doors on Aug. 31.
A quick check of their Web site confirms the closure, but fans of the restaurant shouldn’t worry too much. They’ll reopen by Nov. 1 in a two-story building across the street from the Waikiki Post Office on Saratoga Rd.
This isn’t the first time Eggs ‘n Things has changed its address. After opening in 1974, the restaurant relocated in 1986 from Ena Rd. to its current home on Kalakaua Ave.
Jason Genegabus photos
One of my favorite plate lunch spots disappeared when construction began on what is now Safeway in Kapahulu.
JJ Diner offered a variety of local favorites, including one of the best mochiko chicken plates I’ve ever tasted. Unfortunately, the family that ran the business either wasn’t offered or didn’t pursue an opportunity to reopen after construction had finished.
Now that Safeway is open, I’ve become a fan of their made-to-order sandwich bar (although it can take a really looooooong time for the employees to make a single sandwich). And I guess it’s a good thing that the neighborhood now has a Cold Stone Creamery to call its own.
Earlier this month, Burgers on the Edge joined the lineup, offering gourmet hamburgers, turkey burgers and chicken sandwiches in a casual setting. I’m a big burger fan, so after a few weeks of driving by, the pull got to be just too strong.
But I didn’t realize I would have to spend nearly $20 for a burger, fries and soda.
Jason Genegabus photo
Looks like the cooling economy has claimed another local business. Less than three years after opening in Chinatown, the owners of the rRed Elephant Cafe and LIVE @ The rRed Elephant have announced plans to leave the neighborhood.
Paul Kreiling and Joey Wolpert opened the cafe in Oct. 2005, followed by the recording studio/live performance space about three months later. They also established a new label, Elepani Productions, with plans to find and recruit promising local musicians for work on upcoming projects.
But when I drove by Monday night, I saw a number of signs posted on the front door and windows of the cafe.
If you’re looking for a different way to celebrate the Fourth of July this year, head to the Halekulani’s Lewers Lounge for fireworks of a different kind.
Celebrity mixologist Francesco Lafranconi (pictured) will be in town this weekend, and he’s agreed to tend bar from 9 to 11 p.m. on Friday, although all the seats will probably be filled long before he shows up.
Described as “one of the nation’s most talented mixologists,” Francesco Lafranconi is director of mixology at Southern Wine and Spirits of America.
Over the last few years, he’s established quite a reputation for developing cocktail menus at numerous establishments around the country (and here in Hawaii).
Among the featured cocktails he’ll be making that night:
>> Manhattan with Hibiscus Syrup
>> Julep with Mango
>> Bourbon Sour with Passion Fruit
>> Old Fashion with Ginger and Pineapple
>> Bronx with Poha Berry Jam
>> Harvey Wallbanger with Calamansi
Reservations aren’t required at the recently redesigned Lewers Lounge, although you might want to call ahead if you plan to arrive with a large group. Call 923-2311.
Photo credit: Southern Wine and Spirits of America
Jason Genegabus photos
The second annual “Flavors of Honolulu” took place at the Frank Fasi Civic Grounds over the weekend, and a quick glance at the menu was enough to convince me it would be worth a visit.
After stopping in at Ruth’s Chris at Restaurant Row for Maui Memorial Medical Center’s “Pink CD” release party, I made my way up South Street with my Mom in tow to sample some grinds from the 13 featured eateries.
Star-Bulletin file
That was the scene inside the L&L Drive Inn at Wal-Mart Keeaumoku in 2007, when the restaurant offered plate lunches for just 76 cents. And for an extra dime, you could get a cold Pepsi to go with your food.
The promotion returns for a third year - and only at this particular restaurant - between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. today. So don’t show up at the L&L in Pearl City and expect to get the same price.
It’s a guarantee that people will get there early to stand in line, even after last night’s water main break at the corner of Keeaumoku and Kapiolani Blvd. The first 100 people to order will be rewarded with a free T-shirt, with the first 10 people also winning a one-month supply of Pepsi.
Jamm Aquino photo
It’s the last Friday of the month, which means “Barfly” returns once again to the pages of HiLife.
I was lucky to get Star-Bulletin staff photographer Jamm Aquino assigned to take pictures at Champions Sports Bar and Grill after I had already visited a few times. He’s one of my favorite shooters at the paper, always turning in work that showcases his creativity – like the image above.
Look closely… that server looks like a ghost, yeah?
Star-Bulletin file photo
I’ve heard rumblings about this for a while, and now Star-Bulletin business reporter Erika Engle has gotten confirmation.
Elizabeth Watanabe, owner of the O Lounge, plans to get into the restaurant business later this year when she reopens the space that formerly housed Cassis (and Palomino before that) at Harbor Court.
I have fond memories of drinking martinis and judging bartending competitions in the lounge here, so I’m excited to see what she does with the place. Watanabe confirmed the restaurant will be open for pau hana during the week and late-night cocktails on the weekend.
Check out Erika’s story for more details.
