By Jason Genegabus

Hula Grill photo

As we get further into the holiday season, many people find themselves in and around Waikiki for one reason or another.

For some folks, it’s the company Christmas party or holiday dinner with friends and family. Others play tour guide for out-of-town visitors or go shopping at nearby Ala Moana Center.

If you time it right, Waikiki can be a great place to spend some time recovering from an epic shopping session or getting a jump on festivities for the night.

Hula Grill at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach is one spot that’s worth a visit, with four hours of valet parking for $5 and discounted drinks and pupu during “Aloha Hour” inside the restaurant’s Plantation Bar.

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By Jason Genegabus

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.

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By Jason Genegabus

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.

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By Jason Genegabus

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.

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