I’ve been on a bit of a health kick over the last couple of months (more on that in a future post, and yes, you may commence the rolling of the eyes). That said, I’m never one to turn down a good burger. And Square Barrels, well, they’ve got some pretty darn good burgers.
Downtown
Smith & Kings: Bold Cocktails and Luxurious Burgers
It’s been a while since I’ve had a good burger. The Foie Gras Burger from Smith & Kings rectified that.
Livestock Tavern: A Taste of New England in Downtown Honolulu
Tucked away on the corner of Hotel & Smith St. is the latest culinary experiment by the same duo that delivered the immensely popular Lucky Belly. Livestock Tavern reminds me of the hearty comfort food that I willingly indulge in whenever visiting the New England coast. Their winter menu includes choices like shellfish stew, braised beef tongue, and a devilishly delicious Maine lobster roll.
Lucky Belly: A Modern and Chic Ramen Bar In Downtown Honolulu
Lucky Belly or Downbeat Diner? It took us two days to decide, but eventually, we chose to indulge in ramen from Lucky Belly. Located on North Hotel Street, Lucky Belly is part of a new wave of restaurants that has been invading Downtown Honolulu. When I first walked in and took a look at the menu, I was reminded of David Chang’s immensely popular Momofuku Noodle Bar in New York City’s East Village. Think indulgent pork belly bao, gyoza, and, of course, irresistible ramen.
Enjoying an Old Fashioned at Bethel Street Tap Room
The classic Old Fashioned has been on my mind as of late. Maybe it’s because I stumbled upon the wonderful Old Fashioned 101 website by Martin Doudoroff. Maybe it’s all those episodes of Mad Men
Scratch Kitchen & Bake Shop Is More Than A Brunch Destination
A bunch of breakfast/brunch places have been opening up on the island lately—bills Sidney, Koko Head Cafe, The Nook, and now Scratch Kitchen & Bake Shop. Coty and I love to eat breakfast on the weekends, especially since that’s the only time when we really get to do so together due to our work schedules. While looking at Scratch’s menu on their website, I knew that I wanted to go there for breakfast. But more than breakfast, I wanted to check out their dinner offerings. We will just have to return for breakfast another day.
The Aloha Tower Observation Deck: Four Unique Views of Honolulu
The Aloha Tower located at Pier 9 of Honolulu Harbor was completed in 1926 at the cost of $190,000. At the time, Aloha Tower was the tallest structure in Hawaii at 10 stories tall and measuring 184 feet (56 meters) in height. For 34 years the Aloha Tower was the tallest structure in Hawaii but has since been eclipsed by the First Hawaiian Center in Downtown Honolulu [1]. Although no longer the tallest structure, many still consider the Aloha Tower to be one of the most famous landmarks on Oahu. The tower was restored in 1994 and serves as both a welcoming point for incoming ships and as a fully functional traffic control center for the harbor located at Mamala Bay. I was able to pay a visit to the top of the enduring Aloha Tower following my recent tour on the Star of Honolulu Premier Whale Watch Cruise.