Elena's

I love Elena's.  It just reminds me of spending time with my grandparents, and of course the food is just so delicious.  The taste, the aromas - everything just brings me back to my childhood.

We recently did take-out, where we once again ordered the Elena's Pack.  It's such a great value.  For $59.99 you get: 

Pork Adobo Fried Rice Omelette

Pansit

White Rice

Sari Sari

Pork Adobo

Lechon Special

Gisantes

We also added on Shanghai Spring Rolls.  

My fave is the Gisantes.  The tomato sauce is just so recognizable and I could just eat it with rice and be happy.  I also loved the Pansit and the Lechon Special.  

It was so much food - we had enough leftovers for a hearty dinner!

Elena's recently celebrated 50 years, and here's to another 50 of dishing out Filipino favorites!

Elena's
94-866 Moloalo St
Waipahu, HI 96797
(808) 676-8005

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Brunch at Kapa Hale

After hiking the Koko Crater Stairs one beautiful morning, we stopped for breakfast at Kapa Hale in Kahala.  We liked the vibe here - spacious, innovative menu, and friendly service. 

We shared three dishes and all were tasty and very satisfying! 

Naan Ya Business

Okonomiyaki Omelette

Avocado Toast

The naan was my favorite dish of the three. The bread was soft and the naan was very garlicky and the watercress was a nice addition!

Kapa Hale is open Wednesday through Sunday (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). 

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KAPA HALE
4614 KILAUEA AVENUE
808-888-2060

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Mele Mele Bakery

Mele Mele Bakery opened up in the Old Waialua Sugar Mill.  It's a tiny shop in an old silo that I learned about through @cathertinetothfox's IG.

Cinnamon Roll

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin

Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie

Strawberry Matcha

I had the Cookie, which was delish!  It was a fantastic cookie, which was slightly crisp on the outside, and soft on the inside.

The kids loved their baked treats as well, and the Strawberry Matcha provided much needed refreshment. 

There is indoor and outdoor seating, and if someone can further develop the area, I think it can be a very great space for other local businesses and for the community to gather, as it gives Silos Baking Co. at Magnolia vibes. 

Mele Mele Bakery
67-106 Kealohanui St

Waialua, HI 96791

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No7 Poke n' Roll

I was bummed when I passed by Scoop of Paradise a while ago and saw it was shut down, but then I saw @islandbag's story that No 7 Japanese Food Truck moved out of their truck and into the space as No7 Poke n' Roll!

Chicken Karaage

Da Combo included Spicy Garlic Poke and Chicken Karaage

Spicy Miso Poke

Katsu Curry Rice

Fried Chicken Curry Rice

I had the Chicken Karaage from the food truck last time and it was delicious.  This time I had the Fried Chicken Curry Rice (basically the karaage with a tasty curry), and it was also delicious!  

The prices are reasonable, the portions are great, and you get quality, flavorful food.

Congrats to No 7 Poke n' Roll on the new brick-and-mortar!

No 7 Poke n' Roll
66-145 Kamehameha Hwy
Haleiwa, HI 96712, (808) 637-3456

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O’Kims

Before the Honolulu City Lights Electric Parade, we picked up food from O'Kims.  

Truffle Mandoo

The Truffle Mandoo included 4 different kind of mushrooms, zucchini, and mushroom paste.  The Mandoo was perfectly cooked and the filling was so scrumptious.  

Korean Chicken

The Korean Chicken plate came in a huge box!  Deep fried chicken with gochujang sauce and house-made gnocchi nuts were accompanied by purple rice, salad, and kimchi.  

Bibimbap with Spicy Chicken

My husband and son loved the Bibimbap with Spicy Chicken.  It was so good, that my son ate up all the vegetables (it was that apple gochujang sauce that he couldn't get enough of).   

Everything was delicious!

O'Kims
1028 Nuuanu Ave

Honolulu, HI 96817

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Brunch at Mana + Pua SALT at Our Kaka’ako

Being a fan of Mana + Pua Haleiwa, I was eager to check out their new location at SALT at Our Kakaao. Mana + Pua Salt is located on the second floor with an open air dining room and the cutest vibes that are perfect for your Sunday brunch crew. 

We started off with duck fat fries and guava mimosas, but the cocktail menu looked stellar. Most of the group opted for Okinawan Sweet Potato Hash with red onion, sweet bell peppers, garlic, rosemary and local arugula topped with soft scrambled eggs. It was a hearty entree. I had the Brekky Sammy - served in a pan de sal with pork belly, sage, sausage, soufflé egg, white cheddar, and maple syrup. It satisfied my sweet-salty craving. 

Duck Fat Fries $8

Okinawan Sweet Potato Hash (GF) $18

Brekky Sammy $18

Grilled Prawns (GF) $22

Overall, I liked the ambience and I thought the food was reasonably priced. Next time, I would want to try a different brunch item like the Strawberry Miso French Toast or Ahi Katsu Sandwich, which was the manager's favorite and recommendation. The restaurant is also open for happy hour weekdays 3pm-6pm and for dinner.

Mana + Pua

324 Coral Street

Honolulu, HI 96813

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Rux Food Truck

I was recently at a craft fair which had numerous food trucks.  As soon as I spotted @RuxFoodTruck's food display of sidewinders and bao (what a combo!), I knew I had to get in line!

Pastrami Melt

Crispy Pork Sisig

As I stood in line, I heard the employee say Crispy Pork Sisig was a popular menu item, so of course I had to try.  

The filling in the bao was so flavorful - it had a nice balance of acid and salt, as well as savory and sour flavors.  The combination of the crispy pork and the pillowy bao was perfect, and to add Sidewinders just made the entire plate so filling.  I love both bao and Sidewinders, so this was a great combo of comfort foods in my opinion.

I'll definitely try more variations if I see the truck again!

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Dinner at Rigo + New Hours in 2025

Aglio Olio E Peperoncino

A few months ago, my friends and I had a wonderful dinner at Rigo in their private room. Located on Kapahulu, Rigo serves Spanish Italian cuisine and offers a wide variety of tapas and wood-fired oven pizzas. Everything we ate, and this is not an exaggeration, was delicious! I highly recommend Rigo for dinner and it is also great for groups. 

Padron - deep-fried shishito peppers

Crostini - this was one of my favorites!

Rigo Caesar salad

Taco Pincho De Cerdo - pork belly tacos in a daikon radish shell

Gambas Al Ajillo - shrimp, onion and garlic fried in chili pepper oil

Melanzane - eggplant and homemade beef bolognese

Pulpo - grilled octopus leg

Bolognese - fresh rigatoni cooked al dente

Carbonara with Portabella Fritto

Vongole with Brussels

Seafood Paella

Rigo will be starting new hours in January 2025. For lunch they will be open Wednesday-Sunday from 11:30am - 3:00pm. Dinner hours are 4:30pm - 10:30pm 7 days a week. Valet parking is available daily from 4:30 pm until close for a cash only fee of $5.

Rigo Hawaii 
885 Kapahulu Ave Honolulu, HI 96816

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MW Restaurant

Even though I've been to MW Restaurant's current location for take-out a few times, I've never dined in until recently!

Inari Bombs

Mountain View Farms Pork Hash Dumplings

I loved the Pork Hash Dumplings, especially the truffle bacon dashi.  I really wanted to just pick up the bowl and drink it up! 

Lobster Campanella Pasta

Red Wine Braised Beef Cheeks

Miso Honey Glazed Butterfish

My entree was the Miso Honey Glazed Butterfish.  I devoured the entire dish.  The fish was so flaky and tender, and the miso honey glaze was fantastic.  

Maui Hashimoto Persimmon Shave Ice

The primary reason for going to MW was for the Persimmon Shave Ice.  Every spoonful of the shave ice, along with the Laie vanilla panna cotta, haupia tapioca, and vanilla ice cream was so yummy and refreshing!  

Of course I couldn't just eat one dessert.  When it comes to Chef Michelle's creations, multiple desserts is a must!  

MW Candy Bar

Brulee

Service was excellent and I'm already looking forward to my next visit!

MW Restaurant

888 Kapiolani Blvd, Commercial Unit
Suite 201, Honolulu, HI 96813

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