Jay Eats Worldwide

I was on Oahu for the  2012 Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival  as guest of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau , I thank them for the invitation and hospitality.   I knew this would be food-filled four days of go-go-go and go...  Arrangements were made for  me at the Hotel Renew in Waikiki.   When I visit Honolulu , I usually stay on the Ala Moana side of Waikiki, so I had no idea where to find Hotel Renew .  It's actually located on the Diamond Head side of the Marriott Waikiki and not far from the beach...  Photo by Hotel Renew You're probably thinking the same thing I did... Well, Hotel Renew is Honolulu's first boutique hotel, designed by acclaimed designer Jiun Ho .  Since I'm a food guy, hopefully my descriptions make sense. First off, it's not a mega resort, only 72 rooms.  It's a modern hotel with a tranquil feed, away from the Waikiki noise and the tons of people.  It didn't have a chain feel to...

 I've known about this place for awhile now, with all of the other outstanding places to eat in Honolulu, this was further down on my list.  Until now... Scheduled dinner with @konaish and @onokinegrindz, my Sushi Izakaya Gaku  friends.  Unfortunately, @onokinegrindz was unavailable this night, but we got to have one last meal at Downtown at HiSAM (Hawaii State Art Museum). Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin Beach Walk Waikiki In Japan, Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin (Est. 1927) was the first Tonkatsu restaurant in Ginza (one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world and very upscale). They were the first to offer the now popular "Bite-Size Katsu", "Tonkatsu Sauce" and the "Katsu Sandwich".   See What Jay Eats... Beef Takaki Salad (Seared Beef Salad) Not much of a dressing tho... You can grind sesame seeds before  adding in the tonkatsu sauce, it gives a nice nutty flavor... We opted for the Special K...

I visit Oahu on a regular basis and I usually stay in the Waikiki area.  Except for a handful of places, I'm not really a Waikiki expert.  I was telling one of my Honolulu friends that I stay there, but I don't know where to eat in Waikiki.  I'm usually on Kapahulu Avenue, Kaka'ako, Kalihi, downtown, or other Honolulu neighborhoods for food. A few of my Japanese friends has been telling me to go here.  Since I'm never in Waikiki, it took me awhile to get over there AND I'm glad that I did... See What Jay Eats... SPAM Musubi with Egg and BACON $2.48 Caught my eye... Located behind the Hyatt Regency Hotel  on Koa Avenue is this small "Musubi Shop" sign If you don't look close enough, you'll miss it Once you pass the first sign, look for the green sign between the buildings. It reminds me of places in Japan Musubi Cafe Iyasume Open 6:30 am - 4:00 pm 7 Days a Week Musubi Selection ...

The Aloha Festivals showcase Hawai'i culture, music, dance, and history.  The intent is to preserve the unique island traditions and spread Aloha. I was fortunate to be on O'ahu for this year's Waikiki Hoolaulea, Hawaii's largest block party. It's been years since I've participated/attended one of the many Aloha Festivals, I competed in the Sam Choy Poke Festival on the Big Island back in 2003.  But this year, no stress from competing and just to enjoy. Saturday, September 15, 2012 7:00 pm  Free Admission Celebrating its 60th year and the 2012 theme of Ho'onui Ike On Kalakaua Avenue between Lewers & Kapahulu Avenues Waikiki The largest block parties I've ever attended  Multiple stages of entertainment, vendors, Hawaiian crafts, and lots of food. Speaking of Food...  From the North Shore, Giovanni's Shrimp is here!  Can smell the butter and garlic from down the street The ...