Waikiki, Finally

Today was all about staying around the hotel. I mean why wouldn’t we venture out in this great part of the island. Can’t let the tourist scare you away. Oh wait, I’m a tourist too ain’t I? Well, the stuff that’ll scare you are all the street performers and brochure hand outs that make you feel like you’re walking on Hollywood Boulevard during the day. Cheapens the place tremendously, but if you stay along the beach, you’ll understand why this is a beach hot spot. Gentle waves and clear water that goes out several hundred yards. Pretty neat and a great place to learn to surf. Waves tend to be smaller and the ride long and gentle. Just like how you want the first time time to be right? And yes, we’re talking about surfing.

Food:

Not sure why I keep up this format given that I’m basically in Hawaii and the food, though diversely ethnic, doesn’t vary, as do the costs and getting around. So let’s just get to the good stuff, the food.

We started off the day at Mikawon with naeng myun, a Korean cold noodle soup that’s great on hot days. Not a bad place. On the Yelp scale it’ll be a three star not having tried the other Korean places on the island and having lived next to KTown in LA. I tend to be a bit picky. Place was good and the buckwheat noodles we nice and chewy. I’d think this needed more cuts of meat, which I had none, but Vicky had some slices of brisket. But my nit picking would be of the noodles. I’m a fan of the thicker and darker variety. Really enhances the chewiness.

In the afternoon we stopped off at Leonard’s to try these famous Malasada’s. Had them earlier and before on another trip, but never at “the” place. I see how it can be so addicting. Like Krispy Kreme right off the press, these things are soft, slightly chewy, and sweetened just enough to entice another bite until it’s gone. Yeah, a must try.

At night we found this great and deadly place, Yakitori Glad. Okay, so what right? Another yakitori place here in Oahu, a dime a dozen and many high end places that makes this stuff more than fried meat on a stick. Well, if you’re into simple fried meats on a stick… and wait there’s more… and everything on the menu is $3.90 including the bear, then you’re in luck. This is your place for hours of drinking and eating, a true izakaya style place where service is spot on. I’m definitely coming back and yes, they do have beef tongue skewers which aren’t on the menu. And their’s aren’t the thin cut, they make sure you get enough. And please, don’t let this place get too popular, I don’t want to wait when I come back.

Costs:

$1~$2 a malasada at Leonard’s
$30 for two at Mikawon
$60 for two at Yakitori Glad