Vegasbuff's Profile
Big Island Hilo day trip
Hamura's might be a little better, but Nori's is still a great choice. I like the malasadas at Punalu'u Bakery. I thought they were much better than Tex's and just a notch below Leonard's.
Dining on the Big Island (Recommendations Please!)
Try this one, hopefully it works: http://vegasbuff.blogspot.com/2007/06/merrimans-restaurant.html
Indonesian Restaurant Closures
Two Indonesian restaurants have recently closed.
Asian Deli in Diamond Bar closed to a change in ownership.
Manja Resto in Duarte closed because of a kitchen fire. The owner's don't plan on reopening.
King's Hawaiian (Torrance)?
Food is passable, but expensive compared to other places.
The bakery items are good, I especially like the dobash cake.
Dining on the Big Island (Recommendations Please!)
Local food/cheap eats.
Big Island Grill -
Here's my review: http://vegasbuff.blogspot.com/2007/06/big-island-grill.html
Nori's Saimin & Snacks
Here's my review: http://vegasbuff.blogspot.com/2007/06/noris-saimin-snacks.html
Splasher's Grill - Stick with the basics like pancakes, burgers, wraps.
Manago Hotel - Famous for their pork chops and very reasonably priced.
Teshima's - Home style Japanese food, also affordable.
Punalu'u Bake Shop - Great malasadas and other bakery items.
Upscale/Higher End
Hualalai Grille -
My review: http://vegasbuff.blogspot.com/2007/06/hualalai-grille-by-alan-wong.html
Merriman's Restaurant -
My review: http://vegasbuff.blogspot.com/2007/06...
Coast Grille - Sit on the terrace and watch the sunset if you can. I've read mixed reviews about the place, but I had a wonderful meal there.
Is Emeril's Worth It?
I also had a very good steak at Delmonico's. I wouldn't say it was the best steak I've ever had, but it was quite good.
REVIEW w/ pics: The Donut Man in Glendora
I find that the glaze for the strawberry donut is overly sweet. Haven't been there in a couple of years though.
The Tiger Tail is one of my favs though.
my Hilo list, please critique
I thought Merriman's was the second best meal I had on the Big Island. I would put The Hualalai Grille first.
Here are my experiences of each.
http://vegasbuff.blogspot.com/2007/06/merrimans-restaurant.html
http://vegasbuff.blogspot.com/2007/06/hualalai-grille-by-alan-wong.html
Bakeries in OC?
I really like Cream Pan and Beverly's Best Bakery.
Here are my reviews with pics:
http://vegasbuff.blogspot.com/2007/07/cream-pan.html
http://ocfoodblogs.blogspot.com/2007/08/beverlys-best-bakery.html
Good eats in Chino/Chino Hills?
El Rey de Los Huaraches has great carne asada.
http://vegasbuff.blogspot.com/2007/07/el-rey-de-los-huarache.html
El Fortin has pretty good Oaxacan food
http://vegasbuff.blogspot.com/2007/05/el-fortin.html
I have heard that Dutch Bakery and Variety Foods in Chino is a good bakery, but I haven't been there.
If you like Asian pastries, there is a JJ Sweet in the Chino Spectrum.
City Broiler, Chino Hills
ChinoWayne,
I also had a less than stellar experience at City Broiler. I went there shortly after they opened, and I know that there will be bugs that will need to be worked out with any new restaurant. Service was very lackluster, we had to ask for silverware several times, along with refills of drinks. No bread was served with our meal. And, like you, our food was lacking in flavor and portion sizes were rather small. The prices seemed high for the quality and quantity of food that was served.
I'm not too sure that I would return given the array of new restaurants that will be opening in the area in the near future.
REVIEW w/ pics: Jerry's Wood-Fired Dogs
Yes, I was hopeful too. Their price point is fairly low compared to other hot dog places.
Where should I eat Thursday night?
They are going to be moving from this location in the very near future from what I understand. They are still going to be staying in Fullerton though.
If you like horchata, their version has pine nuts and cactus pear juice in it.
REVIEW w/ pics: Jerry's Wood-Fired Dogs
This new spot caught my eye when I was in the area a while back and decided to give it a try the next time I was in the area. From the name of the place, it looked promising. Not your run of the mill hot dog place. These claimed to be wood fired, which to me meant being cooked on top of a grill with an open flame.
The hot dogs are all beef; they also have a turkey dog and a veggie dog on the menu. They also offer sausages, salads and burgers. If you like your hot dogs with a lot of toppings this is the place for you. You can top your hot dog with over 30 different items, all of them complimentary. The only toppings that you pay extra for are chili, cheese and bacon slices. They also offer wheat buns, and will grill or steam them upon request.
I decided to try the Spiral Dog, a quarter pound all beef hot dog that has a spiral cut to help impart more smoke and help some of the fat render out. The hot dog is quite large and looked appealing. Upon ordering, they took the hot dog and placed it on top of the mesquite grill. When the hot dog was done, I was then asked which toppings I wanted. I chose the spicy brown mustard and bacon bits. One things is for sure, they definitely don't skimp on the toppings. The hot dog has no natural casing, so for those who like that “snap” to their dogs, you may want to look elsewhere. The hot dog is very meaty, flavorful and does have a distinct smoky flavor, but I was in for a big surprise with my first bite. They pre-cook their hot dogs and then place them on the grill when you order it to basically warm it up again. Sadly, my hot dog was nearly ice cold despite the fact that it was thrown on the grill. I got my order to go, so I was on the road when I discovered this annoying fact.
Jerry’s Wood Fired Dogs
2276 E. 17th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 245-0200
For pics: http://vegasbuff.blogspot.com/2007/08/jerrys-wood-fired-dogs.html
REVIEW: The Venice Room w/ pics
It is a fun place to go to with a group of people so you can hang out and have a drink while you cook your steak.
Monterey Park Suggestions for Lunch
Yes, the Aloha Cafe did close. I went there about a week before they closed. They said that they were possibly looking into opening up in Little Tokyo later this year.
REVIEW: The Venice Room w/ pics
Inside this small neighborhood bar lies a well hidden secret. It’s actually advertised on the outside of the building, but you probably will never notice it. What is it? A place where you get to play executive chef for the evening. It’s a steak dinner, which includes a salad, baked potato and a dinner roll. All for the bargain price of $13.50.
As you enter, you immediately encounter a large bar that gradually encompasses the room. There is also a piano where they also sing karaoke where they seem to sing whenever one of the locals feel like it. There is a small attached dining room, where a nice big gas grill greets you. To begin the steak dinner, you are directed towards a rather small salad bar. There is a small refrigerator underneath the salad bar in which plates are chilled. The salad bar consists only of iceberg lettuce, but is a nice and refreshing way to start the meal. There is an array of salad dressings to finish off your salad.
You are then presented a plate with a baked potato, a French roll and a raw strip steak. Next to the grill is wide variety of spices and condiments to season your steak before throwing it on the grill. The great thing about this place is that your steak will be season and cooked to your liking. If it’s not the way you like it, you have no one to blame but yourself.
The dining room is dimly lit and is a throwback to the 50’s with faux leather banquettes lining both walls. A huge mural of the canals in Venice adorn one wall. If you didn’t know any better you would think you were in an Italian restaurant given the establishments name and décor.
The steak is a nice and thick and probably weighs at least 12 ounces. A nice fat cap encircles one side and has just enough fat to help give it that extra boost of flavor. The steaks are nice and juicy and are bursting with flavor. This certainly isn’t a Prime cut of meat, but it is still full of flavor nonetheless.
For a great hands on and fun dining experience at a great price, The Venice Room can’t be beat.
To view pics: http://vegasbuff.blogspot.com/2007/08/venice-room.html
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Venice Room
2428 S Garfield Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91754
OC - Good Bakery in/or around TUSTIN
Great call on Cream Pan. How did I forget it. Their strawberry croissants and azuki cream pan are the best.
Here are some pics: http://vegasbuff.blogspot.com/2007/07/cream-pan.html
OC Fish Taco? Possible?
Yes, Las Cotijas has had very good fish tacos the times that I've been there. Much bigger than Senor Baja, but in the same style.
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Las Cotijas
642 E 1st St, Tustin, CA 92780
A humble primer on Mei Long Village
I enjoyed my visit to Mei Long Village.
Here's my experience with some pictures: http://vegasbuff.blogspot.com/2007/07/mei-long-village.html
Hawaiian Ingredients???
I usually make kalua pork in 15-20 lbs batches. I let the "juice" sit in the fridge overnight and skim off the fat the next morning. I then distribute the kalua pork and juice evenly in serving sized containers and freeze them. They seem to freeze very well without losing any flavor or texture.
OC - Good Bakery in/or around TUSTIN
Beverly's Best Bakery is pretty good.
Here's some pics and descriptions: http://ocfoodblogs.blogspot.com/2007/08/beverlys-best-bakery.html
my Hilo list, please critique
Kuhio Grille is pretty good for local kine food. Known for their 1 lb. lau lau. Service can be kind of slow though.
For shave ice, both Itsu's and Kawate Seed Shop are good. Itsu's can be easy to miss. It's located inside of a shop that sells fishing tackle and bait. Kawate Seed Shop is also a great place to pick up some crack seed.
For malasada's, Punalu'u Bake Shop. I like them even better than Tex Drive-In, but just a notch below Leonard's.
Places that I haven't been to but heard are good:
Ning's Thai Cuisine
Maui Tacos Kaahumanu
Hilo Bay Cafe
Restaurant Miwa
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Kuhio Grille
111 E Puainako St, Hilo, HI 96720
Itsu's Fishing Supplies
810 Piilani St, Hilo, HI 96720
Kawate Seed Shop
1990 Kinoole St, Hilo, HI 96720
Panaluu Bake Shop
95 5642 Mamalahoa Hwy, Naalehu, HI 96772
Ning's Thai Cuisine
15 2879 Pahoa Rd, Pahoa, HI 96778
Maui Taco's Kaahumanu
111 E Puainako St, Hilo, HI 96720
Hilo Bay Cafe
315 Makaala St, Hilo, HI 96720
Hilo Shopping Center: Restaurant Miwa
230 Kilauea Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
lau lau with butterfish
Do the places mentioned have a large piece of butterfish in them? The ones that I have had over the last couple of years that claim to have butterfish in them are only the size of a small Band Aid and almost not worth putting in.
Big Island (Kona Region) Eats?
The black sand beach in Punalulu'u is also spectacular too. Lots of sea turtles right on the beach. Plus, you're close to the green sand beach as well. Not to be missed is the Punalu'u Bake Shop for their malasadas. I think they're better than Yex Drive-In.
Forget Frozen Yogurt - Go get a Ice Cream at the Paleteria (Escondido)
There's also a place that has Mexican ice cream in Riverside. It's called Frio Divino. It's on Van Buren Blvd. about a quarter mile south of Arlington Ave. I haven't been there so I can't comment on the taste or quality.
Child's 2nd B-day Party: Lilo&Stitch/Luau Theme Menu Ideas?
Kalua Pork:
1 5- to 51/4-pound boneless pork butt roast
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons Hawaiian alaea sea salt or coarse sea salt
3 frozen banana leaves, thawed
6 cups water, divided
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
Preheat oven to 350°F. Using small sharp knife, cut 1/4-inch-deep slits 1 inch apart all over pork roast. Rub 2 tablespoons sea salt all over pork. Unfold 1 banana leaf on work surface and place pork roast atop leaf. Fold up leaf around pork, enclosing completely. Repeat wrapping pork in remaining 2 banana leaves, 1 at a time.
Tie with kitchen string to secure, then wrap roast in foil. Place pork in roasting pan; pour 4 cups water into pan.
Roast pork in oven until very tender when pierced with fork, about 5 hours. Unwrap pork and cool slightly. Shred pork and place in large bowl. Bring remaining 2 cups water and remaining 2 teaspoons salt to boil in small saucepan. Add liquid smoke; pour over pork and stir to blend. Let stand 10 minutes to allow liquid to flavor pork. I prefer the mesquite liquid smoke over the hickory, but you can use whatever kind you like.
Mochiko Chicken:
2 lbs. chicken (thighs or breasts) cut into bite sized morsels
4 Tbsp. mochiko flour
4 Tbsp. cornstarch
4 Tbsp. sugar
5 Tbsp. soy sauce
1/2 Tsp. salt
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 beaten eggs
2 cloves minced garlic
oil for frying
Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl (except for the oil) and add in chicken. Mix well and marinate chicken overnight. Fry marinated chicken in oil until golden-brown. Drain oil form chiken on paper towels and newspaper.
Loco moco is simply rice with hamburger patties on top covered in brown gravy.
Both saimin and haupia will be pre-packaged. Saimin may be hard to come by unless you have an Asian grocery store that carries Hawaiian ingredients as well. Haupia comes in a powdered mix; the easiest brand to find is probably NOH. Or you can do a recipe search on the internet and find recipes there.
Shave ice is somewhat similar to a snow cone, but the ice is much, much finer, almost like snow. You then top it with different flavored syrups. Many places will also serve it with a scoop of ice cream on the bottom, then top with condensed milk and azuki beans (sweet red beans) which you can buy in a can.
Here's a link as to what shave ice looks like: http://www.matsumotoshaveice.com/
Child's 2nd B-day Party: Lilo&Stitch/Luau Theme Menu Ideas?
Kalua pork - Very easy to make in the oven.
Mochiko chicken
Loco moco
Saimin
Manapua
Haupia - Similar to a coconut jello
Shave ice - A sure winner
Hawaiian Sun drinks
Not sure where you live, so some of these may be hard to come by.
Best Chicago Style Pizza and Italian Beef
I've never been to Chicago and had their deep dish pizza, but here is my experience at Tony's Little Italy:
http://ocfoodblogs.blogspot.com/2007/07/tonys-little-italy-pizza.html
Maui w/ Kids
Not exactly a place to eat, more of a snack. Guri Guri is sort of like a cross between sherbert and ice cream. It can only be found in Maui. Very affordable and many find addicting.
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Tasaka Guri Guri Shop
70 E Kaahumanu Ave Ste C13, Kahului, HI 96732
