Max's of Manilla - Iwilei Location

My first visit to Max's was at their Waipahu location a few years back with a friend who knows of my love for Filipino food.  He enthusiastically said "we have to go to Max's!!!", he then explained that Max's is an establishment in the Philippines, and that they're known for their chicken.

Here are a few facts about Max's...

• Established in 1945 after World War II, by Maximo Gimenez (a Stanford - educated teacher). 
• Maximo's niece Ruby came up with the recipe for their chicken, prompting Max's to be known as "the house that chicken built".  

We ordered their chicken (of course), pinacbet, rice and lechon kawali.  I have to say that I was thoroughly impressed by their chicken... it had to be the crispiest, yet juiciest chicken I had ever had.  I'm only assuming that the rest of the food was good... but not memorable as I can only remember the chicken.  ha ha  After having the best chicken I had ever had... I knew that it was only a matter of time before I brought the boyfriend (now husby) there too. 

So fast forward to about a year ago and it's now the Husby's turn to try their awesome chicken and it was... dry, over-fried and not as awesome as my first time.  Which was a shame cause I had gone on and on about it.  

Needless to say, he was quite hesitant to try Max's again... but I'm so glad that we did.  We had gone in with the full intention of giving their chicken another shot, but we ended up ordering their Pancit Bihon (without shrimp), Crispy Pata and a small order of rice. 

Pancit Bihon

The pancit came out first and we dug in.  OH. MY. GOODNESS. It was like a flavor explosion in our mouths (well mine anyway).  The ratio of rice noodles, to vegetables, to pork was perfect!!!  Every bite had a little bit of everything and everything tasted good!!!  You should know that as I'm writing this, I am salivating.  ha ha

Crispy Pata

Next came out the Crispy Pata, which is deep fried pork knuckles.  If you have ever had pork rinds, this is exactly what the crispy pata tastes like, but with meat attached to it.  However, the oiliness of the dish did get to us eventually.   But the thing that totally made the dish for me was the dipping sauce that it came with... a spicy, fishy, vinegar concoction that I couldn't resist dipping everything into.  

We left Max's full and happy... a little overstuffed but fans definitely.  Can't wait to go back... 

If you're interested in going to Max's they have 2 locations in Hawai'i... 

• 801 Dillingham Blvd, #108 Honolulu, HI 96817 - phone# 808-951-6297
• 94-300 Farrington Hwy, Waipahu, HI 96797 - phone# 808-951-6297
• website: http://www.maxschicken.com/index.php?

Tony Roma's

A few facts:

• Tony Roma's is the largest casual theme restaurant chain specializing in ribs in the world. 
• The first "Tony Roma's" was built in North Miami, Florida in 1972.
• The first international Tony Roma's, a franchise was opened in Japan in 1979, while the first domestically franchised restaurant was opened in 1982 in San Jose, California. 

Last night the Husby and I went out to celebrate and it's funny how Tony Roma's is nearly always brought up.  It's kind of a running joke between us - because really?  Who celebrates stuff at Tony Roma's?  Apparently, we do!

Despite a crowd, we were seated fairly quickly - and noted that it had been a while since we'd been there.  The decor of the restaurant had changed significantly - and according to the husby - it felt less "fine dining" because it's more lit now.  That's right... he thought Tony Roma's was "fine dining"... which explains a lot. 

We started off with their onion loaf  - made of giant hand-cut Spanish onions that were breaded, deep fried and served with their original BBQ sauce.  Which we noted was a little bit more spicy this time around... the Husby thinks that they might have used a different sauce.  I liked it... the spiciness gave it that extra oomph.  **we didn't get a picture cause as soon as it came we cut into it like a pair of starving dogs. ha ha 

We then ordered our entrees... I had their Smoked Tri Tip, with baked potato (sour cream, butter and chives please), ranch style beans and a side caesar salad.  The tri tip came pre sliced into three medallions and were placed on a bed of onion rings.  I was thoroughly disappointed with my meal... the meat was very tough, unflavored and dry.  You also couldn't order it cooked to your liking... it came well-done and I happen to like my meat a little more on the medium-rare side.  But the sides were great... their baked potato (which I mashed into the consistency of mashed potatoes) and their ranch style beans complemented the meal wonderfully.  The caesar salad, which was good... had a little too much dressing, I'll have to remember to get that "on the side" next time around.    

Smoked Tri Tip

The Husby ordered their Baby Back Ribs - Full Slab, with baked potato (Fully loaded - sour cream, butter, no-chives, bacon, cheese, at no extra cost), and their green beans. At first, he claimed that he would be able to eat the whole thing... what a laugh!!  He did make a pretty decent dent by the end of the night, but he left 3 ribs and most of his baked potato on his plate.  

Baby Back Ribs - Full Slab

We were thinking of having one of their desserts, but decided to forgo dessert and give our waistbands a little breathing room.  They do have a nice selection and they even have "mini" portions of some of their desserts.  I know that I'll be having their apple crisp (I'm a sucker for apple anything with caramel & ice cream!) the next time we find something to celebrate!  

Gazen Izakaya

Facts:

• Located at: 2480 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu HI 96826... Phone# 808-737-0230
• Hours of Operation: Sun - Thurs 5pm - 11pm, Fri - Sat 5pm - 1am
• Website: http://www.e-k-c.co.jp/tenpo/honolulu-e/index.html
• An "izakaya" is a Japanese bar that offers alcoholic beverages and snacks.

The Husby and I decided to have "date night" here this past weekend and as a great way to use yet another one of my gift cards from my birthday present.  We arrived shortly before 7pm on a Saturday night, found their very limited parking lot full and was told that there was a 30 - 40 minute wait.  So we put our names on the waiting list (thankfully - they took my cell number to call us when our table was ready) and took our car to go find parking.   

I don't think the Husby really knew what kind of foods they served there when he bought my gift.  They don't serve meals... they're more like small "pupu" type dishes and everything is ala carte and while some of their dishes are affordable, some are quite expensive. 

Miso-Butterfish

We had their miso-butterfish dish which came with assorted mushrooms that tasted like they were sauteed in butter.  We each ordered a side order of rice and ate to our hearts content!!!  The Husby was so impressed with the mushrooms - wish I had taken a picture of his smile, it was priceless. 

Sweet Potato Mochi and Vanilla Ice Cream
with Earl Grey Sauce

For dessert, we had their sweet potato mochi and vanilla ice cream with earl grey sauce.  It took nearly half an hour for this dish to arrive.  I think it was either because our waiter was overwhelmed or he was just forgetful.  We had to remind him to refill our waters twice and he completely forgot that we had requested tea.  But the dessert was delicious... too bad the wait put is in a sour mood.  

Over-all, we enjoyed the food at Gazen, but I don't think we'll be going back anytime soon.  The small parking lot, the long wait and the staff put us off.  But I know that we'll be back eventually - if only to have that butterfish again!  

Royal Garden Chinese Restaurant

As part of my birthday present - the Husby got me a gift certificate to my favorite dim sum restaurant... Royal Garden at the Ala Moana Hotel.  It's my "go to" place for dim sum mainly because I enjoy the fact that the you're able to peruse the carts of dim sum to pick out your choices (and they have a LOT of choices) and they serve Juk (a rice porridge).

The Husby and I had a late morning and didn't arrive until about 1:30pm.  Which is a shame and a blessing all at the same time... you see, there weren't too many customers there - so there was no actual vying for attention of the dim sum carts, however most of the carts were already out of commission.  We were lucky though... cause we were still able to snag my favorite dishes before they closed at 2pm.  

Here is the list of things we got... 

Lookfun Roll w/Beef

Chicken Feet w/Black Bean Sauce

• Chicken Feet w/Black Bean Sauce
• Char Sui Bao (Manapua) 
• Chicken & Scallop Juk 
• Lookfun Roll w/Beef
• Mochi Pork 
• Pan-fried Turnip cake 
• Pork & Spinach Dumpling 

Unfortunately we weren't able to get a picture of each of the delicacies... this is my fault, I could barely stop myself from eating them before we could get a pic.  

Their staff today seemed unhelpful at first (we had to flag one down for water), but happily once we got his attention - we were able to get ALL of our delicious dim sums delivered promptly.  Our one gripe about the dishes was that the Lookfun Roll had cilantro in it... a big "no no" for us, but for those that love the herb... right on!  

Can't wait to go back... I'm craving the chicken feet and juk.  Don't knock it til you try it.  You just might like it!  

Fun Food Facts

Here are a few fun facts about food that I learned recently:

About Milk

• A glass of milk is one of the best after-exercise meals.
• It provides both slow and fast digesting protein which helps with lean muscle gain.
• The fat in milk keeps you fuller longer, which decreases hunger and in turn helps you to lose weight

About Vegetable Oil

• A little bit of vegetable oil combed thru the hair can detangle it.
• If you have gum stuck to leather, just rub a little vegetable oil on it and it'll come right off.
• It can help to remove paint from skin... cool!

Random food facts:

• Honey is the only food that cannot spoil, even if it starts to crystalize or become cloudy - all you have to do is microwave it for a few seconds at a time, mix and it'll be right as rain!
• Strawberries are the only fruit that have their seeds on the outside.
• Iceberg Lettuce is 90% water... which if fed to a rabbit, would make it nutritionally deficient.
• Apples are more efficient at waking you up in the morning than coffee.
• The same chemicals that give tart cherries their color may relieve pain better than aspirin and ibuprofen in humans.
• Bananas are about 99.5% fat free
• There are 500 types of bananas, 1500 types of watermelon, 7,500 types of apples and more than 600 types of oranges in the world.

Yay!!

So last month I celebrated my birthday and the Mr. got me some pretty awesome gifts!!! He got me gift cards and gift certificates to all new food places!!!!

• Royal Garden
• Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin
• Insomniac Cafe
• Morimoto's
• Gazen
• Da Kitchen
• Ryan's
• Pablo's Cantina and
• Soul Cuisine with Aloha & Spice

Can't wait to try them all!!!! Look for my upcoming reviews and pics!!!

Da Kitchen

Some fun facts...

• Da Kitchen is a Local & Hawaiian Food establishment that was first established in 1998 on the Island of Maui and expanded in 2010 to the outer Island of Oahu.
• They do not advertise and build their base of customers purely thru word of mouth.
• They were invited to cook at the inaugural luau in Washington D.C. and they were featured in The Bizarre Food Show on the Travel Channel.
• Website is: http://www.da-kitchen.com
• Address/Phone: 9325 Isenberg St. Honolulu, HI 96826; 808-957-0099

My person and a few friends happened to go there this past weekend. They have a VERY small parking lot and so we were lucky to find street parking. Yay!!

We started with their appetizer, the Fried Spam Musubi. We were so intrigued.... it was a must try. It's your typical spam musubi, but it's rolled in panko and fried, served with a drizzle of a teriyaki sauce. Mmmm... it was good, albeit messy (since we tried to cut into ours to share), but tasty - the sauce is what makes it soooo good.

Next we ordered our entree's which came with rice and your choice of tossed greens or mac salad (except the noodles, which came unaccompanied) -

Laura got their version of Loco Moco, which is a grilled burger, topped with two eggs, onions, mushrooms and gravy - it was HUGE!!! And even though she asked it for the gravy on the side... it still came with gravy on the actual dish and on the side (which she was charged $2 for!). She couldn't really say if it was good or bad... "it had gravy". ha ha Well it sure looked good!

Alex and my person ordered the chicken katsu, which is chicken cutlets that are breaded in panko and fried, served with a Japanese dipping sauce. It was sooo good. I think that it's because they used a really good selection of chicken pieces and their dipping sauce is to die for! It's not that crap sauce that you get from L&L (sorry for all you L&L lovers), it was tangy and sweet... not as thick as the ones you get at Japanese restaurants, but it was so tasty I didn't even care. :D

And lastly I had their fried noodles, which had a mixture of veggies and teriyaki beef. I gotta say that I barely ate this. Sadly, I didn't find it that good. Both my person and I ate a few bites and passed on the rest of the dish. It kind of had a sweetness to it... something I wasn't expecting when I had ordered this.

2 out of 3 dishes were awesome, which in my average still puts them out ahead! All of us had to ask for take out containers because the portions are so big. So be prepared to go home with a full belly and left overs to take home!

Peace Cafe

Peace Cafe is a restaurant that serves vegan friendly foods. If you haven't been introduced to Vegan foods, this is a great place to take your taste buds for a spin! My person and I found it last year when we tried to go Vegan for a month... it lasted for 5 days, admittedly it was all my fault that we failed. Anyway, we were lucky to find this place through yelp (yelp.com) and although we've gone back to our meat eating ways, we've been back to this establishment a few times.

Peace Cafe is located at 2239 S. King St. Honolulu, HI 96826. It's located in-between a Diego's Taco Shop and a reggae looking shop. They have a limited menu... and even though we haven't tried EVERYTHING, all the things we've tried are so good.

So far we've tried the... Heart & Seoul, their version of the Korean Bi Bim Bap. It's offered with a choice of TVP or fresh tofu. I chose the fresh tofu - which was silky, soft and perfect for the dish. I think the only thing that didn't work for me was the carrot salad thing. It had a distinct flavor that I didn't really care for. I couldn't put my finger on the exact flavor, I just knew that I didn't like it. Also - you can't see it, but they give a LOT of brown rice with this dish... in fact, it probably makes up for half the weight of the whole plate. It was a little excessive, I'm not one for that much rice.

My person had their Popeye - which is a sandwich consisting of miso-tahini flavored spinach with tofu cubes. All of their sandwiches come with lettuce, tomato and sprouts, with an aioli that they spread on their whole wheat ciabatta bread.

In the past we've tried the Soy Soba Salad which is a lunchbox filled with soba, fresh veggies, age-tofu and soy dressing. This is actually the very first thing I had at the Peace Cafe and was thoroughly impressed. Although as you can see in the picture, it also has that carrot salad thing. But since it was so full of other veggies, I could easily ignore that portion and feast on the rest of the meal!

My person on our first visit had the Tempting Tempeh sandwich - which consisted of a teriyaki fried tempeh. For those of you not familiar with tempeh, it's a traditional soy product orginally from Indonesia. It is made by a natural culturing and controlled fermentation process that binds soybeans into a cake form, similar to a very firm vegetarian burger patty. My person totally loved his sandwich. He said that he couldn't even tell it wasn't meat but that the inclusion of the alfalfa sprouts were not to his liking. They included cucumbers, tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts and lettuce - it's a very FULL sandwich.

And as always, I had to get my kinako latte... *sigh* This is heaven for me... though I gotta warn ya! You have to really like the taste of kinako. Which my person doesn't care for... though you wouldn't know it - cause he drinks at least half my latte!!!

So even if you're not vegan... I recommend this place. They have a lot of wonderful dishes and when you leave... you feel healthy, satisfied and just happy. I know that we'll be back for another visit soon. I'm craving a kinako latte!