Gastro Monkey // 美食家

North Shore For my latest birthday, The Boyfriend took me to Hawaii. I'm not usually one to brag, but this was one of the best gifts ever (although to be honest, his gifts are always good). The last time I went to Hawaii was for the Spartan Race, so this time would be all about fun. I mean, I had fun last time, but there was that whole extreme exercise in the sun portion that was super draining. This time, we would go to eat, relax and . Instead of going to Kualoa Ranch for the Spartan Race, we would take a few tours to enjoy the sights without having to lug buckets of gravel or 40lbs. sandbags, do burpees, or army crawling 100 meters 😅 Since the flight arrived at noon, it was perfectly timed for lunch again at Helena's. The Boyfriend hadn't been to Helena's before, so I figured it would be a nice first meal in Oahu. We went with the set menu D, and didn't get the chicken long rice or poke. Last time, the poke had a few opihi on it. Apparently this time ...

When I heard that Ono's was closing around the same time as my trip, I got a little depressed. I have only been there a few times, but each time has been pretty fantastic. The food is so homey and comforting even though I didn't grow up with this style of food. The restaurant itself is really small and cozy though, and it feels like your best friend's grandma or grandpa is cooking all of their best dishes just for you. Without a friend who can cook like this, or their grandparents do cook for you, where can you go without Ono's? If you are fortunate enough to be in Honolulu, or visiting in the last few days before the closure, pop on by. Be prepared to wait. No get mad. PS - it's just down the street from Leonard's. Even if you're full, you always have space for at least one malasada! Poke, as it should be. In all of its delicious glory. Chicken long rice - big pieces of chicken in a light broth with cellophane noodles The juiciest ka...