Hata Restaurant

Local Japanese food at its best, Hata is a small, feel-at-home restaurant. Walk through the doors (be careful to watch your step), and be transported to a decades-past atmosphere. Seating is limited; this time, we were lucky. There were two tables available. Towards the end of our meal, a party of six came in, and the room was full. Located on King Street and a little ways down from Punahou Street (just across the street from Zippy's), Hata's is hard to find, but a gem once found.

Ambiance:
For those who are used to lush carpeting, track lighting, and fine cutlery, this restaurant is a few notches down from that. Maybe more than a few. Reminiscent of a family-owned crack-seed shop, though the ambiance is homely, the food is heavenly.

Service:
Because of a small area, the waitresses were very attentive to the patrons. Our waters were constantly refilled (and so was the rice).

Food:
We ordered Yosenabe and the seasonal fish chiri (Opakapaka). It came with okara and tsukemono.

• Yosenabe: This was our second time we ordered it, and compared to the first time, it had considerably less seafood. While the first time had salmon, butterfish, shrimp, crab, and other fish parts, this time around was more land-based: a lot of chicken pieces were added tot he mix, and there wasn't any butterfish. Though changed, the Yosenabe was still a winner.
• Opakapaka Chiri: The description on the menu said the soup base was light. Though it was light, it did not compromise on the taste. A simple dish--Opakapaka, won bok, bamboo shoots, and konbu--soothing, and deliciously healthy.

Value:
Our bill, with the tip, was around thirty dollars. For good Japanese food, this was a great value. It filled us up just right, though some may find the portions small. If it be any added value, there's free refills on the rice.

Overall:
This place, recommended by coach Murakami, is a winner.

Mini Garden Orient & Vegetarian Cuisine

We were craving some hot pot and, after seeing the long line outside of Sweet Home Cafe, decided to stop at Mini Garden, which is located on Beretania St near Champion's Malasadas.

Ambiance:
An average-sized Chinese restaurant at a blink-and-you'll-miss-it location. The interior is brightly lit and inviting. We went on a weekday and it was not too crowded.

Service:
The servers are straight-forward, but fairly friendly. The food came out quickly. It was nice not having to wait a long time for our food since we were very hungry!

Food:
We ordered two platters: seafood and pork/beef.

• Seafood: featured a good variety, including shrimp, a type of white fish, scallops, ika, and clams. The fish was tender and did not dry out even when we overcooked it.
  
• Pork and beef: super thin slices of pork and beef.
  

Both platters came with a separate plate of won bok, lettuce, bok choy, tofu, udon, shiitake, kabocha, and a dumpling. The vegetables really rounded out the meal and added extra flavor to the broth.

We dipped our food in a variety of sauces. We're not really sure what they were, but enjoyed each sauce nonetheless.

Value:
Our bill came out to a little over $40, including tip. The seafood platter was a little pricey at a little under $20, but a nice little splurge. When one of us, who will remain unnamed, goes vegetarian next month, we will be sure to order the vegetable plate.

Overall:
A perfect way to satisfy our hot pot craving, especially since it was a little chilly this week. A healthy and fun experience. Highly recommended.

Go Shi Go

Located across the street from Wal-Mart on Keeaumoku Street, this noodle shop captures the ambiance of age-old tradition. Go Shi Go prides itself in its homemade noodles. Each day--a new day--a new variety of noodle.

Ambiance:
A cozy shop, be sure to get there early to avoid the queue. We got there around 6:00, and, by the time we left, it was crowded.

Service:
The food came in a reasonable amount of time, and the waitress (a one person team) was very friendly. However, because of the influx of customers, trying to pay for the bill was time-consuming.

Food:
We ate two varieties of cold noodle udon: Hiyashi Chuka Udon, and Natto Udon.

• Hiyashi Chuka Udon: Deelicious. It was refreshing, and a nice complement to the Natto Udon. It consisted of lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, chicken, wakame, half of a hard-boiled egg, and a pleasant dressing-sauce of sesame seeds and vinegar.
  
• Natto Udon: If you like slime, this dish is for you. Natto, yamaimo (mountain yam/tororo), soft-boiled egg, bonito flakes, and a garden of green onions. The soup base didn't overwhelm the overall taste, and allowed the other ingredients to shine.

The noodles were slightly thinner than what is served at other restaurants, and had a fresher taste--more resilient texture.

Value:
Our bill, with the tip, was in the mid-twenties. Not bad for homemade noodles.

Overall Impression:
With the exception of the slower service in the later half of our meal, we enjoyed Go Shi Go. A quaint place that makes its own noodles, I can tip my hat to that.

House of Dragon

Tonight we tried House of Dragon, a small, hidden Chinese restaurant located in Pearl City next to Chuck E. Cheese and Longs.

Ambiance:
A typical Chinese restaurant. We came around 6:00 and it was pretty empty for a Saturday.

Service:
Waitresses were courteous and the food came within ten minutes. They were also attentive, refilling our water frequently. No complaints here!

Food:
We ordered three dishes: hot and sour soup, braised vegetables, and beef with sweet and sour cabbage. Each dish was delicious and the portions were large enough to feed three or four people. Unlike the food at many Chinese restaurants, the food wasn't too salty.

• Hot and sour soup: tasty, with little bits of tofu, bamboo shoots, egg and chili pepper.
• Braised vegetables: the highlight of the night. Came on a sizzling platter with choi sum, baby corn, won bok, Chinese peas, mushrooms, shiitake, and rice noodles.
  
• Beef with sweet and sour cabbage: crisp pieces of cabbage with tender beef made this dish a winner. Great for people who like more cabbage than beef.

Value:
Our bill came out to a little under $30. Though the portion of rice was generous, it was pretty pricey for the two of us at over $3.

Overall impression:
We'd definitely go here again. The waitresses were friendly, the food was delivered quickly and was delicious. A pretty good deal!