Eat in Honolulu: South Shore Grill

Sautéed Cajun Shrimp plate lunch, served with hapa rice, slaw, and tuna-mac salad


Chicken Breast plate lunch with soy-sesame sauce, served with hapa rice, slaw, and tuna-mac salad

After another long walk in the humid heat in late September, my dining companion and I took a breather at South Shore Grill, a casual restaurant on Monsarrat and Kanaina in the Diamond Head neighborhood of Honolulu. This family-owned restaurant is known for their fish tacos, plate lunches, and sandwiches. After watching an episode of Street Food: USA set in Oahu before our trip, we knew we wanted to try plate lunches during our stay in Hawaii. They're made of a main protein, with rice and macaroni ("mac") salad on the side. 

I ordered a plate lunch with Sautéed Cajun Shrimp, while his came with Chicken Breast made with a soy-sesame sauce. Both were served with hapa rice, slaw, and tuna-mac salad, their versions of the traditional sides. Everything was incredibly good. Although we were referred to this place by a friend, we were still surprised with how spot-on everything was. I not only accomplished my goal of having a plate lunch, I also got to try the garlicky shrimp that is popular in Oahu, particularly on the North Shore. Theirs was flavorful as was every other side on the plate. My dining companion enjoyed his chicken plate as well.

If I'm ever back in the area, I will definitely stop by South Shore Grill for another amazing plate lunch.

South Shore Grill

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

3114 Monsarrat Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815

Open: Monday - Tuesday & Thursday - Saturday 10:30am - 8:30pm, Wednesday 4 - 8:30pm, Sunday 12 - 8:30pm

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Eat in Honolulu: Island Vintage Shave Ice

Tropical Island shave ice made with mango, pineapple, soft ice cream, and popping boba

Since eating shave ice is required on any trip to Hawaii, my dining companion and I stopped by Island Vintage Shave Ice, a shave ice shop on Kalakaua and Paokalani in Waikiki, on our trip in late September. I've only ever had this dessert a couple times and I remember being impressed with how a mountain of ice could be decorated in such a way that it was as creamy as ice cream.

We tried the Tropical Island shave ice made with mango, pineapple, soft ice cream, and popping boba. It was quite a treat: I liked the mango flavor as well as the texture of the popping boba and what I believe were the soft, doughy bits of ice cream. 

I'm now wondering why we didn't each get our own...

Island Vintage Shave Ice

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2552 Kalakaua Ave., Unit K100D & K100E, Honolulu, HI 96815

Open: Daily 7am - 10pm

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Eat in Honolulu: Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya

Karaage Curry Don


Tonkatsu Tan Tan ramen made with ground pork, seasoned spicy takana, corn, green onions, half-seasoned egg, and thick noodles

Left: Pork Gyoza

After a long morning of walking in the humidity of Honolulu in late September, my dining companion and I found refuge at Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya, a casual Japanese restaurant on Ala Moana and Piikoi. Located inside the Ala Moana Shopping Center, they serve an impressive selection of ramen, donburi, and other appetizers like fried oyster, seaweed salad, and takoyaki.

We started with the Pork Gyoza, which was as tasty as desired. Even though it was hot outside, I wanted to eat something filling so I ordered the Tonkatsu Tan Tan ramen made with ground pork, seasoned spicy takana, corn, green onions, half-seasoned egg, and thick noodles. It definitely hit the spot. It had a rich, tasty broth that complemented the noodles and all the fresh toppings well. I spilled open the egg to spread out the yolky goodness and I was quite satisfied with my decision. My dining companion enjoyed the Karaage Curry Don, which was made up of fried chicken and Japanese curry over white rice. 

Beyond the delicious food, Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya had incredible service. If I'm back in Honolulu, I'll be sure to stop by and try one of the many other ramens on offer.

Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Fl. 2, Honolulu, HI 96814

Open: Monday - Saturday 11am - 10pm, Sunday 11am - 9:30pm

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Eat in Oakland: Bake Sum

Jasmine Milk Bun


Pineapple Milk Bun


Left: Pandan Milk Bun

Right: Yuzu Meringue Bun

Left: Strawberry-Kinako Bun

Right: A cross-section of the Halo Halo Bun

Lilikoi and Jasmine Tea Mochi Bites


Black Sesame Snickerdoodle


Aloo Matar Danish


Spiced Apple Danish


A cross-section of the Croissubi


Left: Croissubi

Right: Ginger Pull-Apart


Garlic Adobo Pull-Apart


Loco Moco Danish


Ari’s Sari Sari's fresh shaved Halo Halo

I've visited Bake Sum, an Asian American bakery on Grand between Santa Clara and Elwood in Grand Lake, at least a dozen times since November of last year. They're known for serving a variety of baked goods and pastries that "fuse French techniques with nostalgic Asian flavors," as succinctly put by Janelle Bitker of the San Francisco Chronicle. A big fan of theirs, I've integrated a Bake Sum visit into my Saturday farmers' market and grocery store stroll, so I can either have a treat on the way or to share with my dining companion later. 

Bake Sum's menu generally features the same types of treats — milk buns, morning buns, croissants, mochi bites, cookies, danishes, and pull-aparts — in flavors rotating monthly. They adapt based on the season, ingredient availability, and holidays, and even have had a pop-up or two. (For Filipino-American History Month this month, Ari’s Sari Sari pop-up featured a Halo Halo shaved ice and ice cream dessert outside the bakery.)

I believe I've liked almost everything I've tried at Bake Sum. I love how the milk buns (which I've had in Jasmine, Pineapple, and Pandan) are not only perfectly soft, they have the right amount of delicious cream filling. The morning buns are often the star of the show: they sit tall and pretty with a colorful, sugary outside, meringue hat on top, and a creamy filling inside. I've tried the Yuzu Meringue, Strawberry-Kinako, and Halo Halo Buns so far and I missed the Strawberry Matcha Bun, an especially photogenic one I will be on the look-out for in the future. I particularly remember the Halo Halo Bun being completely new and fascinating to me; the Filipino-inspired treat was a mix "...of ube, jackfruit, macapuno, mongo bean, and nata de coco to bring you this sweet, flaky pastry, topped with torched meringue and leche flan." The chewy mongo (mung) bean filling reminded me of the Chè Ba Màu I used to get at Vietnamese spots in college.

The mochi bites and cookies are perfect on-the-go treats. I love desserts made with mochi flour, so I'm already on board based on the texture. The mochi bites are sold in a variety of flavors, like Thai or Jasmine Tea, that are sometimes subtle, but oftentimes not. (I usually prefer the flavor to be the star in a dessert, as opposed to so subtle I don't even know it's there.) I've had a few of the cookies as well; the Black Sesame Snickerdoodle in particular is a favorite. It's mostly chewy, but also crunchy, and features the black sesame taste I love prominently. 

The Danishes, Croissants, and Pull-Aparts on the bottom half of the menu are where their imaginations run wild, as seen with a few of the flavors I've had: Aloo Matar Danish, Spiced Apple Danish, Croissubi, Ginger Pull-Apart, Garlic Adobo Pull-Apart, and Loco Moco Danish. The Aloo Matar Danish, borrowed from Indian cuisine, featured "aromatic tomato sauce, spiced green pea mornay, roasted potatoes, yogurt and a mint & cilantro chutney." What's not to love in a curried dessert? Similarly, I loved how they brought distinct Hawaiian flavors into the Croissubi, the cross between a croissant and spam musubi. It's not only a delight to look at — how did they get that spam in there?! — it has dynamic tastes created by the marinated spam and parmesan. The Pull-Aparts are fun to eat and packed with flavor. The Garlic Adobo one was made with whole garlic cloves; they're not playing. In the Spice Apple Danish, they bring it home with sweet, more traditional options — this one easing you into fall.

I'll be back next weekend and keep an eye on the new menus dropping on their Instagram. I can't wait to see what Joyce, Ari, and Vanessa have in store!

Bake Sum

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

3249 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA 94610

Open: Monday & Thursday 8am - 2pm, Friday - Sunday 8am - 3pm

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Eat in Oakland: Leaning Tower

Meat pizza with pepperoni and sausage

In late September, my dining companion and I stopped by Leaning Tower, a pizza restaurant on Wesley and Newton steps away from Lake Merritt, for a pizza to go. Although we've been there many times before, I'm surprised this is the first time I'm reviewing it. They're run by the same people who make delicious coffee and pastries at Haddon Hill Cafe, just down the street.

We ordered the Meat pizza with pepperoni and sausage, which was quite good. They make a sourdough crust with the right amount of chewiness and top said crust with a generous helping of toppings. What's not to love? If I can ever convince my mushroom-avoidant dining companion to give in, I would try the Combination pizza made with button mushrooms, crushed or sliced tomatoes, onions, kalamata olives, pepperoni, and sausage.

Leaning Tower

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498 Wesley Ave., Oakland, CA 94606

Open: Monday - Friday 5 - 10pm, Saturday 3 - 10pm

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Eat in Oakland: Tay Ho Oakland Restaurant & Bar

Hue Dumplings (Bánh Bột Lọc): tapioca dumplings made with caramelized shrimp, pork belly, and fried shallots, served with spicy sweet chili fish sauce

Bourdain Vermicelli Bowl (Bún Đặc Biệt) made with grilled prawns, grilled lemongrass pork, grilled lemongrass chicken, and fried crispy rolls, served with house nuoc mam

In mid-September, I visited Tay Ho Oakland Restaurant & Bar, an upscale Vietnamese restaurant on the corner of 12th Street and Webster in Oakland Chinatown, for the first time with friends. I had never heard of this restaurant until said friends raved about it, so I was eager to stop by.

To start, we shared the Hue Dumplings (Bánh Bột Lọc) — tapioca dumplings made with caramelized shrimp, pork belly, and fried shallots, served with spicy sweet chili fish sauce. They were unlike anything I've had before and quite a treat. These dumplings were thicker than I'm used to and since they're made with tapioca, you can see the filling within. Beyond being photogenic, they were incredibly tasty. (This bird's eye view of the dish might be helpful.) For my main course, I ordered a variation of my go-to vermicelli bowl: the Bourdain Vermicelli Bowl (Bún Đặc Biệt) made with grilled prawns, grilled lemongrass pork, grilled lemongrass chicken, and fried crispy rolls, and served with house nuoc mam. As is the theme at Tay Ho, they turn classic Vietnamese dishes into something that is truly their own. I'm used to choosing one or maybe two meat options with my vermicelli bowls; here they gave me shrimp, pork, chicken, and rolls to boot! Not only that, everything was delicious and good-looking. (Here's another overhead shot for your convenience.)

Tay Ho Oakland Restaurant & Bar is the perfect spot for elevated Vietnamese classics and new favorites prepared with their signature twist. They will leave you in awe of how delicious and, dare I say, beautiful dishes can be. They also have exceptional service that makes you feel at home. Next time I stop by, I will definitely order the dumplings again, another entree like the Shrimp and Crab Tapioca Noodle Soup (Bánh Canh Riêu Cua) or the "Shaken" Beef, and one of their very intriguing cocktails. Damn, now I want more tapioca dumplings...

Tay Ho Oakland Restaurant & Bar

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344 12th St., Oakland, CA 94607

Open: Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 9pm

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Eat in Oakland: Rise & Grind Coffee

Breakfast Sandwich made with egg, bacon, cheese, avocado, house aioli, and a brioche bun

Black Sesame Latte (left), made with condensed and steamed milk, and Cappuccino (right)

My dining companion and I visited Rise & Grind Coffee, a coffee shop on E 18th Street and 2nd Avenue in East Oakland, for breakfast for the first time in mid-September. 

We both ordered a Breakfast Sandwich — made with egg, bacon, cheese, avocado, and house aioli on a brioche bun — which was quite good. We also enjoyed our coffee: his Cappuccino and my Black Sesame Latte. The sesame flavor blended throughout my drink gave it a nice dimension.

I would stop by Rise & Grind Coffee the next time I'm looking for a fun caffeinated drink, like the Iced Black Sugar Latte or Horchata Latte.

Rise & Grind Coffee

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

203 E 18th St., Oakland, CA 94606

Open: Daily 8am - 1pm

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Work It, Oakland: Geri

Geri's shirt is from Abercrombie & Fitch. You can follow Geri on Instagram.

Spotted at the Grand Lake Farmers' Market on Lake Park and Grand.

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Work It, Oakland: Kico Le Strange

Kico made their skirt and painted their boots, while the plaid shirt is thrifted. You can follow Kico, a blog veteran, on Instagram.

Spotted on Grand and Elwood.

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Work It, Oakland: Laura

Laura's jacket is from a flea market. You can follow Laura on Instagram.

Spotted at the Grand Lake Farmers' Market on Lake Park and Grand.

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Eat in Oakland: Hella Bagels at Xochi the Dog, Cafe

Everything bagels with Nova Lox (left) and Scallion (right) cream cheese

In early September, I tried Hella Bagels — a bagel pop-up in the East Bay and San Francisco — for the first time at Xochi the Dog, Cafe in the Clinton neighborhood of East Oakland. Started by Blake Hunter in 2020, Hella Bagels sells a variety of bagels and cream cheese in both traditional and novel flavors. They can be purchased for delivery throughout the East Bay and San Francisco on Fridays and Saturdays or at occasional pop-ups in Oakland and Berkeley.

Blake offers a few bagel options and an even wider selection of cream cheese spreads at each pop-up. My dining companion and I both got an Everything bagel, mine with lox and his with scallion cream cheese. They were quite good and worth the hype. The bagels have a nice consistency and were covered in all the seeds, garlic, and flavorful goodies that make the everything bagel... everything. The cream cheese was generously smeared on and had decent amounts of lox and scallion within. We enjoyed our bagels with Xochi's delicious coffee as a part of our low-key brunch.

I will definitely stop by the next time Hella Bagels is in the neighborhood, perhaps opting for something like the Lil' Kipper or Sushi Bagel, if these enticing specials are available.

Hella Bagels

Website | Instagram | Yelp

Deliveries: order on Fridays and Saturdays through their website

Pop-ups: see Instagram for details

Xochi the Dog, Cafe

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

1038 E. 21st St., Oakland, CA 94606

Open: Monday - Saturday 8am - 3pm, Sunday 8am - 1pm

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Eat in Oakland: Tanoor at Tamarack

Chickpeas with crunchy chickpea noodle, tamarind, and chaat masala


Ezme: savory tangy tomato dip


Eggplant Garlic Yogurt


Manti: lamb dumplings in yogurt with spicy butter


Pita crisps


Carob soda

After waiting months for our schedules to align, I was finally able to try Tanoor, a disaporic Yemeni pop-up that makes its way around Oakland, in early September with my dining companion and a good friend. This time it was held at Tamarack — a collectively-owned restaurant and bar that hosts various food pop-ups and events — on Harrison and 15th in the Lakeside neighborhood. It's run by Ali, who on the associated Substack describes both Yemen the country as a historical nation-state and its "foodstory." A sample: "The most prominent imprints on the Yemeni foodstory undoubtedly came from its place in the Indian Ocean trade connecting the Arabian coasts with those of East Africa, Southeast Asia, and of course, the Indian subcontinent." (I would encourage you to read the whole thing — it's very informative.)

On our visit, we ordered basically everything on the menu to share. Like many, this was our first time trying Yemeni food, but it certainly won't be our last. The first dish was Chickpeas with crunchy chickpea noodle, tamarind, and chaat masala. It was filled with flavor and texture, and was reminiscent of chaat I've had at Vik's in West Berkeley. We then shared the Ezme, a savory and tangy tomato dip, which we enjoyed with the pita crisps and is quite photogenic. The next dish was the Eggplant Garlic Yogurt, which was rich and decadent in the way you want your eggplant (or at least, now you do!). The Manti lamb dumplings were served in yogurt with spicy butter and were quite a treat. I've never had a lamb dumpling, but these were the perfect size and were complemented by the yogurt well. My dining companion also tried the Carob soda, which had a nice, dynamic flavor.

When we arrived, it wasn't really busy and we received excellent service. This was truly one of the most exciting dining experiences I've had recently, where I got to spend time with good friends and catch up over food that was entirely new to us. I will definitely return to the next pop-up and seek out more Yemeni food in the area. Got any recs?

Tanoor

Instagram

Open: see Instagram for details

Tamarack 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

1501 Harrison St., Oakland CA 94612

Open: Thursday - Saturday 6 - 10pm

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Eat in San Francisco: Souvla (Pt. 3)

Frozen Greek Yogurt with Greek Sour Cherry Syrup

In late August, my dining companion and I visited Souvla, a casual Greek restaurant on Valencia between 18th and 19th in the Mission, for a break while exploring the area. As someone who has reviewed Souvla a few times over the years, I appreciate how they continue to serve well-made, decently priced food in otherwise expensive neighborhoods and always have such great service. 

I've probably tried every topping on the Frozen Greek Yogurt at this point, including the Greek Olive Oil & Flaky Sea Salt, Baklava Crumbles & Honey Syrup, and Cretan Wildflower Honey. This time we shared the one with Greek Sour Cherry Syrup, which added more tang to the creamy dessert and was also balanced by the flaky sea salt on top. We enjoyed the Greek Fries made with olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, and mizithra cheese, too.

I will definitely stop by the next time I'm in the mood for their chicken wrap or frozen yogurt.

Souvla
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758 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94110

Open: Daily 11am - 10pm

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Eat in San Francisco: Accarrino's Coffee & Donuts at SPQR

Peach Lemon Verbena beignets


Cinnamon Sugar beignets


Left: Cappuccinos

In late August, my dining companion and I met a friend at the Accarrino's Coffee & Donuts pop-up that occurs every weekend at SPQR, an Italian restaurant on Fillmore between Bush and Pine in Lower Pacific Heights. I've never been to this pop-up or the restaurant, so I was in for a treat. 

We ordered cappuccinos, which were well-made, and a few of the beignets on offer: the Cinnamon Sugar and the Peach Lemon Verbena. These pillowy donuts were excellent and bigger than expected. The former was covered in as much cinnamon and sugar as desired and was complemented by the coffee well. The Peach Lemon Verbena beignets were definitely the star of the show. They were made with sizable chunks of peach (as opposed to merely peach flavor), which created such an unexpected burst of flavor and freshness when combined with the lemon. It was very clear that they use the best ingredients and know how to create dynamic flavor combinations. 

Of course, we expected to enjoy a donut and coffee breakfast, but we were pleasantly surprised by how much Accarrino's raised the bar for both. I will definitely stop by for coffee and seasonal donuts the next time I'm in the area on a weekend morning.

 

Accarrino's Coffee & Donuts

Instagram

Open: Saturday - Sunday 9am - 2pm

SPQR

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1911 Fillmore St., San Francisco, CA 94115

Dinner: Monday & Thursday - Sunday 5 - 8:45pm

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Eat in San Francisco: The Social Study

Three Amigos: corn soft tacos with roasted pork, tomato, jalapeño, onion, and queso fresco

 SanFrangria: housemade sangria made with seasonal fruit

In late August, my dining companion and I stopped by The Social Study — a sleek, book-lined bar on Geary and Fillmore, steps away from The Fillmore music venue — for happy hour. I've visited years ago, thinking it had a cool vibe.

We both ordered the SanFrangria, the housemade sangria made with seasonal fruit, and shared the Three Amigos, which are corn soft tacos with roasted pork, tomato, jalapeño, onion, and queso fresco. The drinks and food were well-priced since it was happy hour and tasted better than expected. The sangria was refreshing, while the tacos were so good they had us question where exactly they were made. (The kitchen must be beyond my limited eyesight.)

Next time I'm in the area, I'll be sure to stop by for another refreshing cocktail and maybe some food.

 

The Social Study

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Yelp

1795 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA 94115

Open: Monday 5:30 - 10pm, Tuesday - Sunday 1 - 10pm

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Eat in San Francisco: Godzila Sushi

Bento Box with Chicken Teriyaki, California roll, miso soup, salad, and rice

Rock'N Roll sushi roll made with barbecued eel, avocado, cucumber, and tobiko

Udon soup


Tempura

My dining companion and I visited Godzila Sushi, a Japanese restaurant located on the corner of Divisadero and Bush in Lower Pacific Heights, for the first time for a weekday lunch in late August. They have an expansive menu featuring favorites like sushi, bento boxes, donburi, and udon.

We tried a few things. My dining companion got a Bento Box with Chicken Teriyaki, California roll, miso soup, salad, and rice, while I got the Tempura Udon and a Rock'N Roll sushi roll — made with barbecued eel, avocado, cucumber, and tobiko. Everything was quite good. The chicken had the sweet teriyaki flavor we like, while the rolls were perfectly made and the flavors well-balanced. The udon was the warm salve I love on an overcast day and the tempura pieces, including the classics like sweet potato and shrimp, were sizable.

Godzila Sushi is a great, casual restaurant if you're looking for delicious Japanese restaurant at affordable prices. I will be sure to return when I'm in the area.

 

Godzila Sushi

Website | Yelp

1800 Divisadero St., San Francisco, CA 94115

Open: Monday - Thursday 11:30am - 2:30pm & 5 - 9pm, Friday 11:30am - 2:30pm & 5 - 9:30pm, Saturday 5 - 9:30pm

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