Top 5 of '05

A couple of months back, when the Ilima Award winners were announced by the Honolulu Advertiser, I found myself scratching my head at some of the choices.  Since the winners were chosen by the general public, sometimes, people would vote for places they had HEARD about, but not EATEN at.  Or, as I also found out, some of the winners were chosen because they were the only places that people were FAMILIAR with. 

Hello?  Starbucks?  Best coffee bar?  Who would have ever thought.  Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy a cup of Starbucks every morning on my way to work, not because it's the best coffee around, but because it's convenient -- they're everywhere. 

For the last couple of months, I had been toying with the idea of doing a year-ending "OKG" awards, but then again, who needs another awards-type of dog and pony show, right?  Instead, I decided to pick 5 of my favorite eats of the last 12 months (in no particular order, of course):

Since opening in May of 2006, Spices has been packing in the crowds with a unique assortment of mostly Laotian and Thai dishes.  Sometimes spicy, but always flavorful, must tries are the special seafood fried rice, the Laotian curry, Ty's taro shoot salad, Pony's mushroom laap, and who could forget the khao niew ka thi with mango (pictured).

Spices
2671D South King Street
Telephone: 808.949.2679

 

Serving up some of the best phở on the island, Phở 97 offers great service and great value.  Having tried almost 1/2 the menu items here, I can honestly say you won't be disappointed with any of the Vietnamese specialties that you order here.  Favorites here include the bún riêu cua, the bún bò Huế and the phở tái (pictured).

Phở 97 Vietnamese Restaurant
1120 Maunakea Street Space 176
Telephone: 808.538.0708

So Gong Dong's specialty is soon dubu -- a Korean dish which is essentially a soft tofu soup.  Beefy, spicy and always served hot and bubbling, this is one dish that will warm anyone's bones on a cold rainy night.  My favorite is the original which is flavored with beef and pork (pictured).

So Gong Dong
McCully Shopping Center
1960 Kapiolani Boulevard Space 210
Telephone: 808.946.8206

When visiting Imanas Tei, be prepared to wait as hordes of hungry Japanese nationals sit on the benches outside waiting for tables to open up.  This sushi bar/izakaya serves wonderfully fresh sushi and sashimi in a casual, relaxed and modern setting.  Since trying the chanko nabe (pictured) on my last visit, it has quickly become a favorite.

Imanas Tei
2626 South King Street
Telephone: 808.941.2626

Deliciousness awaits whomever steps inside this tiny eatery in Waipahu.  Besides selling fresh seafood and poke, chef Elmer Guzman offers gourmet plate lunches that are sure to tantilize your tastebuds.  Shown here are the garlic shrimp, which are included in the Poke Stop Surf and Turf.

Poke Stop
Waipahu Town Center
94-050 Farrington Highway Space E-4
Telephone: 808.676.8100

It was quite difficult to narrow down my selections to just 5 as there were many memorable meals to be had throughout 2005.  Here are a few restaurants that were bubbling just below the top 5:

Nico's at Pier 38
Maria Bonita's Authentic Mexican Food
Antonio's New York Pizzeria

Here's to another year of delicious dining!

Comments

[Kat]

Wow, what a line up! I really want to try some of these places when I come home in a couple of months. Thanks for the tips.

[Kirk]

Hi Reid - Man, I've been gone too long! I haven't eaten at any of these places; and my list is getting longer....and longer....
BTW, nice to have you back in action!

[Amy]

Love love love Imanas Tei! But go early or you mgith have to wait. Mahalo Reid for all your izakaya recommendations before my trip to Honolulu last year.

[Mama BoK]

Thanks for sharing the info.. Reid.. :)
I'll remember to visit these places.. when i visit Hawaii again.. :)

[Rachel]

Yum yum! I can't wait till my next visit to Hawaii ... hopefully not too far away !

[MBS]

Reid: you need to bill yourself as the Local food critic of the internet! Seriously! =)

[Reid]

Hi Kat,

You're welcome. If you do have a chance to try any of these places, please let me know how you like them.

Hi Kirk,

What? You've been gone to long? I've been gone too long! *sigh* You know...I say the same thing when I visit your site. I hope we have a chance to meet up when I get to LA.

And thanks, it's good to be back!

Hi Amy,

I love, love, love Imanas Tei too! And yes, it does get really crowded...that's why I normally sneak in during the week for a late night dinner. Since they are open 'til 11, the trick is to get there about 9:30p. Have a late lunch, do some shopping and when the mall closes, visit Imanas!

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Hi Mama BoK,

I hope you get to visit Hawaii soon! I'd be glad to take you to some of my favorite places. =)

Hi Rachel,

Most of these places are indeed yummy! Please let me know if you do come for a visit. If my schedule is free, maybe we can meet up!

Hi MBS,

LOL! Thanks! I hope you get to visit these places next time you're in town.

[keiko]

Hi Reid - belated happy new year! I'm sorry you've lost so many pictures, but that's a good excuse to take another fabulous pictures :)

The pho looks heavenly!

[Robert Brewer]

I drove by Antonio's a couple times during the holidays, and the place looked like it was under construction. Either they are remodeling or perhaps it has closed? I dunno.

[Reid]

Hi Keiko,

Happy New Year to you too. It is a shame that I lost so many photos. I'll just have to make sure to back up my pc more often!

Hi Robert,

Thanks for stopping by.

I haven't been to Kahala Mall lately, but I'll try to give Antonio's a call to see what's up. Thanks for the heads up!

[Robert Brewer]

BTW, your Top 5 of '05 was featured in the Honolulu Weekly "News you can eat" sidebar in the Jan 11-17 issue on page 34. Congrats.

[Reid]

Hi Robert,

I saw that! Thanks! =)