You're Probably Wondering...
Red velvet cupcake from Cupcake Couture, Aina Haina
...What the hell happened to me. Well, I was really overwhelmed by all the negativity over the blog these past few months and despite all of the kind words from those who supported me, it was definitely a difficult pill to swallow. Yes, it is my blog. Yes, I do want to share my opinions with people. And yes, the content here is based my experiences. Whether I'm eating here in Hawaii or somewhere around the world, does it really matter?
In any case, I have decided to do two things. The first, was to start a new site. I will be posting all of my out of town exploits there. If you happen across the site, say hello. I will definitely NOT be posting a link to the site here.
The second thing, is a major re-design and re-launch of Ono Kine Grindz -- probably over the next couple of months. I am going to be moving the site and all of the existing content over to a hosted site (no more Typepad). This will probably affect my Google page rankings, but eh, I can start over, right? Besides, there has been an overwhelming amount of interest in this site over the last several months so I am kind of excited that people still want to hear what I have to say -- even after all that has happened over the last 4 1/2 years.
Right now, I am in the design stage for the new site. If you have any ideas, please drop me a line.
In the meantime, or at least for the near future, please enjoy some of my favorite local blogs:
The Tasty Island
māʻona
L‘ACQUAGASSATA
Epicurean Appetite
Big Island Grinds from the Island of Hawaii
and On My Plate from the Island of Maui.
And if that doesn't satisfy your need for some ocal "grinds", check out a new kid on the block. Meet WOWGrinds.com. They folks behind this site are on a mission to find the "Winnah Of the Winnah" (best of the best) grinds in Hawaii. And trust me when I say this...THESE GUYS ARE AWESOME! Who else would be combing the island in search of the best shoyu poke or beef stew AND sit down in front of all that food to do a blind taste test? Check out the results of their Meat Jun Challenge (I'm definitely going to have to check out Young's Kalbee in Aiea!
Until we meet again...(hopefully, it isn't too far off)...
glad to hear you will still be blogging :) can't wait to see the new site and please link it to your out-of-state blog...interested in seeing what is there too!!
Posted by: kat | September 10, 2008 at 02:11 AM
I just wanted to say that I started reading your blog about two years ago, and have devoured every post since then, sometimes multiple times. I was shocked to hear of the criticisms, because in my mind, you are bringing us such great writing and brilliant photography. I will be seeking out your new website... I just wanted to put in my two cents here and tell you how much I appreciate your work.
- Amanda from Canada
Posted by: Amanda Jean | September 10, 2008 at 04:49 AM
Reid,
I'm glad you've found your groove again. Looking forward to the redesign!
Posted by: Nate | September 10, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Hey Reid!
Glad to see you're still out there. I was in Honolulu last week for the Okinawa Festival. When I had breakfast at Eggs n Things two days before they closed, I thought about how I had first read about them here. So thanks for that!
I'll look forward to your new projects.
Posted by: Debbie-chan | September 10, 2008 at 02:51 PM
I am so glad that you're coming back! Missed your postings and have been a fan from the very beginning.
Posted by: Gwen | September 11, 2008 at 08:19 AM
I remember red velvet cake from high school class. Now it so popular everywhere. So far looking any places have Croque Monsieur? Been to KCC Farmer's Market they got fresh made beignets but Croque Monsieur.
Posted by: Amy | September 13, 2008 at 03:30 PM
sad to hear about peoples' negativity... but exciting for your new posts!!!
Posted by: pilau | September 14, 2008 at 08:18 AM
A blog is definitely personal and always a labour of love. You know whose opinions really matter and they're the ones whom you can count on in any time of need.
Onward and upward, Reid, and may your future continue to be filled with all this is 'onolicious :)
Posted by: Helen | September 14, 2008 at 07:20 PM
Glad you're back!
Posted by: Syndrax | September 15, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Any hints for a desperate feeder on how I could happen to find your out of town site?
Posted by: mis-tea | September 15, 2008 at 09:30 PM
Hi Reid,
Hope all is going great with ya. I'm very sad that you are going to split your side into 2 :-( I understand your reasoning, but I really do think that you have something VERY UNIQUE, one of a kind blog "onokinegrindz" it I wanted you to know how SAD I AM!!!
with love and respect,
kandy
Posted by: kandy defreitas | September 15, 2008 at 10:17 PM
Looking forward to the changes and will be on the look out for your second blog. Young's Kalbee in Aiea is really good.
Posted by: winnie | September 15, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Best of luck in all your plans - the new site, and the relaunch of this one. I fully empathize with your situation, and hope the negativity hasn't weighed upon you to heavily. As always, you rock.
Posted by: tara | September 16, 2008 at 03:30 PM
i have to say.... i just made a trip to hawaii, maui and oahu, and went to quite a few places you mention on your blog. i probably wouldn't have gone to quite a few without having read your posts here. it was almost like having a local friend taking you to the good eats where tourist are unlikely to venture. being somewhat a foodie, this made our trip great fun. of course we had some difference in opinoions with your comments on places here, but that'z all natural. all in all, i really value what i got here and just really wanted to say mucho thanks for the great read and information i get from you.
mahalo :)
jim
Posted by: jim | September 17, 2008 at 06:19 AM
Sorry to see you go - the reviews were so helpful and inspiring for all of us. If I find you, I'll say hello!
Posted by: Ashley Baby Bags | September 18, 2008 at 01:17 PM
yes, if you haven't eaten meat jun from young's kalbee then you are missing out on something essential to your life as a local foodie. :D but here's a tip -- order the meat jun / chicken katsu combo instead. the chicken katsu is also really special. doesn't even need tonkatsu sauce to be good -- although i love to pour the sauce they give you for the meat jun all over both. another tip -- the kim chee is much better here than anywhere else. it's less vinegarey and the pieces are nice and small, making it easy to eat. :) hope to see a post about young's soon!
by the way thank you for continuing your blog. i have been a lurking reader for many years, but now i am working in japan and it has been a great resource for things i can try to make on my own here. :) as you can guess i am from aiea. :)
Posted by: stitch | September 18, 2008 at 06:06 PM
grr, you are making me quote one of the most ridiculous lines in a move, EVAR: "STAY ALIVE! I WILL FIND YOU!!"
i'll find your mystery blog, i will! and look forward to the resurrection of this one.
now if you could only do mine, too....
Posted by: santos. | September 21, 2008 at 07:41 PM
Hi Reid!
Great to see you back! I've been wondering about you. I'll be looking forward to more, and I'll be keeping an eye out for your new blog too!
Thanks for posting the link to my blog. :) I feel so honored!
Posted by: Ashley | September 22, 2008 at 09:13 PM
I hope you don't take this the wrong way but what does it matter what anonymous people on the internet think of you or your blog? You need to have thicker skin. I like your blog, it was the first food blog I found and read on a regular basis.
Good luck with your new blog.
Posted by: Kainoa | December 27, 2008 at 06:31 PM
You're the first person I turn to online when I'm looking for the address or phone number for a local restaurant... or a new place to check out.
Glad to see that you haven't been discouraged and I hope to see more reviews coming!
Posted by: Clinton | December 27, 2008 at 06:35 PM
this is great! glad to know your back... im looking forward for you new blog.
Posted by: yhing | December 27, 2008 at 06:35 PM
I really enjoy your blog and would love to read your new blog. If you do not link to it in the current "Ono Kine Grindz" blog, would it be possible to email the link to interested readers, i.e., me? Thanks!
Posted by: Piowapuff | December 27, 2008 at 06:36 PM
that stinks! i can see folks wanting to see hawaii stuff--especially if they are looking for restaurants where they live... but i'm sure that's not everyone! i'm sure others just like to see food in general!
Posted by: RobynT | December 27, 2008 at 06:37 PM
Glad you're getting back in the groove.
Don't let the negative comments get to you. It can come with blogging. >.< Love your blog. I'll have to go to some of the restaurants that you reviewed here in Hawaii. :)
Posted by: Lauren O. | December 27, 2008 at 06:38 PM
Reid,
You have maintained the only food blog since I got here to the islands in 2005. I've relied on them (and recently YELP) for some food picks.
Don't let the criticism get you down - blogs were born for criticism. In this day of instant posting and feedback -- there's no more time to think through anything one says. People will just shoot things out -- and probably regret it later. You don't owe anyone anything. But you're doing this out of a greater good type mindset. So much mahalos to you there, brah and you go get um.
Will
Posted by: Will Lee | December 27, 2008 at 06:38 PM