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)...
Looking forward to the redesign!
A little recommendation, I found these to be so delicious and useful in my kitchen: http://bajoseasonedsalts.com/
Cheers.
Liz
Posted by: Liz | December 27, 2008 at 06:38 PM
We look forward to your updated blog AND your mystery blog!
Posted by: Micah | December 27, 2008 at 06:39 PM
Hey Reid!
I've really enjoyed your blog and its honesty. A blog is about the sharing a bit of yourself (whether it's ranting or raving) with the netverse, and it's sad that some haters take it as invitation to put up snarky comments. They are probably frustrated bloggers with no writing talent and no audience.
Don't let it get you down, and I hope your new blog is better than ever!
Posted by: Liz | December 27, 2008 at 06:39 PM
Can't wait to see the updated site, Reid! Now to search for that new blog of yours...
Posted by: Carol | December 27, 2008 at 06:39 PM
AHHHH I will search out the new blog high and low! glad you are doing fine. HUGZ and good wishes from Germany. :)
Posted by: milgwimper | December 27, 2008 at 06:39 PM
hi reid,
i'm a long time fan of your site. i grew up in hawaii, and i just love reading about local food. i also love your food posts when you are abroad as well! can you please email us and let us know your link for overseas visits?
mahalo,
viv
Posted by: Vivian | December 27, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Reid looking forward to your relaunch.
If you are going to be using wordpress as your new blog you can import all the goodies from here and set up your permalinks like you have them now. It shouldn't take you long to get your ranking back. Just do a 301 redirect on tyepad to your domain.
Google likes wordpress.
Posted by: efile | December 27, 2008 at 06:40 PM
YES. Youngs in Aiea is AMAZING!!! Like you don't even know. The wife who runs the restaurant with her husband is a darling and loves to get to know the people who visit the restaurant because everybody becomes a regular there if they aren't. And even if you haven't been there in 6 months, she still remembers you. I've been going there for over 10 years. They used to be across the street at Aiea Shopping Center where Jamba Juice and L&L is. Once you try their meat jun you won't want anyone elses. There is no need for sauce with their meat jun. I also highly recommend their BBQ chicken and mandoo. Everytime my family has Korean its always 2 plates meat jun, 2 plates BBQ chicken and 1 plate mandoo. OH... and there kim chee is the best kim chee ever. Whenever my cousins from the Hilo come down its a must during their trip no matter if its half a day.... All to say.. Go Check It Out!!
Posted by: Aukele | December 27, 2008 at 06:40 PM
THANK YOU for coming back!!!!!! You've been so missed. Always in gratitude!
Posted by: Joannie | December 27, 2008 at 06:40 PM
your pictures are incredible - what kind of cameral do you use?
Posted by: Trish | December 27, 2008 at 06:40 PM