Paia Fish Market

On the hunt for the best lunch options we attempted a food crawl to try as many places as we could. 

My fella and I arrived here just before the lunch rush and we ordered the Ono burger to share. 

The fish was fresh and well-cooked and we both enjoyed it quite a bit. I'd likely ask for the burger without cheese next time, but it's a solid choice. We were tempted to order another meal but the portions were generous and decided to save our next food adventure. 

Greet little spot in Paia. 

Location: 100 Baldwin Ave, Ste A, Paia, HI 96779

Items sampled: Ono burger

Barefoot Cafe

No, just no. After a long drive to Hana, we were starving and not in the mood to search out food. This little food stand is located near the beach and is convenient, but that's about it.

The line was long and the menu was not exciting in the least. Just the basics here, fish and chips, hamburgers, hotdogs, boba drinks and some Hawaiian specialty plates. My fella and I opted to share a kalbi lunch plate with rice and mac salad. 

The food came up quick, but our kalbi was more like a charcoal piece of sirloin steak with sweet sauce on it. So odd. It was tough and the flavors were not good. I stuck with the rice and mac salad which were basic, but I'm glad she opted to share instead of wasting money on two plates.

Location: Hana Beach Park, Hāna, HI 96713

Items sampled: kalbi lunch plate 

Mercadito

I didn't have much interest in checking out Mercadito until I heard they had a Tuesday industry special for 50% off all their menu items, including cocktails. 

We arrived and it was packed. The noise level was a little louder than I would have preferred, but I guess that's to be expected. Our server was attentive and my friend and I decided to share two taco plates and some elote.

The pork belly tacos were my favorite. Good texture and flavor. They even had a nice spicy kick. The camaron were ok, they didn't have as much kick as I would have liked. I will likely ask them to heat the tortillas next time since they were a little on the cooler side. I think that would have made all the difference.

My friend tried their dessert and said it was good. Their menu is tapas style, so I encourage larger groups to come and share. They had some really interesting cocktails on their menu as well that I look forward to trying on my next Tuesday night visit.

Location: 11011 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89135

Items samples: tacos camaron, pork belly tacos, elote

Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice

I can never seem to turn down shave ice and this place was no exception. We arrived before it get too busy and my fella and I ordered a large sha vice with azuki and Macademia nut ice cream. 

The girls working the counter were so sweet and friendly and our shave ice was ready in no time. The flavors were very natural and the nice was smooth and delicious. 

We has a great little treat and it left me wanting more. A definite must try when you're in Maui.

Location: 333 Dairy Rd, Kahului, HI 96732

Items sampled: coconut shave ice with Macademia but ice creams and azuki

The Hat - Glendora Location

So, I think I've been to just about every Hat location in Southern California. Everything on the menu is solid and my favorites range from the pastrami dip to the avocado sandwich to the wet fries to the onion rings. 

This location isn't on my regular rotation, but on the go, it's solid. Service was quicker than others I've experienced and the employees were attentive including condiments without asking. They have a drive thru as well, which is always helpful.

Location: 611 W Rt 66, Glendora, CA 91740

Items sampled: Pastrami dip

Coconut's Fish Cafe

When in Maui, fresh fish is the name of the game. Every meal centered around seafood and I was happy to locate so many great options. 

Coconut's fish tacos were were high on my list and I we made our way for my birthday lunch. The serving size was two fish tacos, but they were hefty and filling. The fish was fresh and all the flavors complemented one another making for a messy, yet delicious meal. 

Location: 1279 S Kihei Rd, Kihei, HI 96753

Items sampled: Fish taco

Leoda's Pie Shop

Let them eat pie! When given the choice between cake and pie, I always go with pie and Leoda's makes some damn good pie.

I was going to make it to Leoda's whether I was in the area or not. Luckily, we were and dessert was on my mind.

My fella and I shared a chocolate macadamia nut in the restaurant and I couldn't resist ordering a lime pie for the road. Cream pies don't normally do it for me, but this was so perfectly made, I savored every last bite. So smooth and creamy and not overly rich. It was delicious. A day later and we couldn't resist digging into the lime pie as well. Delicious and perfectly tart. 

One of the dessert highlights to our trip to Maui! 

Items sampled: Chocolate Macademia nut pie, lime pie.

Location: 820 Olowalu Village Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761

Bruxie

Bruxie has been on my radar for far too long, so during my visit to the OC, I made it a priority to check them out.

Service was solid, but I am absolutely in love with the two waffles I chose. Smoked salmon and chive cream cheese was amazing, but the berry and lemon curd waffle stole my heart. Based on those alone I give this place five stars. The berry and lemon curd flavors were so good I could eat this all day every day.

I love the quaint outdoor seating and all the varieties promise that there is indeed something for everyone. We need one of these in Vegas ASAP!

Items sampled: 

Berry and lemon curd waffle, smoked salmon and chive cream cheese waffle and sausage and egg waffle with gravy.

Location: 

292 N Glassell St, Orange, CA 92866