Surf &Turf. And More Surf!

Ever surf at Marineland at Ala Moana BP? This movie is the same thing except this guy is going right. Hey, surfing is fun. Even for newbie attorneys, med school students, single Late Thirty-ish unarried haole ladies, and those who park at Kewalos and think they are actually surfing Kewalos. Aloha@!##$!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Islands

2008-12-25T13:19:00.000-10:00

Dog

2008-12-24T11:26:00.001-10:00

Your Results May Vary!

2008-11-08T21:31:00.002-10:00

http://5tolife.honozooloo.com/2008/

A neat little photodocumentary of Honolulu and it's day and nightlife.

Pre or Post Surf Cup of Joe

2008-10-30T07:26:00.005-10:00

Trung Nguyen
Paradoxurus Hermaphroditus - 'Doris Maurice' to his chums
Trung Nguyen Coffee:Inspired Creativity

Dragon Coffee Menu

...or indeed involved at all!

French colonists, realising that conditions were ideal for coffee cultivation, first planted coffee in the South Central Highlands region of Vietnam. The coffee also proved popular with a local resident: the common palm civet (Paradoxurus Hermaphoditus), a weasel-like animal, which quickly developed a taste for the sweet, fleshy outer layers of the coffee 'cherries' - the fruit of the coffee bush.

It was found that the fruit seeds, what we know as coffee 'beans', passed though the civet largely undigested and the resulting beans, when washed and sun-dried, had undergone a remarkable change to produce a uniquely smooth and delicious flavour. Perhaps this was because the civet would choose only the best and ripest beans to eat, but also because the beans had been modified by enzyme reactions on their journey.

Civet The legendary 'Café Chôn' (also known as Kopi Luwak in Indonesia) is rare, very expensive (approximately US$350 per kilo) and is sometimes of dubious authenticity. Indeed, many people who claim to have tried weasel coffee in Vietnam have probably actually been drinking Trung Nguyên's 'Legendee' coffee.
Legendee is produced by an enzyme treatment process developed exclusively by Trung Nguyên that mimics the changes produced in the coffee beans by the civet and produces a coffee every bit as distinctive and good as the genuine article but at about a tenth of the price (and, fortunately, without any involvement from the weasels!).

The special process used in making Legendee seems to release a whole spectrum of flavours that normally lie dormant. Rich and complex, Legendee is superb when served hot, sensational when served iced, and is certainly one of the finest coffees in the world.

http://www.trung-nguyen-online.co.uk/legendee.html

SUP

2008-03-15T11:19:00.002-10:00

Stand Up Paul Gross. His stand-up interpretation of George's Velo Kneeboard.

Al on a Stubbie

2008-03-14T16:56:00.001-10:00

T-A-H-O-E

2008-02-25T21:17:00.000-10:00

California Counterpart

2008-02-19T19:35:00.002-10:00

Jdubsingles investigates the fun of dialing in some cool designs for the myriad of fun breaks in SoCal. Jdub demonstrates here that more rail used = high yield in performance. It's a 6'6" Greg Liddle.

End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones (2004)

2008-02-18T21:56:00.005-10:00

End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones . A good documentary. Worth the watch at 2+ hours. Now beat up the brat with a baseball bat.

Pilioha

2008-02-16T00:20:00.000-10:00

Time permitting, please open your ears to Pilioha, a new traditional Hawaiian Band playing every Wednesday at our favorite evening Go-To, Aku Bone.

Click here for a sample of their Hawaiian rendition of "Riders In The Sky."

Kamehameha Grad, Gary Krug's Falsetto is a beauty to listen to.

We proudly support our local surf shop!

2008-02-15T00:13:00.002-10:00

Support your local artists. Support your local boutique. Support your local surf shop. Support your local breakfast institution.

Griffin and Sabine Trilogy

2008-02-14T20:47:00.005-10:00

Since today is February 14th, indulge yourself in this creative, imaginative "non-fictional" tale, Griffin & Sabine: An Extraordinary Correspondence. If you're artsy fartsy and enjoy a good dose of literary romance, give this bit of illustrated reading a chance. This most unusual book captures postcard writings between two artists separated by the Earth's hemisphere. Griffin is an UK-based artist who is intrigued and enamoured with lavishly illustrated and authored postcards he receives from Sabine, a mysterious exotic woman living on a remote South Pacific island. The dialogue that follows is the essence of the book; it is an "extraordinary correspondence."

It's actually a trilogy, but the first installment is the winner.

Amazon Link Here.

Good Luck

2008-02-13T21:56:00.001-10:00

Double Rainbow = Good Luck

6 o' clock mellow A-frame.

Evening Cap Logging.

Grandma made Peanutbutta n Jelly Sandwiches

2008-02-12T10:35:00.001-10:00

An interesting Swaylock's post from the wise Bernie aka Oneula who says, "We're always reinventing the wheel I guess..."

Jimmy's Bike- Bowls

2008-02-11T21:57:00.000-10:00

Sweet custom pinlining.

Goo Monkeys Teaser

2008-02-10T13:00:00.000-10:00

Logging

2008-02-09T16:10:00.000-10:00

Tradeswell remnants were favorable for some nice conditions for logging. Light trades were blowing, and we could smell the meat from several BBQs on the beach.

Camera Obscura

2008-02-09T09:11:00.000-10:00

Her pick from 2006.

Bonzer bottom with an almost standard tri-fin set-up

2008-02-08T09:55:00.000-10:00

Contrary to popular belief, the bonzer platform does have variations. See, for example, this 7'2 conventional tri-fin glass set-up with the bonzer bottom. Bonzer channels are still present.

So is this a thruster??????

Boards for Sale

2008-02-06T16:26:00.000-10:00

Edit: DanO Fish and Tyler Longboard sold today.

Kahaluu Special 6'4 Round Pin Single- $350 with Skip Frye Flex Fin
Donald Takayama 9'0 DT-4- $500

e-mail me at alamoanabeachpark@gmail.com

Equipment For Sale

2008-02-05T17:58:00.000-10:00

6'4" Kahalu`u Special single fin- $350
9'8" Tyler Craftsman Noserider- sold
5'8" DanO Fish- $500
9'0" Donald Takayama DT-4- $500

Drop me an e-mail at alamoanabeachpark@gmail.com. Serious Inquiries only.

Multi-finned Stubby

2008-02-05T09:20:00.000-10:00

Matt Riley riding a Dennis Ryder Hull. An interesting contrast to the movie below.

Gothic Dolphins vid.

More Hulls

2008-02-04T21:11:00.000-10:00

Fresh from a trip to Putnam's garage this past week, I was highly motivated to study up even harder on hull design, especially as applied to the South Shore style of waves. Seeing the history of an almost proprietary style of surfing that the Liddle clan defined- on display in a North LA County 2-car garage really got me thinking about how I could push the hull design here in Hawaii. Ventura Point, Pitas, and Rincon offer hull friendly point break kindness. But what about the Ala Moana reefs? We'll have to see.

6'10 and 6'0 Andersons.

KP's Anderson Pescado got put to use at 4-5' Ventura Point, and it really shined off the bottom. Nice straight butter knife cutties into the whitewater, too.

Thruster on a hull? Yup.

Profile of a water slingshot.

Underground Headquarters

2008-02-02T19:42:00.000-10:00

"And then there was the Liddle League probably the most noticeable of the lot in the crowded lineup. Collectively, the group worked at Greg Liddle's factory and shop in the Valley, and they surfed together daily, making the run over the hill to test the latest ideas that often sported drying hot coats, or still powdery sand jobs Surfing daily from Santa Monica to the Ranch, the boys were super smooth surf freaks in a straight-line, pivotal surf world. They knew it and they let it out. Their casual styling fit perfectly into the Malibu lines and were a direct Neolithic throwback to the Kivlin, Dora, Edwards years when smooth was cool and emulated. These guys were the real "Roots of Cool." They came as a group of round board rebels, and enjoyed the waves and the camaraderie, sliding down surfings timeline and being just as smooth as those that showed them the prophetic way. But now they were going at flank speed!"
-Ken McKnight, from Six Feet to Fit on Allaboutsurf.com

Being able to meet up and chat with the multi-talented Esteban Bojorquez and the "Idea Man," Kirk Putnam has been the highlight of the California trip thus far.

The shrine of Bojorquez, part of his living art space.

Bojorquez (S. Krajewski) and K. Putnam.

The art of Bojorquez.

Check out the latest installment of The Surfer's Journal, and flip to the article on Esteban and Karen Bojorquez.

Links:
The art of Bojorquez
Bojorquez steel guitars
Bojorquez' art on display at Mollusk Surf Shop Venice

California Trip- Great news!

2008-02-01T14:57:00.000-10:00

The California Trip is coming to an end, and we were put in quite a good mood from the good news that came out of Laker-Land.

Long lines

2008-01-31T13:00:00.000-10:00

My California trip has been slow thus far, as surf has been hampered by weather and toxic water. Today, it apears to have cleaned up significantly, and the nice weather and incoming swell made the surf pretty fun. Man, is the water cold!

Drifting

2008-01-29T06:46:00.000-10:00

Tyler 9'6" Riddler- Slipping it out and drifting with no loss of speed.

California Trip- Wetsand Surf Shop

2008-01-28T18:23:00.000-10:00

Wetsand Surf Shop (446 E. Main St. Ventura, CA 93001, 800-750-7501) in Ventura, is not necessarily as retro/throwback as it is conscious about the product being sold. Click here for their blog. Almost all surfboards are local SoCal shapers with an emphasis on Ventura, and many of the boards are made using BioFoam. They've got spoons, stubbies, keel fishes, quad fishes, alaias: you know, the board du jour (or any board that Dan Malloy has been spotted on). Folky music is playing in the background, and their are some corporate looking offices in the background behind the farm fence.

Film Noir (I'm on a California Trip Now and it's Raining.)

2008-01-28T11:06:00.000-10:00

Chinatown: brooding and sensational. Evocative of a California era that never really was. Watch it in the evening with a glass of cabernet, and delight in a true classic thriller.

Hifumi

2008-01-23T10:33:00.000-10:00

Hifumi Restaurant (Chinese Cultural Plaza, 100 North Beretania Street Suite 113
Telephone: 808.536.3035) used to be a small, little hole-in-the-wall in Kalihi with an line waiting to dine inside. Now, after a move to Chinatown, Hifumi is a big hole in the wall in the Chinese Cultural Center with plenty of open tables. Under the new ownership, food can be anywhere from OK, to good, to really great. It just depends on what you order.

With that in mind, we offer the following advice- just get tempura. Don't waste your time with the combinations or specials. Just get the tempura. Make sure you get the "Giant Shrimp Tempura." It's about $12. Bring your own beer, too. These are the things you need to remember.

BYOB is always good, right?

Giant Shrimp Tempura is what they are known for. The panko bread crumbs make the tempura look and taste very crunchy. Check out the giant forearm size of this shrimp tempura.

Here's a Hifumi Chicken Teriyaki-Shrimp Tempura-Sashimi combination. Retails for $18.75. On the far right is the sashimi- I've never found the sashimi to be fresh-tasting here. The chicken teri was okay.

If you dare to care.

2008-01-22T08:03:00.000-10:00

The Bowls-Rockpiles-Kaisers-Threes, etc. parking lot at the Yacht Harbor is the subject of dangerous precedence. Parking lots for boat harbors across the island are being considered for paid parking, most likely initially by private contract companies. Public access to surfing is just the tip of the iceberg here. Do your part and show up and testify if you feel parking should remain free!

Fun Sunday

2008-01-20T18:02:00.000-10:00

Fun chest/shoulder sets still lingering around. The hull was doing some nice wrappy cutties.

Distortion

2008-01-18T23:02:00.000-10:00

Red Table Wine Distortion- what a way to end a great work week.

What a beautiful week of unusual winter South Swell it was. Hana Hou!

Soundtrack#1 to welcome the weekend on a Friday Night: Stan Getz meets Gerry Mulligan- Getz Meets Mulligan in Hi-Fi

Soundtrack#2 to welcome the weekend on a Friday Night: Getz and Chet Baker in Stockholm. Baker's vocals and solo gives you the chills.

Sushi Bistro

2008-01-18T22:02:00.000-10:00

Sushi Bistro (1914 South King St. Ph: 808-941-1333) has a few advantages when it come to Japanese food:
1) it's open late
2) it has a nice range of food to make everyone happy
3) it does the entire menu well
4) you will usually not have to wait

Sound good? You've come to the right place. Prices are the norm for the fare. Service is good. The menu is as diverse as they come. There are sushi sets, small appetizer dishes, donburi dishes, and all you can eat nabe for $25.

You know us, we only write about restaurants that we're excited about, and we write briefly. So if you wanna read the obligatory Honolulu Advertiser review, then click here. Otherwise, take our word and give it a shot.

Sushi is solid. Pretty fresh all the way around.

Broiled calamari, $8.00.

Tonkatsu Udon- Okay, dont' be deceived- there's nokatsu here, but the broth is made special using their house recipe. Really good for those Hawaii winter nights when the north winds are blowing.

Small Scale South

2008-01-17T16:33:00.000-10:00

A small scale South swell mixed with an all-day low tide combined for some zippy rights. Riding a 6'0 Campbell Brothers SB put me on the bottom of the totem pole. Longboarders were tearing up the set waves.

In Between Day

2008-01-16T12:12:00.000-10:00

Off season South on the rise. Some head high rights and lefts off the peak. A little warbly without the N wind, but it sure felt a lot warmer.

Sand Patch

2008-01-14T15:02:00.000-10:00

Very, very chilly North wind and spotty sunshine made it awfully cold. Split the peak with one other guy the entire session. Saw a curious little sea urchin waiting for somebody's foot dab smack in the middle of the sand patch.

Small at the Bowl- "Girl Break"

2008-01-13T18:01:00.000-10:00

Again, some tiny stuff in the water. Trades are back. Tons of girls out today on LBs. It was the best choice given the slow W wrapping peaks coming in. Saw a group of funny dreadlocked white dudes engaged in some ridiculous conversation in the parking lot.

Out Front

2008-01-12T21:36:00.000-10:00

Some residual reef swell provided for some small lines in the waist to shoulder high range.

Nico's at Pier 38

2008-01-12T10:33:00.000-10:00

Nico's at Pier 38 (1133 N Nimitz Hwy, Iwilei, Honolulu, HI, Ph: 540-1377) is a fun little patio restaurant/grill located off Nimitz Highway. Just across the street from Costco, this place is a no-brainer if you want solid local style grilled seafood for very reasonable prices in a casual atmosphere. The menu is very simple, so it's hard not to get something that won't please you.

It's counter service 100% via styrofoam take out cartons. Just think of Kaka`ako Kitchen at Ward.

Having been here for both breakfast (before 10:30am) and lunch (10:30am to 5pm), you can't go wrong either way. Under $20 will easily feed 2. Alcohol is served here for those interested.

Breakfast time tends to leave plenty of open seating, while lunch brings in the crowds. There is often live entertainment on Saturdays. JP Smoketrain sings the blues for the lunch crowd every other Saturday. Have a cold Red Stripe, a meal, and come here to have a good time.

Read another review here.

Ham and cheese breakfast croissant sandwich- $4.50.

Catch of the day, grilled garlic hebi, with eggs- $6.50. The catch of the day is served during lunch, too, with a cream sauce, tossed salad, and rice.

Young and old come to Nico's at Pier 38.

Alma Mater

2008-01-10T21:12:00.000-10:00

Russel Westbrook

#5 UCLA takes on #4 Washington State on Saturday 9:30 HST. Watch and support the school with the most NCAA Basketball championships on record, and the most successful overall NCAA athletic program in the country.

WNW Wrap

2008-01-10T20:43:00.000-10:00

Huges waves on the West and North Shores. Perfect conditions with still winds. Everywhere on Oahu was surfable. The beauty of the islands in full form.

It was working well here today. Photo by Dave Brown. We miss you, buddy. Hope you're doing well.

Yardhouse Honolulu at Waikiki Beachwalk.

2008-01-08T22:16:00.000-10:00

The "Beachwalk" off of Lewers Street is one of the recent additions to Waikiki strip. One of the flagship restaurants in the Beachwalk is The Yardhouse (201 Beach WalkHonolulu, HI 96815(808) 921-2345), a prominent chain restaurant, which features a diverse array of kegged beers. You won't get a bottle here, only cold drafts available in pint glasses or the ominous and ridiculous looking "half yard." That said, there's over 100 beers on tap: your standard garden variety beers found in grocery stores, some select domestic craft brews (Rogue, North Coast), and some representative imports like Belgians, Brit, and Asian beers. See below for the food- it is standard gastro-pub fare, but it is good. We can tell you that.

Having had every beer on their list during my lifetime, we were still impressed that we could pick from such a large variety of beers at will. We believe that if you haven't, then the sheer selection will be a thrilling prospect. Just don't drive home silly. Be safe!

Onion tower. Yeah, it's a tower.

The Macaroni Squared was pretty good. Lots of cheese, mushroom, bacon and truffle oil.

Avocado burger and fries that taste like Burger King's.

Dirty Ho = 1/2 Lindemann's Framboise + 1/2 Hoegaarten.

Waialua Bakery in Haleiwa Town

2008-01-07T22:45:00.000-10:00

When on the North Shore, picking a place to grind after surfing is critical. We like breakfast at Duncan Campbell's place, Cafe Haleiwa, and at Kainoa's Pancake House. But afterwards, we're always craving a smoothie or some baked goodies.

Waialua Bakery, (66-200 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712, (808) 637-9079) next to Malama Market serves up great baked creations, desserts, sandwiches, and smoothies. It's also a great casual alternative to some of the more visible Haleiwa restaurants if you want a quick bite to eat. The counter service is peppy and friendly.

Get there after 2pm, this all that is left.

Sandwiches are fresh here. Make no mistake.

Banana Bread Pudding ($2.00).

Kaimana Sunset

2008-01-06T23:19:00.000-10:00

Bogart's Cafe and Espresso Bar on Monsarrat Ave.

2008-01-06T14:12:00.000-10:00

We stopped by Bogart's Cafe and Espresso Bar (3045 Monsarrat Ave # 3, Honolulu, HI 96815 , (808) 739-0999) for a post-surf breakfast.

There's nothing like a cup of tasty coffee and some eggy eats after a Diamond Head Cliffs session on the fish, longboard, or hull. Breakfast is very Southern California Coastal inspired. Not a lot of greasy stuff, and not too starchy. Staff is friendly. Coffee and Espresso drinks are good here.

Anyhow, it's always packed here, weekend or weekday. Pretty tasty food for those wanting to get their day started with some good people watching due to the young, fun crowd.

2 rules when eating here:
1) it can be hard to get a table here.
2) food comes out exceptionally slow, so be prepared.

20 minutes can easily lapse before you get your breakfast, so bring your reading. Coffee here is always savory.

Migas with Doritos. Initially, I was turned off by this preparation since I've had this dish here before many times, but I didn't mind after having a few bites. For those interested, the scrambles, waffles & pancakes, and the salads are pretty tasty.

According to The Honolulu Advertiser, Bogart's Cafe has the best breakfast bagel sandwich in Honolulu. I concur. This one is egg, cheese, spinach, and bacon on a toasted wheat bagel.

JP

2008-01-05T23:17:00.000-10:00

Give him a right, and he will give you a throwback show. One of our best friends, and one the greatest guys out there we know.

5 fin tune-up at The Bonzer Front- Haleiwa, Hawaii

2008-01-04T22:26:00.000-10:00

Stopped on by the Bonzer Front in Haleiwa after suring Ali`i Beach Park. It was a typical leisurely Saturday.

Explaining with audio visual the advantages of 5 fin surfing. Russ Short was doing all the ripping on TV.

Duncan requested to see our Octafish and asked, "Why did they give you this center fin with your bonzer? It's unforgiveable. You've got to ride a 6.5 inch center. I ride a 7 inch. Try this and let me know what you think. I'll give you a 7 incher if you think you need one."

Duncan is the man: so stoked on the 3 and 5 fin design. He happily swapped out the center fin in our octafish and installed the correct fin. All is well.

We take the bonzer to the shop and we get a free mechanic's tune-up!

Everything is good again with the Octafish. Bonzer Front has a lot of good energy.

Lots of eclectic stuff. A few stock bonzer surfboards here- mostly outfitted for North Shore waves. Lots of visual excitement here. It's a special place.

I spy!

2008-01-04T10:57:00.000-10:00

The view from the treehouse shows that Town surf is near flat, except for some baby rollers. Janitor surfers are sweeping mother ocean clean of what's left.

I spy SUPers! Pics taken with a digi camera + binocs= crappy.

Music for your flat day driving: Arcade Fire- Funeral

Music for your flat day leisure reading: The Cinematic Orchestra- Ma Fleur

Music for your house pride cleaning: Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery: Jimmy and Wes, The Dynamic Duo LP

Music for the sake of listening to new music: The Fashion- The Fashion.

Interesting Tudor Device

2008-01-03T10:51:00.000-10:00

6'1" bonzer3ish-Stubbyish design. Stu Kenson via Joel Tudor Surfboards.

Short bonzer side runners with appropriate channels. Easy on the glassing with sand finish.

2008-01-02T21:26:00.000-10:00

The UH-Georgia Party turned more into a sorrowful dinner, wine, and Kona Beer consumption party.

University of Hawaii got flamed in the Sugar Bowl. We'll see what 2008 has in store.

First Sunset of 2008 from Laukahi. It's been cold in Hawaii lately.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T01:52:00.000-10:00

Last south shore sunset of 2007.

Kasi lighting it up.

The monkey panda.

Fireworks.

2007 Recap

2007-12-31T12:43:00.001-10:00

With an ever growing supply of boards these days to choose from, it's still not hard to find the boards that serve us the best here in Town.

Our Quiver:
5'6" Dave Parmenter Twin Fish
5'8" DanO Twin Fish
5'10" Dave Parmenter Twin Fish
5'10" Campbell Brothers Octafish
6'0" Anderson Pescado Hull
6'2" Campbell Brother Egg
6'4" Doug Bautista Single
6'6" Anderson Pescado Hull
6'8" Takayama Glass Slipper
9'0" Takayama DT-2
9'0" Takayama DT-4
9'0" Takayama Ledingham
9'0" Takayama In the Pink
9'2" Todd Pinder Keliana Woolsley
9'4" Takayama In the Pink
9'4" Takayama DT-2
9'6" Pearson Arrow CJ Nelson
9'8" Pearson Arrow CJ Nelson
9'8" Tyler Craftsman NR

Hopefully in 2008, we'll dowsize our quiver and bring in some new riders, perhaps to fill in the 7-8'10" void. If anyone has any suggestions, we'd be open to them. Oh yeah, if anyone has any suggestions for some restaurants to try out, drop us a line. Thanks,

-J & P

Haleiwa Wetsuit Ad

2007-12-31T10:42:00.001-10:00

Ed writes, "While watching a surf contest at Alii Beach Park a professional photographer approached me and asked if I would allow Sujung to participate in a print ad for a Scandinavian wetsuit company. Here is one of the shots. Sujung (left) got $50 and got to keep the pink wetsuit (which she uses to tandem surf w/ Daddy)."

After Christmas Holiday Party at The Schmidts'

2007-12-31T09:05:00.000-10:00

Dirty Dave doing the dirty work, serving up some creations.

Tur Duc En= chicken stuffed in duck stuffed in chicken.

Longshanks helping himself to a little.

Frat boys.

After Christmas Holiday Party at The Schmidts'

2007-12-31T08:09:00.000-10:00

In the process of spilling some red wine.

Shamed.

Stain on the white carpet.

Chris, owner of Elusive Surfboards and Progressive Shapes Hawaii, likes his cabernet.

After Christmas Holiday Party

2007-12-30T22:00:00.000-10:00

Wanderlei Silva takes on Chuck Liddell.

Cheese spread and pupus.

Maui and Brandy Namahoe and Terbo.

California Soul

2007-12-29T10:57:00.000-10:00

Check out this video: The Tyler Warren Experiments Teaser...

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Royal Yakiniku, Waikiki

2007-12-28T14:17:00.000-10:00

Royal Yakiniku (110 Liliuokalani Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. Ph:(808) 926-8368) is in the heart of Waikiki. It's a no-frills Korean BBQ joint, where you can expect to get a good serving of meat and a good dousing of the oily, smoky smell in your clothes that comes with the territory when you eat at this genre of restaurant.

Interestingly, we all received a mandatory ID carding when we ordered our Kirin drafts. Apparently, the liquor commission has been harsh on this restaurant lately.

Nonetheless, Korean shortribs, the ribeye steak, the chicken, and the shrimp were all quite tasty. Service was decent, as the restaurant was unexpectedly quite busy for a Sunday night. 75% seemed to be a foreign visiting crowd staying in the area.

Parking is next door in the hotel.

Fantasea.

Exciting Upgrades in Progress!

2007-12-27T17:23:00.000-10:00

We have been challenged to up our surf content. An Olympus 770 was gifted this Christmas, so we will begin the arduous task of embarking into the realm of water photography. Baby steps first, right?

Some examples of work we aspire to can be found on the Daily Bread and JDubSingles. We are excited at the prospect of bringing aquatic footage of South Shore Surfing to our friends.

Take Warning. And Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T15:26:00.000-10:00

Mele Kalikimaka to everyone, even to our holiday mainland visitors. May your Christmas be bright, sunny, and cheery here in the islands. And don't forget to take your valuables with you. We aren't responsible for lost or stolen goods.

Oh yes, for you visitors staying in town, here's some sage advice in case some big moke tries to give you lip for picking up his chick at Senor Frog's in Waikiki.

Backside Hull Riding

2007-12-23T15:31:00.000-10:00

It can be done.

Click here for bonus reading from Swaylocks

Dragon Boat Races

2007-12-23T15:23:00.000-10:00

Stone Brewery Trip Part 2

2007-12-23T15:17:00.000-10:00

A phenomenal array of Stone Brews on tap is supplemented by a who's who of other top notch artisan breweries, both foreign and domestic.

Patio and beer gardens.

Pressed coffee and warm bread pudding ala mode.

Stone Brewery Trip Part 1

2007-12-23T15:13:00.000-10:00

Stone has got to be one the best American craft breweries. I dig the piney, citrusy hops in the IPA and the Ruination IPA. The Levitation Ale is also one the finest session beers- low in alcohol, but big in satisfaction to the palate. Anybody visiting San Diego should take the drive out to San Marcos in North County and visit this amazing facility. It's top notch from the gift shop, to the indoor bar set to the backdrop of brewing vats, to the amazing outdoor beer gardens and firepit.

Count your blessings.

2007-12-19T10:46:00.000-10:00

The miracle mile offers everything and more.

Jello Wrestling Party

2007-12-17T14:15:00.000-10:00

Who still does this stuff? We do, though we don't participate in the wrestling. Wailupe Circle is the location of this annual event of water based craziness.

Shoe check-in.

Pizza Dogs!

Musical (classical) entertainment by this guy.

You are a terrible surfer, and you know it.

2007-12-14T16:29:00.000-10:00

When you buy a used board, make sure you know the karma that comes with it!

This is the board that:
1) has blown many a set wave at Cliffs to the chagrin of others
2) has run over innocent competent surfers unapologetically
3) should not be purchased because the clueless owner should never have taken up our sport of aloha. It is the board of a she-devil. Can't you tell?

Atlantic Surfing Season

2007-12-12T16:48:00.000-10:00

Our friend Mark in Rhode Island says, "the season is just getting good here in RI!"

Looks pretty, pretty good.

Week of Death

2007-12-10T22:41:00.000-10:00

Vicious Kona Winds...
Triple Crown Surfing...
Thunderstorms...
Brown Water...
Humid, humid, humid...
The Honolulu Marathon...
Christmas work parties...
...more Christmas work parties
Cabernet and Chardonnay...
New Christmas Tree!
Decorations...
Christmas Shopping...

We are beat down and tired.

Finally, the trades are back! The South Shore is cruisable. More food reviews to come!

(Fingers Crossed)

Fishing

2007-12-06T21:29:00.000-10:00

Michel's Colony Surf

2007-12-05T20:17:00.000-10:00

We love Michel's (2895 Kalakaua Ave, Ph: 808-923-6552). This has to be one of the coolest, mellowest places to have Sunday Brunch. We probably wouldn't be caught spending $50-75 a head eating dinner at a French influenced restaurant with a Pan Asian fusion core, because we already know the best values for that kind of fare. ;-)

However, the Brunch here is money! For a top notch restaurant, prices are really not far off of usual brunch fare. Take Big City Diner or Pancake House, for example. We're gluttons for oysters on the half shell and Salmon Carpaccio, and Michel's drops the hammer when it comes to Sunday Brucn with a view.

Situated at the Colony Surf in Diamond Head, the view here is phenomenal during the day. Diamond Head is also the best place on the South Shore to watch the sunset. As an added bonus, you can watch all the stand up paddle (janitor-surfing) surfers practice their gig out at Old Man's, and say hi to your Haole Outrigger Canoe Club friends (it's nextdoor).

Oysters and a Bloody Mary. Start your Sunday with a bang.

Two thumbs up for the salmon. It could be a breakfast by itself.

Check out this half-eaten Crab Benedict.

Pho Thinh

2007-12-04T13:52:00.000-10:00

Pho Thinh is our go to pho-institution for those late evening surf sessions: you know, the ones where it's dark and you're trying to paddle over the shallow reef back to the beach. Well after a rinse off shower, it does get a little chilly. So we warm ourselves up with a medium=$6 or large=$6.50 bowl of brothy gladness. This place is super clean and always has an open table. Service is impeccable. Prices are where they should be.

Hardcore Pho junkies will have the raw steak served separately and titrate the cooking by themselves in the broth.

Right next door is Chili in Hawaii. The trouble is that it closes at 6pm, so you'll miss it if you come to Pho Thinh for dinner.

Howard Dean likes Pho Thinh

Hawaii's PrinceBCS Bound?

2007-12-02T10:17:00.000-10:00

It's Chili in Hawaii

2007-12-01T13:51:00.000-10:00

It's Chili in Hawaii (2080 S. King St., Suite 105 Ph: 808-945-7070) is a little gem of a shop next to one of our favorite Pho restaurants, Pho Thinh.

We both love hot sauces, as an adjunct to breakfast or grilled meats, and this shop has plenty of hot sauce and more.

It's Chili in Hawaii is located on the corner of a non descript building in Moiliili. It's family run and the the service is friendly and chatty. Saturday features hot sauce tasting, freshly prepared recipes, and fresh tortillas.

Check out the fridge full of hot sauces. It's a bonafide tasting bar. A couple of the sauces are so hot, you need to try them on the tip of a tooth pick. A sample spoon may overdose you.

This is one of four walls of this stuff. Hot sauces, jerk sauces, rubs, New Mexico chiles, etc hail from all parts of the USA, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Tamales, cannee cactus, chopped chiles, and all other ingredients needed for hot and fiery food eater can be found here.

Their disclaimer.

Farrington Highway

2007-11-30T20:01:00.000-10:00

Long right walls let you stall, trim and walk.

Drop in fade.

Fun stuff.

Need to go on another surf trip!

2007-11-28T23:26:00.000-10:00

This beaut is a 9'4" volan glassed Dewey Weber.

Izakaya Nonbei

2007-11-28T13:31:00.000-10:00

Izakaya Nonbei is a semi-discreet restaurant just across the street from the new Kapahulu Safeway. The parking lot is one of those weird ebb and flow situations: it could be really full, or really empty. The restaurant has a country inn feel- it's very comfortable and the service is friendly.

Izakaya Nonbei. 3108 Olu St. (off Kapahulu Avenue, between Mokihana and Charles streets / 734-5573)

Old school might be an accurate description for our experience. Patrons have their own sake bottles stored, the menu is very ala carte, and the seating is 1) either on the floor, or 2) on a sit around bar so you get to people watch while you dine. There is no sushi here, only sashimi.

We bumped into our friends, Bonnie and Jens Hing, who were also trying out I.N. for the first time.

While small in portion, the batter and consistency of the squid made this dish worth it- $5.95. We had already had 1/2 the plate when the photo was taken.

Hamachi Kama (cheek) $18 MP, with unfiltered sake ($13)was pretty good.

One of my favorites is the Katsutama ($8.95). It's cooked tonkatsu pork loin with egg onion sauce. You can add a bowl of rice if you'd like.

Govinda's

2007-11-27T13:26:00.000-10:00

Govinda's is a popular vegetarian "plate lunch" walk-in off the Fort Street Mall. It features lunch only/workday only veggie specials. The food is Indian-inspired and surprisingly tasty. We usual freak out at vegetarian places only because militant vegetarians freak us out.

But this place passes no judgement on the meat eating folks who want to get a fiber fill every once in a while. Specials today included Falafel and a cauliflower/chickpea flurry.

One pertinent question we want answered regarding Govinda's is: Where is the kitchen?????

The inside is mellow, and always busy.

The mantra.

Our food. $4.60 each plate. We recommend the ginger lime drink with the grub. Also, try putting the sunflower oil dressing on the salad and the cilantro salsa on the rice. Happy eating!

Harry's Cafe

2007-11-27T08:08:00.000-10:00

Harry's Cafe (1101 Waimanu St, Honolulu, HI 96814),

adjacent to Harry's Liquor Store, has been a Kakaako Breakfast-Lunch fixture for quite some time. Christy, a chatty Korean woman runs almost all dining room aspects of this local diner. She works a million miles an hour at a million different tasks, hence the inconspicuous sign over the cash counter that says, "If Christy busy, help yourself to coffee."

The bargain early bird breakfasts start at $0.99 and run 5-8am. That's why Harry's Cafe is perfect for the McKinley student, Ward construction workers, and morning commuters on their way into or out of town.

Aside from the early bird menu, the main breakfast selections are where it's at. One can only guess what the "3-3-3" means. Or what about the "Breakfast Deluxe," which is a 3-3-3-3-3! We highly recommend the Kim Chee fried rice omelette, the "Omelette Blaster" or one of the pancake variants.

Above is an omelette blaster. A savvy customer knows to order fried rice scoops instead of the pictured white rice.

If you surf the Beach Park, don't waste your time outside at a Starbucks table afterward with the pidgeons and meandering Japanese tourists. At least give Harry's a try.

Turkey Day Getaway.

2007-11-26T17:38:00.000-10:00

Thanks to everyone who made the beach weekend so much fun!

Pho One Kapiolani

2007-11-25T00:05:00.000-10:00

Another neighborhood eatery off of Kapiolani, Pho One, has taken over the former location of Cuisine Tony, which never really took off.

All of this was due to Pho One leaving their former strip mall location after its condemnation was announced due to the construction of the future Ala Moana Nordstrom.

The former location was smaller and somewhat seedier. It was always quite full and a short wait before being seated was common. The new location is far more upscale, and prices have been driven up a buck or two, perhaps scaring off some of the former clientele. Medium and Large bowls are available in the $7 and $7.50 price ranges, respectively.

This one just has rare steak.

The chicken porridge was quite savory. It's definitely not diet food.

Haleiwa

2007-11-22T14:54:00.000-10:00

One goal: one wave. Just one wave!

Ahoy, JP!

Small day play. Happy Turkey Day! Be safe.

2007-11-22T14:43:00.001-10:00

"Point + Shoot" $10.99stuff.

Happy Turkey Day from Ala Moana!

2007-11-21T14:11:00.000-10:00

Part of the miracle mile.

Choi's Garden **BYOB*

2007-11-20T20:20:00.000-10:00

In the theme of Korean BBQ, we proudly announce our endorsement of Choi's Garden on 1303 Rycroft St (Phone: 808-596-7555).

We're not going to waste any words, since we spend 5 minutes or less on our reviews. So read the Honolulu Advertiser's write-up here.

Let's just say, it's good, tasty, and a fun time. Also, read the caption under the picture of the sports cooler.

1303 Rycroft St. behind Wal-mart.

Jeff, showing he is part of the appendix-less club. Also check out the walking cane.

This is the giant vacuum that sucks all the grill smoke outta the restaurant. You end up all smelly anyway.

Korean short ribs and a rice beer might be one of our favorite combinations.

Damon digs this joint because it's BYOB.

Know your avocado!

2007-11-20T20:18:00.000-10:00

I learned this from you know who... Man, this is good.

p.s.- only use Aloha shoyu!

Oahu Market

2007-11-20T20:07:00.000-10:00

Recently, we've been venturing into Honolulu's Chinatown quite a bit. Part of it is getting lucky with parking. The other reason is that there are so many legitimate places to get meals- or if you are bold, create your own meals.

In summary, we recommend everyone pony up and go to Oahu market on King Street, and get some fresh seafood. Don't be shy.

$6 bought us a fresh snapper. $2 got us fresh eggplant. Another $2 got us fresh herbs and spices to make some serious flavor for the food.

Drool.

Different grades of ahi sashimi. There's also hamachi and salmon, too.

Here's our dinner creation: Thai Snapper with fresh Mexican oregano, lemons, fresh ground pepper and Kauai Salt. The fish is served with a Kalamata olive-feta cheese tapenade. The eggplants go with a lime-mint yogurt sauce. All of this is going straight outside onto the grill. A collective $12 meal.

Mark Cunningham- Hi Schredability

2007-11-20T12:54:00.000-10:00

Tyler Manson's miniseries on VBS TV, 'Hi Schredability,' surely is a genuine crowd pleaser. We watch all the new episodes. One of our favs was part 2 of the Mark Cunningham series. As an island resident, Mark's heart and soul is 100% O'ahu and some of the very simple comments he makes in this episode are not only poignant, but extremely insightful.