. t h e k c c f o o d i e .

Aglio-Centric.

Even though I live right i Aiea I rarely ever go to the local Safeway--the Beretania and new Kapahulu ones dispel any need for it! But last night, I needed a cold Perrier and dropped in, and to my surprise saw a spanking new building with the logo "PAESANO" on it. Looks like the Assaggio guys are expanding. Anyone know anything about it?

Work where you (should) like to shop!

I see...I see...a glimmer of hope for the island's culinary future! Never mind that the ill-conceived Cassis is now closed, but Whole Foods is on its way to opening soon the first location, and they've just posted all available jobs on their website here. Much to my dismay, however, 99% of the listings are for full-time positions. Oh well.

"Preparing for the invasion."

I'm so proud of Down to Earth, what with Whole Foods coming and all. Down to Earth and Kokua Market are two of my favorite places for quality all-natural groceries and produce, and even though Whole Foods' gourmet appeal will draw some of my attention away, I will remain faithful. DTE's CEO Mark Fergusson spoke to reporters in a presentation titled "Preparing for the Invasion," an implicit message that he's a tad resentful, if a little more, about the big-shot chain coming to Hawaii. Here's today's Star-Bulletin article.

Ohhh yeah!

So it turns out the e-mail I sent to Wanda Adams last month worked--Sabrina's got reviewed, for the first time in six years! I'm so proud of Steve and Sabrina and everything they've worked so hard to accomplish. Now that the restaurant is getting a bigger, better stove, we might be able to keep up with the reservations book! Aaand here's the article. (check out the great photo gallery, too)

Souvlaki shortage.

Just a note: Olive Tree Cafe is closed until September 23 for kitchen renovation. Maybe Savas is taking his month-long Greek vacation!

'Elua's Website is Up!

And here it is!

To Please the People

I can't even count the number of times my blog has been hit by Googlers, Yahooers, and MSNers trying in vain to obtain information about 'Elua Restaurant & Wine Bar. I knew they were closed when I walked in today, but I just wanted to grab a couple of tidbits to help feed the starved. Here's the scoop:

1341 Kapiolani Blvd., Uraku Tower; it's on the right on a one-way street, so get in your right lane ASAP to avoid having to go back around the block
Free sectioned parking in basement
955-ELUA (3582)
Weekday Lunch 11:30a--2p (last seating~1:30p)
Nightly Dinner from 6p

A website, www.elua.com, is promised on the business card, but I have yet to see anything.

Happy Days

Looks like the wait for natural-foods mecca Whole Foods has been shortened. Along with this article about local vendors that have been picked to offer their products comes news that the Kahala location--occupying the former Star Market space in Kahala Mall--plans to open as early as next spring. Of course our own little natural/organic foods stores (Huckleberry Farms, Kokua Market, et al.) should be at least a tad worried, but I believe they've already gathered such a following that loyal customers will continue to shop there.

Cassis, finally!

It's been confirmed that I am being treated to Cassis by Chef Mavro for my birthday...which is four months away. Grateful as I am, that's a bloody long time to wait! And the new review from Lesa Griffith doesn't help much with my anxiety. She did point out that the steak/curried frites dish, which I had my eye on, wasn't very successful. She also mentions that the kitchen is still experimenting a bit (fat vs. thin-crispy frites). I believe this to be a misstep by the kitchen; diners don't particularly appreciate being tested on. That sort of kink should have been rectified before the opening. Nevertheless, I'm still giddy with anticipation.

I've been getting "hit" a lot by Googlers looking for new news on the promising (albeit dangerous) Padovani-Donato venture 'Elua Restaurant & Wine Bar. The most recent search result was the HI government's approval for 'Elua's liquor license. Nothing exciting. I really wish local restaurants would be more "on it" about getting their websites up and running. Nowadays websites can be a great source of publicity, and without it less potential customers will dine. I guess not everyone thinks about these things?

Certainly setting the stage!

What kind of a food writer am I that I haven't been to Stage yet? How depressing. For those of you itching to get your fix of Jon Matsubara/Couture Cuisine, this past week has been rife with such related material. Today's Weekend Midweek features Chef Matsubara on the cover, offering an in-depth look at the restaurant and the man behind it. Wanda Adams also provides a glowing review today, admitting to finally having found a foam worthy of praise. Earlier on Sunday Nadine Kam writes a positive review as well, though pointing out more errors.

Jon Matsubara seems to have attracted an impressive arsenal of former Alan Wong's long-timers, such as manager Charly Yoshida, Pineapple Room chef de cuisine Ron de Guzman (now Stage's exec sous), and shockingly, pastry chef Mark Okumura, who had been with Wong since the very beginning. Where's the love?

In regards to 'Elua, the Padovani-Donato venture that has skeptics and hopefuls alike, the restaurant opens TOMORROW (!), serving lunch from 11:30 am to 2 pm and dinner from 6-10 pm. Too bad for L'Uraku, but hopefully 'Elua can fill in the shoes well. 955-ELUA.