Dear Hawaii Diner Reader,

I have been overwhelmed by the amount of feedback I've received regarding the food, service and ordering system at newly-opened Mandalay on Alakea Street. The consensus seems to be that there are inconsistencies with both the food and the service that need to be addressed. There is no doubt that Downtown Honolulu really needs this type of upscale Chinese restaurant and I remain hopeful because there are many people who are keen to see them succeed. I intended to write a brief article about this matter but have decided to hold off for the time being and wait to see what happens in the next few weeks. It is much too soon to write this place off.

Over the past week I've been part of an ongoing discussion about why it seems so hard for restaurateurs to open upscale modern Chinese restaurants here of the type that flourish in Vancouver and Hong Kong. Is it that the owners don't 'get' the concept well enough to execute properly or is it us as diners who bear the burden of demanding a superior product rather than settling for average or worse? I think the majority of responsibility lies with the restaurateurs to create not only a pleasing atmosphere but also offer really good food and service. Unappealing food has been reported by diners of reliable taste from XO Seafood, Shanghai Bistro and, now, Mandalay.

One thing is certain, our culinary scene is heating up and we're sure to see changes and, hopefully, improvements as these restaurants move forward. I will, of course, be here to report on what we trust will be positive developments.

Here at HawaiiDiner.com, we are delighted to welcome another restaurant subscriber to our Everybody Eats ohana; Tapioca Express has signed up and we can gladly recommend both their food and their beverages to the dining public. I stopped in last week between errands and tried a Brazilian Coffee Snow Bubble drink that was full of nice caramel flavor with just a hint of spice. Very nice.

May each of you enjoy a romantic and happy Valentine's Day next week and, of course, an excellent long holiday weekend celebrating the births of two of our great presidents. Don't forget to check out the article on presidential cocktail preferences below - it might inspire you!

Mahalo nui loa,
Gail

Around the Islands - Turning Japanese! and Valentine's Specials

One of our favorite restaurant subscribers, Shokudo, will open their doors for lunch beginning Wednesday, February 15. The menu has been refined and enhanced to accommodate the change. The success of their gargantuan Honey Toast dessert has resulted in the creation of a number of variations including Chocolate, Caramel and Red Bean, amongst others. New hours for Shokudo will be 11:30am-2am daily. Don't forget to use the drink coupon when you go - it's good through the end of February.

Another cool Japanese spot is in soft opening mode right now (reservations only) and will formally open for service on Wednesday, February 15. Robata Grill Tsukuneya Style's signature dish is tsukune, those tasty morsels concocted of minced chicken. According to the general manager, the tsukuneya are made from a proprietary recipe of 30 natural ingredients, formed on skewers, then grilled and topped with your choice of 20 different sauces. Located in the spot at the corner of Dole & University where I believe a Pizza Hut used to be, this restaurant is the first international outpost of a privately-owned Japanese chain based in Nagoya. The menu also features other popular Japanese choices, but I was told that going to Tsukuneya and not eating the chicken would be as silly as going to KFC and avoiding the chicken. An email report from a diner was quite positive about the food, the ultra-modern Japanese decor and the overall experience. Call the restaurant at 943-0390.

For the slow movers in the crowd, here is a round-up of our restaurant subscribers who still have some spaces available for Valentine's celebrations.

Chef Mavro is completely booked all weekend and Tuesday evening but they do have a few tables available on Monday, February 13. They are offering two wonderful menus and this is the place for a real splurge. Call 944-4714 asap to get one of those Monday evening spots.

Hula Grill Waikiki has a few openings on Valentine's Day very early in the evening and again beginning around 8:15pm. Executive chef Steve has put together a very nice menu at a reasonable price of $41 per person. Call 923-4852 for reservations.

Jimmy's Lakeside Bakery Cafe is taking orders for its very popular Valentine's Dinner-to-Go for Two up until closing time on Monday evening. You will need to pick up your meal between noon and 4pm on Tuesday, Valentine's Day. This is the best value around at just $39.95 and the meal is scrumptious. Call the Love Hot Line at 621-6800 to order.

L'Uraku is offering a special Five-course Valentine's Dinner and they have a few tables open early in the evening (If you dine early it leaves the entire evening open for romance!) and a couple around 8:45pm. The menu looks delicious and this spot is one of the most charming in town - a perfect spot for a Valentine's meal. Call 955-0552 for reservations.

Featured Beverage Articles - Cupid's Cocktails and Presidential Cocktail Choices

We recommend starting your Valentine's evening out right with a romance-themed cocktail. This article features several choices from noted mixologist, Dale DeGroff. From First Kiss to Champagne Bliss, any of these is guaranteed to enhance the mood. Read the article.

Being good Americans, we are proud of our past presidents and always celebrate President's Day with a toast. This entertaining article examines the favored cocktails and beverage preferences of some of our greatest presidents. Read the article.

Oahu Dines - A Project Supporting the Life Foundation, Wednesday March 1

We are delighted to once again announce our support of the "Oahu Dines" project for the Life Foundation of Hawaii. On Wednesday, March 1, "Oahu Dines" wants you to eat out at a participating restaurant. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the services Life Foundation provides to those in our community who are HIV-positive as well is towards educating for prevention.

Restaurants had two options for participation this year, Platinum Plate and 20% Sponsors. The Platinum Plate sponsors guarantee a minimum $1,500 donation to the Life Foundation and 20% sponsors will donate that percentage of the proceeds for the day.

PLATINUM PLATE SPONSORS

Baci Bistro
Big City Diner (all four locations)
El Charro II
Tiki's Bar & Grill

20% SPONSORS

12th Ave Grill
A Taste of New York
Boots & Kimo's
Chai's Island Bistro
Cinnamon's
Cisco's Cantina
JJ French Pasty
Le Guignol
South Shore Grill
Spices
Umeke Market
Volcano Joe's
Wally Ho's Garage & Grill
The Wedding Cafe

It is not too late for additional restaurants to participate. If you know a restaurant that would like to participate, send them to the "Oahu Dines" site and have them click on the "How to Join" link. And, it's not just dinner which counts, but breakfast and lunch as well...eat out Oahu and support the Life Foundation!

This Week's Review - Surfer's Cafe - New Digs in Ewa Beach, Same Tasty Food

Back before Wal-Mart opened on Keeaumoku, there was a cute contemporary Hawaiiana-themed cafe called Shaka Java on the Diamond Head side of the street. Then, a few years later, Surfer's Cafe opened on the second floor above the Local Motion store on Kalakaua, but since most local residents don't regularly go into Waikiki for lunch or a snack, the surf-themed cafe may have never been on your food radar. Many are more likely to remember the now closed Days of Aloha in Kaimuki. What do all of these spots have in common with Surfer's Cafe in Ewa Beach? Barbara Viernes is the answer to the question, and it has been quite a journey for her since she opened Shaka Java in 1998, the original Surfer's Cafe in 2002 and helped develop the food and decor for Days of Aloha.

Since opening in a quiet two-story office building on Fort Weaver Road last September, Barbara's excellent sandwiches have found a happy home in Ewa Beach. Barbara says she does not miss the commute to Waikiki and she is delighted to be serving customers in her new cozy cafe. This spot is smaller than the original Surfer's Cafe but the food is the same and the laid back vibe is suitable for what she describes as the slower pace of life in Ewa Beach.

I stopped in for a late lunch recently and had the chance to enjoy a couple of items that I hadn't tried before. While I knew her Wasabi Tuna Sandwich on Ciabatta Bread packs a tasty punch and the Hawaiian Ham Croissant Sandwich features a cream cheese with fresh pineapple spread, I wanted something different. I decided on the Mandarin Chicken Salad and a half-sandwich of the Surfer BLT. I noticed a full range of smoothies as well and ordered the Grom, which is mixed berries with lime, in hopes that it wouldn't be too sweet.

Read the review and see the photos