Ono Grinds: Where Oahu's Top Chefs Eat

By Dana Young

Ono Grinds: Where Oahu's Top Chefs Eat. Hapuku Lodge tree houses New Zealand
Locals and tourists alike fill the booths of
Ono Hawaiian Foods for tasty traditional Hawaiian dishes.

Ever since I met and married my Honolulu-born husband, Kaipo, I've longed to move to Oahu.

We have, for now, compromised on spending holidays and summers there. Rather than satisfy my love for island life, these windows of "aloha time" have further piqued my fascination with all things Hawaiian, including food and, specifically, finding out where the locals eat.

By locals, I mean the big Kahunas of the kitchen -- the top chefs, the culinary gurus who on their nights off venture out to find the ono grinds (best foods).

On a recent visit to Oahu, I met up with some of the island's famed foodies to find out where they go for grinds.

Not surprisingly, they served up a luau full of insight and addresses! It goes without saying that I highly recommend all of these chefs' restaurants.

CHEF D.K. KODAMA'S PICKS

Known for his love of food and people, chef Dave "D.K." Kodama -- founder of D.K. Restaurants, including Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bars, Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas, Vino and d.k Steak House, and several restaurants on the outer islands -- doesn't have to head far to enjoy his favorite food: Dungeness crab ramen with Asian truffle butter broth and fresh herbs (an award-winning dish featured on the menu at his own Sansei. (No one said these chefs had to be modest.)

Kodama and his family also enjoy the variety offered at Seoul Garden Yakiniku (1679 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu. (808-944-4803). "Because we have kids ages 3, 5 and 7, we try to go places that are kid-friendly, i.e., loud, where we can spill all over and not have to dress up," he says.

CHEF ALAN WONG'S PICKS

James Beard Award winner in 1996, Alan Wong -- chef/owner of Alan Wong's Restaurant, The Pineapple Room by Alan Wong and Alan Wong's Japan -- notes that he prefers to eat at home with his family because "everyone is afraid of cooking for me except for my family." He does have his Honolulu favorites, however. Wong heads to ZenShu (477 Kapahulu Ave., Honolulu. (808-739-7017) to eat omakase sushi by Yuji because it's always fresh and creative, he says. When he's in the mood for Chinese comfort food, Wong stops at On On (1110 McCully St., Honolulu. (808-946-8833) for its cake noodle with pork and sweet sour mustard cabbage, and the chow fun.

CHEF LANCE KOSAKA'S PICKS

Lance Kosaka, executive chef at The Pineapple Room by Alan Wong (1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu. (808-945-6573), enjoys checking out different ethnic food restaurants (Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese) because they represent the melting pot of flavors you find in Hawaii, and there are always plenty of choices. "You're never limited to just one thing and can try multiple selections," he says. Two of Kosaka's top picks include Le Bistro for special occasions and the "not-to-be-missed" Side Street Inn (see Personal Picks) because "the food represents the local culture and flavors." (Alan Wong also told me, "Everyone loves their pork chops!")

CHEF BILL BRUHL'S PICKS

Raised in Hawaii, chef/restaurateur William (Bill) Bruhl, of BluWater Grill (377 Keahole St. (808-395-6224) has an as affinity for fresh fish and establishments offering a connection to the sea. When serving advice on a favorite restaurant, Bruhl says of Ola! at Turtle Bay Resort (57-091 Kamehameha Highway. (808-293-0801), "Where else on Oahu can you find great food, literally right on the beach?" Closer to home, he says the food quality and level of service at Michel's at the Colony Surf is hard to match. 2895 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu. (808-926-6552. Michelshawaii.com.

MY PERSONAL PICKS

Side Street Inn

Pork chops and fried rice (complete with char siu or barbecued pork, Portuguese sausage, oyster sauce, hon dashi and more). Located in Honolulu's industrial area, this establishment is hosted by a few of Honolulu's culinary set and is only open after their other restaurant kitchens are closed for the night. Don't be surprised to find local celebrity chefs there -- although you might have to fight them for Karaoke time. 1225 Hopaka St., Honolulu. (808-591-0253.)

Liliha Bakery

Open 24 hours a day starting from Tuesday at 6 a.m. through Sunday at 8 p.m. My recommendations include the grilled sweet Hawaiian bread with guava jelly; Loco Moco (two scoops rice, one scoop macaroni salad, hamburger patty, fried egg and gravy all ova-da-place!); and don't forget the coco puffs. 515 N. Kuakini St., Honolulu. (808-531-1651. lilihabakery.com.)

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