I’ve driven past Asia Manoa for years but never ate there.

For whatever reason — and it’s probably because of its name and location — I always thought it was a trendy noodle shop. Maybe serving pho and ramen and the local favorite oxtail soup.

I didn’t think it was a typical Chinese restaurant!

So when the Old Guys wanted to eat there — it turned into our annual Christmas dinner — I was curious to see what the food was like. After asking around, some friends said this was their favorite Chinese restaurant. (It helps that there’s parking.) They loved the stuffed eggplant, the salt-and-pepper pork chops and the honey walnut shrimp (shown above).

So I recharged my camera battery and brought my appetite to Manoa. Here’s what dinner was like:

Asia Manoa

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Believe it or not, Asia Manoa (just down the street from Manoa Marketplace) has been around for about 10 years. And only now I've eaten here! This clean, friendly neighborhood restaurant serves good Cantonese food at very affordable prices. (The owner, Edmund Pang, is the son of the owners of Duck Yun Chinese Restaurant in Aina Haina.)

Asia Manoa, 2801 E. Manoa Rd. Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Phone: (808) 988-2828

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#TodaysGift

Mr. Coffee espresso maker

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Days left: 23

Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso & Cappuccino Maker

Price: $39.99 at Target.com

The gist: Mr. Coffee, the brand you find in drugstores and department stores, has come out with a 4-cup espresso maker that does cappuccinos and lattes, too. It's even got a powerful milk frothing nozzle and aid to help steam milk perfectly. It's east to clean — and even easier on your wallet.

Best for: Coffee-drinking coworker, college student, Secret Santa gift