Cat Chat: My first McRib

By • November 7, 2011 • Food, Videos

Believe it or not, I’ve never had the McRib sandwich from McDonald’s.

It’s been on the fast-food giant’s menu off and on since 1981 — and every time it’s made an appearance, I’ve never been that interested in trying it.

And my interest didn’t grow when news surfaced about what’s exactly in the barbecue sauce-slathered pork patty.

According to recent news reports — including this one in the Huffington Post — whatever makes up that boneless “rib” patty is questionable. Media has reported that the pork bits that make up the meat include such things as tripe, heart and scalded stomach, not to mention the additives used as the stuff that keeps yoga mats springy and shoe soles white.

Then there’s the allegation about Smithfield Farms, the large pig producer that supplies pork for McDonald’s limited-edition McRib sandwich, and its inhumane treatment of its pigs.

So I didn’t get the nationwide fascination.

Yes, fascination.

People drive miles — even to other states — just for these pork sandwiches. And I know people — including Twitter pal Ricky Li (@rickyli99) — who love love love this sandwich.

So I had to try it for myself.

Witness my first bite of the famous — or infamous — McRib sandwich:

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Today’s happy shot

By • November 6, 2011 • Food, Happy Shots

This Hawaiian plate lunch from Marujyu Market in Waimalu was only $8.45!

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Today’s happy shot

By • November 4, 2011 • Food, Happy Shots

My first McRib — ever.

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FUUD: Gomaichi Ramen

By • November 4, 2011 • Food

People in Hawaii love their ramen.

Ask anyone who’s fond of the Japanese noodle dish and you’ll get strong opinions about which ramenya is better.

And most often the debate centers around two boutique ramen shops: Gomaichi and Goma Tei.

Here’s the story: Goma Ichi opened in 1995, one of the first ramen shops in Honolulu. The partners split — and one opened a very similar shop, Goma Tei, in 2006 in Ward Center.

Naturally, there are people who are devoutly loyal to Gomaichi on the corner of Keeaumoku and Makaloa streets. And there are others who prefer the flavor of (and better parking at) Goma Tei at Ward Center and Ala Moana Center.

It’s sad to admit, but I had never eaten at Gomaichi Ramen. Every time I’ve walked around that area, I stop at Green Papaya next door instead. I’ve always felt badly about that — especially since I eat (and love) the ramen at Goma Tei.

So last night I decided to finally check it out. And we couldn’t have picked a better night for ramen. It was rainy, wet, cold and miserable. Nothing could cheer me up but a bowl of hot ramen.

Wanna know what I thought? Read on:

Outside Gomaichi Ramen

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This ramenya opened in 1995 and has become a favorite of ramen aficionados.

Gomaichi Ramen, 631 Keeaumoku St. Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5:30 to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Phone:(808) 951-6666

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The restaurants (and dishes) I miss

By • November 3, 2011 • Food

Just about every time I have breakfast with the Old Guys, the conversation gravitates toward food.

And specifically, the food they miss eating because their favorite restaurants have all closed down.

They reminisce a lot about Chunky’s Drive-In on King and Isenberg streets, Burgerland on Kapahulu and Jolly Roger on Dillingham. They talk longingly about teri fried chicken and hamburgers with some kind of “special sauce.”

Even my mom waxes nostalgic about her favorite eateries that aren’t around anymore, namely the Kanda lunch wagon at Kewalo Basin, KC Drive Inn, Krung Thai in downtown, Dutch Girl Bakery in Liliha, Chinese Kitchen in Nuuanu, Restaurant Suzuku in Kaimuki, Wisteria and Woolworth’s. (It had the best roast beef and turkey sandwiches, she said.)

The list of now-closed restaurants in Hawaii is long — and, sadly, growing. King’s Bakery, Columbia Inn, Elliot’s Chuckwagon, Masu’s Massive Plate Lunch, 9th Avenue Bakery, Pearl City Tavern, Kenny’s Burger House — these are just a few places that many of us miss.

But more than miss the restaurant, most of us miss the actual food.

I miss the big, fluffy glazed donuts from Kimuraya Bakery, the French onion soup from The Bistro at Century Center, the bulgogi and noodles from Korean Hibiscus BBQ in Aina Haina, and just about everything at the Swiss Inn in Niu Valley.

It’s sad — no, devastating — to me to think that I’ll never have these dishes again. Ever. It’s so depressing!

Got a restaurant you miss? And what dish do you miss the most? Let’s all share in the misery!

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