Da Scoops

Glazer’s Coffee
http://www.glazerscoffee.com/
2700 South King ST #D101
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 391-6548

Glazer’s is a relatively new coffee shop in the area of the university, near the still in business Cafe 2600 as well as the dear departed Javarama/Readery area (interestingly, there’s no Starbucks anywhere nearby). Glazers is an independent shop with prices lower than either Starbucks or some local competitors such as CoffeeTalk. They offer WiFi with purchase and graciously allow notebook users to plug in and power up. The place is clean and has readily accessible bathrooms; parking can be an issue just like for all businesses in the area. I had my usual, an iced latte, which was served in a real glass–a nice touch.

The wireless Internet is fast, but you don’t get the password until you get your drink–which is not horrible, but it was quite busy while I was there so I couldn’t use it while I was waiting (fortunately, I always have reasonably fast Internet access as long as I have my phone and a Sprint signal). The decor is nicer than most other coffee shops in the area and not like your mass produced Starbucks feel.

The coffee? It’s very decent; personally, I’m a bit biased to the stuff I make myself with my AeroPress, but it’s quite drinkable, and prices are better than local competitor CoffeeTalk up the road in Kaimuki as well as Starbucks–if you can find one near the area.

The parking is fair at best, just like you would expect in this area. On a hot day like today, even with the air conditioning and the tinted (large) front window, it can get a bit warm. Still, Glazer’s is unquestionably worth a shot if you want to try out an independent coffee shop on O’ahu.

I’ve been to New York and I’ve been to Chicago, so I’ve had pizza in some places believed to be America’s meccas of the Geek’s dream food. Mama’s Island Pizza in Kailua tries to fill a hole in the local dining establishment on the windward side of O’ahu.

Chain pizza places abound on the island (Domino’s, Boston, Pizza Hut, Papa John’s, and my personal favorite, Round Table), but smaller, locally owned institutions are much harder to find. Mama’s has been open since 2005 next to Foodland in Kailua (right near R. Field’s). Offering indoor and outdoor seating and domestic and local beer on tap, it’s far from stuffy and very family-like in atmosphere.

The atmosphere wouldn’t matter if the pizza wasn’t any good. It’s pretty darned good; as my lady friend is vegetarian, we had the Margherita (although it was a toss up between that and the Island Veggie Spectacular, even though the veggies on that didn’t seem all that island; no telling if they were indeed spectacular). Its hearth-baked crust is somewhere between thin and thick an fine and the cheese was great. Mixed in with their fresh vegetables and Kona Brewing Company beer on tap on a breezy and clear Sunday night, Mama’s provided a great dining experience in the heart of Kailua.

Mama’s menu also includes sandwiches, salads, and chicken wings; we did get a small bit of salad but didn’t sample the rest.

The service at Mama’s is quite decent; it’s family run (and the very young cashier can’t yet serve alcohol–talk about an out-of-this-age-group experience) and the family is ridiculously nice. They certainly deserve a sizable tip for their hard work and tasty food. I’d recommend them highly if you want a less than formal non-chain pizza night out.

Mama’s Island Pizza
108 Hekili Street, Suite 107
Kailua, Hawaii 96734
(808) 624-MAMA (6262)

Given that my lady friend is a vegetarian, we don’t always have the easiest time finding places to eat. So, after a night out at the movies at Ward Stadium, I was surprised when she suggested eating at Big City Diner. This well-established Hawaii based family restaurant has a varied enough menu for both of us.

The name “diner” is very appropriate for this restaurant; that is exactly the motif that is visible inside. The Thursday night we went for dinner was quite busy, but they were able to seat us quickly. It’s not exactly the place for a quiet romantic evening, but it’s more than suitable for most family dining.

Interestingly, Big City Diner has won several awards including “Best American Food” by the Honolulu Advertiser in 2007 (beating McDonalds, so I’m not sure that’s something to brag about). Their service is fast and friendly if quite informal. Their menu includes local favorites like Chinatown Chow Mein Noodles and Mamasan’s Vegetable Stir-Fry, as well as unique items like Fire-Roasted Portobello Mushroom Salad. Their prices are a bit higher than I would expect for a “diner”, but not unreasonably so. They also have a fine selection of alcoholic beverages for those so inclined.

While I would hesitate on recommending Big City Diner for someone’s anniversary or big date (unless there’s some kind of sentimental connection, like a first date), for a fun, fast meal that’s suitable for the vegetarian or meat eating crowd, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Big City Diner.

Big City Diner Ward Entertainment Center
1060 Auahi Street
Honolulu, HI 96814
Voice 808-591-8891
Fax 808-591-5571

BC Burrito has been open in Kaimuki for almost a year and a half. Billing itself as a maker of fresh, made-to-order burritos, they certainly fill the bill. BC Burrito straddles the line between a fast food place and one that builds to order. They also pride themselves on a variety of hot sauces available for your taste buds (while you still have one), and they have an all you can drink self serve soda fountain (one of my prerequisites for a regular lunch place).

My typical meal there is either a 12 inch or 10 inch chicken mole burrito on wheat (the tortillas come in a variety of types), with cheddar cheese (choice of jack or cheddar, included in the 12 inch but not the smaller sizes), pinto beans (choice of black or pinto), rice, and mild salsa (yeah, call me a wimp). Guacamole and sour cream are available for extra charge. The burritos are served in an aluminum foil wrapper, which is carefully peeled away when eating.

The dining area is relatively small but can seat over 30; there were only a couple of diners when I was there on a Saturday afternoon. The restaurant also offers free wireless Internet access through its access point (password required, ask at the desk). I tend to take the table near the electrical outlet.

Perhaps the biggest drawback to BC Burrito is its lack of parking, which anyone in the Kaimuki area will tell you, is true of the entire area.

All in all, BC Burrito makes a tasty, made-to-order meal at a relatively reasonable price, with the bonuses of a large assortment of hot sauces, an all you can drink soda fountain, and free wireless access, with the downfall of horrid parking. In my book, it’s worth a look.

BC Burrito
Open seven days a week, 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
3607 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii
Phone: (808) 737-4700