Hooo….Rice Fest is this Sunday already. No can believe! Another year’s worth of blood, sweat and tears finally coming to fruition. I hope you guys can make it down this Sunday, September 1st from 12pm-5pm at Ward Centers. Get CHOKE activities, grinds, & entertainment (see list below)! Should be fun!
This week’s photos are (of course) Rice Fest inspired. In fact, they are pictures from three of our 30+ participating vendors this year. Go here for some hints: http://www.ricefest.com/vendor/vendor-info. Go get um!
Last Week‘s Winners:
* Kailua District Park (Stickit)
* Oceanic Time Warner Cable – Mililani (Takeshi)
* Hawaii Kai (M)
* Rice Fest!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 1st, 2013 and come celebrate Hawaii’s beloved grain at the 4th Annual Rice Festival. Held at Ward Centers from 12pm to 5pm, this event has a full day of food and fun activities lined up including:
* VH07V Spotted!
This week’s “SPOTTED!” is a music video of the ukulele group Heart & Soul covering Jake Shimabukuro’s song Serano. Heart & Soul is Jody Kamisato, Tj Mayeshiro and Micah Ganiron. Jody is the owner and lead instructor at Ukulele Hale, where Tj and Micah were schooled. You can catch them and other Ukulele Hale students at this year’s Rice Fest as well!
Heart & Soul – Serano
* New Design: “???”
Working on an all-new mystery design, that I don’t want to mention yet because somebody else might steal the idea. Haha. Design is actually pretty basic, but the message is cool (IMO). Hopefully others will feel the same way. 🙂 More TBA soon!
* Order Online!
Get all of the latest VH07V gear at:
* VH07V at Honolulu Night Market next Saturday, August 17th!
VH07V will be at this Saturday night’s Honolulu Night Market in Kakaako! It will be one of the last two pop-up shows I’ll be doing this year so come on down and pick up the latest in VH07V swag!
* Rice Fest!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 1st, 2013 and come celebrate Hawaii’s beloved grain at the 4th Annual Rice Festival. Held at Ward Centers from 12pm to 5pm, this event has a full day of food and fun activities lined up including:
– Rice focused food & craft vendors (including VH07V 🙂 )
– Cooking demos with Chef Mavro’s Chef George Mavrothalassitis & Pastry Chef Elizabeth Dippong, and OC16’s “Cutty” Cutler & KITV’s Yunji de Nies
– Entertainment by Kapena, Jody Kamisato & Uke’s Rising Stars, EMKE, and Honoka & Azita
– Appearances by Tiny Tadani from TinyTV & Scott, Mayumi & Skyler from Ultimate Japan!
– the 4th Annual SPAM ® Musubi Eating Contest, and
– an attempt to break the Guinness World Record™ for the World’s Largest SPAM Musubi
* Calling All Referees! If you are a referee or have always wanted to be one, check out the note below from my friend Alton who has been chosen to run the organization: “The Hawaii State Basketball Officials Association (HSBOA) will be having a meeting next Monday August 19 @ 6pm at Salt Lake District Park. It’s open to new first year officials and transfer officials. Well can teach people that don’t no how or are interested in trying. For more information, please contact Alton Mamiya (808) 551-0916 or via email at amamiya@hawaii.rr.com. Thanks!”
* New Design: “Jah”
Still waiting for these to come in, but I am counting on getting them in on time for VH07V‘s appearance at this week Saturday night’s Honolulu Night Market event. Crossing my fingers!
If you've been craving rice for the last year, your wait is no more! The 4th Annual Rice Fest will kick off National Rice Month and take place on Sunday, September 1st from 12pm-5pm at Ward Centers (in the square parking lot across the street from the movie theaters). Come on down and enjoy rice focused food and fun for the entire family.
4th Annual Hawaii Rice Fest Ward Centers Sunday, September 1 from 12pm-5pm
* Brown Rice Donation Center – Brown Rice and monetary donations will be accepted for Lanakila Meals on Wheels at the Lanakila Pacific / Info booth, Oceanic Time Warner Cable booth, Channel808 booth, and VH07V booth * Guinness World Record™ attempt – Construction of the world's Largest SPAM® Musubi in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record™ of 628 lbs!
More info will be added as we get closer. See y'all there!
VH07V Gear The latest in Hawaii lifestyle apparel. Check it out!
Anyone who knows anything about me, knows that my love for ramen runs deep. It borders on obsession. So much so that I’m convinced my mom cut her milk with ramen soup before popping the bottle into my mouth.
So it was a no-brainer to follow up my popular “Poke Paradise” series with this here Ramen Quest, a pursuit for the perfect bowl of ramen, right here in Hawaii.
Now when I say ramen (or rahmen / ラーメン as we Nihonjins like to call it), I’m not talking about the localized interpretation of it referred to here as saimin (no offense saimin lovers). I’m talking about the hardcore, straight from the muthaland kine noodle and soup combination that you fantasize of. I’ve tasted some of the best there is in Japan, and have been living to replicate that euphoria ever since. (See, I told you I was obsessed! 8) )
First up is Yotteko-Ya, located on the west end of McCully Shopping Center (opposite Fook Yuen).
Yotteko-Ya entrance
The specialty here is their Paitan soup base, which is described as a “richer, more flavorful chicken & pork based broth” and simmered for hours. In it, swims their perfectly cooked, al dente (Japanese style) noodles and homemade chashu pork, along with green onions, seaweed and sesame seeds.
Paitan Ramen from Yotteko-Ya
They also have an amazing Chashu Gohan (which includes chunks of chashu similar to the one in the ramen) that my wife goes absolutely gaga over.
Chashu Gohan
Our go-to meals here are usually the Paitan C Set, which includes the Paitan Ramen, Chashu Gohan (or Mini Yakibuta Chahan), and Gyoza, or the Paitan D Set, which includes the Paitan Ramen, Chashu Gohan (or Mini Yakibuta Chahan), and Karaage (fried chicken).
It should come as no surprise that the ramen I featured first in this series is a franchise straight from Japan. In fact, during a trip there in ’08, we actually went to the one in Odaiba.
Yotteko-Ya in Odaiba Japan (Tokyo)
Here’s a look at what the Chashu Ramen looked like there.
Owner Scott Suzui and his wife Mayumi outside the original Tenkaippin location in Waikiki
The restaurant is called Tenkaippin Ramen (which is also a franchise straight from Japan) and is owned by Scott Suzui and his wife Mayumi. If you think they look familiar, they have since become local celebrities of sorts, thanks to their show on OC16 called “Ultimate Japan”.
This is my go-to restaurant whenever I’m in the area, and I usually like to bring along a friend or two. On this occasion, I brought my boy Bari who seems to be enjoying his bowl of ramen just a little too much. 😛
Bari loves his Tenkaippin Ramen
Similar to Yotteko-Ya, Tenkaippin is known for their soup base (known here as kotteri) which is accomplished by stewing chicken and vegetables for over 10 hours. Most ingredients are actually flown in fresh from Japan too!
Tenkaippin’s Kotteri Ramen – $8.75
Here’s a peek at what it actually looks like to scoop a mouthful of noodles from this thick, kotteri soup base.
I had to fly all the way to Waikoloa on the Big Island (FBI!) to get this next bowl of yummy goodness. It’s the D.K.’s Crab Ramen from Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar (Queen’s MarketPlace, Waikoloa Beach Resort).
D.K.’s Crab Ramen and Asian Truffle Broth with King Crab, Cilantro, Thai Basil and Mild Jalapenos – $17.95
One word of caution. After tantalizing our taste buds with this one while on vacation at Waikoloa, we were excited to have it again (and again) at the Sansei closer to home (Waikiki). It was a HUGE disappointment. It did not come close to what we remember enjoying FBI-style, and, if you take a look at the photo below from Sansei Waikiki, you’ll see that it looked nothing like it either.
Disappointing Crab Ramen from Sansei Waikiki
We actually tried our luck again on a trip to Maui, and the one at the Kapalua Resort turned out to also be a letdown.
Disappointing Crab Ramen from Sansei Kapalua
We’re actually afraid to go back to try the one at Waikoloa in case it was a McDreamy, one time (all-stars-aligned type of) thing. Sansei peeps, if you’re reading this, what’s the scoops?
And finally, talk about good timing… Shirokiya is in the middle of their “Best of Japan: Ramen & Gyoza Festival”, where they bring in popular ramen (and gyoza) vendors from Japan to be featured at their new Yataimura area for two weeks at a time.
The first in the series (featured from 08/23-09/05) was Menya Ifudoudou Ramen from Osaka who served 7,658 bowls during their two week stint! They presented their Kuroton Shibori (dark) and Akaton Shibori (spicy/red) options. Here’s a look at both:
Kuroton Shibori Ramen from Menya Ifudoudou Ramen from Osaka Japan – $8.95
Akaton Shibori Ramen from Menya Ifudoudou Ramen from Osaka Japan – $8.95
I don’t know if it was because it was the last day of the series and they were running low on noodles, but the portions were REALLY skimpy.
The second in the series (featured from 09/06-09/19) was Manshuya Ga Ichiban from Fukuoka who served 9,619 bowls of their “Original” Tonkotsu Shibori Ramen. Due to my crazy life as a new dad, I missed this series, but my buddy Rick Nakama was able to check it out (three times!). Here’s his Takana Shibori bowl:
Takana style Tonkotsu Shibori Ramen from Manshuya Ga Ichiban from Fukuoka – $9.95 [Photo Courtesy: Rick Nakama]
Rick’s main complaints were about the quantity (again) and the inconsistency of the ramen noodles and taste.
The third in the series (which is currently being featured as I write this – 09/20-10/03) is Hakata Chouten from Fukuoka. I was most excited for this because some of the best ramen I’ve ever tasted in Japan came from the Hakata area in Fukuoka.
UPDATE: This series served 7,805 customers.
Barikoku Negi Tonkotsu Ramen from Hakata Chouten in Fukuoka – $10.95
The soup base was pretty tasty, but, again, the quantity was very minimal compared to what we had to pay: $10.95!
Rick Nakama finishing his bowl while Russ Sumida “poses” with mine. 8)
The fourth in the series happens from October 4th through the 17th and features Hokkaido’s Sapporo Menya Yoshiki who will have three choices of soup base: shiro (white), kuro (black) and aka (red). Following that will be Fukuoka’s Hide Chan Ramen from October 24th-November 6th.
Shirokiya Yataimura (at Ala Moana Shopping Center)
1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Ste 2250
Honolulu, HI 96814 (map)
(808) 973-9111
Mon-Sat: 9:30am-9pm
Sun: 9:30am-7pm
So there you have it. Some interesting options for ramen here in Hawaii right? And that was just part 1! I still have at least 4 more juicy parts to this series (including Gomaichi, Goma Tei, Menchanko-Tei, Chinpei, Kiwami, etc.), but if you have any others suggestions on where I should hit up, holla atcho boy! Shoots!
So there you are. Sitting in your teeny little 5′ x 5′ cubicle, with no money or vacation time, daydreaming of getting away to a far away land… Preferably someplace that involves an exciting nightlife and good eats for cheap. No?
Ok, so you’re not like me. Let me repaint the picture for you. There you are, loungin’ in your ergonomically-correct Lay-Z-Boy-like office chair in your colossal suite of an office, with wads of sweaty cash seeping out of your ears. Your administrative assistant meticulously plans the exotic destination of the month that your private jet will take you to. Better?
If this is the case, two things: 1) I hate you and 2) this column is not for you! 🙂 Kidding of course, but this column is geared more for the common folk. You know, the everyday man or woman who likes a good deal and a fun time when he/she sees one. If this is you, come along with me to explore a place serving up a little bit of Kyoto, Japan right in the heart of Waikiki: Tenkaippin Hawaii.
A quick search on your favorite airline reservations web site will give you a round-trip ticket from Honolulu to Japan for anywhere from the upper $600-700s to over $2000! I even saw a ridiculously priced Air France option for a mere $7305! Merrrcy! And, unless you’re lucky enough to have friends or family who live there and are willing to put up with you for a week or two, let’s not forget to include the costs of hotel and daily expenditures. By the time you come back, you’ll be wishing you just went to see the Duke Kahanamoku statue and considered it a vacation.
Duke Kahanamoku statue, Waikiki
So flying to Japan for 7,000 big ones is not your bag. That’s ok, I feel you. But what is one to do if one desires the pleasures of travel, but lacks the needed time and fundage? Well, your options are simple. Either find yourself a generous sugar momma or daddy or pay a visit to the streets of Waiks.
Ahhh, Waikiki. If you concentrate really really hard, you can almost trick yourself into thinking it’s a vacation in and of itself. The white sandy beaches, the melting pot of cultures and languages, and the multitude of shopping options and eating establishments. Taking a stroll down Kalakaua Avenue will give you a first person’s view of living the life as your typical tourist.
(! – If you’re from these parts pard’ner, I suggest you park your horse ride at one end and walk through Waikiki, rather than drive it. It gives you more of a touristy feel, helps you get circulation through your otherwise dormant legs, and allows you to notice a lot more than you probably would if driving.)
Among the myriad of eateries is an authentic, Japanese noodle-shop style restaurant called Tenkaippin (pronounced as two words, Tenka Ippin) on the more western end of Kalakaua. As part of a chain of restaurants in Japan carrying the same name (www.tenkaippin.co.jp), this little, unassuming shop carries a big chopstick when it comes to taste and popularity, and has been doing so for the last six years.
If you come at just the right time, the first thing you’ll notice is the bright, but welcoming red doors, signage and noren, or door curtains.
Front entrance of Tenkaippin Hawaii
I say “right” time because this place is almost always crowded. If you come at the wrong time, all you’ll see is a large crowd outside and the sign-in board staring you in the face.
Sign-in board (waiting list) for Tenkaippin
(! – If you can help it, get there early or at off-peak hours to avoid the crowds)
Once you enter, you’ll immediately notice the cleanliness and just-like-home atmosphere the place gives you. The effervescent aroma of the unique soup base also tickles your nasal cavities.
A view of the kitchen with President Scott Suzui hard at work
Rare open seating with unique condiments adorning the tables.
Since much of their clientele are those from Japan, you’ll notice that, as you look around, a lot of the signage caters to the them.
Menu options in Japanese
Even the takoyaki specials are in Japanese!
Information on their specialty: the kotteri rahmen
No worries though, they’ve got an English menu for us gaijin (foreigners) too. And, if you think that that reading thing is overrated, you’re in luck. Just plop down in your seat and announce to the world kotteri onegaishimasu! You’ve just ordered yourself the specialty in which they’re known for, the kotteri rahmen.
The famous Tenkaippin kotteri rahmen
“The kotteri rahmen is what we’re famous for,” says president Scott Suzui. “It has an unusual taste that’s almost addicting.”
The kotteri rahmen noodles swim in a soup that is very thick and rich. This thickness is accomplished by cooking chicken and assorted vegetables for over ten hours, bringing out the collagen, which Suzui points out is also good for healthy looking skin. Grindz that takes care of the tummy and the face? What more could you ask for!?
It all starts with the thick kotteri soup base
Amazingly, all of the soup ingredients are flown in directly from Japan. Now that deserves an exclamation point on the end of Authentic!
A couple of words of advice before embarking on your inaugural kotteri adventure:
The kotteri rahmen and soup base is an acquired taste. It’s not your run-of-the-mill, local saimin stand flavoring. If you’re used to eating “real” rahmen from Japan, then you’ll be ok here. If not, consider yourself warned.
Be prepared for some sore limbs, especially on the hand and nether regions! By my 4th bite, the ol’ money makers started to get really tired. The soup is so thick and the noodles are so heavy with the flavoring that it takes a good amount of effort to shovel this delicacy into your pie hole. You may want to consider doing finger bicep curls before trying your hand at this.
Taking a stab at the heavy kotteri noodles
On your table, you’ll notice an assortment of condiments, some more recognizable than others. Scott recommended using the chili/garlic concoction with my kotteri to enhance the flavor. I’ve never had that before, but YUM! Strong garlic taste, with a hint of spice! And for those who can’t eat garlic (or are part vampire), he recommends using the chili/miso.
Chili/garlic concoction used to add flavor to your meal
For those more in the mood of the mainstream stuff, Tenkaippin also serves up your traditional combo meals like the miso rahmen/fried rice combo below.
Tenkaippin’s fried rice
Tenkaippin’s miso rahmen
And what’s a virtual vacation to Japan without experiencing a little takoyaki (fried octopus dumpling) on the side?
Half dozen order of takoyaki please!
So you see, going on vacation doesn’t have to take a lot of time or cost very much for that matter. And let’s face it… Avoiding that 8 hour flight ain’t so bad either. Whether you’re daydreaming from a 5×5 or a Lay-Z-Boy, one thing’s for sure… you can find a bit of Kyoto right in the heart of Waikiki. Itadakimasu!
Scott Suzui and wife Mayumi in front of Tenkaippin Restaurant
Tenkaippin Hawaii
617 Kapahulu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815 (map)
(808) 732-1211
![Takana style Tonkotsu Shibori Ramen from Manshuya Ga Ichiban from Fukuoka - $9.95 [Photo Courtesy: Rick Nakama]](https://i0.wp.com/www.world-wide-ed.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/2011-10_hawaii-ramen-quest-015.jpg)
World Wide Ed 