First of all, I’d like to send mad love to errryone who posted comments to yesterday’s “You Know You’re Local If…” blog. It garnered a world Honolulu Advertiser World Wide Ed record setting 100+ comments. First time evah! The record befo’ dat was a whoppin’ 42 (which was also a record at the time). You guys are da bes’! Appreciate.
Not sure when the next triple digit action goin’ be, but I can now die a happy man… Hehe!
OK, so this weekend we went to check out the (somewhat) new izakaya on Kapahulu called Zen Shu (opened back in November where the old Harpo’s Pizza used to be – across Rainbows). I wen’ rush to put the photos together so I could be the first bloggah to write about it up in hurr, but then my bubble was bursted (is that even a word?). I did a search and saw that aunty sistah Melissa already dropped some knowledge on all y’all. Das alright. I’ll present the updated, 2K9 version I guess.
Parking’s pretty much non-existent. Just gotta find um on Kapahulu or Kanaina if can.
Zen Shu – Sake Sushi Sports – Sign
The interior is off the hook! You can tell they’ve spent big bucks to bring the old Harpo’s look up to speed to the year 2000. 😛
A glimpse of the sushi bar when you first walk in
The dining area is on the smaller side, as the other half the establishment is reserved for the sports bar type.
View from the dining area
And then there was the EATS!
Seared Seafood Summer Rolls – Seared Hokkaido Scallop and Shrimp with Alii Mushroom and Sweet Aioli – $9
Probably one of our favorites of the night. Nice, rich, flavor.
Garlic Dusted Sake Scented Edamame – Sake Steamed Edamame (soybeans), Garlic Panko Dust – $4.50
Kinda bland, but ok to munch on while waiting for the rest of our grub to arrive.
Sake Dill Nage Manila Clams – 1 lb. Steamed Manila Clams in Sake Dill Nage – $16
These clams had an odd taste to them. Couldn’t put a finger on it.
Double Stuffed Portobello Mushroom – King Crab, Shrimp, Enoki, Shimegi, Shiitake Stuffed Portobello Mushroom – $12.75
One of the better choices of the night. Liked the little tease of tobiko.
Wok Fried Lemongrass Pork Chops – Wok Fried Thin Sliced Pork Chops – $12.50
Very unique. Never had pork chops prepared like this before. The flavor was really good, but kinda wished there were more “good” pieces and that they weren’t so burnt.
Steak & Eggs – Pulehu Ribeye, Ikura, Wakame Daikon Salad, Yuzu Soy Batablanc – $18
A let down. You would think it would be a winnah. Steak = good. Ikura = Good. Steak and Ikura… didn’t translate well for me.
Hamachi Zukepacho – Marinated Hamachi with Goma, Negi, and Roasted Nori – $12
Hard to ruin raw Hamachi. Was pretty good. Kinda wished they used flavored nori.
Ama Ama Ebi Ebi Apua`a Roll – Amaebi, Ebi Tempura and Shiso – $16.50
Liked the idea of ama ebi and ebi tempura together.
Overall, a decent dining experience. It’s hard because when I think Izakaya, I compare everything to the best one: Tokkuri-Tei. There really is NO competition. I like the ambience however and I like their concept of a sports bar on the side. I would probably come back for that, as well as try stuff from their sake collection. Their bathrooms were clean too, and for those who know me, that’s up there…
Leonard’s Bakery Sign at night
You know we had to go for dessert at Leonard’s aftahwards.
The posse outside Leonard’s Bakery
Good weekend with good friends.
Talk to me!
* Did you eat anywhere special this weekend?
* What did you think of the food (photos) at Zen Shu?
* Interested in trying it out yourself?
* Got any other suggestions for places to grind?
Happy Girl’s Day (and Tuesday) y’all!
World Wide Ed 