Closing of Patti's Chinese Kitchen at Ala Moana

[helen]

Had a early dinner at the Ala Moana Maiki Food Court with some friends yesterday when one of them pointed out that Patti's Chinese Kitchen is closing up at the Ala Moana Food Court after the end of January.

They will still have the Pearlridge location open.

[oggboy]

Had a early dinner at the Ala Moana Maiki Food Court with some friends yesterday when one of them pointed out that Patti's Chinese Kitchen is closing up at the Ala Moana Food Court after the end of January.

They will still have the Pearlridge location open.

I`m gonna miss that place! especially that ono roast duck over rice. My wife and I loved that place.
That`s "YYYYYY" I keep saying Maui no moa good kine Chinese Restaurants! Too much imitation:eek:

[1stwahine]

NO!!!!!!!!:eek:

Why? How come? Another one bites the dust....

....so much memories of Patti's foa me.

I remember the old location in Ala Moana.:(

Auntie Lynn

[Honoruru]

Oh, no!

I may be wrong, but I think they were the first Chinese (or other Asian-style) restaurant with the 1-dish, 2-dish, or 3-dish choices. But what I really miss was their sister restaurant, Lynn's Deli, which has been long gone (I think both restaurants had the same owners ... again, I may be wrong).

But I will miss Patti's Chinese Kitchen.

[Da Rolling Eye]

I've missed the old Patti's for years, from their original location at AMSC. Not the "newer" one's, though. From when they first started opening at the other malls, their food has steadily decreased in quality.

We had dinner at Windward Mall's food court, last night, and noticed no Patti's anymore. New name, but the food still looked bad. Overcooked veggies and meat you couldn't put a knife through. Everything looked like it was sitting there since lunch. :rolleyes:

How is it that Windward and Pearlridge foodcourts have such lousy food? For the life of me, I cannot come up with any good reason. I usually end up eating a pretzel and a cup of "designer" coffee from vendors outside of the foodcourts.

[oggboy]

I tried the Chinese food at Windward Mall. Junk!!! I went there cause my friend said Patti`s was at the Windward Mall. Talk about big dissappointment.
:mad: :eek: :confused:

[Mike_Lowery]

damn, RIP :(

[Pomai]

According to a resource, Patti's first opened doors at Ala Moana in 1967 by Calvin Chun, and named it after one of his daughters. Remember Lyn's Delicatessen in Ala Moana? That was also part of the Chun restaurant stable.

Panda Express, just a few spots over at the food court, surely must be a formidable competitor; add to that the astronomical lease rates at AMC. Rough.

Speaking of Panda Express, the one that's supposed to open next to BCD at Ward Ent. Center is still under construction. It's taking a long time.

[tikiyaki]

It's amazing.....People line up for Panda's Orange Chicken....they must put an addictive substance in there.

[Kalihiboy]

I have all but sworn off from eating at Ala Moana foodcourt because just about everytime I sit down to eat I look up to see certain rodents crawling on the pipes and some of these I have even seen hanging out in the food kiosks as
well.

And I'm not pointing out a particular restaurant at all most of the areas I see them are near where the old kite store was, and where many people simply sit down to eat. To me that is bad enough.

I'm telling you one of these days something more than a fly will land in someone's soup and make headlines!! :eek:

Aj

[Pua'i Mana'o]

big bummer. It is hard to find a Chinese restaurant in HNL that makes cold ginger chicken, and Patti's has always offered it.

[scrivener]

It is hard to find a Chinese restaurant in HNL that makes cold ginger chicken, and Patti's has always offered it.
No it's not. I've had it at Golden Duck (didn't care for it) and Golden Palace (thought it was really good) among other places. Golden Palace is in Kalihi, near School and Houghtailing, and I believe that's sort of in your range when you're in town.

Their stuffed tofu is also quite good.

[infinitypro]

During my years as a student you could get a pint of fried rice or noodles and a drink for a couple of dollars. *sigh*

[SusieMisajon]

Is there anything left of the Hawaii that I once knew?

[hifotog]

Its simply called competition...you see mo people lining up at the other chinese kitchen and only sporatic amts of people at Patti's. Speaking of food courts, at the windward mall side, have you folks ever tried that $6 plate/drink managed by the local family??? Try em...its pretty good and the steak deal is real good...thus Y..you see a line wen they open, at lunch and at dinner time. If you crave fo some ginger chicken, there are 2 places you can go...1 is L n L on Sand Isle road...4.75 special. Then, my favorite wagon at Pier 1...the menu is good and he's generous. btw, a new one next to cutter chevy...kkhd side....they reasonable and leave early cuz they run out fast.

[helen]

It seems that at the Ala Moana food court, Panda Express seemed to be something that the tourist liked to go to while Patti's was something that the locals go to.

[joshuatree]

It seems that at the Ala Moana food court, Panda Express seemed to be something that the tourist liked to go to while Patti's was something that the locals go to.

Probably because they are familiar with Panda since they dot the landscape on the mainland.

[Random]

Probably because they are familiar with Panda since they dot the landscape on the mainland.
Then why come ova here in the first place?

Come on, tourists! Try Patti's while you're here! You can always go home to Panda.

P.S. Never did like Panda's food.

[joshuatree]

Then why come ova here in the first place?

Come on, tourists! Try Patti's while you're here! You can always go home to Panda.

P.S. Never did like Panda's food.

You know how that goes, something familiar. But I agree, don't like Panda's either.

[oceanpacific]

In my younger days, I could easily gobble down a KING plate (rice/noodles with FOUR choices). Now, the PRINCESS plate suffices (starch + TWO choices).

[pzarquon]

It seems that at the Ala Moana food court, Panda Express seemed to be something that the tourist liked to go to while Patti's was something that the locals go to.Definitely the sense that I got. Interestingly, I remember times when Patti's was so busy, I'd give up and put up with Panda. I'd regret it, of course. Yet as recently as a couple of weeks ago, Patti's seemed all but deserted, it's enormous corner space certainly looking like a financial money pit to anyone passing by.

Given how busy the food court is overall, I think one can extrapolate some obvious conclusions in the local-to-visitor mix at that shopping center in general.

[Random]

Let's face it. Ala Moana belongs to the tourists. Better to confine them there.

[oceanpacific]

Let's face it. Ala Moana belongs to the tourists. Better to confine them there.

With their "Rodeo Drive" stores, Ala Moana "sold out" to the tourists a long time ago. No more Lynn's Deli, India Imports, Hopaco, Otaheite, McInerney's, Hotei-ya, Honolulu Book Store, Morrow's Nuts, Bella Italia, etc. Even Liberty House is a Macy's!

[scrivener]

Don't forget Iida's. And my high-school fave, Little Sicily. A slice and a small Coke for just over a buck!

But the Crack Seed store is still there. I think Cathedral Books is still there. Foodland. Wong's Okazuya. Still got some local stuff.

[cynsaligia]

Don't forget Iida's. And my high-school fave, Little Sicily. A slice and a small Coke for just over a buck!

But the Crack Seed store is still there. I think Cathedral Books is still there. Foodland. Wong's Okazuya. Still got some local stuff.

no more wong's okazuya fo long time already!

i'll wholeheartedly agree that the patti's of my childhood is waaaay better than that of my adulthood. their shoyu chicken is da bomb...or at least, it used to be. like neenz, in my young and poor days, a pint of chow fun and a soda meant a lot to me. used to help me get through a day working at villa roma, another long gone store, and, in fact, one of the first seven original AMC stores.

i still miss lyn's deli's pastrami sandwich and potato mac salad. sigh. little sicily is something i haven't thot about in a long time, but the mere mention of it brings back memories, too.

as for the cold ginger chicken question, good versions in town can be had at:

au's garden (kalihi, houghtailing - king, behind new diner's)

lee & li's or li & lee's or lee & lee's--can never remember how it's spelled... (downtown, queen's corner or something like that--can never remember what the little food court is called, diamond head-mauka corner of queen st & alakea)

duk kee (kaimuki, 12th ave near covenant books/prosperity corner/coffee talk)

scriv, we've never tried golden palace, even if i've passed there a million times since my childhood. but one day, based on your favorable opinion of it (plus its proximity to my work), we'll give it a try.

[GeckoGeek]

I think Cathedral Books is still there.

I thought they were having a clearance sale? Or was that Precious Moments?

[LikaNui]

The Advertiser ran a story in the Business section about Patti's closing in today's edition. Go to this link (http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071222/BUSINESS/712220312/1071) to read the whole story.

[Pomai]

Lika, mahalo for linking that story. Interesting.

But I disagree with Patti on "focusing" on the Pearlridge location. Patti's ground its roots at Ala Moana, not Pearlridge. If anything, they should have closed the Pearlridge location and "focused" on Ala Moana Center.

It's like grandma (Tutu) saying, "I'm gonna' go back home to my care home". Know what I mean?

It's also somewhat evident in the article that General Growth was "gracious" and probably made some kind of lease concession to keep one of the center's pioneers on board.

If you ask me, where Patti's dropped the ball is by NOT jumping on the Manapua wagon and focusing on THAT. The manapua business is a cash cow. If we knew Patti's had great Manapua, us locals would be there in DROVES. Look at Libby's and Char Hung Sut. They're makin' a KILLING on the stuff. I forget where I read it, but it mentioned Patti's sells manapua, but it isn't very good. I never go or refer folks there just because they lack a good reputation for Manapua.

Now they're talking about expanding their menu at the Pearlridge menu, which already sounds like a mistake. Less is more. Keep it simple and KNOW how to do each one right.

I'm not a Chinese food fan, but wherever I go, as long as they make a great (ready Leo?) Beef Broccoli ("bee bali"), Sweet 'N Sour Shrimp ("shee sha'ow sheep"), Egg Fu Yong ("Ay fu ya"), Crispy Wonton ("kee' pee wah"), Cake Noodle ("cay noo") and Abalone soup ("a'low'bee soo"), I'm good!

Oh well. Patti's will soon join the Ala Moana Shopping Center graveyard with Iida's, Carol & Mary, Honolulu Book Store, India Imports, Woolworth, Byron Steakhouse, Liberty House, among others. So which "old school" AMC tenants remain? Sears, check. Who else?

[SusieMisajon]

Patti's was at Pearlridge?
I recall working at the Far Eastern Department Store, many, many years ago (decades, actually). They had decided to open a Chinese restaurant in the store and asked Patti's if they would be interested and were turned down. I guess they thought of it afterwards, and finally opened there. Can someone tell me...did they open at the store, or did they not take up the the offer, and do a separate place?

[joshuatree]

Lika, mahalo for linking that story. Interesting.

But I disagree with Patti on "focusing" on the Pearlridge location. Patti's ground its roots at Ala Moana, not Pearlridge. If anything, they should have closed the Pearlridge location and "focused" on Ala Moana Center.

It's like grandma (Tutu) saying, "I'm gonna' go back home to my care home". Know what I mean?

It's also somewhat evident in the article that General Growth was "gracious" and probably made some kind of lease concession to keep one of the center's pioneers on board.

If you ask me, where Patti's dropped the ball is by NOT jumping on the Manapua wagon and focusing on THAT. The manapua business is a cash cow. If we knew Patti's had great Manapua, us locals would be there in DROVES. Look at Libby's and Char Hung Sut. They're makin' a KILLING on the stuff. I forget where I read it, but it mentioned Patti's sells manapua, but it isn't very good. I never go or refer folks there just because they lack a good reputation for Manapua.

Now they're talking about expanding their menu at the Pearlridge menu, which already sounds like a mistake. Less is more. Keep it simple and KNOW how to do each one right.

Oh well. Patti's will soon join the Ala Moana Shopping Center graveyard with Iida's, Carol & Mary, Honolulu Book Store, India Imports, Woolworth, Byron Steakhouse, Liberty House, among others. So which "old school" AMC tenants remain? Sears, check. Who else?

Does Pearlridge have a Panda Express? I suspect the competition with PE has a lot of influence on the decision to close at AMC.

[Lei Liko]

Does Pearlridge have a Panda Express? I suspect the competition with PE has a lot of influence on the decision to close at AMC.

They do, but the Pearlridge PE is located in Downtown (the Sears side) next to the movie theatres and Patti's is Uptown (the Macy's side) on the ground floor next to Tilt so at least they're not in close proximity to each other as their AMC counterparts.

I was very saddened to hear about Patti's AMC closing. I still remember the old location fondly. Even though my memories are somewhat cloudy, what sticks out the most are the pillars with the dragons at their old location pre-Makai Market. I was so young then, I could barely see over the counter to pick out my food. My dad had to carry me so I could see.

[oceanpacific]

I'm so old that I remember Shirokiya being located near the present-day Long's on the Ewa half (Sears-Security Diamond) of the mall level. The Diamond Head end (Liberty House/Macy's-Conrad Jewelers) was not yet built.

At Pearl Ridge, it appears the Panda Express has a superior location in the Downtown food court near the theater complex as opposed to Patti's being situated in the back of the Uptown food court. I was there last week and the adjoining Korean operation had a lot more action (at least 2x) than Patti's.

[Honoruru]

I was very saddened to hear about Patti's AMC closing. I still remember the old location fondly.

I remember it shared its space with her sister restaurant, Lynn's Deli. That was the original Food Court (before anyone ever coined the term "food court." It was always busy, and somewhat dark, but it had a very intimate and friendly atmosphere. There were lots of tables (wooden ones, if I remember correctly). You could even order beer or wine by the glass with your meals (at least on the Lynn's Deli side).

Then they tore it down and built the current Food Court, which I've always detested. It's so large, so noisy, so cold.

[joshuatree]

I'm so old that I remember Shirokiya being located near the present-day Long's on the Ewa half (Sears-Security Diamond) of the mall level. The Diamond Head end (Liberty House/Macy's-Conrad Jewelers) was not yet built.

When Shirokiya finally moved over to its current location, didn't they have an escalator leading up to the second floor where the eatery is right now?

[Pomai]

When Shirokiya finally moved over to its current location, didn't they have an escalator leading up to the second floor where the eatery is right now?The escalator is still there. But in general they lost some floor space both up and downstairs after GG redesigned that section. What I miss was that neat little exclusive dining area they had on the corner, where you could people-watch folks walking on the mall level below.

Really though? Was Shirokiya formerly on the Sears (west) end of the center? If so, that was way before my time.

[i-hungry]

Don't mean to trample on anyone's nostalgic feelings but all food-court type of Chinese food is either bad or ok. Too many shortcuts and fillers and compromises from the real stuff.

[SusieMisajon]

Don't mean to trample on anyone's nostalgic feelings but all food-court type of Chinese food is either bad or ok. Too many shortcuts and fillers and compromises from the real stuff.
Yeah, but 'cheap and cheerful' can be sooo good!

[joshuatree]

The escalator is still there. But in general they lost some floor space both up and downstairs after GG redesigned that section. What I miss was that neat little exclusive dining area they had on the corner, where you could people-watch folks walking on the mall level below.

Really though? Was Shirokiya formerly on the Sears (west) end of the center? If so, that was way before my time.

I know about the center escalator within the store. It was the exclusive dining area, I faintly recall there used to be an escalator to the outside from there way way back?

[Pomai]

I know about the center escalator within the store. It was the exclusive dining area, I faintly recall there used to be an escalator to the outside from there way way back?Nah, I don't remember that. You sure? From an architectural stand-point, that wouldn't make sense.

Gosh, Ala Moana Center is so rich in history. For just over 48 years since being built, it's been a place of so many memories for us.

AMC was once the largest shopping center in the US, and is still considered as the largest open-air shopping center in the world.

We might also add that it just might be the most EXPENSIVE place in the world to do business. What is the current lease rate there now? Like $1 million/square foot? lol

[Frankie's Market]

I'm not a Chinese food fan

Maybe that's why you are so ambivalent about Patty's departure. I could care less. AFAIAC, the quality at Patty's went downhill about 10 years ago. They don't seem to get anything right anymore. The last straw for me was when my then-girlfriend and I both got sick at the same time after eating there for lunch. (I think it was their Choy Sum shrimp that was the culprit.) After that meal, never again.

Oh well. Patti's will soon join the Ala Moana Shopping Center graveyard with Iida's, Carol & Mary, Honolulu Book Store, India Imports, Woolworth, Byron Steakhouse, Liberty House, among others. So which "old school" AMC tenants remain? Sears, check. Who else?

If by "old school," you mean pre-1980, there's also Shirokiya, Robins shoe store, the Slipper House, McDonald's, the Post Office, Vim & Vigor, Watumull's, Reyn's, Foodland, Long's, Crack Seed Center. Probably a few others I forgot.

[SusieMisajon]

Are Chocolates for Breakfast and the little Japanese store next to the sandbox still there?

[Frankie's Market]

Are Chocolates for Breakfast and the little Japanese store next to the sandbox still there?

Chocolates closed about 10 years ago. It was owned by the same person who operated Villa Roma, which itself shut down earlier this year.

The sandbox..... now, that's going back-a-ways. :)
The store you are thinking of is probably Iida's. Or maybe Hotei-Ya. Both of them were on the ground level.

[SusieMisajon]

Chocolates closed about 10 years ago. It was owned by the same person who operated Villa Roma, which itself shut down earlier this year.

The sandbox..... now, that's going back-a-ways. :)
The store you are thinking of is probably Iida's. Or maybe Hotei-Ya. Both of them were on the ground level.
No more sandbox?

I think it was called Iida's...had carp kites hanging from the ceiling.

[mapen]

I know about the center escalator within the store. It was the exclusive dining area, I faintly recall there used to be an escalator to the outside from there way way back?
Nah, I don't remember that. You sure? From an architectural stand-point, that wouldn't make sense.Hmm, in the mall walkway between Liberty House and Shirokiya, I vaguely recall that there was a covered escalator or stairs running up along the side of Shirokiya so that you could enter the top floor without having to enter the bottom floor. Back then the top level parking structure next to Shirokiya didn't exist, so I think it was the only way to enter Shirokiya's top floor without going throught he bottom floor. My recollection of it all is a dreamy kind of small-kid memory so I can't say for sure :)

[joshuatree]

Hmm, in the mall walkway between Liberty House and Shirokiya, I vaguely recall that there was a covered escalator or stairs running up along the side of Shirokiya so that you could enter the top floor without having to enter the bottom floor. Back then the top level parking structure next to Shirokiya didn't exist, so I think it was the only way to enter Shirokiya's top floor without going throught he bottom floor. My recollection of it all is a dreamy kind of small-kid memory so I can't say for sure :)

Bingo!!! That's what I remembered too though you could recollect far more detail than me. :D

[Creative-1]

I talked to Patti today and told her about this discussion on Hawaii Threads. She had no idea. I'm sending her the link.

She said Patti's was not losing money and was not squeezed out by GGP or by competition.

Fewer locals patronize AMC, while Pearlridge is mostly local. She said there wasn't much growth potential at AMC, but that there was at PR.

I'd say that AMC has changed, and Patti's hasn't. They were once a great fit, but not so much anymore.

Patti said she thinks they were the first to offer a choice of items on a plate. Her dad got the idea from a place San Francisco. Her dad is now 93, and her mom, who pays the bills, is 88.

It was a tough decision she said. All agreed, except her son.

Patti's has lots of fans with fond memories, and a huge amount of goodwill build up over 40 years. I think they can transfer a lot of that to PR. Of course, it will never be the same, but what is?

Bob Sigall

[SusieMisajon]

You mean there really is a Patti?

[Creative-1]

You mean there really is a Patti?

Yes, she's Calvin Chun's daughter, as is Lyn (as in Lyn's delicatessen).

I have a picture of them on page 241 of my book - The Companies we Keep.

[Pomai]

I recently heard a Patti's RADIO AD for their Pearlridge location. Don't know about anyone else, but this is the first time I've heard a Patti's ad on the radio. I suppose they wanna' remind everyone, "Hey, we're still open at Pearlridge!"

IIRC, it was on 99.5FM the Jewel (Salem).

This current spot proclaims how delicious and extensive their food selections are (at Pearlridge), and that they also do catering. It also mentions their famous almond cookies? Some kind of cookie. I forget if there was any kind of jingle. I think just monologue.

[cezanne]

In my younger days, I could easily gobble down a KING plate (rice/noodles with FOUR choices). Now, the PRINCESS plate suffices (starch + TWO choices).

Even though "two choices" was enough for me I always got the three-choice Prince Plate because I could never get myself to ask for the "Princess Plate" :o .

[GeckoGeek]

I have a picture of them on page 241 of my book - The Companies we Keep.

I'm reading CWK2 right now. Good book. The only thing I've found so far is the description of Joe Moore's Evil Knievel impression doesn't match my memory.

[Lei Liko]

You mean there really is a Patti?

The boy and I were at AMC yesterday and even though I hate eating at the food court, we decided to brave the crowds so that we could get Patti's Ala Moana food one last time. The sign (mentioned earlier) notifying people about their closing was placed above the won ton counter, and it said somewhere in it that yes, there really is a Patti! It was also nice to see the pictures from throughout the years.

Creative-1 mentioned that fewer locals patronize AMC, and I have to agree with that. I live closer to Pearlridge anyway, and I try to avoid AMC at all costs.

Still, it felt good again to eat my Prince Plate at the Food Court. Patti's AMC holds a special place for the boy because that's where he ate for the first time when he first arrived in the Islands 11 years ago.

Mahalo, Chun family!

[johmbolaya]

Nooooooooooo!!! :mad:

[Random]

Creative-1 mentioned that fewer locals patronize AMC, and I have to agree with that. I live closer to Pearlridge anyway, and I try to avoid AMC at all costs.
I only go to AMC if I HAVE to be there. It's no longer the shopping center for locals anyway.

[oggboy]

I only go to AMC if I HAVE to be there. It's no longer the shopping center for locals anyway.

I agree, AMC no longer has that local flair it once had b-4 everything changed. I was still in High School working at Farrell`s and I`d alway`s stop over at Patti`s for take out dinner. The food ono, generous portions, and the atmosphere of the Restaurant back then. I miss the roast duck over rice.:(

[johmbolaya]

I only go to AMC if I HAVE to be there. It's no longer the shopping center for locals anyway.

I've come back home over the years and have seen the changes, but why did they make it out that way? When I was growing up, a trip to Ala Moana meant "family time", even if that meant hanging out in sections of stores I would never be at (i.e. Liberty House, some fabric store). At least when I reached a certain age, I could hang out at DJ's Sound City, the record section at Woolworth's, the book store, or whatever. More often than not, it would also mean a stop at Jon's to eat. I do understand that as far as business is concerned, stores come and go but the last time I was there, it just felt like "you don't belong here". It got to be too "high mucky-muck" as my mom would say

[oceanpacific]

I've come back home over the years and have seen the changes, but why did they make it out that way? When I was growing up, a trip to Ala Moana meant "family time", even if that meant hanging out in sections of stores I would never be at (i.e. Liberty House, some fabric store). At least when I reached a certain age, I could hang out at DJ's Sound City, the record section at Woolworth's, the book store, or whatever. More often than not, it would also mean a stop at Jon's to eat. I do understand that as far as business is concerned, stores come and go but the last time I was there, it just felt like "you don't belong here". It got to be too "high mucky-muck" as my mom would say

Accentuated by the "Rodeo Drive" atmosphere surrounding a number of the stores there. All the "designer" types in the mid-mall area.

A lot of the "local" stores are but a distant memory. :eek:l

[modpirate]

I've come back home over the years and have seen the changes, but why did they make it out that way?

Well, I assume it was to make a lot of money, but they did so at the cost of Honolulu's heart and soul.

gods, I miss Jon's.

[Beachboy]

wow, living in Puna these days, I had completely forgotten about Patti's. I have fond memories of eating there in my younger days. I use to enjoy eating there after a good morning surf session at Ala Moana. Seems like all the old classic grind places are all closing down one by one. Chunky's, K.C. Drive In,. Plus so many more that I can't even think of....oh, oh, Tahitian Lani,. I imagine Rainbow's is still going strong. But what about St. Louis Dr. Inn? Is it still around? Use to love their chocolate shakes..best around in my opinion :D

Anyway, I'll miss Patti's...

[Random]

I've come back home over the years and have seen the changes, but why did they make it out that way?
They're closer to Waikiki and they want to attract tourists' money. Heck, I don't even enter Waikiki unless I have to.

[helen]

Stopped by the Ala Moana Food Court today. I was kind of curious if somebody was going to setup shop in the old Patti's location. Sure enough there is, a place called "Chinatown Express (http://www.flickr.com/photos/helen_rapozo/2319399825/)".

[Honoruru]

I tried Chinese Express when it first opened at the Food Court at the beginning of March, mainly because I read they were going to be offering kau yuk. I love kau yuk, but itʻs not as readily available as before ... I guess because of all the fat.

Unfortunately, I mis-ordered. I got the sweet sour pork instead (which looked like kau yuk). Iʻll have to go back again and make sure I order correctly.

btw, what I did order was pretty good ... as good or better than Pattiʻs (the recent Pattiʻs, not old one).

[helen]

Has anyone been to the Patti's Chinese Kitchen at Pearlridge?

[scrivener]

I used to eat there at least twice every week when I was working in the mall back in the late eighties. Why do you ask?

[helen]

That's the location that is still open. I am just wondering if it's still there or that too has closed down.

[hifotog]

IF you folks love driving or live in Kaneohe, and you got your Midweek Newspaper, look for the Windward Mall supplement...inside, you will find a 2 for 1 deal (cut out that portion...dont give em the WHOLE ad) for plate dinner...you can have choice just like Pattis and get the other free! Its good ONLY from Friday 25 to 26 Sat...they have time purchase also from 6-8pm, so I dont think it will be valid for Sunday cuz WM closes at 5pm....IHOP also has special for M-F from 4-6pm, for sodas....call em to find out...forgot if was unlimited sodas or FREE sodas...

[cynsaligia]

Stopped by the Ala Moana Food Court today. I was kind of curious if somebody was going to setup shop in the old Patti's location. Sure enough there is, a place called "Chinatown Express (http://www.flickr.com/photos/helen_rapozo/2319399825/)".

if anyone's curious, the food at chinatown express is acceptable for the price, and the staff who work there are friendly (they say hello to you as you walk by). they have a small collection of dim sum as well as a roast meat section behind the regular entree area. eric and i find the dim sum tasty for what you can get at the mall, and decently priced. on wed night, we got 2 shanghai dumplings, 2 shrimp & chive dumplings, 1 pork hash, 1 taro cake plus one of those tall cans of coconut juice for about $8.