Things we can't get here

[turtlegirl]

I'm going to the mainland soon for a week, and I had the idea to mail myself some things from CA that I cant find in HI. Cumin seeds, and Tapatio are at the top of my list. And Suavitel dryer sheets - mmmmm... smells like Mexico!

What do you guys bring back from the mainland when you go visit>

[timkona]

French Bread. About 30 loaves.

[TuNnL]

French Bread. About 30 loaves.Does it really beat Safeway® Kailua-Kona’s 5pm hot and fresh guarantee by the time you get to the 25th loaf or so? :D

[tutusue]

[...]
What do you guys bring back from the mainland when you go visit>
Anything with Trader Joe's label on it!

[timkona]

There is no place in Hawaii where you can buy good French Bread. Reason is the temperature and the humidity. That's why SF is famous for their bread.

[TuNnL]

There is no place in Hawaii where you can buy good French Bread. Reason is the temperature and the humidity. That's why SF is famous for their bread.I’ll take that as a yes. I’ve been to SF a few times. I was more interested in Ghiradelli® chocolate. As far as I’m concerned, there are only two kinds of bread: hot and fresh, and not hot and fresh.

I prefer the former.* ;)


* unless ofcourse, it was baked in Tijuana.

[kani-lehua]

I'm going to the mainland soon for a week, and I had the idea to mail myself some things from CA that I cant find in HI. Cumin seeds, and Tapatio are at the top of my list. And Suavitel dryer sheets - mmmmm... smells like Mexico!

What do you guys bring back from the mainland when you go visit>


ditto to tutusue's post.

you really can't find cumin seeds here? i thought down to earth had them in their bulk section? could be wrong, though.

[cezanne]

What do you guys bring back from the mainland when you go visit>
A new In-n-Out t-shirt.

[AbsolutChaos]

ditto to tutusue's post.

you really can't find cumin seeds here? i thought down to earth had them in their bulk section? could be wrong, though.

Cumin is commonly used in Indian cooking. I know the Indian grocery store near University Ave carries it.

[Kelly0040]

Tapatio are at the top of my list.

Tapatio like the hot sauce? I get that here at the Kapolei Safeway iirc. I have 2 bottles of it in my cupboard and I'm 100% positive I did not import 'em. Kapolei isnt exactly close to ya, but it's closer than California :D

I just got back from California (central valley) a week ago. I brought back freeze-dried fruits from Trader Joes (like space food). Their reusable bags are totally cute - they're the same material as the Costco ones, but have surfboards on them. I also got dried hibiscus flowers to snack on from TJ (kinda like gummy bears, but not really), which were really really good. My husband stocked up on jars of sunflower butter and almond butter. TJ's almond butter is tons better than the brand Costco sometimes carries. I also went to Target and bought a bunch of baby supplies that are $2-$10 less there than they are here.

We always make a run by In n Out and Sonics at least twice each while we're there, as well as eat tons of Mexican food.

[68-eldo]

Car parts for a ’68 Eldorado and a ’38 Cadillac series 75.

[turtlegirl]

Well, since I'm not muling back car parts (unless you're paying, 68-eldo)

Trader Joes has been on the top of my friends' lists. I was never that into TJ's before. Super, easy bachelor food as far as I'm concerned. Though cheaper than the same bachelor food here. :confused:

I need to know more about this Indian store that AbsoluteChaos speaks of!

Another 'top of the list' item is seasonings! Why do they cost $5.99 or more here? In mexicotown CA they cost 99cents or less in giant bags. Definately gonna spice up the spice rack while there.

[lavagal]

I used to go to an Indian store in that little shopping center across the street from Stadium Park. they had great food and some groceries. We get our cumin seed in bulk at Kale's in Hawaii Kai. I would wager Umeke Market has it, too. We like to go to It's Chili in Hawaii on King Street (between McCully and McCully Bicycle) for sauces like Marie Sharp's, etc. Now we're gowing our own red lantern chilis...still Marie Sharp's is the spouse's favorite.

[anapuni808]

TurtleGirl - I don't know where you've been shopping but it seems like cumin seeds would not be that hard to find.

Foodland also carries Tapatio sauce. Also, in their produce department is usually a display of spices in little cellophane bags that are usually around $1. That's what I usually buy when I only need a little bit of something.

On Beretania St., across from the Times Market (between Keeaumoku & Piikoi) is a Mexican market called La Raza. They have a lot of really good stuff in there including fresh made tamales. They might also have cumin seeds since those are used in Mexican cooking also.

If you live out towards Mililani, there is an excellent Mexican restaurant called "Just Taco's Grill & Cantina" in the shopping center on Meheula Parkway. Their food is authentic (full restaurant) and they have something like 139 different kinds of tequila!

[anapuni808]

I’ll take that as a yes. I’ve been to SF a few times. I was more interested in Ghiradelli® chocolate. As far as I’m concerned, there are only two kinds of bread: hot and fresh, and not hot and fresh.

I prefer the former.* ;)


* unless ofcourse, it was baked in Tijuana.


i think Foodland has a very good bakery in some of their stores & if you're willing to wait a few minutes, they will bake a loaf of french or sourdough hot & fresh for you. the Safeway stores that have bakeries on premises will probably do that for you too.

[admin]

See also this related thread:


Businesses I would miss... (http://www.hawaiithreads.com/showthread.php?t=9017)

[LikaNui]

Anything with Trader Joe's label on it! Amen to that!

A new In-n-Out t-shirt. In-n-Out was my second thought, after Trader Joe's, except instead of a t-shirt I want a BURGER!!!
Third on my list would be a chili cheeseburger and chili fries from Tommy's.

[MyopicJoe]

Well, since I'm not muling back car parts

I guess this rules out furniture from Ikea?

[sophielynette]

Cincinnati-style chili and Frischs Vegetable Soup. I will be gorging myself on those two things when I visit in August. Oh, and $5 Chinese buffets. And my uncle's homemade salsa.

[SusieMisajon]

There is no place in Hawaii where you can buy good French Bread. Reason is the temperature and the humidity. That's why SF is famous for their bread.
Oh, yes there is! Or, there used to be....and might still be.

Ouside of Lahaina, on the way to Kaanapali, there is a real French bakery...croissants, bread, fancy pastries, EVERYTHING! Turns out it's run by a Frenchman, a baker, who couldn't find the real stuff and saw a market and filled it.

(of course, I haven't been there since 1981, so it might not be there, anymore)

[SusieMisajon]

I’ll take that as a yes. I’ve been to SF a few times. I was more interested in Ghiradelli® chocolate. As far as I’m concerned, there are only two kinds of bread: hot and fresh, and not hot and fresh.

I prefer the former.* ;)


* unless ofcourse, it was baked in Tijuana.
Kent Ghirard lives in Hawaii, he's from the family and might have an idea or might share some of his chocolate with you. Last I heard, he was training a troupe of Shetland ponies at the New Town and Country stables in Waimanalo.

[SusieMisajon]

Car parts for a ’68 Eldorado and a ’38 Cadillac series 75.
Check Ebay?

[matapule]

Jumping on the bandwagon, please bring back the following businesses:

Trader Joe's
In-n-Out Burgers
Henry's Market
Cost Plus World Market
Bed, Bath, & Beyond
Ikea

Malo 'aupito
Mui Houma

[TuNnL]

Kent Ghirard lives in Hawaii, he's from the family and might have an idea or might share some of his chocolate with you. Last I heard, he was training a troupe of Shetland ponies at the New Town and Country stables in Waimanalo.Wow, thanks for the tip, Susie! I will see if I can catch up with him. :)

[Nords]

Jumping on the bandwagon, please bring back the following businesses:
Trader Joe's
In-n-Out Burgers
Henry's Market
Cost Plus World Market
Bed, Bath, & Beyond
Ikea

This is interesting-- usually our overseas travel includes hauling a suitcase of aloha to the people we visit.

That suitcase usually comes home empty, although my spouse spends a lot of time at Discount Shoe Warehouse and our kid spent hers at Steve & Barry's.

We're working our way through a Trader Joe's care package (sent by a San Diego friend). Yummy, I appreciate the sentiment, but I'm not sure our palates were worth the postage.

It'll be interesting to see what Target does next year...

[TATTRAT]

If i was still On Oahu, I would be begging for some REAL, authentic, Mexican food to be brought back

[Cnecki]

Mexican Food For Sure! None When We Lived There Worth Eating.

[Leo Lakio]

I've said it before - the AF & I are grateful that Trader Joe's has no plans to expand to Hawai`i. They have been a valuable source of omiyage for us to bring when we come to visit family.

(Omiyage is a concept with which I did not grow up, in the Midwest. It's one of those things that should be more widely adopted, imo.)

[NoCal Boy]

Third on my list would be a chili cheeseburger and chili fries from Tommy's.

(In best Homer Simpson voice...)
"Mmmmmm..... Tommy's...."

Nothing like a greasy burger patty smothered in greasier "chili" (more of a thick paste that bears little resemblance to what you'd enjoy at Zippys) and eaten standing up in a parking lot. Once you take the first bite you have to finish it because if you put it down it falls apart from the wrapper (and the parts do not nearly equal the whole.) Best enjoyed in the early AM hours on the way home to the fraternity house after a night of alcoholic consumption.

Ah, sweet memories of misspent youth....

[timkona]

Are we talking Tommy's on 19th in SF? Yummmmmm.

[anapuni808]

Are we talking Tommy's on 19th in SF? Yummmmmm.

oh my gawd - now you've made me very hungry! i was just thinking about that place a couple of days ago. they served the best burgers i have ever had in my whole life !!!!! you folks that crave in-n-out or sonic? hah - not even close.

[LikaNui]

(In best Homer Simpson voice...) "Mmmmmm..... Tommy's...."
Nothing like a greasy burger patty smothered in greasier "chili" (more of a thick paste that bears little resemblance to what you'd enjoy at Zippys) Yeah, I don't know how they thicken it, but it sure is great. And like I said earlier, the chili fries are super-onolicious.

Are we talking Tommy's on 19th in SF? Yummmmmm. It's a chain, so there's a bunch of 'em.
Just not any here. :(

[68-eldo]

Check Ebay?

Oh yes. I get lots of stuff there, but when I’m at the Grand National swap meet and there is that part that I did not win on Ebay for less than I bid….

How big is that suitcase?

[Walkoff Balk]

We can buy White Castle hamburgers here at a supermarket now, but it's frozen. It's still the best tasting frozen hamburger patty. Is there a taste difference between eating a White Castle at a franchise place and those frozen ones you buy at a market?
I ate a rotisserie chicken from Boston Market, and thought it was tasty.

[Da Rolling Eye]

Marinaded rack of lamb and leg of lamb from Pape's Meat Company in San Mateo. Smoked sausage from Junction, TX. Homemade peanut pralines from Dallas. Institutional size Uncle Ben's Beans and Rice soup. :confused: Chicory coffee from Atlantic Beach, NC. A wink and a smile and a..."Y'all come back now, ya heeyah." from a pretty waitress down south. Real homemade frybread tacos out of a trunk of a 70's vintage Chevy sold by 2 old Hopi women up at Walpi Village on the Hopi Rez. Navajo style pulehu beef ribs. :)

Sorry, TJ's don't come close. ;)

[turtlegirl]

How big is that suitcase?

As big as your money can buy! ;)

[tutusue]

As big as your money can buy! ;)
Don't forget to tack on $15. if you're flying American or United! :D

[leashlaws]

Homemade Polish, Smoked Polish sausages and bratwurst and apple bratwurst
from this market in Naperville, IL that has the most amazing butcher counter
imaginable. That's another thing we don't have here a real honest to goodness beautiful butcher counter with full service. This place has meats and their sausages plus the most delicious pre-made things like stuffed chicken breasts, ribs lots and lots of things. I even took pictures of it to think about and drool
over. We always bring back a couple pounds of each sausage, par boil them and freeze them and wrap them in heavy duty foil wrap in newspaper and then in freezer bags for the flight home. We have a "Mahalo" sausage party for the people who take care of our house or who have kindly offered to take us to
the airport. Also in said suitcase is usually a half or whole Lou Malnati's or
Giordano's pizza. Twice a year this happens!:)

[kani-lehua]

i'm positive now that i got my cumin seeds from down to earth in the bulk section. also, ikea ships to hawai'i now. i remember 10 years ago lugging a tv stand/table back from one of their californina stores. if they had shipped back then, i would have bought way more.

[matapule]

also, ikea ships to hawai'i now.

I wonder if TJ will ship me a bottle of "two buck?" http://forums.randi.org/images/smilies/alc.gif

Ofa 'atu
Mui Houma

[kani-lehua]

might cost you $10 bucks to ship the "two buck". you know i ask a clerk about two years ago if TJ would ship their wine to hawai'i and he said no. do you think if one were to go to say fedex or the like, they might ship it?

[anapuni808]

I just got home from Foodland - they have bags of Cumin seeds in the display in the produce section. On Beretania, it's kind of hidden back in the corner - but, they have them!

[turtlegirl]

Man, I hate driving in Honolulu! I'm always lost, one way streets eek, and parking is a nightmare!! So, all the cumin in the world could be at one shop somewhere there, but I can't find my way. Easier for me to just get it from my favorite meximart in LA. Sad, but true.

The BF is making me drive lately when we go out, and I'm slooooowly getting the hang of things. Have some maps hanging up around the house, and a good one in my car, Still generally confused, though...

Sorry for the thread drift, but I needed to vent! :)

[anapuni808]

so why don't you just go to a store in Kaneohe or Kailua? I think that's where you've said you live? stop making excuses. if you want cumin seeds, then go get them. there are Foodland stores (and others) all over the island!

[sophielynette]

I know the Foodland anapuni is talking about, and I can actually visualize where in the produce section because I've bought herbs there before. One way streets aren't so bad if you remember that they alternate -- if you can't get where you're trying to get, just go down to the next street and swing back. And the grocery stores in town all seem to have generous parking lots.

Of course, it's easy to say that it's easy because I don't drive :p

[SusieMisajon]

The good thing about getting lost while driving in Hawaii is that you can't really get lost. Try it over here where I am and you could end up in Spain, or further.

[turtlegirl]

Anapuni808, have you ever moved somewhere new? If so, then maybe you know how it feels to try to get used to new streets and stores. Yeah, maybe I'm making excuses somewhat, but I'm often LOST and it SUCKS, and people HONK at me, and I'm afraid someone will HIT me, or worse I hit THEM, because I don't know where I'm going!! Maybe you can understand.

If anybody wants to draw me a detailed map of where to go for whatever in Honolulu, starting in Kailua, complete with 'get back home' directions, that would be rad!

[SusieMisajon]

When I first went to live outside of London, I freaked about driving....plus they drive on the other side of the road, over there. Plus it was cold and grey and I understood nothing of the people and even the accent was difficult to understand and I was having doubts about the boyfriend and I was homesick and....all I really wanted to do was to sleep or take hot baths or eat.

So I kicked myself in the butt and said to myself that at least I was gonna see a bit of England even if it killed me.

I got in the car and drove into London and got lost in the middle of the giant roundabouts and the traffic and the taxicabs and all the rest...and then I found my way out. And then I did it again. And again.

It got to the point that I decided to go somewhere and got up and went. I has lots of 'adventures' along the way. They look good in hindsight.

And I can tell you today that I know a bit about London. And I now can say that I'll manage to survive no matter where I have to live, or what bad decisions I make or doubts I have.

And those London adventures and their results are still with me today....when I bought our camper, it was located on the other side of France, and we had to go and get it. I'd never been on the other side of France and I'd never even been inside of a camper.

I grabbed the kids and the dog and we all got on a train and went to Avignon and got in that camper and drove it off...within three kilometers we were lost on a little lane and I had trouble turning around...that night we had no idea of where we were going to sleep and Kalani saw a row of campers parked on a bridge and we ended up in that line and I learned that campers can sleep anywhere...the next day we got lost on a mountain pass between a cliff and a river and had no way to turn around but to back up for miles along a windy road...and so on and on...

Just consider it an adventure. The more you get out and do it, the better you get at it.

[TuNnL]

The good thing about getting lost while driving in Hawaii is that you can't really get lost. Try it over here where I am and you could end up in Spain, or further.LOL! You’re hilarious. :D

[anapuni808]

Anapuni808, have you ever moved somewhere new? If so, then maybe you know how it feels to try to get used to new streets and stores. Yeah, maybe I'm making excuses somewhat, but I'm often LOST and it SUCKS, and people HONK at me, and I'm afraid someone will HIT me, or worse I hit THEM, because I don't know where I'm going!! Maybe you can understand.

If anybody wants to draw me a detailed map of where to go for whatever in Honolulu, starting in Kailua, complete with 'get back home' directions, that would be rad!

of course i've moved somewhere new and have gotten lost! you aren't exceptional in that at all. but, i went to the bookstore, got myself a map of the city and began to use it. i also took the bus til i learned my way around more. try getting yourself a "thomas guide" - it has very good maps that are easy to read. they sell them at most bookstores.

and a little FYI - i've lived here over 40 years and there are still parts of honolulu that i would get lost in, not to mention other parts of the island. you've only been here a couple of months. be a little more patient - it's not easy to find your way around here, especially until you get used to the way we give directions. you are used to everything being north, south, east or west - we don't give directions that way. you're on an island - you aren't going to get "lost" - it may just take you a little longer to get home ;) you can continue whining about it or have fun with it - it is what it is. one-way streets here are very well marked, freeway exits are well marked. and i'll bet that if you told one of the folks honking at you that you were lost, they would be happy to help you. and would probably apologize for honking.

now, i expect to hear about what you've cooked with those cumin seeds!!!! :D (see, now we're back on topic)

[kani-lehua]

Anapuni808, have you ever moved somewhere new? If so, then maybe you know how it feels to try to get used to new streets and stores. Yeah, maybe I'm making excuses somewhat, but I'm often LOST and it SUCKS, and people HONK at me, and I'm afraid someone will HIT me, or worse I hit THEM, because I don't know where I'm going!! Maybe you can understand.

If anybody wants to draw me a detailed map of where to go for whatever in Honolulu, starting in Kailua, complete with 'get back home' directions, that would be rad!


do you know where big city diner is in kailua? what about first hawaiian bank? ford dealership? foodland is next to big city and behind first hawaiian and ford.

what about down to earth? have you been there yet? it's across the street from safeway. i'm postive i got the cumin seeds there. btw, they make some tasty potatoes using them.

[turtlegirl]

Aww, thanks, Kani! I know where some of those places are, but right now I'm trying to get the 'big picture' of where I'm going, and remember where to turn to go where, and avoiding anything that might confuse me (like Kaapaa Quarry road, Anoi st, and Mokulele!)

I know I can't get really lost, and I know I will eventually learn my way around. It's just so darn frustrating right now! And what if I have an appointment or something? I have no idea how long it takes to get anywhere, or how much time to budget in there for getting lost. Everything is unfamiliar right now!

I do, however, know where 1st Hawaiian and the Dealership are! Thats where I turn for the Likelike or to jog up to Kahekile! (see, I'm learning!)

Cumin seeds, though...I'm used to paying 49cents for a half-pound bag of them in CA. Sure, I can get cumin seeds in lots of places, but for 5.99 an ounce here. Not what I'm used to.

I grew up on curry & rice, and I add cumin seed to everything except cereal!

[kani-lehua]

okie dokie. gotcha.

careful when using kapa'a quarry road. it can be very dangerous! many accidents have happened there.

got an idea: if you have an appt. in town, maybe scout the area prior to that day?

[anapuni808]

then you're gonna love Foodland! I think the package, which is a few ounces, is around $1 - i didn't think to check the price for you. sorry.

just curious - do you live in Kailua or Kaneohe?

[turtlegirl]

Kailua.

With gas around $4.30 per gallon now, I don't think I should go 'scouting'. But I'm surprised to hear about Kapaa Quarry accidents, cuz there's never a lot of traffic, but sometimes some pot-smoking kids.

I need to make friends with Foodland, it seems!

:)

[kani-lehua]

http://khnl.com/Global/story.asp?s=6369522

this is about another accident on kapa'a quarry road. there have been more since then. just be careful out there.

post script: foodland doesn't always have the cheapest things. in another post i stated that i had paid $3.99 for a single long squash which weighed no more than a 1lb and a half. at don quiote (spelling) they cost .69 cents/lb.

[anapuni808]

you are totally correct - Foodland is not always cheapest. For me though, it is the most convenient and easiest to get to. and somehow, when I shop Safeway, I always feel like I got ripped off! So I go to Foodland, buy the stuff that is Maika`i discounted and get my 5% savings coupon. Because I ride the bus, convenience is a major part of my shopping decisions.

[sophielynette]

At my last apartment, I lived right between a Safeway and a Foodland, but the way the bus ran, it was more convenient to go to Safeway, and usually cheaper too -- but the people at Foodland were always so nice to me that I'd often times choose to go there instead. Since I moved, Don Quijote is the easiest grocery, and I love their prices and selection, but it's definitely a different vibe.

[kani-lehua]

you are totally correct - Foodland is not always cheapest. For me though, it is the most convenient and easiest to get to. and somehow, when I shop Safeway, I always feel like I got ripped off! So I go to Foodland, buy the stuff that is Maika`i discounted and get my 5% savings coupon. Because I ride the bus, convenience is a major part of my shopping decisions.

our best friend works at foodland and is one of their managers so we shop there some times. most times it's where ever it's cheapest. we kailuans are quite spoiled having so many markets to choose from and whole foods will add to the mix. within a one mile radius we have: safeway, foodland, don quiote (spelling), down to earth and times and then there's the farmers' markets, too.

[NoCal Boy]

Are we talking Tommy's on 19th in SF? Yummmmmm.

oh my gawd - now you've made me very hungry! i was just thinking about that place a couple of days ago. they served the best burgers i have ever had in my whole life !!!!!

Actually, I'm talking about the Original Tommy's (http://www.originaltommys.com/), a Southern California institution. Sadly, they have not expanded beyond L.A. and Orange Counties (with the exception of the store in, you got it, Las Vegas!)

But now you've got me curious. I was born in San Francisco and have lived in the Bay Area my whole life except for college, but I'm unaware of a Tommy's on 19th in the City. There's a Tommy's Mexican Restaurant (http://www.tommysmexican.com/) on Geary (best tequila selection you're likely to see outside of Mexico) and there's Tommy's Joynt (http://www.tommysjoynt.com/), a Hof Brau type pub on Van Ness Avenue. Have I been missing out on something?

[Bobinator]

How bout a Texas-size burrito?:rolleyes:

[turtlegirl]

Here's a few things I did bring back - Soy Jerky, and an assortment of vegetarian 'fake meats' that aren't available here. Suavitel dryer sheets (mmm, smells like Mexico!), CHEAP clothes and shoes. Unless you've shopped downtown LA (Santee Alley!) for clothes, y'all probably don't know what a big deal this is. Also about a gallon of my favorite conditioner. And a few cosmetics by Dermablend (it's the best!), cuz the old stuff doesn't match my new tan.

[Ron Whitfield]

...next time you're in Waialua at 11am - 4pm try Lulu's wagon near the old Sugar Bar. Big burritos, no doubt smaller than what you call Texas size, but pretty big, and good.

[tutusue]

[...]CHEAP clothes and shoes. Unless you've shopped downtown LA (Santee Alley!) for clothes, y'all probably don't know what a big deal this is.
Hmmm...is this the garment district...or a new name for the garment district...or an area within the garment district...or completely separate from the garment district?! Inquiring minds wanna know! I've been to the GD many times and, my oh my, the bargains are incredible...and I hate to shop so I didn't last long on any of the trips! :D
[...]And a few cosmetics by Dermablend (it's the best!), cuz the old stuff doesn't match my new tan.
I've bought Dermablend here...at Long's and when Penney's was still around. I don't know if Long's carries the full range of products, tho'.

Did you bring anything back from Trader Joe's? Go ahead, make me envious!

[turtlegirl]

Sorry, tutu, I was never really into Trader Joe's, so I didn't even think about it.

Dermablend at Longs? In CA I had to get it from the cosmetologists supply store that all the movie makeup people shop at. Is it at the Longs in Waikiki?

Santee Alley is a small street by the garment district that has the best deals on everything clothes & shoes. Cool, you know all about the g.d.! I spent half a day, and filled half an extra suitcase! Also bought a nice bathroom rug for $1.00.

Also scored at the little clothing shops in the strip malls in North Hollywood. I swear, they must have sweatshops in the back room or something, the stuff is sooooo cheap. And all current fashions!

Funny, I brought home more than my suitcase could hold, so I had to mail my jackets back to myself.

[anapuni808]

Actually, I'm talking about the Original Tommy's (http://www.originaltommys.com/), a Southern California institution. Sadly, they have not expanded beyond L.A. and Orange Counties (with the exception of the store in, you got it, Las Vegas!)

But now you've got me curious. I was born in San Francisco and have lived in the Bay Area my whole life except for college, but I'm unaware of a Tommy's on 19th in the City. There's a Tommy's Mexican Restaurant (http://www.tommysmexican.com/) on Geary (best tequila selection you're likely to see outside of Mexico) and there's Tommy's Joynt (http://www.tommysjoynt.com/), a Hof Brau type pub on Van Ness Avenue. Have I been missing out on something?

Maybe Tommy's is not the right name - could it be Teddy's? I remember it started with a "T". It's out in the Sunset District, close to that little woody area where they used to perform Shakespeare?

I had a buffalo burger the other day - that reminded me of Tommy's Joynt except it was better!

As for a great tequila selection - we have a place here that serves 139 differrent kinds of tequila. That's certainly enough choices for me :D

[tutusue]

[...]Dermablend at Longs? In CA I had to get it from the cosmetologists supply store that all the movie makeup people shop at. Is it at the Longs in Waikiki?[...]
I saw it at Kahala and Ala Moana Center (Is that what you mean by Waikiki? I'm not familiar with a Long's in Waikiki proper.). Since you had to get it from a cosm. supply store I wonder if there's a consumer version and a professional version.

[drumorgan]

I am here in Los Angeles. If anyone needs anything from CA, a trade can be arranged. (How many malasadas can you stuff in a FedEx envelope?) :)

[NoCal Boy]

Maybe Tommy's is not the right name - could it be Teddy's? I remember it started with a "T". It's out in the Sunset District, close to that little woody area where they used to perform Shakespeare?


I'm honestly stumped. Not that I know every place that's ever been in the City, but it sounds like you're talking about Stern Grove at 19th and Sloat. (Where BTW they have a great free summer concert series (http://www.sterngrove.org/index.html) that regularly features music from Hawaii. Keali'i Reichel did a show there a few years back, as did Makaha Sons and Amy Gilliom. This year is Na Leo (http://www.sterngrove.org/08102008.html)!) There are a few neighborhood restaurants on or around 19th Ave. nearby, but nothing that stands out or has been much of an institution. It was a burger place?

Kinda funny story on the topic. My cousin flew in from Honolulu last year and after I picked him up he immediately asked if there was an Olive Garden nearby. There happens to be one at Stonestown Mall (on 19th, down the street from Stern Grove), but I kept telling him "Oh no, we've got lots of better Italian restaurants than that," and started heading toward North Beach. Took a few minutes to realize he wanted Olive Garden because you don't have them in Hawaii! He'd discovered the restaurant while at a conference and was taken in by a recurring special called "The Never Ending Pasta Bowl." Olive Garden it was! (Sadly, however, no NEPB on this night.)

[genepark]

Great thread.

Thanks for reminding me of Tommy's burgers! One of my exgirlfriends, in South Gate, worked at a Tommy's burgers. I used to eat there often. I miss the homestyle feel of it.

Should I go back to the mainland, the first place I would hit is an honest-to-goodness Mexican restaurant, preferably one with carnitas to die for, and tacos using arrachera.

Then I'd go shopping at Urban Outfitters. But I hear the new Kapolei mall is going to have one?

Then I'd stop by Ikea just because I think that place is weird.

I never quite got the appeal of In 'n' Out. It's not bad, but I didn't think it's that special. I prefer White Castle myself. Even Sonic's. I've never tried Chick-fil-A either, but I hear it's fantastic.

[modpirate]

Great thread.

I never quite got the appeal of In 'n' Out. It's not bad, but I didn't think it's that special. I prefer White Castle myself. Even Sonic's. I've never tried Chick-fil-A either, but I hear it's fantastic.

I don't get it either. The hamburgers always seem bland, fatty and undercooked to me. The shakes are pretty good, but still nothing compared to Foster's Freeze.

[leashlaws]

Hmmm...is this the garment district...or a new name for the garment district...or an area within the garment district...or completely separate from the garment district?! Inquiring minds wanna know! I've been to the GD many times and, my oh my, the bargains are incredible...and I hate to shop so I didn't last long on any of the trips! :D

I've bought Dermablend here...at Long's and when Penney's was still around. I don't know if Long's carries the full range of products, tho'.

Did you bring anything back from Trader Joe's? Go ahead, make me envious!

My friend is visiting and she brought me a gift of a TJ insulated bag with sweet/spicy pecans and some other bags of nuts candied along with some dog treats from there for Manele & Koele a really nice gift and unexpected as well. I'm still bumming out that they stopped making "Capitola Cashews" and the "Pasadena Pecans" blends of nuts and dried fruits with lemongrass (the Capitola). I was crushed in May when I went to stock up in the Chicago area and they said "we don't have those anymore none of our customers liked them," well hello! We did!:(

[Leo Lakio]

That's a definite drawback to TJ's; they don't always carry the same items you found there before.

[anapuni808]

I'm honestly stumped. Not that I know every place that's ever been in the City, but it sounds like you're talking about Stern Grove at 19th and Sloat. (Where BTW they have a great free summer concert series (http://www.sterngrove.org/index.html) that regularly features music from Hawaii. Keali'i Reichel did a show there a few years back, as did Makaha Sons and Amy Gilliom. This year is Na Leo (http://www.sterngrove.org/08102008.html)!) There are a few neighborhood restaurants on or around 19th Ave. nearby, but nothing that stands out or has been much of an institution. It was a burger place?

Kinda funny story on the topic. My cousin flew in from Honolulu last year and after I picked him up he immediately asked if there was an Olive Garden nearby. There happens to be one at Stonestown Mall (on 19th, down the street from Stern Grove), but I kept telling him "Oh no, we've got lots of better Italian restaurants than that," and started heading toward North Beach. Took a few minutes to realize he wanted Olive Garden because you don't have them in Hawaii! He'd discovered the restaurant while at a conference and was taken in by a recurring special called "The Never Ending Pasta Bowl." Olive Garden it was! (Sadly, however, no NEPB on this night.)

Yes, I was thinking of Stern Grove - funny, I could see it in my mind but couldn't for the life of me remember the name! The restaurant was in that area but it wasn't primarily a hamburger place - they just happened to have excellent burgers!