Dave Choo explains the menu at New Uptown Fountain to ‘No Reservations’ host Anthony Bourdain
Post Edit 3.07.08: Since by now the show has already aired, and folks have made comments under this post, let’s recap the show right here…
‘No Reservations’ Hawaii episode segment summary:
Bailey’s Aloha Shirts
Tony starts his visit by going shopping for an Aloha Shirt at Bailey’s Aloha Shirts on Kapahulu Avenue, near Waikiki. Owner David Bailey provides some insight on the history and current trends of this island wear. Tony sorts through a number of shirts on the racks, most of which are over-the-top “touristy” designs, including the collectible one he chooses which he was told was priced at $2000, but ended up being $3000 on the price tag.
Puka Dog Waikiki
Tony and friend, Ted Stemple head over to Puka Dog in the Waikiki International Marketplace.
Ono Hawaiian Food
Tony meets with Chef Colin Nishida of Side Street Inn for lunch at Ono Hawaiian Foods on Kapahulu Ave. in Honolulu. Dishes they sample include Laulau with Pork and Butterfish (including a quick demo’ on how it’s put together), Lomi Lomi Salmon, Pipikaula, Salt Meat & Watercress, Kalua Pig and Poi. Contrary to those who say Poi “sucks”, Tony acclaims “It’s great!”
The Side Street Inn
Chef/owner Colin Nishida once again hosts Tony at his famous hole-in-the-wall hotspot, talking the night away over drinks and pupus with fellow local celebrity chefs Alan Wong, Fred DeAngelo, Donato Loperfido and Russell Siu, Nalo Farms’ Dean Okimoto, Star Bulletin columnist Betty Shimabukuro and Master Sommelier Chuck Furuya. Dishes on the table included Gizzards, Portuguese Sausage, SSI’s famous Island Pan-Fried Pork Chops, Pulehu Rib Eye Steak with Hamakua Mushrooms & Maui Onions, Steamed Moi with Hoisin Sauce and Opihi (which he refers to as “Baby Abalone”). Of course with Tony’s favorite green bottle close at hand.
Oahu’s North Shore
Tony meets with big wave surfer Darrick Doerner for a tandem Jet Ski ride out from Haleiwa boat harbor, where they head out to Waimea Bay, which on this particular day was flat as pond. Then they stop by surf legend Peter Cole’s home for a chat over surf culture while enjoying some backyard grinds, which included Poke, Sashimi and grilled Ahi.
New Uptown Fountain
Hawaii Business Magazine food columnist Dave Choo meets with Tony for lunch at New Uptown Fountain in Kalihi. The mission here being to demystify Hawaii’s love of SPAM. Dishes served include a SPAM Musubi made with fried rice, a SPAM omelet served over rice and smothered with curry sauce and Kim Chee, SPAM Saimin, along with just about every other dish New Uptown Fountain has on their menu. In the end, SPAM has made it into Tony’s heart, notably by the SPAM Musubi, which said he really loved.
La Mariana Sailing Club
Tony joins Lloyd Kandell of the musical group Don Tiki for a trip back in time at one of the most famous last-remaining Tiki-themed restaurants in Hawaii over at La Mariana Sailing Club. Here he samples exotic drinks including the Zombie and the Scorpion.
Backyard Paina with Lanai and Friends in Kalihi
Island Rhythms Morning DJ Lanai invites Tony for a local-style backyard party, along with live Hawaiian music and hula. Dishes served included Steamed Onaga with Lup Cheong and Mayonnaise, Poi, Beef Luau, Ahi Poke, Tako Poke and Palusami.
Royal Gardens, Big Island
Author RJ Hillhouse joins Tony for a visit to Jack Thompson’s Garden House Bed & Breakfast in Royal Gardens, the only home still occupied in this remote subdivision now mostly covered by recent lava flows. They discuss the madness of living in the path of an active volcano over a baked chicken, macaroni salad and rice plate lunch.
Paradise Cove Luau
Tony battles his apprehensions of the cliche tourist experience by doing just that at Paradise Cove Luau.
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Make the time or set your DVR, because tonight, March 3, 2008 is the much-anticipated Hawaii episode of “No Reservations” with Anthony Bourdain!
It will air on The Travel Channel (Oceanic cable channel 58 or 325 digital) at 8pm Hawaii Standard Time, with encore repeats immediately following at 9pm, and once more at 12am.
I’ve got word that Dave Choo will have a viewing party tonight at his home. Most likely others who’ll also be featured on tonight’s show will be having viewing parties of their own. In fact, I just got off the phone with someone (I think it was Colin) at Side Street Inn, and he said they’re having one as well, and they’re all booked.
Honestly, I’m very excited and can’t wait to see it! After doing so, I’ll follow this post with a full review, including my thoughts on the show.
To bring you back to speed on what this is all about, following is the original story I posted back in December…
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‘No Reservations’ SPAMS it Up in Kalihi
Dave Choo enjoys a SPAM lunch with Anthony Bourdain
Anthony “Bad Boy” Bourdain and crew were in the islands a week ago taping a Hawaii episode for his hit Travel Channel show, “No Reservations”. With that nickname inserted in quotes, I need not re-explain what’s already known about him. See the next link if you don’t.
According to a story publshed a few days ago by the Star Bulletin, his itinerary here included:
• Side Street Inn
• New Uptown Fountain (SPAM files)
• Paradise Cove Luau
• Lewer’s Lounge
• Bailey’s Antiques (where he bought a $2,500 Aloha shirt!)
• Jack Thompson’s B&B (Big Island)
• Lava-Side Inn (Royal Gardens on the Big Island)
Dave Choo, editor-at-large for Hawaii Business Magazine, was one of the lucky few chosen to host a segment, which he recommended they visit Uptown Fountain in Kalihi. According to Dave, the focus of this particular segment was on Hawaii’s love of SPAM. How ironic this happens on the day I had just posted (see previous entry) a ‘SPAM Musubi Showndown’. This is a perfect follow-up!
‘No Reservations’ arrives in Kalihi, a.k.a, “God’s Country”. 12.07.07.
The show begins… roll ‘em!
Dave explains the menu items to Tony
Items ordered at New Uptown Fountain included, yes, a SPAM Musubi, which Dave said Tony really enjoyed. They were also served the house special: SPAM Omelet over 2 scoops of rice, with curry poured over and topped with Kim Chee. Whoah!
Dave noted how professional and polite Tony was; actually almost “geekish” at first impression. But as soon as the camera was on, his bad boy persona came right out. He joked the entire time and even posed for pictures and signed autographs for folks. Very cool.
In Dave’s new blog, he mentions that Anthony also did the following while here:
• The north shore of Oahu for a barbecue with big wave surfers (cool!)
• Puka Dog (Kauai?)
• Ono Hawaiian Food (Oahu)
One thing they missed that really should have been covered was a segment on lunch wagons. Say from Tsukenjo’s and grind ‘em at Ala Moana Beach Park.
Dave and Tony share some Hot Monkey Love
I’m really looking forward to the finished product when it airs on the Travel Channel in 2008. Aside of that Paradise Cove Luau visit, hopefully as a whole it won’t be just another “touristy” travelogue, but a real-life look at hardcore “local style” Hawaii cuisine and lifestyle, as told through the eyes and stomach of a hardcore kinda’ guy. As a fan and regular ‘No Reservations’ viewer, I’m willing to bet it will be, how can I say?… bad *beeping* @ss!
For an absolutely brilliant, fully-detailed report of Anthony Bordain’s visit to New Uptown Fountain, check out Dave’s new blog, Choo On This!!!
Other related links:
• Bourdain’s “No Reservations” Hawaii airs March 3! – Kam Family Blog
• Thoughts on ‘No Reservations: Hawaii’ – Jason Genegabus’ Star Bulletin blog
16 comments
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March 4, 2008 at 4:41 am
DHL
Watched the episode and was pleasantly suprised that I was able to recognize a few of the lcoations that he went to. I’ve been there twice (2 weeks, then on a long 15 day round trip cruise from LA to Hawaii). Also, surprised that he picked the Paradise Cove Luau! That is our favorite Luau, we went both times we were in Hawaii. Yes, we did go to two other Luau’s the first time we went to Hawaii (3 Luau’s in 2 weeks… hmmm.. I wonder where I gained those extra 15 lbs?).
March 4, 2008 at 7:24 am
Garrett Milhouse
Good episode. Really captured a lot of angles on Hawaii that most ‘travel’ shows miss out on entirely.
But damn, that Puka Dog segment was a waste of time. First off, thats tourist food. 99.6% of Oahu’s population has never eaten there. Small kine irked when the owner tells Tony (after he bites into his dog smothered in a guava sauce condiment), ‘Its really Hawaiian! That’s the point’ Sistah…puhlease.
and wow @ that B&B owner on the Big Island. Tony was really straining hard to get a decent dialog going with him (the dude wasn’t exactly the world’s best conversationalist) and for most of the segment it seemed uncomfortable, but then as it progressed the inherent loneliness of the man was really brought forth and then you really felt for him when it was revealed that his house was later destroyed by the lava flow.
Good stuff overall. Was glad to see that they contrasted a typical local style luau with the tourist version. And how cool was that La Mariana (sp?) bar? I definitely need to check that place out one of these days.
March 4, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Kea
First I gotta say, I hate you Anthony Bourdain for getting to eat all that while I’m stuck in Michigan. Side Street Inn made me tear up a little, and the Luau stew. So sad. Curse you Bourdain! With your eating of yummy things while I snack on microwave popcorn. Curses.
But I have some issues with the way they represent Hawaii on travel shows. There is a real erasure of the Hawaiian in an attempt t promote the Hawaii as white/asian. They never talk to Hawaiians, they never talk about Hawaiian food, just local cuisine, which they Identify as asian, etc. Take last night. Why was all the Hawaiian food, and they made a lot of Hawaiian food, not really talked about and instead he spent all his time talking about “America’s Singapore.” And when they finally hang out with Hawaiians, they’re all identified as Filipino. Where is the erasure of the Hawaiians coming from? Does HVB direct them away from Hawaiians, is it editing, etc? What’s the deal?
March 4, 2008 at 8:42 pm
ottomaeshun
Spam spam spam spam. Gotta love it. So where was the Loco Moco? (echo G.M.’s comment) PUKA DOG?!? Zippy’s is more “Hawai’ian” than that. And how could he leave out Shave Ice? I guess this means one more visit. Plate Lunch please.
March 4, 2008 at 11:45 pm
kruz808
These producers were on there own at times. They researched their own story ideas and obtain some from HVCB as well. In the end, they can shoot everything around Hawaii, but the editing room cuts all the footage down to tell the real story. Check out my personal blog for more info. on the production – http://mikeni.wordpress.com
March 5, 2008 at 4:43 am
Brian
I was surprised by how positive Bourdain was throughout the show. I thought he’d start knocking on some things, but he really didn’t. Seemed like he really loved everything, even poi. Maybe it was the influence of the aloha spirit!
I was also disturbed by that Puka Dog segment. Seen the Maui operation on a couple of Food Network shows – totally tourist, totally NOT LOCAL. When that part of the show came on, I turned to my girlfriend and said, “This is a travesty.”
March 5, 2008 at 5:31 am
kat
loved the episode, could have showed more foodie experience as well as more nature, but overall it was good.
March 6, 2008 at 2:39 am
golfnutn8
The show turned out better than I expected. You never know how these productions will depict the island lifestyle and culture. But I think it was a fabulous show all around and something that Hawaii can be proud of. Certainly a much more real look at the way we live in Hawaii as a mix of ethnic cultures.
March 7, 2008 at 3:33 pm
jodi
POMAI! You stopped your comments with a “to be continued.” Unless something is wrong with my browser. Hey?
I missed it. I saw the preview and commercial. Maybe I can catch it in reruns.
March 9, 2008 at 2:02 am
pomai
Jodi, OK I finally got around to finishing the recap, including some details of each segment not mentioned on the Travel Channel website.
I have yet to add my comments regarding each segment. Will do soon.
Thanks everyone for the interesting insight.
As expected, it looks like a split between favorable and not-favorable (so-so), which is pretty much my overall thought on the finished product.
March 9, 2008 at 2:17 am
Scott
I thought it good overall, but no Leonards! He was right down the street at Ono. I know it’s sacrilege to say it, but I don’t even like malasadas, but I send all my tourist friends & family there. It’s an institution.
Why didn’t he interview the owners of Ono Hawaiian Food? It would have been more interesting than Jack the B&B owner.
Kea has a good point about not interviewing Hawaiians too.
Those musubi at Uptown looked so fancy, with the fried rice. I’m a big fan of the plain ones from 7-11, ABC or Daiei (oops Don Quijote).
Fukuya or Gulick Deli would have been nice additions too.
BTW, for those of you that missed it: you can buy the episode for $1.99 on iTunes. It did repeat a couple of times, but only for a day or two.
July 18, 2008 at 7:42 am
KALEO
WELL I HAD PREPARING THE FOOD FOR MR. BOURDAIN WHEN HE CAME TO MY HOUSE IN KALIHI… LUAU STEW, RAW FISH, TAKO POKE, THE TEAM WORK WITH THE ONAGA, AND ADD A LITTLE SAMOAN STYLE PALUSAMI.
I WAS THINKING WHAT SHOULD WE PREPARE THAT HE MAY NOT GET…
SO THE HANG OVER MEDICINE… LUAU STEW
MAHALO AGAIN TO THE CREW AND MR. ANTHONY BOURDAIN FOR COMING TO MY HALE AND ENJOYING THE HAWAIIAN STYLE… MUSIC, FOOD, FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND THE INU (DRINK)
COME BACK AGAIN AND WE COOK SOMETHING ELSE FOR YOU… ANYTIME
MAHALO FROM ME … TO ALL THE HAWAII PEOPLE TAKE CARE AND ALOHA FOR NOW…
CHOKE ALOHA…
BRADDAH KALEO PILANCA
102.7 DA BOMB MORNING RADIO SHOW ON-AIR HOST
OC 16 DA BRUDDAHS AND FRIENDS
July 20, 2008 at 5:53 pm
pomai
Howzit Kaleo,
To be honest, I never had BEEF luau stew before. Squid/Tako and chicken Luau, of course, but never BEEF. I’m curious how that tastes!
Da’ steamed Onaga with Lup Cheong looked ono though. In fact, I just did a post on steamed butterfish with Lup Cheong. Winnah.
If Bourdain came to my house, I would serve him my Big Island Style Smoked Meat with Poi (that will make him a true believer in Poi!), Andadogs and (the new) Primo Beer. I know he’d be happy with just that. He seems pretty much a meat and beer kinda’ guy. lol
August 1, 2008 at 6:21 pm
citysifting
Look! He had that same shirt on when we ran posed with him in Miami!
http://citysifting.com/2008/07/20/bourdain-is-in-town/
December 6, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Captain Clean Boat
Nice and usefull post, thanks, this is one for my bookmarks!
December 7, 2008 at 2:36 am
pomai
Ai ai Captain. Glad the post was useful. Perhaps for ideas of places you may wanna’ eat at on your trip here. Keep in mind, New Uptown Fountain in Kalihi has since closed their doors.