Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Wednesday, December 11, 2024 77° Today's Paper


Crave

DHT Picks: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Swell Bar

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / 2017
                                Garlic chicken and chicken guisantes pair up at L&L’s Mixplate location.

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / 2017

Garlic chicken and chicken guisantes pair up at L&L’s Mixplate location.

L&L HAWAIIAN BARBECUE

Multiple locations. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. $

To say we count on L&L here at Diamond Head Theatre is a bit of an understatement. We order for our matinee meals (we feed the cast between shows on Saturdays); we feed our summer camp kids and crew (110 bentos!) and once or twice a season, we go to an L&L for a post-show cast party.

Why is it so popular with us? Lots of reasons, but uppermost, quality, quantity and great service. Plus, they deliver promptly and always at an affordable price!

Our daytime theater staff has been known to dash off to pick up a quick lunch or take-home dinner from the nearby Kahala location. And my husband looks forward to my working nights, so he can pick up his dinner at the Liliha location. Home cook that I am, I try not to take offense.

SWELL BAR

Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, 2490 Kalakaua Ave.; 922-1233. Lunch, dinner. $$

My husband and I needed a last-minute Labor Day staycation, and the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach fit the bill perfectly.

We had planned to walk around Waikiki, maybe go out on a catamaran, but we never left the Swell Bar. We just loved it too much.

Perfect service (they even have someone who cleans your sunglasses!), a great pool and deck, yummy pupu. The ahi nachos were chock-full of poke, the watermelon summer skewers an impeccable light bite and, of course, I had to have the requisite ice-cold, frosty coconutty Chi-Chi cocktail.

Even if you’re not checked into the hotel, I recommend hitting Swell, perhaps for a late afternoon-to-sunset treat. You won’t want to leave, either!


Deena Dray is Executive Director of Diamond Head Theatre.


By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.