[ MAUKA MAKAI ]
Old fans find Helena's Hawaiian Foods re-opened without formality at a new location on School Street two weeks ago, and it hasn't taken long for devoted fans to find the grinds.
new Helena’s
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Restaurant Report
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"We're so busy!" says Elaine Katsuyoshi, daughter of Helena's founder, Helen Chock, and mother of the new owner, Craig Katsuyoshi.
The official grand re-opening is Tuesday. Again, in Helena's tradition, it will be without formality. Katsuyoshi said there will probably be a special plate offered -- "We're thinking about it now."
Chock opened Helena's in 1946 on North King Street and operated there for 55 years. In 2000 the restaurant won a prestigious James Beard Award as a Regional Classic, a special designation for locally owned, neighborhood eateries that best reflect their communities.
The restaurant closed earlier this year when Chock lost the lease on her old building.
Although her grandson is now in charge, Chock is still in the kitchen, cooking up the same menu of Hawaiian favorites and her house specialties of pipikaula ribs and butterfish collars.
The new restaurant is at 1240 N. School St., not far from Mitsu-ken okazuya. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, same as before.
Katsuyoshi said Chock is also busy with catering, but once things settle down they'll consider Saturday hours. The restaurant will be closed for the July 4 holiday. Call 845-8044.
Michel's by night
Michel's on the Beach at the Colony Surf has added some ritzy choices for those prowling for food in the late-night hours.Extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays allow for dinner seatings as late as 11:30 p.m. in front of those giant windows with their sweeping view of the beach, the ocean and the moon (romantics take note).
Chef Hardy Kinsher is offering a new late-night menu of appetizers and desserts. Romantics, again, consider caviar, or maybe Cherries Jubilee prepared tableside. For the plain hungry: Mediterranean Shrimp Salad, Beef Wellington or Michel's Onion Soup. For the thirsty: wines by the glass and by the bottle, or perhaps a night-cap cognac.
Slack key guitarist Jeff Peterson and vocalist Willow Chang perform as midnight approaches as well.
Call 923-6552.
Let's hear it for beer!
Kona Brewing Co. celebrates American Beer Month in July:>> The company's latest brew, Aloha Alt, debuts at a tapping party at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow with free tastings.
>> Every Tuesday in July, a pint sells for $6 and comes in a take-home souvenir glass.
>> Free tours of the brewery will be held Thursdays at 6 p.m. Tasting of five brews follows.
>> A four-course Brewmaster Dinner, each course paired with a beer and some dishes made with beer, takes place at 6 p.m. July 31. Cost is $35.
Call (808) 334-BREW or visit http://www.konabrewingco.com.
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