Aloha, everyone!  It’s been a busy week so far … lots of stuff happening at ‘IOLANI on KONA ST. and the boys are getting ready to leave town next week.  Monday night I attended a Shochu Kai gathering at the South King Lounge where each person brings a bottle of their favorite shochu for the group to taste and judge.  There are several of these events every year (organized by my good friend Leon Yoshida) and the members represent a nice cross-section of the local business and political community.  The food at the South King Lounge was fantastic … chef Tomonori Tanaka’s miso cheese chicken, mabo tofu and linguine carbonara were my favorites!

Tuesday pau hana was spent with my friend, Cal, at Shirokiya’s Yataimura food court … our regular watering hole.  As I told you guys in my previous blog, this place is the best deal in town for food & beer and the crowds get bigger every week.  I was still a little hungry afterward, so on my way home I stopped off at Burger King and ordered a BK Big Fish sandwich.  I hadn’t eaten one in quite a while and boy, did it taste good!  I know .. a lot of you are thinking “gross!” but it really was good, especially after drinking a ton of beer!  hahaha!

Last night, Alex did a solo performance at the Hyatt SWIM (MDNA took the night off) in preparation for his solo debut in Yokohama on Sept. 13th.  His new EP (mini CD) also arrived the day before and he’ll be bringing a bunch of them with him on his trip.  I could only stay for one set since I was invited by my friend Leon to attend a farewell dinner for one of his company managers over at the BLT Steakhouse in the Trump Waikiki.  That was my first experience there and I have to say, I was impressed!  My Big Island ribeye was cooked to perfection and all the side dishes (including my favorite popovers!) were great.  It was also nice to be able to get to know Leon’s management team … a very bright and energetic group!  I want to send a big MAHALO! to Leon for his great hospitality, and a fond aloha to Ayano-san, who will be leaving the company to attend school here.

And finally … it’s Thursday golf day!  Yikes!!

Aloha, “D”