Zippy’s wun ton min, a mainstay on the daily menu, remains a valid lunch choice.
It’s been so long since I’ve ordered it — last time, perhaps three years ago— but I was at the Makiki Zippy’s the other day and opportunity knocked.
At $11.15, the small wun ton order is still affordable with no frills.
The presentation remains the same: Saimin noodles and wun ton dumplings — four or five pieces — swimming in the broth. There were two slivers of pink and white fish cake, the size of quarters, plus a couple of pieces of egg. The stem of spinach in the soup was a great addition.
However, on this day, the char siu pork was a wash-out. There seemed to be) single piece dissected into four teeny shreds, and I guess the days of scoring three of four actual wedges of char siu are long gone. Guess char siu prices are high and not generously served.
For proof, Zippy’s online wun ton photo, date unknown, displays actual char siu pieces; my photo shows the char siu flaw.
Good to know that the serving of wun ton min has 460 calories, but not sure if the total is higher with the side of mustard and shoyu added. Further, there seems to be no formal right or wrong, when it comes to spelling wun ton min. Take your pick: won ton min, wun tun mein, wonton min.
Signage of the times
You’ve seen the makeshift sign at one of the busiest corridors in Waikiki, where Kalakaua Avenue merges with Kapiolani Boulevard. You know the forthcoming drill.
It’s already a hot traffic spot, even without a current tenant at the site, so imagine the anticipation of the snarling traffic when Chick-fil-A roosts at the prime triangular corner where a low-profile coffee house was the last occupant. Earlier, Hard Rock Café settled into that fabled turf but pioneering tenants like Kau Kau Korner (which boasted a Crossroads of the Pacific landmark sign) and Coco’s Coffee House prevailed back in the day, with no strain in traffic. Must be there were fewer drivers and cars then, but these were establishments that locals flocked to, particularly after movies and Waikiki nightclub shows, for late night snacks.
But now, there’s a clear worrisome issue. Whoever approved this Chick-fil-A location didn’t learn about the chaos of the chicken fast food eatery opening on Beretania Street, where Burger King was located, across the street of McDonald’s.
In Waikiki, there’s no clear resolution to the anticipated mess; one way in, one way out? No left turns into or out from the property. Is there a plan, or is someone even interested in the potential headache?
Is the chicken worth the pilikia? Just asking.
Sorabol is history
Fans of Korean food should already know that Sorabol, a mecca for kal bi and grill chicken for four decades on Rycroft Street off Keeaumoku Street, had been at its “new” site, Pagoda Hotel/Restaurant, for a short spell. Haven’t heard if Sorabol has landed a new location, so it’s the end of the road for the family-run, 24/7 Korean restaurant.
Pagoda is part of the Highgate hotel chain and clearly will undergo a makeover. Highgate already operates the Alohilani resort (the former Pacific Beach Hotel) and will soon open the new Romer House Waikiki (the ex-Ambassador Hotel). In July, the Kaimana Beach Hotel will join the Highgate brand.
It’s quite certain that new dining spots will evolve at all new sites
