Kailua | Oahu

We flew into Honolulu from Lihue (Farewell, Kauai) and headed to the Leeward side of the Island (east!) to a town called Kailua. Our Airbnb just a few minutes walk to Kalama Beach was incredibly underwhelming. It was teeny tiny, musty, and not what we expected based on the photos and reviews. Our hosts were the kindest most welcoming folks who greeted us with champagne and presents and thought nothing of it (like it was the best honeymoon spot and they catered to honeymooners all the time..) There were issues I won't get into with the space, but after one night sleep we knew we had to bail. 

We still enjoyed our one night and one morning in Kailua. If you wanted to check out this part of the Island, and it certainly is worth it, I'd recommend a day trip or perhaps just staying one night in passing. 

Kalama Beach is gorgeous. We took a sunset beach walk upon arrival and an early morning run the next day. I definitely felt immersed with the locals here, everyone was walking their dogs on the beach. There were good neighborhood vibes for sure! 

We had dinner at Tokaname a crowded sushi bar + restaurant where we were the only non-Hawaiians. In Kailua we truly did find a neighborhood off the beaten path, and the crowd certainly reflective of a good Japanese restaurant.

The Chashu Pork Ramen was terrific. The sake sampler hit the spot. The Yellowtail (Hamachi) Nigiri and Yellowfin Tuna Nigiri sushi were super fresh. The green tea tempura ice cream sealed the deal. 

The next morning we awkwardly bid adieu to our hosts. In search of brunch we discovered a cool couple blocks in Kailua housing trendy cafes and surf boutiques. We ate at Kono's known for their 12 hour slow roasted pig. My shredded pork buns and Bob's pork and egg biscuits were excellent. 

Our original thoughts in planning the Kailua leg of the honeymoon were to get off the beaten path - to go somewhere less touristy, perhaps somewhere up and coming? Plus, many frequent travelers warned against Waikiki and its crowds. In retrospect this seems odd to us. We love beach cities. Our dowdy Kailua accommodations inspired a change of pace and we were off to Waikiki, booking the Alohilani Resort on Hotel Tonight as we drove back into the city. 

Travel surprises you. That's what's to love!

Basho | Japanese Brasserie

Basho is the Japanese term for a place where things happen and indeed things are happening, all of them good, at this sleek ultra modern establishment that embodies its label as a brassiere (minus the French part of course). The vibe is relaxed while the setting leans towards upscale, the service is informal and friendly while remaining exceptionally efficient. My sister and I have fairly regular sushi nights and Basho was just delightful!

It was sufficiently busy on a Tuesday evening but not busy enough where we had to wait for a table sans reservation. We were greeted immediately and swiftly ushered into the large dining room where uniform rows of polished black tables are separated by potted bamboo. A sushi bar running the length of the dining room commands attention backed by ultra thin light fixtures illuminating the white wall. The dining room is separated from the entrance and bar area by geometrical shaped muted lime green booths. Leah and I immediately took note of the sake samplers being enjoyed at the table to our left; sparkling like they were sent down from the heavens above - each mini glass with its own personal garnish. Serious drink envy set in. We were bummed when our waiter informed us it was part of a special Ru La La dinner deal and alas, no sake sampling for us. I made a shameless plug for the sampler via my $40 Groupon (no dice) before we settled on carafes of warm sake. A classic Junmai Sho Chiku Bai ($8) satiated our sake appetites. Speaking of classics, we started with an order of Edamame ($4.75) precisely flavored with sea salt and lime before diving into an order of the Fried Oyster Special ($7.95). A plump oyster gets a hearty coating of panko bread crumbs and is fried until golden brown. The contrast of the warm slippery bivalve to the crispy panko exterior proves a perfect pop-able bite. 

My expectations were fairly high in the sushi department and Basho offered some impressively unique maki that rose to the occasion.

Whoever is to be credited with the invention of the Celtic Maki Burrito ($16.95) I'd like to personally thank. Named for its green wrapper this piece-de-resistance consists of a whole spicy tuna roll wrapped in soy paper and deep fried in a light tempura batter. An array of sauces including barbecued unagi, basil oil and jalapeño aioli accompany this bliss inducing bite. Make that five bites. It is a (mini) burrito after all. I would go back solely on its behalf. Other phenoms include the gorgeous looking Amaebi Mango Roll ($13.95) with grilled pineapple and juicy mango chunks. This creative maki embraced summery, tropical fruits, which paired beautifully with the cucumber and shrimp. The mango sauce was perhaps a little too sweet - either that or it should have been drizzled on top with a bit more restraint. We are usually picky about the construction of the rolls themselves, this one would have benefited from a more precise roll as certain maki towards the center were falling apart in our chopsticks before making it in to the essential soy sauce dip. Fortunately the Scallop Kiwi Roll ($13.95) stayed in place start to finish. I love that Basho incorporates various fresh fruit in their maki. In this creation thinly sliced scallop, juicy kiwi and black tobiko top a well made roll of minced seafood, a seaweed salad and tempura crumbs. We decided not to stop at green burritos and fruit laced maki. For dessert we ordered the Green Tea Tempura Ice Cream ($5). What is better than an ice cream sundae? A deep fried ice cream sundae washed down with a glass of Choya Umeshu Plum ($7) dessert wine. Immense satisfaction is setting in. A welcome addition to the Fenway neighborhood, Basho opened in April 2010 by the same owner as beloved Douzo in the Back Bay. With robust menu options and maki rolls worthy of praise, I would happily return to sample more of the menu and to order the Celtic Maki Burrito again - definitely that.

Where should we go for sushi next?

Basho

1338 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02215