Most of  the best places are what some may call “holes-in-the-wall.”  Here are some good places to eat while you are visiting the beautiful islands in Hawaii.  It’ll be our little secret.

Mitsu-Ken

If you are interested in trying some amazing garlic chicken and fried rice, Mitsu- Ken is the place for you.  Located on 1223 N School St in Honolulu, it can be hard to miss.  Just make sure you look for the long line of people leading out to the street.  Mitsu Ken is very reasonable but is only open for breakfast and lunch.  So hurry down to Kalihi and don’t miss out on this one.

Liliha Bakery

Talk about those cream puffs! Hawaii’s favorite bakery just a little further from Mitsu-Ken is known for the best chantilly cream puffs on the island, and quite arguably the best cream puffs in the world!  Located on 515 N. Kuakini Street in Honolulu, Liliha Bakery is worth the visit–trust me.

Helena’s Hawaiian Food

Now if you are looking to try some great authentic Hawaiian food, Helena’s is the place to go.  Located on 1240 N School St in Honolulu, Helena’s is right across the street from Mitsu- Ken!  This place is truly amazing.

Again, I know a lot of these places look like legitimate dives but like I said, these are just some of Oahu’s best places to eat.  I promise it will be worth it!

]]> http://www.localtraveltip.com/hawaii-knows-best/feed/ 0 http://www.localtraveltip.com/low-cost-thailand/ http://www.localtraveltip.com/low-cost-thailand/#comments Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:15:10 +0000 Travel Troll http://www.localtraveltip.com/?p=566

Thailand is the land of smiles.  It is also the land of traveling on the cheap!  We’ll see just how low cost Thailand really is.

The airplane tickets are going to be your biggest expense to anywhere is Asia, between $700-$1200 per ticket.  But once you’re there, you’ll be surprised at how much you dinner will cost.

When eating on the street, you’ll find a meal for $.66.  My wife and I often ate 3 or 4 course meals for $25 total; this was a life I could get used to.

I was surprised at the cost of a Taxi in Bangkok.  It seemed to round out to about 1USD per mile.  If you’re willing to take the bus, you’ll be paying around $.10 per ride.

If you’re going, everyone will tell you to head to Kao San Road.  For the most part, this is true.  I would hop in the taxi and tell them to take you there.

There are plenty of guesthouses, and you’ll find one easily. BUT, and this is a big BUT, I would only book 2 or 3 nights, and go to find something elsewhere.

Kao San Road is expensive compared to other parts of the city.  Even the roads around Kao San will be cheaper.

Personally, I’m not into the party scene, so I didn’t mind being away from Kao San Road, and still found plenty of cultural restaurants, museums, and sites to see.

The trick is getting out there and really exploring.  I had a guide book with me at all times, and was able to find things worth seeing, no matter what part of the country I was in.

Thailand really is as low cost as they say, and is worth checking out!  I would definitely set aside a good 4 weeks to get all the exploring that you want.

So, you heard right, the low cost Thailand really is worth it.

Now, lets talk about INCREDIBLE restaurants.  In my book, an amazing trip consists of great food and an awesome environment (people, location, ambiance, etc).  Let me reiterate: great food + awesome environment = amazing trip.  If you feel the same way I do, then the Colombian restaurant for you is Andres Carne de Res.

With only two locations in the entire country (one in Bogota and one in Chia), ACR has won the hearts and appetites of millions of locals and tourists over the years.  Nicknamed by some as the Basilica of Beef, ACR offers a dining experience unlike any other.  It has been described best as, “one part traditional Colombian fare, 3 parts art gallery, and a pinch of nightclub all finished with a garnish of theatrical whimsy. The decor alone is worth the trip.”  The walls, beams, bathrooms, chairs, and lamps of this open-air barn have been decorated from top to bottom with everything from brightly painted bottle caps to mannequin limbs (yes, kind of weird…but awesome decoration!).  It is most definitely a sight to see!

Their menu includes traditional plates such as Sancocho (homemade stew with yucca), Ajiaco con Pollo, Arepa con Huevo, Lomo de Cerdo, and much more.  However, the food alone isn’t what makes ACR what it is today.  Amidst the comfort of the  hanging art and the eccentric decor, you’ll find that in the evenings ACR becomes one of the most popular “nightclubs” in town.  Salsa, merengue, and vallenato are played from dusk until dawn.

Whether you go just for the food or to spend a fun evening with your friends/family, your experience at ACR is sure to be a memorable one.

Carolina’s Mexican Food

What started off as a small family business selling tamales out of the back of a car has become one of the most well-known authentic Mexican restaurants in Arizona.  Try Carolina’s burros and tamales and pick up a few extra tortillas-they are to die for.  http://www.carolinasmexicanfood.com/index.html

Jordan’s Mexican Food

Jordan’s has been popular for decades in downtown Phoenix.  Passed on through generations through the Jordan family it has kept the same delicious and authentic menu.  Their chips and salsa are the best in the state!
6247 N 7th St
Phoenix, AZ 85014-1834
(602) 274-6836

Ajo Al’s Mexican Cafe

With four locations in the valley you are bound to run into an Ajo Al’s.  They have a large menu with a wide variety of delicious choices but don’t miss out on the Pollo con Queso.  As there most famous item, many people never try anything else! http://www.ajoals.com

Chino Bandido

If you are looking for something a little bit different try the Mexican-Chinese fusion of Chino Bandido.  You won’t find anything like this place.  While the ordering system is a little complex you won’t be disappointed with the delicious combination of Mexican and Chinese flavors.  Be sure to try their quesadillas.   http://www.chinobandido.com/

1. Steer clear of big tourist spots. There are always plenty of enticing gelaterias around big tourist areas, but they are usually overpriced and not the best quality.
2. Look for a place with a limited number of flavors. While the stores with dozens of flavors look exciting, they are often not the best quality or most authentic.
3. Explore. Often the best gelaterias are found while just exploring through the winding roads of Italy.

While doing my own exploring in Italy I tried dozens of kinds of gelato. Here is what I found: In Rome, the Old Bridge Gelateria just outside of Vatican City is the best in the city. Inexpensive and delicious! If you find yourself in Siena, avoid the Piazza del Campo and take a stroll down Via dei Rossi. You will stumble upon CopaCabana, not only the best gelato in Siena, but the least expensive as well! If you are a chocolate lover, try their Fondente(dark chocolate).

Enjoy your search to find the best gelato and be daring in your selection of different flavors!