Fun Day Monday: Serious Grindage
November 16th, 2009 by World Wide EdOK, so for those of you who don't know, today marks the start of Restaurant Week Hawaii, where restaurants from around Oahu create menus at special rates and donate a portion of their proceeds to benefit the development of The Culinary Institute of the Pacific. It's from today (11/16) through Sunday (11/22) and for a good cause so get out dea and support our local businesses k?
On another note, some of you may've heard that the lady friend and I will be celebrating our one year wedding anniversary soon. (and noooo! that's not what I meant by "Serious Grindage" you pervs! :P ) I will be taking her to _______ (shh! even SHE doesn't know yet! 
), but could use some additional suggestions and tips on where to take her and what to get her. Sorry, I'm a guy.
So using the above two news items as today's theme, send me some suggestions for your restaurant (and your favorite dishes from that restaurant) of choice for this special 1 year anniversary occasion (click here for the list of participating restaurants for Restaurant Week Hawaii). Bonus points for those who gimme good, non-food related, gift ideas. 
Have a great week y'all! 
Tags: 12th Ave Grill, 3660 on the Rise, Aloha Salads, ASSAGGIO RESTAURANTS, Azure Restaurant @ The Royal Hawaiian, BIG CITY DINER RESTAURANTS, BluWater Grill, Chai's Island Bistro, Chibo, d.k Steak House, Diamond Head Market and Grill, Doraku Sushi, EAT Catering & Cafe, EZOGIKU, Farrell's Hawaii, Formaggio Grill, Fun Day Monday: Serious Grindage, Good To Grill, Gyotaku Japanese Restaurants, hank's haute dogs, hawaii restaurants, Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas, house, House Without a Key at Halekulani, Hula Grill Waikiki, Hy's Steak, J.J. Dolan's, Jimmy Buffett's at the Beachcomber, JJ French Pastry & Bistro, Ka 'Ikena Restaurant, Kai Market @ The Sheraton Waikiki, Kapi'olani Community College, Kenny's Hawaiian Barbecue, Kua Aina Sandwich, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue / L&L Drive-Inn, Le Bistro, Le Guignol, Leeward Community College, LLC, Marians Catering, Mariposa at Neiman Marcus, Maui Tacos, Nobu Waikiki, oahu restaurants, OLA at Turtle Bay Resort, Ono Cheese Steak, Orchids at Halekulani, Paina Cafe, PF Changs, Pikake Terrace @ The Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, Plumeria Beach House/The Kahala Resort & Hotel, Popeyes Hawaii, Prince Court Restaurant - Hawaii Prince Hotel Waik, Restaurant Suntory, restaurant week hawaii, restaurants in hawaii, restuarants in hawaii, ROMANO'S MACARONI GRILL, Roy's, RUTH'S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE HAWAII, Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Señor Frog's Honolulu, Sizzler Restaurants/ GoKo Restaurants Enterprises, Stage Restaurant, The Alley Restaurant @ Aiea Bowl, The Beachhouse @ The Moana Surfrider by Westin, The Culinary Institute of the Pacific, The Pearl, The Pineapple Room, Tiki's Grill & Bar, town, Twist at Hanohano @ The Sheraton Waikiki, Vino Italian Tapas and Wine Bar, waikiki, Wailana Coffee House, Wolfgang's Steakhouse, Yanagi Sushi
November 16th, 2009 at 12:58 am
Happy 1st Anniversary Ed & Wifey!!!
... hey Ed!!! ... congrats again of your 1st Wedding Anniversary ... hope life is very good for the two of you!!! ...
... geez ... remember now, most of your readers here are guys, like me ... I think ... so I hope you're not expecting mind-blowing ideas ... at least not from me ... because frankly, I'm clueless ... and I would need help, just like you ...
... because just like you said ... we're GUYS!!! 
... the traditional 1st Anniversary gift is PAPER, right??? ... how about the green paper, called money ... nah, I guess that's not romantic or thoughtful ... I give up ... I say jewelry ... either something gold or maybe with some precious stones ... that's always nice ... oh yeah, what's the budget??? ... is the sky the limit???
... sorry Ed, I flunk the Fun Day Monday test ... I think you gotta ask the married guys ... or better yet, the women ...
... anyway, I'm sure the wifey will love just being with you ... and whatever gift you get her ... unless you're going to ZIppy's and you give her some pots and pans or dishes ...
... Have a Good One Everyone!!! ...
November 16th, 2009 at 6:32 am
morning all...da wife and I celebrated our 36th anniversary earlier this month at Ruth Chris's Steak House. We went there for our anniversary a couple years ago and enjoyed it so much we decided to go back and was even better. I made reservation and person asked if was for a special occasion and I told her anniversary. At the restaurant the host led us to a table decorated with flower petals and congratulated us on our anniversary. We were given complimentary champagne, chocolate strawberries and a $25 gift certificate. The manager came by to congratulate us and all in all the service was very good. Maybe a little intrusive but they were nice and not over bearing. I think the section we were in was for special occasion as the young couple next to us were celebrating a birthday. If you like steaks, order the rib eye...was good. Last year we went to dk's and had their famed dry rubbed aged rib eye but was somewhat disappointed in the taste. The only problem I had at Ruth Chris's was eating too much and got a little uncomfortable. I been to some of the participating fine dining restaurant for Restaurant Week and you can't go wrong with Roy's or 3660 but on that list is JJ French Pastery & Bistro, a small quaint restaurant in Kaimuki. I had read some pretty reviews, took a chance and went there with family for wife's birthday. Food I would describe as French pacific fusion, nicely prepared and delicate and desserts to die for. I liked the casual friendly atmosphere, it's husband chef with wife and kids waiting.
November 16th, 2009 at 6:48 am
Ed, I'll throw in my 2 cents though I should be the last one giving ideas on this. Is there some restaurant that she wanted to try that you haven't been to already? What about the place you ate at on your first date provided it's not Zippy's?
Congratulations and let us know how it goes.
November 16th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Good morning Ed!
I love to eat good food our anniversary is this month too. Maybe we will just celebrate a little earlier for Restaurant Week.
November 16th, 2009 at 7:57 am
Congrats again Ed! And, to hemajang and M too.
I, personally, love Sansei, but my opinion is biased because I love sushi.
As for a gift, what about a gift certificate for a spa day (massage, facial, manicure/pedicure, etc)? Or, since rayboyjr mentioned that paper is the theme, maybe a photo album with pictures from the last year? Just my 2 cents ...
November 16th, 2009 at 7:59 am
LOLOL! What's wrong with Zips? Hehe! Ho, if I give her pots and pans, she may be whacking widum aftah!
True dat hemmz (and congrats!
). JJ's is good too. If you're a big eater though, the portions may be somewhat small. Their Pyramid cake is supah popular.
Woah, that's a good one. Problem is I don't remember. It may've actually been Zippy's! Hehe, nah!
Eh, we share the same anniversary month. Congrats emmz (and Masako-chan)!
Ho, those are all awesome ideas Hobbz! I like the picture one, but no mo enough time! LOL! I should've blogged about this weeks ago.
November 16th, 2009 at 8:32 am
I took my special lady on a day trip to Kauai. We rented a car and went on a horseback-riding tour, which included a picnic lunch and a swim in a private pond and waterfall. Then, we drove around the island and relaxed at popular tourist sites/beaches. We also got to eat at Hamura's and try the saimin. The trip was really fun, not that expensive, and something we'll never forget.
But now I'm seven years in and don't have to do that stuff anymore... I keed, I keed. Our 7th anniversary is actually tomorrow, so I've got to think of something too... I hope these posts/ideas keep flowing.
November 16th, 2009 at 8:48 am
after looking at the list of restaurants...We goin' Sizzler (nah, joking). I like the menu at 3660.
how about a spa day for her at the Kahala followed by dinner at the Plumeria? nice menu there, too.
November 16th, 2009 at 8:55 am
3660 on the Rise is one of my all time favorite restaurants ... I usually get the prime rib, but their fish is always ono. Their service is good too.
Assagios rocks .... and Diamond Head Grill and Kua Aina are good lunch time to go faves for a picnic.
November 16th, 2009 at 8:56 am
@soogs - you killin' me ... it's down to the wire!
November 16th, 2009 at 8:57 am
@Hobbz - you and your boyz are beasts this week.
November 16th, 2009 at 9:15 am
Just went to Wolfgang's Steakhouse to celebrate our anniversary. The wait staff was great and the food was good as well (if you like steak). For starters we had the canadian bacon, it was crispy but not burnt and super rich in flavor. I had the bone-in ribeye and she had the filet. It's hard to say which is better Wolfgang's or d.k, but I would choose Wolfgang's overall because of the workers. As for the meat, very close between those 2 restaurants. For dessert we had the apple strudel with schlag. When our waiter told us the desserts they had (while someone else was bringing us the menus), we didn't even have to look at the menu because he made this sound delicious. He was right!!!
I will be going to The Beachhouse during the restaurant week, so we'll see how that goes. I'm sure any of these participating restaurants will be great to celebrate your anniversary. By the way...Congrats!!!
As for gifts...something to do with paper since that is the 1 year anniversary mark. Hmm...:
Are you good at art, you could draw something?
Or if you are good with linguistics you can write a poem or a love letter.
If she has a favorite book/author you could find a first edition or something?
Put together an album or collage with pictures from your first year of marriage together
Just some ideas...
November 16th, 2009 at 9:25 am
I'm hungreeeee.....again.
Since John Dominis is going out soon, I'd go there for one last blast at sunset.
But, any place high end is always good. LOL!
November 16th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
@kuya - yeah, luckily I had a good week out of Reg Bush since I got zero and 1 pt from Burleson and my defense. It's hard to cheer when your team is in conflict with each other - I have Rivers and also the Philly D. You and soogs have a close game going!
Looks like I play you next and Ronnie Brown will probably be out for me. *sniff*
November 16th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Tomorrow and you haven't thought of anything yet BIL? Woah, I don't feel so bad now. Hehe, nah congrats!
Not sure if she's a big fan of spas, but the dinner part sounds interesting... Mahalos for the tip matty!
Another good tip dewz! Ho, I gotta start saving mo' moola though! LOL!
Word!
Wow, I nevah knew about that paper thing. Thanks beej, Hobbz and t-roy! And thanks for these awesome tips t-rizzoy! And congrats to you too! Sounds like a lot of us have Nov as our mutual anniversary date. Maybe next year, we should throw on partay!
Woah, nevah heard dat either. Must be out of it. Let us know how that goes leerz!
In my other league, I have Brown and Turner. I also have Portis, so I might not even be able to start an RB! D'oh! Congrat on wiping the floor with me this week Hobbz!
November 16th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
congrats on 1 year!
i think anything you give her she'll be happy!
you should give ideas on what to give guys for 1 year anniversaries... i think guys are harder to buy for compared to girls!!!
November 16th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
April 2010...supposedly
November 16th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
congrats ed and your better half on surviving the one year! neva told you this before cuz the ko-in-ka-dinks were getting a little creepy but guess where i got married? yup, the niihau room at sheraton! only me and the wifey got married on the veranda as it was a sunny day. reception was in the kauai ballroom which was kinda neat as my wife is from kauai.
been out of the loop on eating places as iz hard wit da little kiddies. however, i really want to get back to hy's one day. we used to go to izakaya's alot too and i would't mind getting to imana's tei, nonbei, and of course tokkuri tei again. ninnikuya was cool too, if you like garlic.
November 16th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
@kuya - no worry bout today. take a look at my history and you'll feel better. i always lose leads on mnf!
November 16th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
Ed, on Friday we went to the UH game. Normally we car pool because we only have 1 parking pass. If 4 of us go I like to drive because I don't drink too much and I can drop everyone else off at their cars if they want to go out after. If 6 or 7 of us go we go in my friends SUV. If I don't drive I run the risk of getting kidnapped after the game because I need to go out with them to whatever place they decide to go to. This Friday it was a Japanese restaurant in Puck's Alley called Hanamaru. The food was good but I'm not a good critic of sushi because I don't like raw things. The tempura udon was good and the seafood nabe looked good. The prices were reasonable for sushi.
My friends favorite dish was the Friday bartendress. Sorry this may not the best place to take your wife.
Or go try Zenshu on Kapahulu.
November 16th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
1 year anniversary already?! Seems like just yesterday you were making post after post about wedding issues, LOL! Anyway, congrats Ed-Sama and "lady friend" (there has to be a cuter tag for her).
I like the scrapbook thing, but you should give one that's relatively empty so that she can fill it in. Maybe if you get a big enough book you can make spaces and labels for "Wedding", "First Anniversary", "First Home", "First Baby"(!), etc.
I think your first anniversary should be special, so something stellar might be in order. 3660, Ruth's Chris, Alan Wong's are all the usuals...If you want a view you can go to Top of Waikiki too.
Or, if you want to make it a weekend, get an awesome hotel room and uh...make use of it
. You can reach all the places in Waikiki that way too, or if you go countryside, then you get nice beach action and hiking all that. Make a romantic picnic, if she's into that kind of thing. I'm not one for romance, but I know some of the other ladies would love that.
November 16th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
hope you figure out something special for your wife of one year! hubby and i were going to le bistro to celebrate our anniversary last week (remember, i can send you reminders! ha ha!) but will have to reschedule. we've been to hy's, ruth's chris and dk's... but i think ruth's chris is still my favorite (though, the bananas foster at hy's is awesome!)! we also like ninnikyuka... great if you like garlic and it's small and cozy (only thing is, you end up smelling a little garlicky afterwards, too!).
hubby went traditional this year with wood (a small koa jewelry box) and "silverware" (silver earrings!), which left me impressed with the thought he actually put into it! to me, it's not the value of the gift, it's the thought behind it. get something that your wife likes... maybe you know she likes or wants something but hasn't gotten it for herself? or is your wife more traditional... maybe flowers/roses? main thing is that you make her feel special and appreciated.
November 16th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
I like t-roy's idea of a collage or something along those lines. Frame it and attach a card .... sweet!
November 16th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Another killer place to dine is the Hanohano room at the Sheraton Waikiki ... is it still there?
Been there a couple times when Rocky Brown was performing ... she's the best local wahine singer.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
@Ed - Brown, Turner, and Portis? Yikes
November 16th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
@soogs - thanx for letting me slide!
November 16th, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Hey Ed, and da Mrs., Congratulations on the 1st year anniversary! YAY! hee hee..
Wow, I'm missing out on restaurant week... awwwww! Oh well... I'm sure all those participating restaurants will be doing well this week!!
November 17th, 2009 at 7:14 am
Hahaha! That could actually be true McCat. Most guys (or at least me), buy things themselves when they need/want it. And, I'm guessing gifts for girls are good as long as there was some thought involved. That's where we men fail when buying presents. LOL!
Wow, we bettah get on it!
And... it keeps getting creepier! LOL! We had our reception in the Kauai Ballroom too! WTH!? I swear you're my older clone!
Yup yups cheche! We like to go there. Moms and pops like it too and they're from the muthaland, so it must be good.
Fave dish was bartendress eh? Maybe I'll tell my single friends to go. Haha!
"post after post"! LOLOLOL! I know, I know. Sorry ah, Syxxy! I promise, no more wedding-related posts. Now we're just gonna have to do post after post of anniversary posts.
And what's wrong with "lady friend"? 
Where is this list or traditions Informer? I gotta get edumacated. Have no clue what reps what year. Haha! And you too? Wow, we gotta start one list of Nov anniversaries!
* hemajang
* M
* E's Brother-In-Law
* t-roy
* snow
Congrats guys! Who else like be added?
Are you good with cards/paper/crafts dewz? Help a brutha out!
Yup, but I think they call it Twist at Hanohano or something l'dat now. And yeah, Rocky Brown is good.
Haha, I know. That's ok though, all of my teams suck. When you're counting on Larry Johnson to make a breakthrough like I am, something's seriously wrong with your team. Haha!
Hehe, thanks H2L! How's errything going up dea?
November 17th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Ed-
If you guys like steak, go Mortons... they personalize a menu for you (says "congratuations on your anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Ed" the service is excellent, and the food is great! why don't you ask your sister where she would go... I'm sure she'd give you some good ideas... Have a good one Ed!
NEO
November 17th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Mahaloz for the tips NEO! I like Morton's, but am not much of a (fine dining) steak fan. More of a cheapy grill-type lovah. Haha! Have a good one too bu!
November 17th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Hey Ed, its cold! Brrr.. hehe..
November 17th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
ed, check on the list on wikipedia! modern first anniversary gift is "clocks." you could really run with that... "because i love every minute i spend with you." i'm sure you could think of something better! hee hee...
again, happy anniversary to you and the mrs.!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wedding_anniversary
November 17th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
have you been to stage yet? i recently went there and enjoyed it! hugest chocolate souffle i've ever seen!
(oh yeah, the entrees were good, too!)