E-word of mouth has become a vital form of marketing in the travel industry, especially in the F&B sector. Customers are giving more importance to these online consumer reviews over marketing efforts by restaurants and bars as they feel it presents a more honest guest's perspective, who have nothing to gain. But how legit are these reviews? We, as food-lovers and proud TIM students of UHM, will tackle these "best grinds" with our knowledge in service and hospitality, and of course our taste buds. Join us as we experience the good, bad, and bizarre, to see firsthand if these top-rated picks deserve the prestigious E-word of mouth ratings they were given.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Episode 2: Leonard's Bakery

Rating by Yelp.com:   4 ½ stars
Cuisine:  Desserts, Bake Goods
Price Range: Inexpensive $1 - $6
Operation Hours: Sun thru Thurs 5:30am - 9pm, Fri and Sat 6am – 10pm

Leonard’s Bakery was founded in 1952 by Leonard and his wife, Margaret.  Leonard got the idea of creating malasadas also known as donuts with the hole in the middle from his mother whom had suggested that he make it in celebration of Shrove Tuesday, a Portuguese Tradition.  Aside from the delicious and famous malasadas, you’ll be able to find an assortment of pastries, cookies, breads, wraps, pies and cakes, as well as doughnuts displayed to make your mouth water.  To accompany these treats, you'll find coffee, espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, teas, and hot chocolate.  It's no wonder that Leonard's is still one of the must try bakeries on the island!

Hey everyone, so it's Dara here giving you my input on my experience at Leonard's Bakery.  When I first walked in the shop I noticed how very small it was.  The overall bakery has a very old-fashion feel to it.  In the front of the shop there is parking for the customers which makes it convenient. They provide two benches at the entrance for customers to enjoy their purchase. However, I noticed that the staff was not so welcoming or friendly, but the service was very quick.  They offer a variety of baked goods, but they are best known for their tasty malasadas! You can choose from an assortment of flavors of malasadas, but my favorite is the original which is malasada dusted with sugar. In my opinion, they have the best malasadas on island. The malasadas are so tasty, soft, and moist, you can't stop with having just one!


Likes
            Provides Parking
            Fast Service
            Reasonable Price
Dislikes
            Not so Friendly Service
            In Need of Renovation or Clean up
            Limited Seating



Official Best Grindz Rating…...4 stars!!!

Posted by Best Grindz Hawaii Edition at 11:54 PM 0 comments

Monday, March 14, 2011

Episode 1 : Ono's Hawaiian Foods

Rating by Yelp.com:   4 stars  
Cuisine:  Hawaiian
Price Range: Moderate $11 - $30
Operation Hours: M­on thru Sat 11am - 8pm

When people think of Hawaii, the number one cuisine that most people would have to consider trying is Hawaiian food.  Which takes us to one of the most rated by yelpers as being the soul foods of the islands…Ono’s Hawaiian Foods.  Situated along Kapahulu Avenue, Ono’s Hawaiian Foods has been in business for over 50 years.  All of their family recipes have been handed down from generations to generations.  People from all over the world from high end celebrities to local residents of Honolulu have all dined in this family oriented hole-in-the-wall spot.
Hey Viewers, so this is Kim and I wanted to talk a little about my experience dining at Ono’s Hawaiian Foods.  The atmosphere when we first walked in was very homey and welcoming.  It had a family oriented feel to it, making me feel as if I was going to my auntie’s or uncle’s house.  The food…I’ve got to say was outstanding, I just love how the laulau just falls apart at the touch of my fork and steam just explodes out from it.  The flavors were just right for me, a hint of saltiness, sweet, and juicy filled with savory goodness! The Kalua pig melted in my mouth and the haupia had just the right amount of sweetness to it.  Overall, I really enjoyed my experience at Ono’s and intend to come back for sure.  The staff was friendly but lack interaction with us.  I felt that they could’ve check on our table to make sure we’re doing ok and refill our water at least.  As I scan the mini restaurant, I did not see any guest interaction at all.  Interaction was only done during taking orders and processing the check.  Main downfall for me during my overall experience was I did not get my water refills, which when I dine out is a must!

Likes
            Friendly Staff
            Welcoming atmosphere
            Quality of food was superb
Dislikes
            Lack guest interaction
            No water refills
            Big parking issue!

Official Best Grindz Rating……4 stars!
Posted by Best Grindz Hawaii Edition at 2:46 AM 0 comments
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