The World Eats - Honolulu, Hawaii

Waikiki Beach with colorful surf boards, Honolulu, Hawaii

One of my pastimes when I travel, either alone, or with someone, is to be able to spend time sitting in a cafe or restaurant - eating.  Just that.  Eating.  And watch the world goes by.  No rush, not trying to get to somewhere.  Just sit and eat.  Enjoy!

There were times when I was so tired, especially after traveling for sometime in a country, going from one place to another.  One such places that took my breath away is USA.  It is such a big country, and to get from one city to the next, took us long hours of waiting for flights, transiting at different airports, getting on and off planes.

One year when I was in the USA, I was so ambitious, I tried to cover as many places as possible.  We got on a Korean Air, after a few hours transit in Seoul, we had a one-day stopover in Chicago.  Then, took a flight to Orlando via Atlanta.  After playing our hearts out in Disneyland and Universal Studio, we took a flight to Birmingham via Cincinnati.  After one week in Birmingham, we took a flight to Honolulu via Atlanta.

That time, I did not know the flight time from Atlanta to Honolulu was 11 hours.  It was almost like the flight time from KL - London.

With all the flight hopping and really enjoying ourselves everywhere we were, when we arrived in Honolulu, all I looked forward was a cozy and good restaurant to chill out.  We found several great eateries in Honolulu.  One that we will never forget is The Cheesecake Factory.  It is situated closest to Waikiki Beach.  Walk down the main street, you won't miss it.

In fact, The Cheesecake Factory is also located in Birmingham, Alabama.  But somehow, this one in Honolulu seem to entice me more.

True enough, the menu is dripping with creative Mexican, Latin America, Japanese fusion food.  The drinks are very refreshing and very summer.  While sipping the drinks, you will know you have arrived in Hawaii.

Tropical Smoothie, a refreshing drink in Hawaii

Spicy Ahi Tempura Roll USD11.95

Fresh Raw Ahi Tuna with Green Onion, Spicy Soy Sauce, Ginger and Garlic. Wrapped in Nori and Flash Fried Tempura Style.

The Cheesecake Factory tantalizing restaurant menu.

Peter and I having the best time in Honolulu, sat, ate, drank and watched the world went by.  The best part is that the tables are placed next to the main street.  So, there were hives of activities while we dined.

White Chicken Chili - the sauce has all the right spices, the taste is out of this world.

The White Chicken Chili is a generous bowl of chicken, White Beans, Roasted Green Chiles, Onions and Garlic, Spices and a Touch of Cream. Garnished with Steamed White Rice and Fresh Salsa.

The facade and its name sound more like a delicatessen than a restaurant.  But don't let it fool you.  The food and service are a class to be reckoned with.  This restaurant is packed.  You need to wait for a table if you did not make reservation.