Hawaii: Shrimp Trucks?

If you're driving all the way up to North Shore, make sure you go to the right shrimp truck which is called Giovanni's.

Good Meal.

Name: Giovanni's.

Location: North Shore, Hawaii.

What are they known for: Shrimp.

Price: $13 a plate.

So I was expecting to go to Giovanni's one day, but instead my family drove ri

ght past it and we ended up at a crummy fake shrimp truck called Romy's, which was a waste of time and money. A week later my cousins and I snuck out to drive all the way back to North Shore to make sure we ate at the right shrimp truck, Giovanni's. Another place my cousin Tina recommended. The drive is almost about an hour and a half from Waikiki, but

again it's worth it. Once arrived, we just decided to order everything; shrimp scampi, lemon butter shrimp, hot and spicy shrimpy, and garlic hot dog. The wait was only like 15 minutes long ( compared to the hour at Romy's). Forgive me, but I forgot to take a before picture of the food and remembered when I was almost done so don't think that's all you get in the picture. My favorite would be the lemon butter and scampi runs in second place. The shrimp was super fresh (shrimp pond is right behind

the truck) and already sliced. This is the best shrimp truck there is in North Shore which is why it's the most crowded one. Make sure if you're planning on going to bring your own drinks (save some money), paper towels (things do get messy), and hand sanitizer. After the meal we enjoyed a large cup of shaved ice and half a pineapple with some li hing moy on top (sorry I forgot to take pictures of the desserts). So just to be sure, if you ever go to North Shore make sure you go to GIOVANNI'S shrimp truck, don't be fooled by the other imposters. Trust me it's worth the drive up there (and you get to see sea turtles on the way back!).

Hawaii: Macadamia Nut Pancakes?

I think the title explains it.

Good meal.

Name: Boots & Kimo's.

Location: Kailua, Hawaii.

What are they known for: MACADAMIA NUT PANCAKES.

Price: About $7.

This is another place my cousin Tina recommended. It is about 40 minutes from Waikiki, so it us a drive, but trust me it's worth it. Since it is more inland a lot of tourist

do not know about it, but it can still get crowded since the restaurant is small (but they're currently extending it). I already know what I wanted to get the original macadamia nut pancakes, but I also got a side of spam. I was simply amazed when I saw the pancakes. Three stacks covered with the macadamia syrup. It was almost like melted ice-cream on top and wasn't as sweet as it looked. The syrup was amazing and I wished there was one in Souther California. The pancakes were also delicious. For anyone who's going to Oahu anytime soon, this is a MUST, you'll thank me later on. I don't even know how to finish this post because I'm drooling at the thought of those pancakes.

Hawaii: Build Your Own Burger?

Want to have a burger your way?

Good meal.

Name: The Counter.

Location: Kahala, Hawaii & Irvine, California.

What are they known for: Burgers.

Price: Ranges from $9-13 a burger.

As they seat you to your table, instead of a menu the waiter gives you clip board with a check list. You can pick some of their favorites or you can be adventurous and build your own. First thing is the meat, do you want 1/3, 2/3, or 1 lb. burger? The 1/3 are $9, 2/3 are $11, and 1 lb. is $13. Next is the bun, wheat, white, or no bun (you can even order a burger bowl which is everything in a bowl without the bun). Then you pick your cheese, 4 toppings, and sauce. They had so many choices it took me awhile to finally decide on something. My burger was 2/3, wheat bun, jalapeno jack cheese, mushrooms, onions, lettuce, jalapenos, and then a southwest caesar dressing. The burger was huge. It was difficult to take a bite but eventually I managed. The possibilities are endless for you and the meat was delicious. This is definitely one of the best burgers I have ever had and I recommend that you find a Counter nearest you to experience this great meal.

Hawaii: Luau food?

I've been to many luaus before and the food is just not that great, but my friend Lauren recommended this authentic Hawaiian restaurant in Honolulu.

Good meal.

Name: Ono Hawaiian.

Location: Honolulu, Hawaii.

What are they known for: Authentic Hawaiian food.

Price: About $10-12 per person.

This restaurant is literally a hole in the wall and parking was hard to find since it's on the street, but it's only a 5 minute drive from Waikiki. Luckily for me there was no wait, but usually there is since it can fit about 20 or so people. Since I had no idea what to order, Lauren told me to get the Kalua pork at a cost of $12. With that meal it came with

sides such as pipikaula (beef jerky), lomi salmon (salmon ceviche), haupia (almond jello), raw onions, and a choice of rice or poi. I never had poi before so I chose the rice, but the waiter brought out a small dish of poi for me to try. My mother said it tasted like cement, but to me it didn't really have a flavor. They brought out each dish and it kind of reminded me of Korean BBQ with all of the sides they had to offer. The waiter also showed us

how to eat the food, she said that they dip almost everything in the poi, since poi is there main source of carbs. The food was really good, a lot better than the food they serve at luaus. In the end I was able to have a real authentic Hawaiian meal without having to sit on sand outside. Also, not only did Lauren recommend this place but also Anthony Bourdain from the Discovery Channel.