GREAT EATS HAWAII: THE NOOK NEIGHBORHOOD BISTRO

Sunday, November 20, 2016

THE NOOK NEIGHBORHOOD BISTRO

1035 UNIVERSITY AVENUE, #105

HONOLULU, HI 96826

808-942-2222

HOURS: Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Wednesday and Thursday 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM / 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Friday and Saturday 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM / 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM

www.thenookhonolulu.com

www.yelp.com/biz/the-nook-neighborhood-bistro-honolulu

www.facebook.com/thenookhonolulu/

The Nook Neighborhood Bistro is tucked away within Puck's Alley on University Avenue and it really does have a small neighborhood feel. With a small indoor seating area and outside tables for two you may need to wait a bit or make a reservation here. We checked in on a Sunday and were put on the IPad waiting list where they take your phone number and text you when your table is ready. The text system confirms your reservation, notifies you when your table is ready and allows you to confirm or cancel your reservation. We waited about 15 minutes before we received our text. We were seated inside where there are tables that can accommodate parties of two to around six people. The outdoor tables are mostly limited to parties of two. Since we are not big breakfast people we were kind of bummed that at 1:00 pm most of the menu was breakfast items. Breakfast places are a huge hit in Hawaii now and really popular with the Japanese who will line up for hours for a good Pancake or Waffle. I started with a home made soda ($4) which was a blend of Ginger, Mint and Lemon. The drink was a bit tart and very delicious and refreshing. Really enjoyed this.

I went for the BLT ($14) with Fried Pork Belly. Served with a small side of Spinach Salad. Liked the sandwich but it did not have a "wow" factor that would make me order it again. Good though as was the Spinach. The Mochiko Chicken and Mochi Waffles ($13.50) got mixed reviews from my Daughter. She liked the Chicken but said the Waffles were chewy. This is because they use Mochi flower to make them. Mochi is a Japanese glutinous rice that is a bit thick and chewy. The Citrus Shrimp Salad ($14) was "Delicious, Light and Refreshing" according to my Wife. The Shrimp were perfectly cooked and sweet. She loved the Salad and said she would go back again to eat it again. We all liked the food, presentations and service here. The gals working the place smile and pay attention to serving you. Really liked the service and will return to try the dinner menu. This is a little neighborhood gem.