I get a lot of e-mails asking me where I think the best place to go for Mexican is. This is a hard question because as most of you know, there’s not a lot of Mexicans here. There’s a lot of people that look Mexican here, but those are called locals and they speak Pigeon, not Spanish. Anyhow, I want to say I’m always up to try a new place, but when it comes to Mexican food I really have to be in the mood mentally and emotionally detach myself from being too judgemental only because I’m so tired of being let down.

Mi Casa Taqueria has a bit of room inside and uses big open windows to let in natural lighting and it’s not bad for picture taking.

There’s a thin line between fun vibrant colors and juvenile primary colors here but either way it’s fresh and playful. Basically they hand you menus when you walk in or direct you to get them yourself and when your ready to order you hike your happy ass up to the counter, order, pay and wait.

While we waited I noticed some other tables munching on chips and salsa. Humm, that’s funny I didn’t get any chips and salsa. So I went back up to the counter and asked if we get chips and salsa or if we had to pay for it. Unfortunately we have to pay and it cost $2.95. Well that sucks considering our meal wasn’t exactly the cheapest plate but fuck it I hate watching other people eat so I paid. As I stood at the counter to wait for my chips I notice the lady pouring what was left in a bag, like a bag of chips from the grocery store, which explains why they look just like Doritos.

The salsa was the smokey puree kind; I prefer chunky.

So after eating the first layer of chips I see nothing but a bunch of broken chips. If I didn’t have to pay I wouldn’t be so disgruntle about it but I did pay. Why did that bitch give me a basket of broken chips, it’s not like she didn’t know, I saw her in the corner pouring it. Don’t people care about what they put out for their consumers? I mean even if these aren’t their signature chips, it’s still served in their restaurant, therefore it still bares their name.

So Ray decided as one of his new year’s resolutions he’s gonna stop eating cow meat. Since we wre here on he eve of the new year we figure that there’s no better time than now to order steak. We ordered the Carne Asada Plate, $13.95. It was fresh grilled skirt steak with their own dry rub, flame grilled and served with rice, fresh pinto beans, black bean salad, guacamole, and fresh handmade corn tortillas. The rice and beans were really good. Ray’s really picky about his rice and beans and he was even keen on them. I liked the guacamole and the black bean salad was incredible. As for the steak, although the flavor was there it seemed a little chewy and I’m guessing it’s because it was overdone. But overall I have to say we both enjoyed our plate. It came with 3 handmade tortillas wrapped in foil. I really took a liking to them but refrain from asking for more because I feared they would charge me for it. I think I saw on the menu that there would be a $1.00 charge for 3 more tortillas. I know they’re handmade, but fuck that. I already got charged for some shitty ass chips and salsa I don’t want to pay more.

There wasn’t much, but I really enjoyed the black bean salsa. It was light and tangy cool with bits of corn

While we waited at our table next to the kitchen we notice this sign. Don’t fuck with their cooks!

Black and white pictures hung above us of destitute Mexicans. I know they’re meant to evoke some kind of feeling of nostalgia but I thought they were a little depressing. I don’t need sad people staring at me while I eat.

Depressing . . . makes me want to slice my wrist the right way.

Overall I paid just about $18.00 for lunch. Ray and I came to the conclusion that it wasn’t worth it. Rosie’s Cantina, Cholos, and Cha Cha Cha Salsaria gives free chips and salsa and they’re way better, service is also friendlier at all three places.

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Mi Casa Taqueria
3046 Monsarrat Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815

Get Directions(808) 737-1562

The first time I saw this place we were driving by after breakfast at Bogarts. I was like, “wow babe, that place looks good, we should give it a try next time.” So about two weeks later we’re looking for a new place to eat and what do we see, South Shore Grill. It was like destiny, or not.
It’s pretty basic place. Walk in, menu is on up above, order, pay and then you find a pleasant place to eat your meal. I just want to say that because of the decor alone I will do not want to come back. It was like a clown house or a kindergarten class. It just felt awkward to eat in a small room with bright bold primary colors boxing you in.

Ray ordered the fish taco. I don’t remember how much it cost, but I do remember that he wasn’t very impressed with it. The inside was filled with cabbage and the rice resembled cuscus more than it did rice.

I ordered some kind of fish sandwich. I don’t remember the exact name or price. It didn’t impress me. The bread was a little burnt, dense, more hard than it was soft and just seemed to over powered the fish.

I wasn’t a huge fan of this place. We went home and told Shane he didn’t miss out on much.

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South Shore Grill
3114 Monsarrat Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96815

Bogart’s is one of my favorite places to have breakfast. It’s one of those places where no matter what you order you can’t go wrong. The last two times I’ve gone I’ve ordered the Lox Bagel. Now, I know I’m all about trying new things, unless it’s just that freaking good and that it is.

The Lox Bagel cost me $7.75 and is a bagel with cream cheese, capers, onions and tomato topped with smoked salmon. I think everyone should experience one in their lifetime. I like to have it for breakfast but I think this could swing for any meal.

My advice however is to go to Bogart’s for breakfast. I was there the other day for lunch and service was horrible. Ray came to the table after ordering our food and said, “I don’t think pregnant people should be aloud to work.” Our food was delivered to us in a plastic bag and practically thrown at us. The girl was pregnant so maybe her hormones were all out of wack but I still don’t think that should allow her a, “I get to be a biatch” card. Like I said, go for breakfast; service is good in the morning and sucks during the day.

Directions to Bogarts

O.k this is for all you skinny cows, I found a place that is definitely worth mentioning. It’s healthy, scrumptious and they have cute little employees – females, to serve you. The first time Ray and went to the health bar was a few weeks back after hiking Diamond Head. We had originally intended on going to Bogarts, a cute little cafe right next door, but they were way too busy. We were famished and decided on going next door to the Health Bar.

The place had an artsy island atmosphere. The menu was written on chalk board above where young, inviting employees worked. Now I didn’t say the place was cheap. Actually, I thought, as most health places are, a little overpriced. Throw organic, or health on something only means more money. I was going to order a smoothie for 5.25 but Ray notice this bowl that two girls at a near by table was munching on. It looked like a smoothie in a bowl, with stuff in it. I went over and asked them what they were eating and if it was any good. The girl’s eyes popped out of her skull as she said, “it’s the acai bowl and it’s sooo good.” Alright, I’ll have one of those. If it had the power to do that to her round little eyes just think of what it could do to my slanty wide screen vision eyes. I had to know. Da Cove Bowl is like a fruit smoothie, with acai fruit, mixed berries, banana, strawberry and granola and topped with honey for $6.50. The Mana Bowl is two dollars more, $8.50 because it has more acai fruit and includes bee pollen. Now, if your like most people your probably thinking, “what the fuck is an acai fruit? And bee pollen? No thanks, I have allergies”

I’ll start with the acai fruit. Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) is from Brazil’s Amazon rain forests and is the fruit of a palm tree. Here are some benefits of acai berries.

• Greater Energy and Stamina
• Improved Digestion
• Better Quality Sleep
• High Protein Value
• High level of Fiber
• Rich Omega Content for Your Heart
• Boosts Your Immune System
• Essential Amino Acid Complex
• Helps Regulate Cholesterol Levels
• 33x the Antioxidant Power of Red Grapes and Red Wine

Acai is also loaded with Vitamins B1, B2, B3, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium, Fiber, and Proteins, all essential to your daily well being and health.

As for bee pollen, the nutrients found in Bee Pollen include polyphenols, enzymes, beneficial fatty acids, free amino acids, vitamin complexes, chelated minerals and trace elements, as well as a large array of phytonutrients. Since the nutrients in Bee Pollen are extremely concentrated even a small amount will complement any diet. Perhaps it’s worth the extra two dollars for the extra acai fruit and bee pollen.

Uhh, not when you cheap. Ray got the Da Cove Bowl, and I splurged and got the Mana Bowl. We sat outside and waited and waited and waited. I went inside to see what was taking so long. Did they forget about us? I mean, the only other people in there were the bug eyed girls. I stood in front of the counter making sure my presence would go unnoticedd. The two girls behind the counter chatted away, taking their sweet time, even stopping every so often to make hand gestures or stop in awe of what the other had to say. Hello, Blondie, and Miss Asian Persuasion, are you dense?. You throw all the ingredients into the blender and press the button. After 30 minutes of waiting we finally got our order. One word, orgasmic. I forgot to add that you get an option of chewy or crunchy granola. We both chose crunchy. Not only do they put granola atop but also there is granola at the bottom so you don’t have to worry about trying to make it last. The bee pollen has a subtle sweet taste that you probably wouldn’t even notice if you didn’t see it. This is the ideal treat for a hot day. It’s light, refreshing and healthy. The Health Bar is close to Diamond Head so after your vigorous hike you can reward yourself to a healthy treat and still feel good about it. Now if smoothies aren’t your thing they also offer other items such as, fish wrap – $9.25, veggie omelet- $8.00, fish salad – sm $10.25, lg $13.50, hummus – $8.75 and fresh squeezed juice for $6.50. $6.50? I could buy at least two cartons of juice for that much. I never said this place was cheap and they definitely don’t have supersonic service. Here’s my advice, order one Mana Bowl over the phone ahead of time and share it. One is large enough for two if your not hungry. The number is 808 732-8744, Drink water, it’s free, healthy and, thank God, self serve. If you want more information, here’s a link to their web site

Diamond Head Cove Health Bar Directions