Happy Anniversary!!! It’s our two year anniversary. I met Ray back in San Francisco two years ago. My best friend in high school, Jackie, moved to Texas and there she met Ray. Years later Jackie happen to be in San Francisco. San Francisco was an hour from where I lived so I hopped in the car to go see her. She introduces me to Ray and it’s been love ever since. That was two years ago. We got engaged back in February but we like to celebrate our anniversary on the day we met, because for us, that was the first day of our lives together. Awe, how adorable. Go ahead and throw up, I’m not going anywhere.

So on our two year anniversary Ray takes me to Haleiwa Joe’s. He was really bummed out because he wanted to take me to the Haleiwa Joes in Kaneohe but the Pali was closed that night. So he calls his friend, Beau, who is in front of his computer 24/7, for detour directions. His friend gives him directions to the Haleiwa Joe’s in Haleiwa not aware that Ray wanted to take me to the other one. We got here really late and decide to stay. Ray’s still bummed because he says the other one is just that much better. I have yet to find out.

We sat outside where the moonlight and fire from the candles gave the room and very romantic glow. There’s nice seating available inside as well.

We started off with the Ahi Spring Rolls, $9.95. These were amazing. The thin layer of wonton skin gave this dish the perfect amount of crispiness that cracked in your mouth with every bite announcing to every taste bud, ” hey guys, it’s time to eat. Trust me, you want to be awake for this.” Ohhh yum.

I’m a sucker for nuts and fruit on my salad so when I saw the Haleiwa Paradise Salad, $7.95 I knew I found the one. This was perfect, especially since we just had the Ahi Spring Roll, so I was already getting pretty full. The salad was mixed in a subtle sweet orange ginger vinaigrette that really enhanced the sweet candied walnuts and the mandarin oranges. Everything tasted really fresh.

Prime Rib, market price. The market price on August 25 was a whopping $32.00. Yeah, I know this should not be allowed any where near this food blog, but it was our anniversary so you can have anything you want baby.

He ordered it medium well. He said it had a nice thickness to it that made his mouth water just at the shear sight of it. The meat was juicy and so tender that his molars felt as if they were given a vacation every time they soaked into the meat. I, on the other hand, cringe at the sight of blood. The only thing I eat raw is fish. The mash potatoes were amazing but the peas were a little undercooked.

Haleiwa Joes isn’t the cheapest place to dine but there will come a time when it’s worth it to spend a little extra cash for a nice meal.

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Haleiwa Joes Seafood Grill

66-011 Kamehameha Hwy

Haleiwa, HI 96712

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(808) 637-8005

Spaghettini is a fun pasta/pizza joint located right on the main strip of Haleiwa.

All seating is outside, under a shaded rooftop.

Pizza is on display behind a glass window and run about $3.50 per slice. The pasta menu is in picture so you can see what it looks like before you eat it. There’s a mini size about $8.00 and regular size for about $10.00. You also have the option to turn your pasta into a combo meal by adding a small salad and drink for $3.25.

My friend Ona got a slice of Cheese Pizza, $2.85.

Ray ordered a Pepperoni Sausage & Ham, $3.45. If you ask me the pizza here taste the way they look, pretty basic. But in all honesty, I’m not the one to comment on pizza because I am not a pizza whore. I know there’s a lot of pizza whores out there so feel free to leave a suggestion on the best pizza joint on this island. Pizza is bread, cheese and meat. Anyway you put that together is gonna be good. But if I had to have it more than twice a week I’ll slice my fucking throat.

This is my order. I told you I’m no whore when it comes to pizza. I know a lot of people will hate me for saying this, but I’m entitled to my opinion. Pizza is overrated. There I said it, get over it. I saw pasta on the menu. Pictures can be very tantalizing and I weighed my options. Pizza? Pasta? Pizza? Pasta? Pasta it is. I ordered Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine a regular order for $10.65. There was a few things about this plate that I liked and didn’t like. I liked that it came with bread, I liked the added mushrooms, I loved the pine nuts sprinkled and parsley flakes on top. I didn’t like the amount of onions put into this dish. Don’t get me wrong, I love white onions, and they do add a hint of sweetness when cooked but it was a little over the top. I wish I would of taken a picture because towards the end of my meal was a few noodles and a whole lot of onion bathing in alfredo sauce. Overall, this dish didn’t do it for me. It’s not because of the onions. You know that feeling when you crave something and when you finally eat it, it wasn’t everything you hoped it would be, but your over it and don’t really crave it anymore. That is what this dish was for me. But, it’s a great place to hang out and get fast decent pasta and pizza.

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Spaghettini
66-200 Kamehameha Hwy
Haleiwa, HI 96712
(808) 637-0104

I’ve heard mixed things about this place. Shane, our roommate, been here once a while back and since then he refuses to come back. Later we hear that it’s the shiz nit from some of our other friends. We decided to go see for ourselves.

The inside of this place is very spunky and festive. Servers are dressed in cholo style atire. Besides the decor it went with the whole theme of the restaurant.

Spinach And Cheese Enchiladas Verde served with black beans and rice, $12.25. I loved this dish. The spinach was fresh, not pre-made or soggy. The enchiladas were not dry and the cheese was hot and melted. I wasn’t too impressed with the rice, but the enchiladas were the main entree and what really mattered.

Fish Burrito, $12.75. It was ahi fish and I really wish I had taken a picture of the inside for you guys to see. Ray said the beans tasted like they came out of a can but he loved the burrito.

Margaritas made with Patron tequilla. Yum. Mexican food is just so much better with a good margarita, don’t you agree? I don’t remember the price, but I do remember that they were a little watery.

We drove back home with satisfied bellies. When we saw Shane we said, “man, I don’t know what your talking about, Cholos is good.”
When it comes to opinions, take them into consideration, but it’s always best to have one of your own and now I do. Cholos is good Mexican food, no where near the best, but it’s good. As far as cheap goes, I don’t think so but it’s affordable.

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Cholos Home Style Mexican
66-250 Kamehameha Hwy
Haleiwa, HI 96712
(808) 637-3059