The point of a "hidden gem" is to let you, Fine Reader, know about cool places to go and dine in Hawaii that you might otherwise overlook because it's not on the Main Tourist Drag. But even I didn't know about Bruno's Forno and it's two blocks from where I live.
V Lounge caused a tremor in Hawaii's pizza scene when it started serving up its kiawe-wood-fired creations in 2009. The pizzaiolo chef, Alejandro "Aker" Briceno, has a global perspective...
You know that restaurant that wins all these awards and about which you heard amazing things, but you never got around to dining there because [insert excuse here]? You always meant to go to this place: It buzzed like a bee in the back of your mind. Remember to check this place out! it said.
One assumption you might make about a Hidden Gem is that the product or service (in this case, food) that's being proffered is exquisite and unique, a must-have or-do experience, but not easily found or well known. And you'd be right. But this one you may have heard about. They're legendary, after all. But tucked into a nondescript strip mall on King Street near Keeaumoku in Honolulu, you wouldn't know it by looking at it.
When you make the turn mauka (mountain-bound) onto Coral Street from Ala Moana Boulevard to find Hank's Haute Dogs, don't worry – you didn't make a wrong turn. The commercial/industrial-zoned Kakaako neighborhood doesn't look like it'd be the home of deluxe, gourmet hot dogs extraordinaire, but it is, and you've come to the right place. Get ready for Hot Dog Bliss.
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