I’m always on the lookout for new places to try, and a few just opened up — or, rather, relocated. Read on for the latest on crispy lumpia, where you can currently find Smith & King’s and the ultimate destination for Greek cuisine.
This hits the spot
J&S Lumpia Spot, owned by life partners Janine Unciano and Susan Eladnani, reopened on Aug. 21 at its new location in Moanalua (4369 Lawehana St.).
“Right before the shutdown, we found a spot at a shared commercial kitchen in Liliha,” Unciano says. “Now, we have a new spot where we don’t have to share the kitchen.”
This local biz offers a wide selection of lumpia with sweet and savory fillings. Customers can order from the website (jslumpiaspot.com) or call 808-400-1855.
Smith & King’s is back …
… Well, kind of. Smith & King’s closed last year and the storefront is currently under construction, but you can find the Chinatown eatery’s pub and brunch fare — including housemade fried pickles ($5), chicken n’ waffles ($19), pork belly Benedict ($18) and more — at Lokahi Brewing Co. (1160 S. King St.). Just keep your eyes peeled for Lokahi Brewing Co.’s food truck in the Moiliili spot’s parking lot; Smith & King’s is operating out of there. For more info, follow @lokahibrewing on Instagram or call 808-866-8323.
It’s greek to me
Greek Aloha Kitchen used to serve Mediterranean delights out of Papakolea Kitchen, but husband-and-wife owners
Avraam Terzopoulos and Stella Sarros relocated their business to 517 N. Vineyard Blvd. This pop-up is open noon-4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
“We lost our jobs during the pandemic, so we decided to sell authentic Greek food,” Sarros says. “We are both from Kastoria, Greece, and I’ve been cooking professionally for about 11 years. The menu items are all made from traditional family recipes and resemble what you would find throughout Greece.”
Bestsellers include marinated pork belly and chicken gyros ($12). Direct message the business on Instagram (@greek_aloha_kitchen) to preorder.
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta’s column features a variety of tips and insider knowledge about Oahu’s dining scene. Follow Kelli on Instagram (@kellishiromabraiotta).