The store was disappointing – not at all like we remembered. It reminded us of a tourist stop as part of a tour group – lots of sale people trying to “gently push” you into shopping for jewellery, clothing, etc. While I was perusing various clothing items, Todd decided to grab a beer and wait for me. Yep, 54 years old and asked for ID – which he didn’t have (why would you need ID to shop at Hilo Hatties??)…..so no beer…..
Upon arrival back to the condo area – Happy Hour at Cheeseburger J.
For dinner we decided on Thai; walked to Keo’s (liked the name because it is Vil’s dad’s name). The place was packed and we had to wait about 40 minutes before being sat.
The aromas of various foods wafted about and we looked forward to a great Thai meal. Nope – Mostly Thai, Coconut Island, and Ben Thanh could definitely school this place. At $7.95, the 2 spring rolls were small and greasy.
Todd ordered the curried shrimp and scallops (plus a small bowl of accompanying rice that was $2.95 extra). The curry seafood bowl came out lukewarm, so it was sent back. The waitress said he would receive a new order, but after only 2 minutes the same bowl came back (microwaved) piping hot.
I ordered the noodles with broccoli and chicken. The noodles were like Italian pappardelle, not like any Thai noodle I’ve had. Broccoli was minimal and although my plate of food was adequately warm, the heaviness of the oil it was cooked in, overpowered all other flavours.
All in all, a very disappointing meal…
Friday, February 28/14
Wednesday, I called the Hawaii Theatre Center and bought tickets for the “Flower Drum Song”. Todd wasn’t keen on going to the theater, but he conceded (although he is adamant that I now need to eat shrimp; he is doing something he doesn’t really like, so I’m supposed to do something I don’t really like – not going to happen….). We took the bus to the theater, expecting to pick up our tickets and have some pizza that they were selling for a fundraiser (which would have allowed us early entry), but by the time we got there (bus was late and stopped at just about every stop along the way) they were out of pizza. So, we got in line….
The theater opened in 1922 and was the home to vaudeville acts, shows, and movies. The theater closed in 1984 in a state of disrepair. A concerned citizen’s group gathered the funds for a $20.8 million interior renovation, and the doors once again opened in 1996 as exterior renovations continued.
From 1997 to 2006, Jim Nabors starred at the theater for the annual “Merry Christmas with Friends and Nabors” show.
After the show (which Todd did admit to enjoying), we caught the bus back to our condo building. Still hungry (and thirsty), we headed next door to the Tropics Bar at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (a spot “The Boys” have been said to frequent). No Boys, and almost no food. We were told as we entered (before 10PM) that the kitchen was closing and if we wanted something, to head straight to the bar and put our order in. The bar was packed, so we squeezed in and asked the bartender for drinks and a menu. He got our beer, then reluctantly handed Todd a menu, while proceeding to badger him to get an order in. Prices are ridiculous – beers were $9 each, compared to $4.75 at the Ilikai (or $3 at Cheeseburger’s Happy Hour). One drink each, pizza finished, bill paid….. The end of another day in Paradise.
