Unveiling the Secrets: How We Prepare for a Mother's Day Celebration at Tiki's Grill & Bar

In Hawaii, Ohana is of utmost importance, and taking mom or tutu out for Mother's Day is a cherished tradition. At Tiki's Grill & Bar, we consider it our kuleana (responsibility) to host a memorable experience for the whole family. That's why we change our style of service to a buffet and welcome so many kama'aina and visitors. In this behind-the-scenes look, we'll share how we prepare for a Mother's Day celebration at our restaurant.

Step 1: Reflecting on the past
Our preparation starts with reviewing notes from previous years, including chef and manager insights, guest counts, online reviews, and staffing notes. We evaluate what worked and what could be improved to ensure we're offering the best experience possible for our guests.

Step 2: Scoping out the competition
We reach out to other establishments and gather information on their offerings for Mother's Day. By building a competition grid, we can understand what others are providing in terms of hours, menus, service style, and pricing for both keiki and adults.

Step 3: Collaborating with our entire team
The preparation for Mother's Day at Tiki's Grill & Bar is truly a team effort. Our chefs Ronnie, Jason, and Mikey reflect on past successes and consider new menu ideas, ensuring that we can source ingredients at prices that allow us to make a profit. Meanwhile, Jenni, our manager in charge of holiday planning, coordinates with Jennifer on staffing, building the OpenTable plan, writing scripts, and managing dozens of logistical details, from ordering tablecloths and linen napkins to ensuring we have crab crackers on hand, planning the flow in OpenTable, and handling the logistics of payments.
However, it doesn't stop there; it takes the whole management team's dedication and expertise to plan and execute a successful Mother's Day celebration. From the bands providing live entertainment to the dishwashers, every member of the Tiki's Grill & Bar family plays a vital role in making the day special. The synergy between the various departments is essential for smooth operations and an unforgettable experience for our guests.

Step 4: Crafting the menu
Our team assembles a mouth-watering menu, including various stations, hot foods, and a salad/cold bar. Some highlights include Alaskan Snow Crab Legs, a "Build Your Own" Omelet Station, Hand Carved Salt Crusted Prime Rib, Togarashi Seared Salmon, and a Poke Bar featuring Ahi, Marlin, and Salmon. To top it all off, we offer an extensive assortment of desserts, including Lilikoi Cheesecake and sheet cakes.

Step 5: Coordinating with other departments
While Jenni oversees the holiday planning, it takes the coordination of eight other managers and departments to pull off this incredible feat. From the front of house to the back of house, every team member plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful and enjoyable Mother's Day celebration.

Step 6: The big day
With everything in place, we open our doors to welcome families looking to treat their moms to a special Mother's Day meal. As guests arrive, our well-prepared team works together seamlessly, delivering an unforgettable experience for all.

At Tiki's Grill & Bar, we take our kuleana seriously when it comes to providing a memorable Mother's Day celebration for the whole Ohana. https://www.tikisgrill.com/mom

PRO TIP  no matter where you take your family make your reservations in advance.

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An Unforgettable Pile-Up Adventure with My ICOM IC-7300: 52 Contacts, 18 Countries, and One Very Hungry Wife

ALOHA fellow ham radio enthusiasts! Gather 'round, and let me regale you with the tale of my most thrilling (and somewhat hilarious) experience using my ICOM IC-7300 transceiver. With only 100 watts max power and a G5RV jr wire antenna that's seen better days, I managed to make a mind-boggling 52 contacts on 20 meters, parking on 14.268 MHz. The pile-up was massive, chaotic, and incredibly fun – it was like the Black Friday of ham radio!


Working a pile-up like this can really train your ears to pick up call signs amidst the cacophony. It was like playing "Where's Waldo?" with my ears. And I must say, I've become quite the auditory detective.    

My time was limited, as I had only an hour and a half before I needed to have dinner with my wife. As the clock ticked, I could practically hear her stomach growling . But in that short window, I managed to have voice conversations (QSOs) and exchange signal reports with 52 people across 18 different countries or DXCC entities. Many of our signal reports were a true 59, which, as you know, is really good – or as I like to say, the ham radio equivalent of a high-five!

Sad to say I left at least 25 people hanging when I said I was signing off to have dinner with my XYL (WIFE)  ALOHA and 73 KH6ML


Here's a list of the countries and their prefixes that I managed to make contact with during my adventure:


As dinner time approached, I signed off with a mixture of pride and the realization that my wife was probably plotting to hide my radio gear if I didn't get to diner soon. I quickly wrapped up and rushed to dinner, grateful for my ICOM IC-7300 and the trusty G5RV jr wire antenna for making this amazing (and amusing) pile-up adventure possible.

If you've been considering upgrading your ham radio setup, I highly recommend giving this combo a try. Who knows? You'll be the next one to share your own pile-up escapades, and we can swap stories over a virtual cup of coffee.

Until next time, 73, happy DXing, and remember to keep your spouses fed!

17 Meter Activity Group - Band Hopper with a good group

17 meter Activity Group -

17 meter Activity Group -

 If you want to have some fun or try out a new antenna - these are the guys to check out! They start on 17M at 17:30z every afternoon. Lots of check-ins from across North America and usually around the world. Great group of folks here. Check it out!

From Gary; K5IGO

Join us daily on the Activity Groups. Open to all. It is not a net, just a bunch of guys getting together daily to check propagation on these great bands. No roll call, just a list gathered up daily. Stop by and check us out.  73

17m - 18.157.50 at 17:30-18:30 UTC

15m - 21.383 at 18:30-19:00 UTC

12m - 24.970 at 19:00-19:30 UTC

10m -  Freq is usually picked that day at 19:30 UTC -

VIDEO: Ham Radio Connects Lanai Students w/ Astronauts on International Space Station via Amateur Radio - Video Edit from KH6ML

Please feel free to share this video: as you see fit.

Exciting news for the Lana'i High and Elementary School! Students communicated with astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) through Amateur Radio. This incredible opportunity was part of the ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) Program, which aimed to inspire students and promote STEM education.

The live connection with the ISS was facilitated by HAM operator Jan Poppeliers ON4ISS in Belgium, and the interview featured astronaut Warren Hoburg KB3HTZ. The amazing event was watched live on the ARISS YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ARISSlive/videos

This marks the first ARISS contact for Hawaii in 20 years! Teachers Danyel Erickson and Tricia Calhoon have been preparing their students for this momentous event with science clubs, field trips, stargazing events, and guest speakers.

Also visiting and sharing with the students is our astronomer friend Heather, callsign AH7RF.

Amateur Radio, or "Ham" Radio, allowed communication across town, around the world, and even into space without relying on conventional communication infrastructure. It was a great source of electronics experimentation, public service, and fun!

If you are in Hawaii and interested in obtaining your license to communicate with the ISS, you can find more information at http://hameducation.org/education/

For more info on ARISS, you could visit www.ariss.org, and for more on Amateur Radio, check out www.arrl.org/what-is-ham-radio..

Mahalo,

Michael Miller KH6ML

Tiki's Grill & Bar Ohana Embraces the Spirit of Aloha at Hawaii Foodbank

Aloha, food lovers and community enthusiasts! We are excited to share the heartwarming experience of our Tiki's Grill & Bar Ohana, who recently volunteered at the Hawaii Foodbank to sort and organize produce and packaged foods.

The team had a fantastic time giving back to the local community, embracing the spirit of Aloha and living the true meaning of Ohana.

Our Tiki's Grill & Bar Ohana, led by our passionate chef Jason and dedicated manager Drew, embarked on this noble mission to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. They spent an entire day at the Hawaii Foodbank, where they rolled up their sleeves and got to work sorting and organizing fresh produce and packaged foods.

This act of kindness and generosity is an extension of the warm Aloha spirit that the Tiki's Grill & Bar Ohana embodies. As a local business, we believe in not just serving mouth-watering dishes but also in contributing to the well-being of the community we call home.

The day was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the joy of giving back. Our team members formed an assembly line, working together like a well-oiled machine to sort and pack the food items. The experience was an excellent opportunity for bonding and getting to know one another better, strengthening the sense of Ohana within our team.

Mahalo to chef Jason and manager Drew for organizing this wonderful event and to the entire Tiki's Grill & Bar Ohana for their hard work and dedication. Your spirit of giving back and your commitment to the community are truly inspiring.

We look forward to more opportunities to serve our community and share the Aloha spirit, both within our restaurant and beyond. If you would like to join us in our efforts to support the Hawaii Foodbank or other local organizations, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Until our next adventure, let's continue to spread the love, warmth, and joy that make the Aloha spirit so special. Mahalo!


2023 ARRL International DX Contest KH6ML Ham Radio Hawaii HF

During the 2023 ARRL International DX Contest, I was able to make 133 successful contacts with amateur radio operators in North America, including Canada. Although I had to take breaks to work on some household projects, attend to a few work-related items, and spend time with my wife, I was still able to achieve my personal best with a score of 19,950. However, I am wondering if my score will place in any category.

As a resident of Hawaii with the call sign KH6ML, I was thrilled to participate in the contest and test my skills using my Icom IC-7300 and G5RV Jr Antenna while running my power at 100 watts. I also used the N1MM Logging software to keep track of my contacts. The contest aimed to expand North American stations' knowledge of DX propagation on the HF and MF bands, improve operating skills, and enhance station capabilities. We were limited to using the 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10-meter bands.

To prepare, I spent time studying propagation patterns and ensuring my station was in optimal condition. During the contest, I focused on contacting DX stations to expand my knowledge of propagation on the HF and MF bands. Despite the challenges posed by my location in Hawaii, I remained determined and worked hard to make successful contacts.

The competition was fierce, with international stations participating in the mix. Nonetheless, the contest allowed me to expand my knowledge of DX propagation, improve my operating skills, and enhance my station capabilities.

Overall, participating in the 2023 ARRL International DX Contest was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to learn, grow, and connect with other amateur radio enthusiasts in the community. As a member of ARRL, I am proud to support the ARRL Contest Program, the world's largest, with many events from HF through microwave. Membership also grants free access to the National Contest Journal, the ARRL’s online archive of QST articles, and the Technical Information Service. I look forward to participating in more contests in the future and building my skills and understanding of propagation patterns and radio overall.

As a side note: Radio contesting can provide valuable training and experience for emergency communication (EMCOMM) situations. Contests simulate a high-pressure environment, requiring quick thinking and efficient communication skills. These skills are essential in real-world emergencies where communication is critical and every second counts. Contesting also helps hams to develop skills in operating equipment and antenna systems, setting up portable stations, and deploying quickly to remote locations, all of which are crucial in emergency communication scenarios. By participating in radio contests and training exercises, hams can enhance their abilities to operate effectively in emergency situations, making them well-equipped to support their communities when the need arises. Thus, radio contesting can be an essential part of preparation for real-world emergencies and EMCOMM.

#ARRL #DXcontest #amateurradio #KH6ML #IC7300 #G5RVJr #N1MM #propagationpatterns #stationcapabilities #DXpropagation #HFband #MFband #emcomm #emergencycommunication #contesttraining #quickthinking #efficientcommunication #skillsdevelopment #portablestations #remoteoperations #supportingcommunities #buildingourskills #hamradio #QSTarticles #NationalContestJournal #technicalinformationservice


Hawaii News Now -Tiki's 2023 Valentine's Day

 
Valentine's Day 2023 was celebrated at Tiki's Grill, where reservations were made at www.tikisgrill.com for a romantic evening. The restaurant offered an Appe-teasers For Two menu at a price of $79, which featured delicious dishes such as Crispy Kissing Coconut Shrimp with "Sweet & Spicy" Sauce, Beet-ing Heart Beet Hummus with Truffle and Crudites, and Ahi Tartare Avocado Toast with "A Toast to Us".

Customers were able to choose from a selection of delectable main course dishes, including the Macadamia Nut Crusted Island Fish with basil cream, asparagus, roasted grape tomatoes, and Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, or the Vegan Pasta Primavera with San Marzano tomato sauce, balsamic roasted garden vegetables, and fresh tatsoi. Other options included the Truffle-Yaki Salmon, Thai Shrimp Puttanesca, Coconut Chicken, Guava Glazed Baby Back Ribs, Fork Tender Beef Short Ribs, and Slow Roasted Prime Rib.

Customers indulged in the Valentine's Surf & Turf for $99, which included a sous vide Petit Filet Mignon and Tristan Lobster Tail with Roasted Maui Pineapple & Bacon Brussels Sprouts. The meal ended on a sweet note with the Snuggly Divine Chocolate Fudge Cake with raspberry coulis and locally crafted vanilla gelato.

The restaurant encouraged customers to follow them on Twitter @tikisgrill, Instagram @tikisgrill and @chefronnie, and Facebook at Tiki's Grill & Bar, and to use the hashtags #tikisgrill and #PR to share their experience.


"Otoshi: Japan's Table Charge Dish That Will Have You Laughing and Crying All at Once"

Otoshi is a unique part of Japanese dining culture.


Have you ever visited a Japanese restaurant and found yourself faced with an unexpected fee called otoshi at the beginning of your meal?

To clarify, otoshi is not a side dish, appetizer, or drink; it is an automatic fee that comes with sitting down at a table in some Japanese establishments. Some restaurants even have signs stating "otoshi wa kanrisha ni narimasu," which means "otoshi will be served by the server."

Otoshi is not always a simple fee. It can range from a small plate of pickled vegetables to a full-blown seafood platter. And the best part? You didn't even order it!

The reason behind this practice is to encourage diners to start eating and drinking right away, rather than lingering and taking up valuable table space. So, in a way, you're paying for the privilege of having a seat at the table. #culture #restaurants #JapaneseDining #DiningCulture #Restaurants #uniqueexperience #Japan #travel


Halau O Na Pua Kukui Came Together for a Good Cause: A Kalua Pig Fundraiser

Halau O Na Pua Kukui Came Together for a Good Cause: A Kalua Pig Fundraiser

Halau O Na Pua Kukui, a traditional Hawaiian dance group, had come together for a special fundraiser. The goal of this event was to raise funds for the hula halau's upcoming performances and to preserve the traditions of Hawaiian dance and culture.

The highlight of this fundraiser was the sale of kalua pig, a traditional Hawaiian dish made by slow roasting pig in an underground oven called an imu. From cutting the hard Kiave wood and splitting it, Digging the pit, cutting of the banana stocks and Ti leafs, and backing and salting the pig with Pa‘aka Hawaiian Sea salt.

The kalua pig being sold at this fundraiser was made with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring that each bite was bursting with flavor and authenticity.

The hula halau had worked tirelessly to make this fundraiser a success, with each member lending their own unique skills and talents. From preparing the kalua pig to selling tickets and promoting the event, everyone was working together to make this a memorable and successful event.

This fundraiser was not just about raising funds, but it was also about sharing and promoting Hawaiian culture with family and friends and the community.

The hula halau invited everyone to come out and support this fundraiser. Not only would they be supporting a good cause, but they would also be able to enjoy delicious kalua pig and learn about Hawaiian culture and traditions.

Halau O Na Pua Kukui's kalua pig fundraiser was a unique and meaningful event that brought together a community of people who were passionate about Hawaiian dance and culture. It was a testament to the power of working together towards a common goal and preserving traditions for future generations. Uncle Ed Collier is the kumu hula of Halau O Na Pua Kukui


Waikiki’s Tiki’s Restaurant: A Dining Experience to Remember - KHON2 Part Two

Tiki’s Restaurant in Waikiki is a must-visit spot for those who love good food and drinks. In this YouTube video, join the host as they explore the restaurant's menu with Chef Ronnie and Michael Miller.


To start, Chef Ronnie introduces a dish called Molokai Venison Bolognese, which is a combination of venison and pork, slow-cooked and served with pappardelle pasta. The macadamia nut fish is also highlighted, with a cauliflower risotto and Kahumana Farms purple carrots. Another standout dish is the beet salad stack, a beautiful and delicious combination of roasted beets, boursin cheese, Dijon mustard vinaigrette, and macadamia nuts. And if you're looking for a surf and turf, Tiki’s has got you covered with its braised lamb and jumbo shrimps with mustard gnocchi, pancetta, and kahumana Farms Brazen greens.


If you're in the mood for a drink, Tiki’s Restaurant has a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The 1944 Mai Tai, with its Lilikoi foam, is a must-try for those who love alcohol. For something lighter, try the Mango Tango, a refreshing drink made with fresh mango and tequila (or without tequila).


The staff at Tiki's Restaurant is also a big part of what makes the dining experience so special. Chef Ronnie and Michael talk about the team and how they contribute to the restaurant's success.


In conclusion, Tiki’s Restaurant in Waikiki is a must-visit spot for those who love good food and drinks. From the Molokai Venison Bolognese to the 1944 Mai Tai, every dish and drink is carefully crafted to provide a truly memorable dining experience. So if you're in the area, make sure to put Tiki's on your agenda.

To see Part One: Living808 at KHON2 featuring Tiki’s Grill & Bar. Mikey Monis sat down with Chef Ronnie and Michael Miller, partner and director of operations.Alex Garcia shot and produced at Tiki’s Grill & Bar. Back in the studio were host John Veneri, Kelly Simek. John, Kelly & Mikey serve up food, fashion, fitness, and a full-hour of fun on Living808! Weekdays at 9am on KHON and 8pm on KHII. @living808tv | @khonnews | @kellysimek @officialmikeymonis/ #tikisgrill #waikiki #hawaii #restaurants #communication #media