5 Star Review from a Bride on the Knot.com

http://www.theknot.com/Vendors/Tikis-Grill-and-Bar/Profile/RDP/195/251421/profile#reviews


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Wedding: 5/18/2013
Member Since: 8/29/2010
Simple. Elegant. Perfect for our wedding!    posted 6/10/2013

First, I have to give a much deserved THANK YOU to the staff of Tiki's. Working with them throughout the planning process was a breath of fresh air. I came to find out that not many people are in a rush to do much of anything in Hawaii, which was a huge adjustment coming from the mainland, and a city at that. It was frustrating planning a wedding, while researching vendors who didn't work at the same speed as i did. After finding and connecting with Tiki's they were always so prompt in responding to me, given the large time difference, and were so accommodating. Additionally, if communicating via email wasn't always the easiest, they never hesitated to pick up the phone to clarify that we were on the same page. Doing little things like that was always appreciated, and considered going the extra mile in my eyes.

More specifically, I have to thank Alyssa, who helped coordinate and really make our reception come to life and ensure it was everything I had hoped for and more. She was a big reason I chose to stay working with Tiki's. There was a staff change early in my planning process, but having her come in was the best thing for me and for Tiki's. So THANK YOU Alyssa.

Now for the remainder of of the review...

Food (Kona Buffet):
**Appitizers were not included in the buffet)**

**Ahi Poke- sinfully delicious! Myself and guests gobbled this right up, and even for guests who had never had raw fish--they were blown away by the flavor. BRAVO!

**Coconut Shrimp- can't really mess this up haha. Very good :)

Teriyaki Chicken- best I've ever had. Seriously...i want the recipe. Someone? Anyone? I'd fly back just for this chicken!

Macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi- So delicious, moist, and flaky! This was my favorite part of our dinner! I had dreams about this fish before arriving for the wedding, and it did not disappoint.

Guava glazed ribs- just OK in my opinion. I think I expected more sweetness than what I actually tasted, and they were a bit greasy.

Location:
Location was great! We reserved their private room on the 21st floor, which was one of the best decisions we made. It was private, intimate, and GORGEOUS. Amazing views of Waikiki Beach, and Diamonhead. We enjoyed an incredible sunset, and could not imagine having our reception anywhere else.

This place is for the low-key simple bride all the way to the high-maintenance luxury bride (c'mon ladies, we know we can admit this haha). I fell somewhere in the middle and they took wonderful care of me, my new husband, and all of our guests!

Do yourself a favor and go to Tiki's...be it a simple dinner while visiting, or planning your next event. :)

Service
Quality
Value

2013 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards

It was great for both Lisa and I to be invited guests to the 2013 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. It was a wonderful night of seeing many familiar faces and making some new friends. It was great to hear so many of the artists performing at Tiki's, receiving the well deserved accolades from their peers. Also, many of the musicians have volunteered their time and talent to help out by playing at fundraising gigs at Tiki's.
 
These are links to a few of the videos we have of the award winners when they played at Tiki's Grill & Bar:
Amy Hanaiali‘i, 
Weldon Kekauoha,
Kuana Torres Kahele
Waipuna 
Mike Love 
Kapena De Lima

About 1,302 attended the sold out  Na Hoku Hanohano Music Awards. This was the 36th year of honoring the past and current stars of music from Hawaii.
 
To see more coverage please check out the following links:
2013 Na Hoku Hanohano Award Nominees. Damon Tucker 
2013 Hoku Awards finalists announced - By BY JOHN BERGER 
The 2013 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards by Melissa Chang for nonstophonolulu.com

Top awards:
 Album of the year: “Na Hoa,” Na Hoa and Dave Tucciarone, producers
Song: “Uhiwai,” Nathan Aweau (Bass Plus)
Favorite entertainer: Weldon Kekauoha
Group: Na Hoa
Female vocalist: Amy Hanaiali‘i, “My Father’s Granddaughter” (UA)
Male vocalist: Weldon Kekauoha, “Pilialoha” (‘Ohelo)
Most promising artist: Na Hoa, “Na Hoa” (Na Hoa)
 
Albums of the year:
 Alternative: “Contrast,” Sing the Body (‘Aumakua)
Contemporary: “My Father’s Granddaughter,” Amy Hanaiali‘i (UA)
Hawaiian music: “Na Hoa,” Na Hoa (UA)
Hip-hop: “Live From Soul Sound,” Evasive Species (‘Aumakua)
Instrumental: “Steel’n Love,” Bobby Ingano (Kui‘ou‘ou)
International: “Noho Aloha,” Maika‘iloa (no label)
Island music: “‘Io,” Nathan Aweau (Bass Plus)
Jazz: “I Wish You Love,” Melveen Leed (ML Records)
Reggae: “The Change I’m Seeking,” Mike Love (Love Not War)
Rock: “The Blinding Speed of Trust,” Piranha Brothers (‘Aumakua)
Ukulele: “Tell U What,” Brittni Paiva (Brittni Paiva)
 
Other winners:
 EP (extended-play release): “Wahi Mahalo,” Kamakakehau Fernandez (Kamakakehau)
Graphics: B. Kanaiʻa Nakamura for “Ha‘a,” Na Palapalai (Kuana Torres Kahele)
Liner notes: Manu Boyd, Robert Cazimero and Shawn Livingston Moseley, “Mele ‘Ailana: Manu Boyd Island Music,” Manu Boyd (Hui Waianuhea)
Engineering: Wendell Ching and Kapena De Lima for “Shame on You,” Kimie (Kimie Miner)
Music video/DVD: “The Hawaiian Legends: Live in Concert,” various artists (Kuleana)
Christmas: “Hilo for the Holidays,” Kuana Torres Kahele (Kuana Torres Kahele)
Single: “Merry Christmas Darling,” Waipuna (Poki)
Anthology: “A 20 Year Collection of The Mana‘o Company,” The Mana‘o Company (Dan Pa)
Compilation Album: “Lana‘i Slack Key Festival — Live Kiho‘alu at Ke‘ele,” various artists (Jazz Alley)
Religious Album: “Glory to God on High,” Jeff Rasmussen and James Rubin (Glory to God)
Slack key Album: “Slack Key Huaka‘i,” Patrick Landeza (Addison Street)
Haku mele: “Kaka‘ako Ku‘u ‘Aina Aloha,” Kaiponohea Hale, from “Ho‘ola Lahui, Ho‘oulu Pae ‘Aina: Vibrant People, Thriving Lands,” various artists (Kamehameha Schools)
Hawaiian language performance: Manu Boyd, “Mele ‘Ailana: Manu Boyd Island Music” (Hui Waia­nuhea)
Instrumental composition: “Tell U What,” Brittni Paiva
Ki Hoalu Foundation Legacy Award: Dennis Kamakahi
 Mo Keale “Aloha Is”
Award for Community Service: Kuuipo Kumukahi
Maiki Aiu Steel Guitar Legacy Award: Jerry Byrd
 

Catering the Grand Opening for Joie de Vivre Hotels newest hotel, the Shoreline Hotel in Waikiki.

Tiki's Grill & Bar was invited to cater the Hotel Opening for Joie de Vivre Hotels newest hotel, the Shoreline Hotel in Waikiki.  Karishma Chowfin Director of Sales, sent over a very nice thank you card.  

For the occasion we created a branded cocktails that fit with the look, feel and vibe of this new hotel:
'JDV Refresher Mai Tai'- light rum, fruit juices , an almond syrup (called orgeat), float of dark rum & a sprig of mint 

'Joy of Life Sip' - Pineapple juice, Ginger, Passion fruit juice - Non-Alcoholic Cocktail

The pupu menu was created to allow a flow of guest to the roof top pool and 14th floor to view the rooms.

  • Thai Style Lemongrass Chicken Satays
  • Crispy Thai Style Spring Rolls
  • Crispy Calamari
  • Island Ahi Spoons
  • Cheese Platter
  • Fresh Fruit Platter
  • Truffled Three Mushroom Risotto
  • Kalua Pork Slider
  • Shrimp Scampi Pasta

With a chef action station of Island Made "Smoked Meat" Spoons.


In a destination that’s famous for being popular, the Shoreline is comfortable in its own skin. The hotel — 135 rooms over 14 floors — has a scale absent from most Waikiki Resorts, and the 1970s design creates a contemporary feel. Accommodations are bright and well‑appointed.

Each room has a balcony to enjoy the tropical climate and breezes of Oahu. Room amenities include free wireless internet, work desks, central air conditioning, mini-refrigerator (most rooms), in-room safe, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, alarm clock and cable-equipped flat-screen TV. The hotel’s top floors provide ocean vistas, with city and skyline views nearly standard. We’re a block away from bustling Kalakaua Avenue, giving our guests both breathing room and a sense of real Waikiki. 

Hotel Location
The Shoreline Hotel Waikiki is located two blocks from famous Waikiki Beach and one mile from Fort DeRussy Beach Park. Ala Wai Golf Course is two miles. The Honolulu Zoo is one mile away, and Waikiki Aquarium is three miles. The hotel is nine miles from Honolulu International Airport.

Hawaii Cocktail Sessions -

Ten of Hawaii’s top bartenders were invited to compete in Jim Beam’s inaugural Hawaii Cocktail Sessions at the Kahala last night.


- See more at: http://www.nonstophonolulu.com/blogs/urbanmixplate/party-pics-battle-for-the-alii-cup Photo By Ed Morita of http://www.nonstophonolulu.com/
The "Fred Noe Night Marcher" by Erik Harris of Tiki's Grill & Bar, made with Jacob's Ghost white whiskey, DeKuyper triple sec, fresh lime juice, blueberry lemon simple syrup, Hawaii Bitters Co. Meyer lemon and lehua honey bitters.

Pancho, Erik and Michael having a good time at the booth.
PHOTO by : SHAUN CHILLINGWORTH - http://www.honolulumagazine.com/ 
Tiki's Bartender Erik Harris and his assistant Dan Takahashi did all the work for the event. 
PHOTOS by : SHAUN CHILLINGWORTH http://www.honolulumagazine.com/ 
Jim Beam held the first of its two planned Hawaii Cocktail Sessions events on Thursday, May 23, 2013. It was the culminating event in a series which welcomed seventh-generation Jim Beam distiller Fred Noe from Kentucky to Hawaii. The event pitted 10 of Hawaii's finest bartenders against one another in a "Battle for the Alii Cup." Along with the impressive piece of hardware that came with a victory, the winner took home a Kid Rock Devil's Cut guitar signed by Fred Noe, $2,000 cash split between the winner and the winner's bar and a trip to Kentucky to tour the Jim Beam facility with Fred Noe. Guests enjoyed sample size portions of each of the drinks. Three finalists were chosen by a "People's Choice" vote. The finalists recreated a full sized drink for Fred Noe and emcee Mark "Maleko" McDonnell who chose the final winner. Stephen Tam Loo from Sansei, Justin Whiting from Manifest and Chad Pata from Murphy's Bar & Grill were selected as the finalists, with Tam Loo taking home the winner's prize. - http://www.honolulumagazine.com/  PHOTO BY KAT WADE / Special to the Star-Advertiser
First place was take by a Tiki's Alumni -  Stephen Tam Loo of Sansei wining a VIP trip to Kentucky, $1,000 cash and a six-month reign as holder of the coveted Ali’i Cup. 

Here is a full list of the drinks:

6th Annual Hawaii Restaurant Association Golf Tournament

Tiki's Grill & Bar was happy to participate in the 6th Annual Hawaii Restaurant Association Golf Tournament at the Hawaii Prince Golf Course in Ewa Beach.  Proceeds from the golf tournament will benefit culinary students through the HRA’s Scholarship Program. 

Nicholas Teeter, Edwin Fabro, Michael Miller, and  team fill in Tia Spence rounded out this group of dedicated charity golfers. 

Hawaii Prince Golf Club designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay offers 27 dramatic holes, the only golf course of its kind in Hawaii. Three interchangeable nines create a variety of playing conditions for all skill levels. Situated on Oahu's sunny Ewa Plain, the course boasts 270 acres of sheer beauty and offers stunning views of the rain-carved Waianae Mountains. Long verdant fairways are lined with numerous white sand bunkers and 10 strategically placed lakes. Join us for challenging play on this unique course and experience unparalleled golf at its finest or invest in your game with lessons from our friendly and experienced golf professionals.

Take a hole-by-hole tour of Hawaii Prince Golf Club.

The Hawaii Restaurant Association is a non-profit trade association. HRA is dedicated to serving the needs of the restaurant, foodservice, hospitality and tourism industries in the state of Hawaii.

Together with the National Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the HRA works to represent, educate and promote this industry that is a cornerstone of the Hawaii economy…an industry with over 3,500 locations directly employing over 82,000 dedicated people.

Live Stream - What You Need To Know About Online Reviews and Customer Service On Social Media

What You Need To Know About Online Reviews and Customer Service On Social Media

If you missed the conversation:


http://new.livestream.com/smchi/onlinereviews/videos/18344170

Here is the Blog post from http://smchawaii.org/

MARCH 23, 2013 BY GWEN 1 COMMENT

 <iframe src="http://new.livestream.com/accounts/2971996/events/2070795/videos/18344170/player?autoPlay=false&height=360&mute=false&width=640" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>

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According to The Local Consumer Review Survey in 2012, approximately 72% of consumers surveyed said that they trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, while 52% said that positive online reviews make them more likely to use a local business.

Whether you are participating in the conversation or not, customers are forming opinions about your business and voicing them online. Great customer service is more than ever crucial to the sustainability of your business, and review sites like Google Places, Yelp, TripAdvisor, Gogobot and FourSquare are making it easier than ever to manage your online reputation and boost positive customer reviews.

Join us and a panel of industry practitioners for an in-depth conversation about why customer review sites are important for the sustainability of your business, why it’s important to respond to reviews, how you can manage the good AND the bad reviews, how to deliver excellent customer service using social media, and more!


Date: May 8, 2013
Location: Fuller Hall, YWCA of Oahu [map]
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Cost: $5.00 (early bird) until April 28
$10.00 after April 28 or at the door (credit cards only at the door)
FREE for Social Media Club members! (discount code will be emailed to you)
Tickets: REGISTER HERE
Parking: on Richards Street and surrounding area is metered ($1.50/hour), but free after 6:00pm. Parking at ‘Iolani Palace is metered ($1.50/hour), but free after 6:00pm (gate closes at 11:00pm)

Guest Panelists 

Emi HartEmi Hart, Community Director at Yelp Hawaii
Emi Hart is a Community Director (aka Director of Marketing) for Yelp.com in Honolulu and a professional singer/songwriter. A graduate of the University of Hawaii, she is the mother of three amazing children and loves any dessert that contains the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. As a community builder for review website Yelp.com she pens the Weekly Yelp newsletter, shares reviews of her favorite local businesses, throws uber fun Yelp parties, and can be found hanging out with fun loving yelpers around Honolulu. 

 

Michael Miller Director of Sales  Marketing at Tikis Grill  BarMichael Miller, Director of Sales & Marketing at Tiki’s Grill & Bar
Michael has more than 24 years of experience in the Hawaii hospitality industry, in sales, operations, marketing and public relations. He is currently the Sales & Marketing Director for Tiki’s Grill & Bar, a position he has held for 9 years. He is a member of National Restaurant Association—Marketing Executives Group, The James Beard Foundation, Oahu Wedding Association, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii Past Board Member, The Arthritis Foundation. He is responsible for growing the Tiki’s brand and promoting the restaurant for parties and corporate group events. Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and traveling, sailing, gardening and cooking and playing with Kula their Airedale Terrier.

 

Asiana PoncianoAsiana Ponciano, Social Media Marketing Coordinator atHawaiian Airlines
Asiana is the Social Media Marketing Specialist at Hawaiian Airlines, where she manages a social media community with over 300,000 members that spans across three countries. Prior to Hawaiian Airlines, Asiana worked for College Connections Hawaii, an educational non-profit located in Honolulu, where she helped develop their social media strategy. Asiana was born and raised in Honolulu and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Journalism. During her time in San Francisco, Asiana freelanced for print and online publications. She also worked as an editorial assistant for an online video production company called Soma Girls TV and co-hosted a tech trends podcast called Girls Gone Geek. 

 

Mae RusselMae Russell, Marketing Manager at Aston Hotels & Resorts
Mae Russell is born and raised in Hawaii. She currently works for Aston Hotels & Resorts as their Corporate Marketing Manager. Mae graduated from Hawaii Pacific University with honors and received her BA in Public Relations. She moved to Las Vegas two weeks following graduation and then attended University of Phoenix, Nevada and graduated with honors receiving her Masters in Organizational Management. While in Las Vegas, Mae worked for large corporations learning a wide variety of marketing. She served as the Advertising, Special Events, Database and Direct Marketing Manager while employed at Fitzgeralds Casino. She also served as a Promotions & Special Events Manager for Station Casinos. One of the jobs she enjoyed the most was her last position working as the Marketing Manager at the Palms Casino & Resort.Mae lived in Las Vegas for 10 years and moved back to Hawaii a little over two years ago, so she could spend more time with family and friends. On her spare time, Mae enjoys snowboarding and skiing which she misses tremendously. Mae spends most of her free time with her mom, boyfriend and furry, four-legged daughter Mia, who is Mae’s 8 year old Lhasa Apso. She also enjoys trying new restaurants and feasting with family and friends. She believes in the saying “Live to Eat!”

Mae has over 15 years of experience in Marketing and has the eagerness to expand new horizons and meet new challenges.


Food & Beverage | Thank you to Cafe Julia for being our venue sponsor!

Cafe Julia logo small  beet salad_small  escargo_small  clams_small

Food and beverages will be available to order from Cafe Julia from their new Pau Hana menu. You can read about the new Pau Hana menu in Honolulu Magazine.
YWCA members receive 10% off Pau Hana menu!

You can join Cafe Julia online on Twitter and Facebook


Agenda

Networking: 5:30-6:00pm
Panel Discussion: 6:00pm-7:00pm
Questions: 7:00-7:30pm


Mahalo to our event sponsors!

L’ulu,"Leeward Culinary Arts Gala" Saturday, May 4, 2013

L’ulu, Leeward Culinary Arts Gala is an opportunity to invest in educational opportunities for Hawai‘i’s culinary students. This social event of the Leeward side brings together the leaders of Hawai‘i’s Regional Cuisine in support of Leeward Community College’s Culinary Arts Program. Guests indulge their senses with the delectable cuisines of Hawai‘i’s finest chefs alongside the Culinary Arts Program’s instructors and students. Exceptional entertainment and a silent auction, complimented by an array of wines, beers, spirits, and specialty coffees and teas complete the festive atmosphere and extraordinary ambiance of dining amid the Culinary Arts Program’s new dining and kitchen facilities.

Chef Ronnie did a Hau'ula Tomato Penne Cotta dish.


 
At L’ulu as we continue to feature the partnerships that seek to manage our natural resources and environment in a sustainable manner and reshape the local marketplace. Thirteen restaurants will partner with farmers, ranchers, and aquaculturists to feature a locally grown or produced food product in their menu offering.  Visit the chefs as they continue to link agriculture with the restaurant industry and strive to provide diners with products that are fresh, local, and as diverse as our island themselves.  

The Restaurants                                        The Chefs 

Alan Wong’s Restaurant                    Alan Wong

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa          Patirck Callarec, Ron Villoria

Chef Chai                                        Chai Chaowasaree

JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa       Scott Higa

Michel’s                                          Eberhard Kintscher

Nalo Farms                                      Dean Okimoto

REAL a gastropub                            Troy Terorotua

Roy’s Restaurant                              Roy Yamaguchi, Jackie Lau

Sansei and dk Steakhouse                  D.K. Kodama , Joseph “JJ” Reinhart

Side Street Inn on Da Strip                Colin Nishida

The Pearl at Leeward CC                  Ian Riseley

Tiki’s Grill & Bar                             Ronnie Nasuti

Tokkuri Tei                                     Hideaki “Santa” Miyoshi

Moms, Tutus, Ohana - Mother's Day Brunch at Tiki's Grill & Bar 2013

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH AT TIKI’S GRILL & BAR

WHO: Mom, Tutu, Ohana  
WHAT: Mother’s Day Brunch and Free Valet Parking
WHEN: Sunday May 12th 2013 from 9:30 PM - 2:00 PM
WHERE: Tiki’s Grill & Bar - 2570 Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, offering FREE validated valet parking
MENU& TICKETS: $32 Adults, $16 Keiki (Ages 5-12) & FREE (Keiki under 5) Mother's Day Brunch at Tiki's

A mother’s day brunch that is sure to be a treat for your mother or tutu, will be held at Tiki’s Grill & Bar on Sunday May 12th 2013 from 9:30 AM until 2:00 PM.  What could be a better way to say mahalo nui loa mom, for all you’ve done for me than with a delicious breakfast, stunning ocean views and not to mention, the very-entertaining strolling musician duo: Sonny Kapu and his beautiful mother.

 Executive Chef Ronnie Nasuti has prepared a special menu for mothers with varying tastes to include: All You Can Eat Snow Crab Legs, Red Velvet Waffles, “Build Your Own” Omelet Station, Hand Carved Salt Crusted Prime Rib, Pancake, and French Toast Bar as well as a Poke Bar.  Additional hot items featured include: Crab Eggs Benedict and Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi with Lemongrass Beurre Blanc, to name a few.  Other cold items to be featured include: Nalo Farms Mixed Greens, Season Fruits and House Made Kim Chee.  Executive Chef Ronnie Nasuti states, “I call my mom on Mother’s Day to let her know how many guests we serve and she always tells me how proud she is that my team and I were able to create a special experience for so many amazing mothers.  It’s a good feeling to know that all the hard work that goes into a great brunch is appreciated by many mothers and grandmothers alike.”

 
Tiki’s looks forward to making a memorable Mother’s Day brunch for you and your ohana.  Reservations are encouraged and can be made online at www.tikisgrill.com or bycalling (808) 923-8454.


Hawaii Launch Event of Crispin American Hard Cider & Fox Barrel.

On May 2, 2013 I was invited to the Hawaii Launch of Crispin American Hard Cider & Fox Barrel. These two booming brands are taking the "Hard Cider" category by storm.  Cider-Maker Bruce Nissen had a down to earth way of explaining the process and art form of getting the different products to market.  Getting to taste and get the explanation on how and what makes each one unique was treat.

 

Meeting and Bruce Nissen and his wife was pleasure as he came and sat down at our table for a while and was talking story and fielding questions about bees, honey, 40 types of apples, higher levels of alcohol and the fun he has had growing his brands. 

Photo of the welcome drink - Crispin Orignal  at the event

Pan Roasted Monchong - Fennel & Green Apple Salad, Chili Aioli, Soy Vinaigrette. Paired with Crispen Prepare to Die.

  • Crispin "Prepare To Die" a dangerous, rapier of an apple cider aged in red wine barrels and finished with Killer Bee honey and organic blood orange.
  • ABV: 6.5%
  •  Poured Appearance:Very slightly cloudy.
  • Color: Blood orange pink with hints of orange.Aroma:Oaky with citrus freshness and authentic crushed apple.Flavor:Slightly oaky tannins up front lead in to a balanced presentation of fresh citrus and cidery apples with lingering tartness and a balanced, strong, slightly sweet finish.

The Crispin Cider Company produces natural hard apple craft ciders using fermented American unpasteurized fresh-pressed apple-juice in Original, Light and Brut varietals, and additional unfiltered Artisanal Reserves – Honey Crisp, Lansdowne, The Saint and Cho-tokkyu.

The Fox Barrel Cider Company is dedicated to the production of superior pure pear ciders, using American fermented fresh-pressed pear-juice. Available in Pacific Pear, Blackberry Pear and Apricot Pear varietals and additional unfiltered Cidery Reserves  – Ginger & Blackcurrant and Rhubarb & Elderberry.

More at http://www.crispincider.com/