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Anyone else notice the many ads posted in the classified section of the paper over the last week? It says:
"Ohana Grill
Uncle Don signed....
Kaikodo Building lease.
Plans are for best in...
food, variety, prices, Entertainment, Dancing
All seven Days per week!
Watch for our Opening!
I saw someone in the old Restaurant Kaikodo the other day, and then the next day there were signs all around the building in the windows, the signs said, Coming Soon, Hilo Culinary Academy, Hilo's first Professional Culinary School, there was a phone number and it said to call Chef Bill. Then the next day I saw these ads all over the classifieds.
Anyone know the scoop on what is going on over there? I loved Restaurant Kaikodo and I would be very sad if another really nice restaurant does not take that space.
Aloha au i Hawai`i,
devany
www.myhawaiianhome.blogspot.com
www.eastbaypotters.blogspot.com
Well, if it is Don of Don's Grill, then it is not going to be fine dining or fine decor. Have you been to the Hinano Street location?
I agree, Kaikodo was wonderful as a room, my favorite in Hilo.
The former owners were Asian art and antiquity dealers, so the furnishings they had were from their personal collection.
The bar at Kaikodo was shipped over from London, a beautiful vintage wood bar. I don't know it that remained with the building.
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Chef Bill Salvador started a restaurant and culinary school in the old Hilo Hotel until the building was sold. He has a good reputation, motivated kids that are at risk! Has worked at different hotels in Hawaii, plus HCC Hawaii. Started the restaurant Ohana Grill across from ice pond on Kalanianaole Ave, space was too limited for him to restart the school. He and his partners were able to negotiate the lease with Kaikoda, for the restaurant and Chef Training School.
You could not ask for a more perfect environment to start a program like this, even if it is not perfect, anything is better than letting the building sit empty.
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Chef Bill Salvador has done wonders at the Old Hilo Hotel when it was owned by the East Hawaii Coalition for the Homeless. I had lunch/dinner there several times. Unfortunately, EHCH was totally mismanaged and they were foreclosed on the property, so Bill had to leave. I'm sure he will do the same good job at the new location as he did at the old one.
Aloha,
John S. Rabi, GM,PB,ABR,CRB,CM,FHS
808.989.1314
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Typically Tropical Properties
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So, are Uncle Don and Bill partners? I agree, empty buildings do nothing for our town. It will be interesting to see what develops.
Kathy, I agree, that was one great room and a beautiful bar. I have been to Mary Ann and Howard Rogers' gallery in NYC and their collection is amazing. What they did for that building is a gift to Hilo. Last I heard the building was still for sale.
Aloha au i Hawai`i,
devany
www.myhawaiianhome.blogspot.com
www.eastbaypotters.blogspot.com
Scratch what I said; I don't know who Uncle Don is. Don coupled with Grill made me think of Don's Grill but it was too much of a leap. Chef Bill sounds great, hope he succeeds there.
PS. Don's Grill is very Hilo and nothing against it; it is just not fancy, doesn't aim to be.
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Heard some buzz about this in the office a few days ago--maybe it is Coconut Grill that is part of the new project? (Don't quote me on that...it's third party info...)
It would be great to see life in that building again...it has such a mysterious quality. Whatever happens there, I hope the charm isn't lost. (I originally moved to the Big Island to work for the Roger's after meeting them in New York. Long story...short-lived situation!)
Cynthia
Cynthia Hoskins, R(S)
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Clark Realty Corporation
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Ohana Grill is going in there. Chef Bill will have culinary school also. Breakfast, lunch & dinner, entertainment 7 nites a week. Full bar too. (London bar is still there!)
mary blonde
Live Aloha
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Should be an interesting mix, sharing the back of the house with students... could be free labor and could be a culinary disaster... like "Who Stole My Cheese?" All of the doors were open this morning when I went by. It is good to know that that those beautiful rooms (private dining room is quite special too) will be in use again.
Aloha au i Hawai`i,
devany
www.myhawaiianhome.blogspot.com
www.eastbaypotters.blogspot.com
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Dined at the prior culinary school about 4 years ago and the food was quite good and reasonably priced.
David
Ninole Resident
Ninole Resident
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