'Idol' Tuesdays bring feast or famine to local restaurants

•	Suspense becomes excruciating for 'Idol'
•	How to vote early and often for Trias
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By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

If it's Tuesday, it's "American Idol" time, right?

Jasmine Trias' quest to become an American Idol may be why business is up on Tuesdays at Big City Diner in Kailua. Associated Press

For restaurateurs like Raymond Siu of Pah Ke's Chinese restaurant in Kane'ohe, it can be a time for concern. Will it be a slow or busy night for the kitchen?

"It's hard to predict," said Siu.

"I overheard people over the last few weeks that they come earlier to eat," he said. "They want to finish up early so they can go home to watch TV and vote. But some late diners bring their cell phones and vote while eating."

So far, said Siu, business has been steady. "The early ones come at 5 or 5:30, so I don't see a drop in business. Besides, with Chinese food, some people take out (to dine at home) on Tuesdays."

At a popular Thai restaurant that appeals to local palates, Tuesdays have become worrisome. "Tuesdays are very, very slow," said Tar Srivongsana, an employee at Chiang Mai, a Thai restaurant on King Street. "This past Tuesday was the worst (when Jasmine Trias pulled an upset, and survived the cut, eliminating La Toya London). There was nobody here by 9 p.m., so we closed early," she said.

"Those who come Tuesday want to go home to watch TV. And this past Wednesday, slow, too. Rest of the week, we're busy, sometimes with take-out. But Tuesday ... slow. And getting worse. Cannot afford to stay open if no business."

Across town, at Chai's Island Bistro at Aloha Tower Marketplace, waiter James Church said diners have been scarce on "Idol" voting nights. When he checked last week for reservations on Tuesday and Wednesday, there were only two bookings. "I'd say it tends to be a little slow, so it's something for us to keep an eye on," he said.

Big City Diner, a popular hangout in Kaimuki, has been holding up on Tuesdays — but the Wai'alae Avenue restaurant has television sets to help keep diners updated on Trias' progress on "Idol." "We get a pretty good rush," said Byron Shimabukuro.

At the Big City Diner in Kailua, Trias' appearances have helped fuel business. "Mondays and Tuesdays are busy, but Tuesdays have become busier," said Mark Nakashima, the Kailua manager. "Ever since our Hawai'i girl has won, business has gone up. I don't know if it contributes to the business, but we're not complaining."

Of course, some eateries are impervious to "Idol" mania.

" 'American Idol' is on what night?" said an assistant manager at Ruth's Chris Steak House at Restaurant Row. Told Tuesday, she laughed, saying there was no impact. However, there is a large TV in the lounge, where some customers like to watch the show while enjoying pupu and the complimentary house-made potato chips.

At Compadres Bar & Grill in Ward Centre, general manager John Langan has had a popular Tuesday theme night, "Taco Tuesday." "We are extremely busy each Tuesday night, and since we don't attract teenagers who like to watch 'American Idol,' our business is great," said Langan. Compadres does have TV sets in the bar and on the lanai too, but normally these are tuned to sports shows. "Idol" fans could request a channel switch.

Dixie Grill on Ward Avenue has a "Tuesdays Are Bluesdays" feature, when J.P. Smoketrain and Dominic Leonard pump up the blues, and reports business has been steady.

At Ed Wary's Auntie Pasto's on Pensacola Street, the family-style Italian restaurant has not seen a dip in patronage on Tuesdays. According to Lisa Kobs, an assistant manager, "One of our employees worked the show when it was (auditioning) in Hawai'i, so there's some interest. But most of our staff just tapes (the show) if they want to watch it."

Don Ho's Island Grill, at Aloha Tower Marketplace, saw some impact on Tuesdays when it hosted a Tuesday-night karaoke competition. To avoid a clash with "Idol" airings, the contest has shifted to Thursday instead, according to a restaurant spokesman.

Jeanine Mamiya-Kalahiki, Zippy's marketing manager, said that diners sometimes congregate at the restaurants with adjoining bars that have TV screens, but business is up prior to "Idol" airings on Tuesdays. "People order take-out to bring home (to eat while they watch the show)," said Mamiya-Kalahiki. "Take-out business slows down during the show."

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.