WE'RE CRAVING: SHAVE ICE

Island Snow

President Obama gave this Kailua spot a boost when he visited the place with his daughters. Here, it's all about the shave ice and ice cream combo. There are plenty of flavors, and the syrup lasts until you hit the bottom of the cone.

Island Snow, 130 Kailua Road., 263-6339

John's Grocery

John's Grocery, known mostly as John's Store, has been around since 1926, and its current owners have kept the ambience true to its original form. This has been an after-school hangout for kids from nearby Ma'ema'e Elementary for decades. Get the rainbow cone for a real taste of nostalgia.

John's Grocery, 2426 Liliha St., 595-2803

Jung shave ice

If you're looking for hidden gems, Jung Shave Ice on South King Street fits the bill. It's the fluffiest and cheapest — $1 for a small cone and $1.25 for a small cup — shave ice around. The ice is the consistency of a good-quality Icee, except instead of being slushy, it holds its solid mound shape while you eat it.

Jung Shave Ice, 1738 S. King St.

Shimazu Store

Shimazu has always been known for its ginormous mounds of shave ice and its customized, exclusive flavors that we haven't seen anywhere else on the island, such as mojito (nonalcoholic) and the newest, durian. Our favorite is the combination red velvet/creme brulee cone.

Shimazu Store, 330 N. School St., 371-8899

Waiola Store

Waiola Store — the original location on Waiola Street — overloads the senses with flavors. We recommend the cream flavors: melona actually tastes like the creamy popsicle, while strawberry cream is a mellow twist on the classic shave ice flavor. The flavors are intense enough to eat plain, although most people can't resist topping it with li hing powder or condensed milk.

Waiola Store, 2135 Waiola St., 949-2269

— Melissa Chang

FOOD NEWS

Nonprofit organization Kanu Hawaii is challenging people to undertake its Eat Local Challenge. Participants are encouraged to eat only locally grown and produced food for the week of Aug. 8 to 15. A number of local restaurants, including town and Tango, will be offering all- local menus during the week of the challenge. The challenge is an attempt to raise public awareness about sustainability. For more information, or to see a list of local restaurants participating in the challenge, visit www.kanuhawaii.org.

Consolidated Theatres is offering a concession discount for military people in conjunction with the opening of "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra." The G.I. Joe Combo, including one large popcorn and two medium drinks for $12 (a $3 discount), will be available today through the run of the film at all Consolidated Theatres locations. Military ID required for discount.

Don Ho's Island Grill will hold a tribute to the man himself at its Aloha Tower Marketplace restaurant from 5 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 13, which would have marked the singer's 78th birthday. The event will include live music and a "Backyard Lu'au" buffet. Tickets are $25. The first 100 people through the door will receive free copies of Ho's memoir, "My Music My Life." Call 528-0807 to make reservations.

ANDAGI HEAVEN

You love andagi. You love shoyu pork. So why did it take so long for an Okinawan genius to come up with shoyu pork andagi? Off the Wall ($3, 486-9255) in 'Aiea is doing it, and doing it well. It's like eating dessert, with a savory little surprise in the middle, served with a shoyu pork sauce and yuzu beurre blanc.

— Melissa Chang

BETTY'S BACK

In its third incarnation, Green Door Cafe seems to have returned to its roots. The original Green Door Cafe opened in 2004 on Maunakea Street and could seat about 12 customers comfortably, 16 if you really packed them in. After trying to make a go of it in a big Kahala space, chef-owner Betty Pang and her Green Door are back in Chinatown, with a four-table eatery where she, a master of spice and flavor, cooks up a rotating menu of delicious Malaysian and Nonya fare. The menu is short and strong, and Pang is always up for making off-the-menu dishes for willing eaters.

Green Door Cafe

1110 Nu'uanu Ave. 533-0606

11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; opens 6 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays