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Royal Hawaiian in 2024 This is how the old Royal Hawaiian looked when Don and I visited last fall!  My quick photo-snap failed to properly spotlight the carved tiki figures. It also didn't capture the giddiness Don and I were both feeling. One click and we rushed inside to see the iconic lounge, where we made good memories 4 decades ago. 2014 This is how Royal Hawaiian looked in 2014, when Don and I were back in Laguna Beach. The business had closed down and we couldn't pop in for Happy Hour, like we did as newlyweds in the '80s, living just blocks away.  The Cabang family still owned the biz. back in the '80s. Francis Cabang and his buddy Hal Hanna, originally opened the Polynesian style lounge in 1947. The Cabangs sold in 2006. Royal Hawaiian went through a few owners in the years that followed. All Fixed Up Our recent visit came a year after new ownership spiffed the place up. Thatched umbrellas and heaters welcomed October guests.  But who would want to sit facing the Coast Highway, when you could enjoy the Tiki decor just inside the door? The open door with the hefty porthole window, invited us in on that late autumn afternoon.
Where was the old door decor? The photo I took in 2014, showed a tiki figure.  I spotted this framed photo inside a little later. I guess that might be Francis Cabang standing beside the same door. Look at the palm tree? Only potted plants in front, today. Just inside It was about 4:30 when we entered the dimly lit waiting area.  The rock wall, rattan furniture and plants, helped me recall a few Tiki adventures from 4 decades ago. Conch Shell Seat You'd think I'd remember this crazy thing from back then.  Maybe it's a new addition.  We were way ahead of the TGIF crowds, so I paused for a fine photo. I pictured Tiki Fans, a few hours later, waiting in line to get their Instagram photos. Dining Area It was nice to be early before diners filled the tables. I could snap a few pics of the fresh new interior, without worry.  The built in dividers above the green seating, were impressive. They were created using jade tiles, salvaged from an ancient Chinese Temple! Should have snapped a close up photo. The cozy booths offered comfy seating for folks hoping to enjoy Mochiko Chicken Wings, or Chicken Dumplings or a Pu Pu Platter.  In fact I believe we sat in a similar booth and ordered a Pu Pu Platter in 1995. We were vacationing with young kids and they thought this place was mighty exciting. Colorful Lighting There was a lot to see, looking up towards the ceiling. Lots of bamboo... a ship's wheel and glowing green lamp.
Another light fixture shined red and green colors onto the palm thatched ceiling. Long Bar Don and I had a hard time remembering the old bar set-up. Was this the old location? The recent renovation left the bar looking a lot sleeker. No cluttering plants or TVs.  There were 22 stools at the glowing bar. Only about 6 seats were taken at 4:30. Back Lit Bar We took 2 seats by another couple, visiting for the first time from D.C. It was fun to chat with others who were enthused, like us.  We studied the 20 lit shelves, holding mugs and glassware, bottles liquor. Of course rum!  Above the shelves I spotted a draped skeleton. I was glad they hadn't gotten overly excited about Halloween decor. I'd rather gaze up and see a carved boat or clam shells than ghoulish delights.  And I'm always game for mid-century hula girl lamps. There were 2 and one had swinging hips! Retro Menu The menu design pleased me. I was wearing my 50s era flamingo dress and wanted to absorb as much Retro Tiki as possible.  I'm not sure how much a tropical drink would cost us in 1947, but there were 8 options on the menu, for $18. each.  I was disappointed for a moment that none of the drinks were served in Tiki glasses. But I guess glass allows you to actually see what you're drinking. Mai Tai and Lapu Lapu Our gold and brown drinks were served on the earthy sleek bar. My Mai Tai was half price at happy hour.  We had a full evening ahead and I didn't want to risk ruining it all by drinking the extremely potent Lapu Lapu. That's Royal Hawaiian's signature cocktail from 1947. Don's Lapu Lapu The 2-rum drink, with passion fruit and o.j. has changed a bit. There used to be a strict 2-drink limit. Don ordered just one, with the original recipe, which is not on the menu.  Maybe it was the original recipe, but it appeared to be smaller. Maybe that's a memory thing.  Don wore his bird of paradise shirt, to enjoy his cocktail.  We took a selfie. Which is something we obviously didn't do 40+ years ago. Old Photos Don had a good chat with the manager, when he inquired about t-shirts.  While he shopped, I studied old photos. Mr. and Mrs. Cabang This must be Mr. and Mrs. Cabang, standing near a billboard advertising Royal Hawaiian Charcoal Broiler.  I wish I could have learned more history about Francis and his buddy Hal. Both were born in the Philippines and both were WWII vets. They would be pleased to know their dream business is still delighting folks, 78 years after opening! Off By 5:15 The Happy Hour vibe was picking up by the time we headed out, just after 5. Musicians were arriving and yummy smells were wafting from the kitchen.  But 2 nights in Laguna isn't enough. We had a lot more to do.  I'm so glad this historic Laguna Beach landmark is back in the Tiki Biz!
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Clean Fun in Austin's East Side At the end of March, I enjoyed an early birthday outing, with some pretty fine folk.  My daughter Heidi gave me some restaurant options. I chose Launderette. This wouldn't be my first dining adventure in a restaurant housed, in an old laundromat! Las Vegas, New Mexico This is the first laundro-restaurant!  Very different food and atmosphere, at Charlie's Spic & Span! Posing With Signs The Launderette sign didn't have my granddaughter's name on it, but Charlie was happy to pose with me.
Actually she wasn't interested in the brown sign. She wanted to pose with the stop sign, that I now see has 1 changed letter. "STOP ALL WAR" Is this a trend in the Holly Neighborhood area? Or is this a one of a kind? Boxy Building Our posing made us few minutes late for our 7:00 reservations. But I just couldn't pass up the photo op before nightfall.  As we moved towards the flat roofed building I was excited to see if I could recognize any bits of the old washeteria, from pre-restaurant days. No Machines Once inside I could see they were not spotlighting the washing machine history. Although the concrete floors did have a sudsy green appearance.  The curved wood bar, with white wire chairs and mid-century lighting was pretty and clean as a whistle. Patio Seating We reserved an outdoor table, which was much quieter and pretty comfy.  We had a table under the roof, with chair or bench options. Pillows made things cozy on the wood bench. Laundromat History I was curious to ask our server if this building had truly once been a laundromat. Yep! Not just a gimmick. It was a neighborhood laundromat just before it became a restaurant, about a decade ago.  I told her I was actually glad to hear that. Then I wondered aloud if any of the guests or staff (on the property, right at that moment) had ever once washed clothes at a laundromat. She chuckled, but didn't give me her answer. I might have been the only person who could have answered yes. Fun Stuff The kids' menu came along with crayons and "Wikki Stix". The bendable wax sticks were a hit with Charlie... and Gramma.  The colorful sticks kept Charlie occupied, as I secretly cleaning a surprise that had appeared on her shoulder. There was a bird roosting above! One of the dangers of outside dining. Snacky Bits! I love a menu that has some options for "Snacky Bits". I love that playful term.  We didn't actually order any Snacky Bits, but Heidi and I chose a few vegetable sides that were unusual and fun for sharing. The Acorn Squash above, was very yummy. (sumac chèvre, cherry mustard, sunflower sukkah, smoked ricotta) I could have eaten a loaf of that crusty bread. An order of Frites with mazano sauce and garlic aioli, was Charlie's favorite veggie!  Shawarma Cauliflower! There was a lot going on with this veggie plate. I almost couldn't find the cauliflower.  But it was there! Along with pickled golden raisins, hummus, cabbage escabeche and arugula! Yum! Don ordered one of the 4 Specialties. The Texas Redfish with Trout Roe (fish eggs) was tasty, but the portion was small. I didn't steal a bite.  Don was okay with me stealing his broccolini. Charlie tried a bit, but it was too smoky for her purist tastebuds. Dessert! We ate lightly for 2 reasons.  1 - We'd eaten a very, very late lunch. 2- We wanted to sample some desserts! Two Out of Four We chose 2 of the 4 dessert options.  The Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sandwich was a must. It arrived with a lit candle, but no song. The fam sang a very lovely (and soft) Happy Birthday. Then Charlie and I puffed out the candle together. I'm always happy to get a little help. Besides, we were celebrating in March. The month between February (when Charlie turned 4) and my April birthday.  The ice cream with sprinkles was heavenly, between doughy sugar cookies.  We also shared Chocolate Cremelux, with marshmallow fluff ice cream and "cocoa nib soil" ? I liked the little triangles of meringue. Lots of textures and temperatures on that plate. Restroom Adventure I often enjoy a restroom adventure when I'm at a new restaurant. It's always a chance to explore and do some people watching. Not in the bathroom.  Charlie was excited to check out the Women's Room with me. We got to see some different kinds of chairs and artwork, on our way coming and going.  Charlie absolutely adored the hummingbird wallpaper in the Women's Room. Her voice offered a fair amount of entertainment for the other Ladies waiting their turns, as she described the tropical colors and birds. Then she counted them. There were a lot. The restaurant was a little more hopping when we headed out around 9. I made a quick dash to check out the illuminated sign.  What a fun dining adventure on a lovely spring evening... with family!
Sacramento in 2024 In early March, Don and I flew into Sacramento for a long weekend.  We were in town to celebrate 2.5 special people. Our son and daughter-in-law are expecting a baby in May! Hollywood Park We spent a few days in Chali & Scott's wonderfully retro Hollywood Park neighborhood.  We enjoyed some good food at the house, but we didn't have to drive far to enjoy some great Asian food. There are dozens of Asian restaurants within a mile or two. Shower Time Our first gathering that involved food was in Chali & Scott's home. There are always good nibbles at a Baby Shower.
With more family and friends, we enjoyed sandwiches from Selland's! Fruit, salad and a purple cake, hiding beneath a pastel rainbow! 3 Nights It's been 7+ years since Scott and Chali's families have feasted together.
It was 2017, when we last gathered. We were in Thailand, for Chali and Scott's wedding.
We learned on that trip that we all enjoy feasting together. Japanese Sushi First During the long weekend, we enjoyed 3 mini dining adventures, all in the Hollywood Park neighborhood.  Sushi Cafe is just a half mile from the house. It was hopping at 5:30 on a Friday.  We were seated at a corner table, in a less decorated side room. The parking lot view wasn't too lovely, but it worked great for us. We were happy to have our own quiet space.  Charlie loved the crispy cucumber with sesame. She tried the chopsticks for a while. Fingers work better. Cheers! Some of us toasted with sake.  Charlie and Chali toasted with bottles of Ramune Soda. I was intrigued with the funny little bottles, holding marbles in the neck. (Google Ramune!) Sushi Boat Time! The most exciting part of the meal, was the Sushi Boat!  There were 5 boats to choose from on the menu.  We had enough people to order the largest! 13 pieces of nigiri for starts!  The boat was almost empty when we all decided we'd had enough. We ordered just right. Then our very gracious server brought a little sampler of Mochi and placed it in our empty boat!  The cool rice cakes almost tricked me into thinking we were eating ice cream! Chocolate, coffee, mango, strawberry... A nice end to a fun meal! Chinese Meal at Jade Fountain Cafe On another night. we shared a Chinese meal at Jade Fountain Cafe.  Like most of the Asian restaurants along Freeport Blvd, this strip center dining spot was all about the food. Not the atmosphere. Limited Ambience We were seated at a round table beneath bright lights and a TV. No worries about lacking ambience. Our focus was on the Lazy Susan in the middle of the table.  Our server seemed a little fussy when she placed the first dishes on the revolving platter. She pointed to the spoons and reminded us to turn them inwards.  We learned why. Soon our table was filled with dishes. I don't recall any wild spinning...  ...but suddenly one of our diners had a glass of ice water in the lap! Water was easy to mop up, compared to the incident that happened at the New Hong Kong Wok, right next door.  Towards the end of our meal (which was pretty delicious and reasonably priced) we noticed flashing red lights in the parking lot. EMS workers briefly entered Jade Fountain and spoke with a manager. We asked our server and she said the restaurant next door had called for help, after scalding hot tea caused a serious burn. She said Lazy Susan accidents are not uncommon. Especially with playful teens. Home Prepared Thai Food Our third Asian dinner involved Thai food made by Chali's mom.  Linda created 3 fabulous dishes! She's cooked for us in 5 different cities in past years. She adapts to different kitchens and uses whatever ingredients she can find. Her food is mouthwatering wherever we are.  We gathered around the coffee table and devoured the flavors!  The next time our happy group (from California, D.C. and Texas) comes together again, we'll have an extra mouth to feed.  Cheers to Japanese, Chinese and Thai food! Cheers to ice cream! And cheers to future feast with Baby N!
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The Dining Blog
This is a blog about Dining Adventures. Sometimes, I talk about food. Below, you can read how this started. On July 4th 2011, I set a goal to try 50 culturally diverse restaurants in one year! (I knew that was possible, living in the Houston area) I spent the year pulling in friends and family to join me, on some unusual dining adventures. I met some curious people, tried some scary foods and explored places and cultures I never would have otherwise. Even though I met my goal, I learned too much to end my adventures in dining. I have continued blogging about memorable dining adventures of all kinds, near and far... and all the discoveries and funny things I've learned along the way! Locations and types of dining adventures, are listed further down. Archives
October 2025
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