WE'RE CRAVING: SUSHI

DORAKU SUSHI

Doraku specializes in creative fusion sushi rolls, like the spicy lobster roll with tempura lobster, cucumber, avocado and spicy cream sauce. And yes, there are hipper-than-thou specialty drinks like wasabi bloody marys. But resist the urge for trendy, and go straight for the sake — they send experts to Japan to select artisanal sakes.

Doraku Sushi, Royal Hawaiian Center, 2201 Kalakaua Ave., 922-3323

NOBU WAIKIKI

OK, so the cost of one piece of sushi here is easily double what you pay at other Honolulu sushi bars. But every sushi connoisseur should try Nobu's at least once, or maybe a lot more. The whole menu sings a seductive siren song of food.

Nobu Waikiki, Waikiki Parc Hotel, 2233 Helumoa Road, 237-6999

SANSEI SEAFOOD RESTAURANT AND SUSHI BAR

Locals and tourists love Sansei for its fun fusion food and sushi, like the spicy Japanese BLT roll, Rock Shrimp Dynamite and seared Atlantic salmon with tiger prawns. Bonus: There's a late-night menu.

Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar,Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, 2552 Kalakaua Ave., 931-6286

SUSHI SASABUNE

Chef-owner Seiji Kumagawa runs his sushi bar as chef's choice only. The quality of fish is unparalleled. You'll never encounter a piece of stringy tendon or off-putting colors. The restaurant, along with Nobu, offers the best Tokyo-style sushi experience in town.

Sushi Sasabune, 1419 S. King St., 947-3800

YUZEN

Yuzen doesn't stray from the traditional when it comes to its sushi and sashimi — you're not going to find anything rolled inside-out in tempura flakes, nothing flecked with cream cheese or sriracha, just delicious sushi.

Yuzen, 1518 Makaloa St., 943-0131

FOOD NEWS

French restaurant Le Guignol is now open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, serving sandwiches, salads and small plates. Call 591-1809 to make reservations, though walk-ins are welcome.

Modern American steakhouse BLT Steak is slated to open in the new Trump International Hotel & Tower at Waikiki Beach Walk in late 2009. BLT stands for Bistro Laurent Tourondel, the creation of celebrated chef and restaurateur Laurent Tourondel. Named 2007 Restaurateur of the year by "Bon Appetit" magazine, Tourondel's signature culinary style and French technique redefined the American steakhouse with the opening of BLT Steak in New York City in 2004.

Wolfgang's Steakhouse (922-3600) in the Royal Hawaiian Center this week launched its version of happy hour, dubbed "Cocktails on Kalakaua." The upscale steakhouse offers drink specials and pupu priced $5 to $7 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. weekdays.

The Oscar Meyer Wienermobile is in town making a string of appearances at grocery stores around the island. Catch it from 8 a.m. to noon today at Foodland Waipio, from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, July 4 at Times Supermarket Waimalu and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, July 5 at Times Ko'olau and from 2-6 p.m. Sunday at Times Kailua.

SMALL BITES

GOOD-BYE BURRITO, HELLO QUESADILLA

Most people go to La Taqueria de Ramiro (532-8226) for its massive two-fisted burritos that are like two meals in one. But the real food gem on the menu is the supreme quesadilla. They build it differently at Ramiro — the filling is piled on top of the tortilla instead of between it — and one bite of the meaty, cheesy mountain of fresh toppings, and burritos are a thing of the past.

MOSTLY MEXICAN

A sign at Mulvadi Cafe, which is tucked into that corner of real estate where Dole Street meets Wai'alae Avenue, says that it's an Irish Mexican restaurant. We're not sure what that means, and the menu is mostly Mexican (with some classic American thrown in), but we're happy to find a place on Wai'alae that serves breakfast all day. Plus, the cafe's signature Carne Asada Fries is a genius twist on classic nachos. French fries replace the tortilla chips, and are piled high with carne asada, cheese, tomatoes, jalapenos, peppers, onions and olives. Mulvadi Cafe also serves sandwiches and burgers, along with a long list of Mexican staples and vegetarian options.

MULVADI CAFE

3040 Wai'alae Ave., next door to The Fat Greek

626-5087

Hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily