When we heard about Puka Dog Hawaiian style hot dogs in Waikiki, Honolulu from the Anthony Bourdain Travel Channel show, Noel said “I have to try those hot dogs.” We live in Chicago, the hot dog and pizza capital of the world and it is hard to beat our local restaurants on these items. Noel was ready for the taste test. Being a vegetarian, I agreed to join him but did not expect to partake.
When we arrived I found the “hot dogs” choices on the menu either Polish Sausage which Noel likes and (surprise!) veggie dogs. We both were going to have lunch. The choice of dog was just the first of our options.
Any good dog needs a bun and this is not your typical bun split down the side. The Puka Dog bun is tube shaped with a hole at one end. After you choose your dog your bun is slide onto a toasting spike. Seconds later, you watch as your Puka Dog is assembled.
Puka Dog Hawaiian Style Hot Dogs in Waikiki Honolulu Hawaii
Your sauce selection, either mild or spicy, is dispensed into your bun. Next comes the relish. While some may be traditionalists, opting for ketchup or mustard, we tried the unique tropical versions. Tropical papaya, pineapple, coconut, guava, star fruit, mangoes or bananas relish is squirted into your bun on top of your sauce selection.
Finally, they slide your choice of dog into the tube. You’ll be glad these are served wrapped in a paper sleeve to keep the sauces from ending up in your lap. Dine alfresco on the patio or opt for take out.
Staff here was animated as they explained the menu to us and answered all our questions. The Waikiki store on Oahu is Puka Dog’s second location. The original Puka Dog is on the island of Kauai. Follow Puka Dog on Facebook too.
Click on the image below to view this episode of “Where Are You Today?” as we visit Puka Dog Waikiki.
Puka Dog Inc.
2301 Kuhio Avenue # 334
Honolulu/ Hawaii 96815
Phone: 808 923-4510
Holiday Inn Hotel Crystal Lake McHenry County
During our McHenry County media tour, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Crystal Lake, McHenry County, Illinois. Located in Crystal Lake on Route 31 at Northwest Highway Route 14. The hotel is convenient to the Metra Northwest Pacific Line Cary, Pingree Road and Crystal Lake stops and free shuttle service is available.
The hotel recently underwent a multimillion dollar renovation of the guest rooms and public areas. Room upgrades included new furniture, linens and deluxe shower heads. All rooms have high speed internet access. Plenty of free parking is available.
After a long day, relax in the heated indoor pool or on the large outdoor deck with views of Lake Acorn or visit with friends in the bright, airy, open lobby bar.
The hotel caters to the many Crystal Lake businesses and business travelers. There is an on site rent a car office or the hotel will shuttle guests to businesses within five miles of the hotel.
For McHenry County residents, the hotel meeting rooms and banquet facilities can host groups up to 1,200 people. We attended events at the hotel and enjoyed the convenience of staying overnight instead of a late night drive home, especially during winter. Overnight stays can be packaged with champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, pizza or meals. Ask the hotel when you make reservations.
Breakfast buffet at Holiday Inn Crystal Lake
Loree Rose, Director of Sales at Crystal Lake Holiday Inn joined us for breakfast and gave us a tour of the hotel.
Click on the image below to view this episode of “Where Are You Today?”
Holiday Inn NW Chicago-Crystal Lake Conference Center Hotel
800 South Illinois Route 31
Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014
Phone: (815) 477-7000
Follow Holiday Inn Crystal Lake on Facebook.
Our trip was sponsored by the McHenry County Visitors Bureau and Crystal Lake Holiday Inn.
