Grinds briefs

Kodama to open Sansei in Seattle

One of Hawaii’s most acclaimed and popular chef/restaurateurs, D.K. Kodama, will open a Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Seattle.

The restaurant will be located on the corner of Pine and 9th Streets in the downtown area of the city. Opening is scheduled for fall 2015. It will be Kodama’s first venture on the mainland.

“I spent three years in the Seattle area before returning to Hawaii to open the first Sansei at Kapalua in 1996,” says Kodama, who owns six restaurants on three Hawaii Islands, including one in Waikoloa. “I think it’s a perfect match for our food and overall restaurant concept. Of course, all the great seafood they have in the Pacific Northwest will definitely make its way onto our menu.”

Kawaihae diner earns certificate

Kohala Burger & Taco, a Kawaihae diner, has received a 2015 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award.

Now in its fifth year, the award celebrates excellence in hospitality and is given only to establishments that consistently achieve great traveler reviews on TripAdvisor

Certificate of Excellence winners include accommodations, eateries and attractions located all over the world that have continually delivered a superior customer experience. This is Kohala Burger & Taco’s 4th Award from TripAdvisor.