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Golden Retriever wearing a hat went viral devouring a full hot dog at the ballpark.

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<title>Daily Smile: Sunday, April 19, 2026</title>

Golden Retriever wearing a hat went viral devouring a full hot dog at the ballpark....

Daily Smile: Sunday, April 19, 2026

 Golden Retriever wearing a hat went viral devouring a full hot dog at the ballpark.

Stephanie Salmons Headshot

Stephanie Salmons

Business & Tourism

Food & Dining

It's warm and humid on this Sunday afternoon. The sky is overcast, threatening rain. All in all, it seems like a good day for a cool treat.

Others seemingly had the same thought as a short line snakes out the door at Asato Family Shop on Pali Highway in Downtown Honolulu. 

The name is written in gold above the door and in the tiles once you step inside. Orange palaka print curtains hang in the window. A menu is taped to the door. Available today are pints of sherbet in some classic Hawai‘i flavors: strawberry, pineapple and Green River. There's also Lihing float; pickled mango juice; passion orange guava, and others. Some flavors have already sold out.

April 12 was the last day the Pali Highway shop will open on Sundays for retail sales. Owner Neale Asato says the business will instead focus on scaling its wholesale operations in the coming months.

He stands outside of the small shop as he talks to Aloha State Daily but pauses to greet friends and customers as they walk up, some offering hugs and handshakes.

Asato was recently named a nominee for the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards in the outstanding pastry chef or baker category.

, "embody exceptional talent and leadership within the independent restaurant industry," the James Beard Foundation noted. Winners will be revealed during an awards ceremony in Chicago this June.

Although several Hawai‘i restauranteurs and chefs were named as 

 earlier this year, Asato is the only one from Hawai‘i to advance.

It's an honor to be recognized by the James Beard Foundation, Asato says but he's quick to add that his family helped build the whole business. His wife, children and parents all help out, as have his siblings. 

"I think it's great for Hawai‘i to be recognized for what we're trying to do," Asato told ASD.

Known for its sherbet made in locally inspired flavors, Asato's has been at it's Pali Highway location for a little more than seven years, but the company itself started about a year and a half before that.

Asato's Waikīkī opened in Kings & Queen's at Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach Resort & Spa 

"Our mission with Asato Family Shop is to carry on the history of Hawai‘i, the food and culture," its 

. "We want to create a company that will be here for the next generation by not only making quality treats, but supporting the community that supports us."

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Food service runs in the family."}]

Asato says his mom's family owned a number of eateries and before he was born, his parents had a restaurant.

"We all kind of grew up helping at the family restaurant," he says. "I always wanted to open something in the food industry, food business."

Asato later worked at other restaurants professionally, including a stint at Vintage Cave. He worked there for a year, "then worked some other restaurants" but decided he didn't want to focus on cooking.

"I settled on making sherbet at home and then selling it to friends and family."

Sherbet, he says, was nostalgic. His family lived on Maui when he was in preschool and would visit Tasaka Guri-Guri.

[{"type":"text","text":"This is Asato's first James Beard nomination."}]

"I had no idea I could even get nominated," he says. "So that was a surprise. ... I would never call myself a pastry [chef] or a baker. Even my chef friends, I don't think anyone would call me a pastry chef or a baker."

When the finalists were announced at the end of March, Asato found out through a friend.

"My friend texted me early in the morning," Asato says. "I didn't know. I didn't check the list. I kind of forgot it was that day."

He's still shocked to be the only finalist from the Islands. There's "so much good local talent," Asato says.

When asked about the business' role in the island's overall dining ecosystem, Asato says this:

"We're just trying to preserve the flavors of our childhood growing up in Hawai‘i, from crack seed store, ... all the desserts from family potlucks," he says. "We're just trying to keep those flavors alive and share it with the next generation. That's our goal — make people happy and bring back good memories. That's what we try to do."

For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up 

Neale and colene asato 041226

<title>Neale Asato talks James Beard nomination, inspiration for Asato Family Shop</title>

Neale Asato talks James Beard nomination, inspiration for Asato Family Shop

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta Headshot

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta

Mother’s Day is coming up Sunday, May 10. (ICYMI: 

Where to celebrate Mother’s Day-part 1.

If you’re still looking for the ideal dining option, check out the following:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"100 Sails Restaurant & Bar"}]

: The Mother’s Day dinner buffet menu costs $109 per adult ($54.50 per child ages six to 10 years old). Buffet highlights include:

The eatery’s Mother’s Day brunch buffet costs $111 per adult ($55.50 per child ages six to 10 years old). It features many of the same offerings, but with brunch specialties like a waffle station with toppings and omelet station with toppings. 

: Dinner May 7 to 10, 5 to 9:30 p.m.; brunch May 10, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"53 By The Sea"}]

’s Day brunch costs $75 per person. It includes:

: This four-course meal ($79 per person, minimum of two guests) features an ‘ohana-style menu. It includes an individual lobster bisque with lemongrass, makrut and coconut; Arden Caesar with yuzu, miso and brown butter panko; steamed Kona kanpachi prepared Chinese-style with ginger, negi, soy and cilantro; sides of takikomi Gohan and charred bok choy; and chocolate lava cake with strawberry coulis, mac nut crumb

and Tahitian vanilla gelato for dessert. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Bali Oceanfront"}]

: This brunch ($125 per adult, $49 per child ages five to 12 years) features a limited-seating culinary experience instead of a typical brunch buffet. The menu will feature options like Kawamata tomato caprese with Waimanalo basil and Kona sea salt; ‘ahi poke with Kahuku ogo and Maui onion; a seafood display with chilled peel-and-eat shrimp and smoked salmon; seafood somen salad with baby shrimp, scallops and tako; and more. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Basalt Waikīkī"}]

: The eatery is featuring Mother’s Day specials during brunch and dinner.

[{"type":"text","text":"Brunch specials:"}]

[{"type":"text","text":"Dinner specials:"}]

The specials will be available while supplies last. 

: May 10; brunch from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Big City Diner"}]

: The eatery’s featured specials include:

 Limited quantities are available for takeout with at least at 48-hour notice. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Choco le‘a"}]

: Mother’s Day specials include a nine-piece high tea truffle box and Mother’s Day bundle, which will include the nine-piece high tea truffle box, chocolate covered animal crackers, classic Crunch a le‘a, dark chocolate dipped mango and solid dark chocolate bar. The Mother’s Day bundle will be packaged in a white and gold embossed bag with a Mother’s Day tag. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Coco Deck Lahaina (Maui)"}]

: This special brunch experience will feature dishes created by chef Alvin Savella. Customers can look forward to satisfying comfort dishes made with fresh ingredients, savory brunch favorites and sweet treats. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Empire Steak House"}]

: This Mother’s Day menu features a three-course dining experience ($139 per person) with a complimentary glass of Prosecco or a mimosa.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Halia by Side Street Inn"}]

: Wai Kai, 91-1621 Keoneula Blvd., Ewa Beach 

: This Mother’s Day brunch buffet costs $68 per adult ($32 for children ages five to 11 years). It will include:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Koolau Ballrooms"}]

: This brunch buffet and a show costs $125 per adult ($80 for children ages five to 10 years old, children under 5 years have free admission); brunch only costs $99 per adult ($70 for children ages five to 10 years old).

[{"type":"text","text":"The buffet includes:"}]

A chilled juice bar and beverages (fruit punch, iced tea, coffee and hot tea) will also be available. Long-stemmed roses will be presented to moms while supplies last.

: May 10; 9 and 11:45 a.m.; brunch-only seating at 9:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Kulu Kulu Cake"}]

: The dessert shop is offering special cakes for Mother’s Day:

Pre-orders are accepted in-store and online. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"P.F. Chang’s"}]

: Royal Hawaiian Center, 2201 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu 

: This Mother’s Day five-course dining experience costs $89.99 for two people. It includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Quiora"}]

: The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach, 

: Quiora’s Mother’s Day brunch buffet costs $125 per adult ($75 per senior ages 65 years and older, $60 for children ages 6 to 12 years, children ages 5 years and under have free admission).

[{"type":"text","text":"Buffet highlights include:"}]

: May 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last seating 1 p.m.) 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Stage Restaurant"}]

: This three-course Mother’s Day brunch costs $75 per person (keiki brunch for $25). 

: International Market Place, 2330 Kalākaua Ave. Ste. 330, Honolulu 

: StripSteak’s Mother’s Day brunch costs $96 per person. The three-course prix fixe brunch menu includes:

For dinner, the eatery’s signature a la carte menu will be featured. 

: May 10; brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., dinner 5 to 9 p.m. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"The Buffet at Hyatt"}]

: Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach Resort and Spa, 

: This Mother’s Day brunch buffet costs $110 per person ($55 per child ages 6 to 12 years; $5.99 per child ages 5 years and under).

[{"type":"text","text":"The buffet will include:"}]

 discounts are not applicable for the Mother’s Day brunch; there will be a 90-minute dining time limit. 

: May 10; seatings at 9:30, 10 and 11:30 a.m.; 12 and 1:30 p.m. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"The Lookout Food & Drink"}]

: This Mother’s Day brunch buffet costs $85 per adult ($42 for keiki ages five to 12 years). The buffet will include crab legs, roast pork, prime rib, barbecue guava chicken, fish with lobster cream sauce, tofu poke, an omelet station and more.

The eatery will also feature Mother’s Day specials like a 12-ounce herb and garlic crusted prime rib, snow crab, seafood etouffee and baked stuffed salmon on May 9 and 10. 

: May 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Mother’s Day specials featured on May 9 (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and 10 (from 4 to 9 p.m.)

Mothers Day 2026 The Buffet at Hyatt 2 041526

<title>Where to celebrate Mother’s Day 2026 – part 2</title>

From prix fixe menus and specials to limited-time desserts, we’ve got your Mother’s Day plans covered.

Where to celebrate Mother’s Day 2026 – part 2

 — owner of Jugo Life and new smashburger pop-up, the MF Burger Shop — first had the idea to create and sell smashburgers about a month ago.

“I was thinking about doing it, then I did a month of R&D and recipe testing,” he says. “I was just trying to find the right ingredients that I like.

“For smashburgers, you want a fatty beef,” he adds. “Wagyu is the fattiest beef that you can get, so I decided to use that.”

 did its first pop-up several weeks ago; the pop-up is in the space adjacent to Jugo Life in the Ala Moana neighborhood. Oh wanted the pop-up’s concept to be simple.

“I wanted to make a burger that I feel like I can eat often,” he says. 

The shop’s first pop-up was for walk-in orders only. Now, the business posts details about its next pop-up on Instagram with pre-orders open for customers. Pop-ups have been around once a week, according to Oh, who says he originally intended for the smashburgers to be a late-night concept.

Right now, the menu features two dishes — MF wagyu smashburgers ($15) and beef tallow fries ($6). All smashburgers feature double wagyu patties, American cheese, grilled onions, raw onions, pickles and a secret sauce.

To ensure freshness, smashburgers are always made to order when customers arrive to the pop-up. Check in at Jugo Life at your designated order time, then you’ll be directed next door to the pop-up. Limited seating is available.

The beef tallow fries ($6) are made with locally made beef tallow, resulting in an ultra-savory side. Oh recalls trying beef tallow fries on the Mainland. When doing R&D for his shop, he did a taste test to compare fries cooked in regular oil versus beef tallow, and said “there was a noticeable difference.”

“I saw other places on the Mainland doing it (beef tallow fries),” he says. “Even though it costs more, it tastes a lot better.

“For me, I’m going to make the food I want to eat; I care about quality,” he adds. “If you want a good, simple burger, give us a try.”

MF Burger Shop owner 041526

<title>MF Burger Shop is a new smashburger pop-up in Honolulu</title>

The pop-up is around once a week and located next to Jugo Life in the Ala Moana neighborhood. Business owner Tommy Oh is striving to make a “good, simple” burger, which he pairs with beef tallow fries.

MF Burger Shop is a new smashburger pop-up in Honolulu

Mother’s Day is coming up Sunday, May 10. Whether you’re looking for an extravagant buffet or specialty desserts, check out the options below:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Artizen by MW"}]

: 888 Kapiʻolani Blvd. Suite 102, Honolulu

: This Mother’s Day bento ($45) is available for takeout. It includes roasted garlic beef shortrib, shoyu chicken, miso-honey glazed butterfish, vegetables, rice and a Valrhona chocolate cake. 

 to pre-order; pre-order deadline is May 8

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Bird of Paradise"}]

: Highlights for this Mother’s Day brunch buffet ($98 per adult, $49 per child ages 6 to 12 years) include:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Chef Chai"}]

: This all-you-can-eat lobster buffet costs $139 per person (50% off for children under 10 years old). The buffet will include:

: May 9 and 10; dinner seatings at 4, 4:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday brunch at 9 and 9:30 a.m.; 12 and 12:30 p.m. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Hy’s Steak House"}]

: This Mother’s Day brunch buffet costs $140 per adult ($105 for seniors ages 65 years and older, $65 for children ages 6 to 12 years, free admission for children ages 5 years and under).

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"The buffet will include:"}]

Diners can enjoy a 1.5-hour dining time. 

: May 10; brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., last seating at 1 p.m. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"La Palme D’Or"}]

: Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu

: This dessert shop is offering a variety of decorated treats. Choose from the rose strawberry shortcake ($65-$90), carnation strawberry shortcake ($58-$85), strawberry roll cake ($40), “Berry in Paris” raspberry mousse cake ($65), chocolate covered strawberries (three for $25, five for $35), icing cookies ($8 each), cake pops ($5.50 each), cheesecakes ($60), espresso sets ($8.50) and macaron sets ($15). 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"MW Restaurant"}]

: 888 Kapiʻolani Blvd. Suite 201, Honolulu

: This MW Feast to-go ($695) is designed to feed six to eight people. It includes crab and lobster dip, tofu and ‘ahi poke Sumida Farm watercress salad, pork short rib with Italian sausage tomato stew, miso honey glazed butterfish, Brandt beef prime rib, roasted potatoes and vegetables, and MW dessert platter. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Orchids"}]

: Orchids Mother’s Day brunch costs $132 per adult ($75 for children ages 5 to 10 years old). It includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Plumeria Beach House"}]

: The Kahala Hotel & Resort, 5000 Kahala Ave

: Customers are invited to celebrate Mother’s Day at The Plumeria Beach House restaurant and Maile room. The buffet ($137 per adult, $55 per child ages 6 to 12 years) will include carving stations, chef specialties, fresh seafood and desserts. 

: May 10; 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. breakfast; 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. brunch buffet; 3 to 8 p.m. dinner buffet 

kahalaresort.com/dining/plumeria-beach-house/

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Red Salt (Kauaʻi)"}]

: Ko‘a Kea Resort on Poʻipu Beach, 2251 Poipu Road, Koloa 

: This prix fixe brunch experience will feature a multi-course menu that showcases brunch classics with Island-inspired twists. Guests can also include unlimited MOM-osas. 

koakea.com/experience/event-calendar/mothers-day-brunch-at-red-salt/

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"The Capital Grille"}]

: Lilia Waikīkī, 2380 Kūhiō Ave. Ste. 105, Honolulu 

: This Mother’s Day brunch costs $80 per person. It includes:

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Tiki’s Grill & Bar"}]

: This Mother’s Day brunch buffet costs $89 per person ($40 for children ages 5 to 12 years). It includes:

Tables are reserved for two hours from the reservation time.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Waikele Country Club"}]

: The brunch buffet costs $99 per adult ($63 per child ages 4 to 9 years old). Highlights include an omelet station with a variety of toppings, roasted prime rib, Pulehu short rib, steamed basa, sauteed mahi with lemon butter and capers, spicy pork, chicken pesto with penne pasta, assorted desserts and more.

The dinner buffet costs $129 per adult ($74 per child ages 4 to 9 years). It includes ‘ahi poke with limu, spicy ‘ahi roll, roasted prime rib, snow crab with drawn butter, garlic miso chicken, fire braised pork ribs with western barbecue sauce, seafood cioppino, garlic lemon herb rack of lamb with red wine demi glaze, garlic mashed potatoes with white truffle oil and more.

: May 10; brunch from 9 to 11 a.m., 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"ZIGU"}]

: The Waikīkī eatery is offering two special sushi platters for Mother’s Day. Platter one ($190) includes maguro, kanpachi, salmon, hamachi, ikura, scallop, kappa roll, tekka roll and a yuzu hamachi roll. Platter two ($400) includes otoro, chutoro, maguro, uni, salmon, hamachi, ikura, scallop, spicy salmon roll and a spicy tuna roll.

Daily Smile: Sunday, April 19, 2026

ASD Staff

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Daily Smile: Sunday, April 19, 2026

Authors

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