Page 15 - MidWeek - March 3, 2021

ood news! Vegas has begun increas- ing capacity across
MARCH 3, 2021 MIDWEEK 13
GTaking Care Of Business In Vegas
(Above) The author joins 9th Islander owner Sean Dineros at a recent pop- up hosted by 2 Scoops of Aloha. (Left) Mel Lum Ho and Bryan Balisacan drop in at California Hotel & Casino to record video for their YouTube channels. PHOTOS COURTESY KRISTINE RODRIGUEZ
all its businesses. The goal for the Ninth Island is to re- turn to 50 percent capacity by March 15.
While shooting for season two of Ninth Island Connec- tion, we had the opportunity to connect with several for- mer locals, who have not only made Vegas their home, but have also opened their own businesses here.
Frank Ugale, owner of Islandtucky Fried Chick- en, opened his food truck in 2015, after relocating from Kalihi. Ugale and his family serve Hawai‘i favorites like plate lunches, bentos, poke bowls and, of course, the eatery’s famous garlic fried chicken. As a food truck in Vegas, the location changes daily, so check out its Face- book page for schedule up- dates.
Unciano does by hosting monthly pop-ups outside of her restaurant. These events provide local vendors the opportunity to sell items, such as clothing, jewelry and food, while allowing guests to shop, eat, enjoy music and talk story. 9th Islander owner Sean Dineros, for example, enjoys “feeling like you’ re back home,” while selling his apparel at the pop-up.
and The Orleans Hotel & Ca- sino. Visit their channels for craps strategies.
Pā‘ina Café is not only a favorite on O‘ahu, but also here in Las Vegas. Own- er Kip Goo, who relocat- ed from Honolulu, and his team serve up plate lunch- es, sandwiches and their fa- mous poke bowls. Be sure to save room for dessert, as Pā‘ina Café is the only place in Vegas where guests can enjoy a variety of flavors of mochi donuts. And, take note, a second location will be opening this spring.
We also had the opportu- nity to catch up with craps experts Bryan Balisacan and Mel Lum Ho. Both men, along with their “Craps Crews,” were recently shoot- ing footage for their YouTube channels, Hawai‘i Craps Shooters and Craps Hawai‘i, at California Hotel & Casino
Speaking of craps, Harrah’s Las Vegas has the first and only Aruze “Roll To Win Craps” in the city. This hybrid table allows players to shoot live dice across an LED field, and bets are placed elec- tronically. While based on a traditional craps table, this unique version displays ani- mations and graphics, while allowing players to bet pri- vately with virtual chips.
It’s not surprising that businesses with Hawai‘i ties help each other out and that’s exactly what 2 Scoops of Aloha owner Shai Walter
Catch Sebastian and Ninth Island Connection at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on K5 and 2 p.m. Sundays on KGMB.
info@ninthislandconnection.com