The Tchin Tchin Bar’s warm lighting makes you want to nestle up to the long bar for a drink.
Drinking in Honolulu likely stirs up images of sitting poolside at an oceanfront resort, sipping mai tais and listening to the distant sound of crashing waves. While this beautiful fantasy is common in Waikiki, those crashing waves can come with crushing crowds, and there are only so many mai tais one should actually drink in the sun. For those interested in a more cosmopolitan drinking experience away from the tourist crowd and heat, a visit to Honolulu’s Chinatown District is a must.
In recent years Chinatown has transformed from what was once the City’s largest Red Light District to a foodie haven full of hip bars and innovative restaurants. It was at the popular Chinatown wine bar The Tchin Tchin! Bar that Concierge Association Members of Hawaii found ourselves walking up a tall flight of stairs for our August Pau Hana meeting last week. “Tchin Tchin” is a Chinese toast translating to “Please Please!” As in, Please Please enjoy this drink. As we were greeted by a European inspired loft-like space featuring a large bar, several lounge areas, and an open air patio complete with cafe lighting and living wall, this spirit of welcoming hospitality was greatly felt.
Our wine selection for the evening.
The sleek yet unpretentious decor paired perfectly with our wine social led by laid back Sommelier Justin Lipsky-Sugita. As Beverage Director for Breaking Bread Hospitality Group, Justin has helped to develop cocktail and wine programs for Tchin Tchin’s two nearby sister restaurants; Ramen Bistro Lucky Belly and New American restaurant Livestock Tavern. While his job dictates he create craft cocktails for the masses, Justin’s real passion lies in fostering talent. Under his direction, he has urged and aided several of his bartenders in becoming Sommeliers with the hopes that Honolulu’s Food and Beverage scene will continue to flourish.
Food provided by Livestock Tavern.
Wine socials are offered the second Wednesday of every month. These focus not on how to identify the best wines available, but how to listen to your own senses in recognizing which wines you most enjoy. Between sips and laughs there will also be some approachable scientific information thrown in about why your taste buds like what they like, grape origin, and the fermentation process. For the more serious foodie, Tchin Tchin also prepares a themed coursed menu on the last Wednesday of every month with food brought in from Livestock Tavern and paired with wine selected by one of Tchin Tchin’s several Sommeliers. If wine isn’t your thing, don’t worry, Tchin Tchin also has a full bar with impressive whiskey selection.
We came to Tchin Tchin for the wine, but it was their hospitality that ultimately left us feeling buzzed. Mahalo for hosting us, Tchin Tchin!
CAH members saying “Tchin Tchin!”
The Tchin Tchin! Bar is open Tuesday- Saturday from 5pm-12am and located at 39 North Hotel Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96817.