Elizabeth Hata Watanabe | Blog 2017

At the beginning of a lush Valley, there’s an eatery on Pauoa Road that is tucked into an unassuming building. In fact, you might miss it, if you didn’t know where you were going. Burgers and Things has no big, flashy sign boasting the delicious treats that are concocted from within. But, as you get closer, the aroma of a braised, not grilled, burger will lead you right to the front door. Once inside, three waitresses sporting their “Burger Hero” T-shirts buzz around, attending to a few late-lunch customers. One of those waitresses is 41-year-old Kathleen Waikiki, a transplant from Maui. She greets everyone with a smile. And, after hearing her story, you might wonder HOW she manages to smile at all! She does so, because she now has hope – hope for a future not marred by drugs, or relationships with men measured by the number of bruises on her lean body. “I thought if they didn’t hit me, it wasn’t okay.” She expected to be hit! “ Growing up, I saw my parents fight a lo...

Elizabeth Hata Watanabe puts all her energy into everything she does – her family, business ventures, volunteer and charity work. And now, her baking! Food has always been a passion for Watanabe. But, when she began having children, she found herself baking cookies and making other delectable sweet treats. That peaked her interest and she began experimenting with different cookie and cake recipes. She received excellent feedback from friends all anxious to try her latest offerings and that led to her decision to pursue her latest interest - baking. When Watanabe decides to do something, she really commits. After all, why waste the energy if you’re not going to give your all? In conversations with her friend and Chef Ernesto Limcaco, from her latest food establishment, Burgers and Things in Pauoa Valley, she decided to embark on a new adventure. Chef Ernesto told her about the San Francisco Baking Institute. Consequently, in Jul...

Even the Swedish know a good burger when they bite into one! In fact, the Swedes liked the Burgers and Things’ “Doe-a-Deer” burger so much, it was named “World’s Best Burger,” by the Swedish TV show Varldens Basta Burgare. “Doe-a-Deer” is fashioned from Maui Nui venison braised in a red wine sauce and topped with pineapple chutney, on a brioche or a pretzel bun. Sound exotic? Yes, but you don’t have to go to Scandinavia to enjoy this or any of the other delicious burgers at Burgers and Things. That’s because this burger joint is right in your backyard - in Pauoa Valley. The business is the collaboration of Elizabeth Hata Watanabe and Chef/Owner Ernesto Limcaco, executive chef for 13 years with the Y. Hata Company. Limcaco does his magic in the kitchen and Watanabe uses her business skills to market Burgers and Things. All the burgers are braised not grilled! And, the creative menu, which occasionally includes the “Doe-a-Deer,” also features other specialties, like the “Wagyu Say,...

… Elizabeth Hata Watanabe . And, she’s no stranger to awards. An astute businesswoman and philanthropist, Watanabe is recognized for her efforts in supporting her community in a variety of ways. Elizabeth Hata Watanabe was named one of Pacific Business News’ 40 under 40 in 2006. This award acknowledged the 40 people under the age of 40, who are rising stars in Hawaii’s business community. At the time, she was the owner of the O Lounge and O Bartending Academy. And, in 2010, Watanabe was among those distinguished, on another Pacific Business News list of “Women Who Mean Business.”    This mother of three was also named Mother of the Year in 2008, after winning an online vote by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s MomsHawaii.com website. She was the first mother to win this honor from MomsHawaii.com.    Elizabeth Hata Watanabe founded The Hata Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 2010 to support other nonpr...

Do you know someone who always looks for a ray of sunshine in a sky full of dark clouds? You know, the person who sees the good in EVERYONE! Well, I’m not one of them. But, I genuinely admire and appreciate them. And, I met a woman who belongs in this category. Despite having three children, ages 12, eight and six, Elizabeth HataWatanabe not only spends time raising her kids to be confident, involved and well-adjusted, she also helps children outside her family – complete strangers!    And, around the holidays, when there were a million extra things on her “to do” list, Watanabe took on a project called Home for the Holiday. This free event provides a safe, alcohol–and drug–free environment for homeless children during the holiday season. It affords children who are in various service programs, such as Youth Outreach, the Institute for Human Services, Adult Friends for Youth, the Next Step Shelter, and Family Promise Hawaii, an opportunity to experience the ...

Where can you find the best burger on the island? Head to Pauoa Valley, where you’ll find Burgers and Things, the latest venture from entrepreneur and restaurateur Elizabeth Hata Watanabe . This woman always has an idea percolating. And, more than not, the idea grows into a new, successful enterprise for Watanabe. For each project, she surrounds herself with experts. Burgers and Things is no exception. I know what you’re thinking… another burger place? Oh no, Burgers and Things is not your usual throw-a-beef-patty-on-a-grill-then-transfer-it-to-a-bun place. The secret recipe? Elizabeth Hata Watanabe has a flair for turning the ordinary into extraordinary. And, so do the people she entrusts to work with her. At Burgers and Things, Chef/Owner Ernesto Limcaco cooks up a Wagyu beef, Venison, or lamb burger and places it carefully on a pretzel, brioche or other exotic bun.  Well done, Elizabeth! Can’t wait for your next venture.  Visit website:  Elizabeth Ha...