It’s not like I ever left, but… I’M BAAAAACK!!!

We pulled the plug on my weekly bar review column, “Barfly,” in 2006 after a four-year run. It was a move designed to allow me more time to work on other stories in the paper and expand our reach into the blogosphere.

The extra time also made it possible for us to ramp up video coverage on Starbulletin.com.

But I kept hearing from readers and friends (and even my Mom!) that my beer-swilling, pupu-grinding alter-ego was sorely missed. So last month, I approached my boss about bringing the column back on a monthly basis.

I bet you can guess what her decision was.

To kick things off, I spent some time visiting Therapy Sportsgrill in Hawaii Kai. Owned by a hui of investors with ties to the now-closed Skybox and Osake, the new bar is best described as a cross between the two.

Meaning, Therapy looks more like Skybox, but boasts a menu that conjures up happy memories of kanak attacks suffered at Osake. Plus, it enjoys an unobstructed, wall-to-wall view of Kuapa Pond.

To help get you in the mood to eat, check out this video I shot of Therapy manager Brad Kitsu sharing the secrets behind their popular Super Therapy Roll.

We also have a lot of local theater coverage in this week’s HiLife. Nadine Kam covers Kaimuki High School’s rendition of “West Side Story,” while her blog has a video posted from a recent rehearsal.

Tonight, Sunday and Tuesday, Hawaii Opera Theatre presents “Romeo and Juliet” at the Blaisdell Concert Hall; Burl Burlingame spoke with Audrey Elizabeth Luna, who plays Juliet in the production.

And finally, check out my column for more weekend picks and another mention of 50 Cent’s March 28 return to the Blaisdell. Tickets, priced at $49, $69 and $99, went on sale this morning at the Blaisdell Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets on Oahu.

Links:
Honolulu Nightlife Listings
Crawlspace: “Trip the Lights: Beat Root Finals” and Hot Tuna
Star-Bulletin Staff Picks
Honolulu Movie Theater Schedules
Star-Bulletin Movie Reviews