Joan Namkoong's new book found at Costco

This may be the ultimate guide to good dining in Honolulu. And Costco Iwilei has a stack of them at $8.99 each.

Of course, Free Range Gourmet readers will immediately drive over there to buy not one, but two of them (one for the car of course). Don't blame me if Costco runs out.

You can also click on the picture and get one from Amazon.com for $14.95. Buy two or more and shipping is free. But be quick there too--Amazon is also selling out.

This book is 192 pages of concentrated information and you have to have it. Published April 1, just days ago, it is both complete and completely up-to-date. Joan lists restaurants with hours and phone numbers, markets, small shops and eateries, food and wine sources and food lore of the islands.

The book is printed locally by Bess Press and is profusely illustrated. Joan explains and illustrates everything you need to know about local veggies, fish and other foodstuffs.

Ok, I just thought of why you should buy three copies, not two. When relatives come to Hawaii, you're not going to want to loan out your dogeared and annotated copy. And if you give them one of their own, they'll be able to manage by themselves for the rest of their trip. Who knows, they might even invite you out to dinner at one of Joan's recommended places.