Thursday night...nothing to do...except maybe study, or get a leg up on next week's work.  I know I'm not gonna do that, so I drive

over to La Cantera to meet a friend at Kona Grill.  I must say, it wouldn't be the first choice for me on most nights.  I'm not much for waiting around for a table, but some nights it doesn't matter, especially when the happy hour specials are followed a couple hours later by some "reverse" happy hour deals (which amount to exactly the same thing).  That means 5 dollar appetizers since I chose to sit at the bar outside.  And, even if you have to wait around for a table, the company is good and you can always meet someone new while you're trolling around for a seat.  I happened to meet 3 nursing students who ended up sharing a table with us, adding immeasurably to the overall feeling of success from the night.

Kona being a national company, see www.konagrill.com, with locations in several states has a menu generally representative of what you would expect from a sushi place.  And if you're not up for sushi, get the potstickers or avocado egg rolls for an appetizer, and follow it up with a Sweet Chili Glazed Chicken.  You won't be disappointed.  Be warned though, you'll have to decide ahead of time if you want the classy atmosphere of the actual restaurant or the low priced happy hour specials at the bar (and a much louder but visually stimulating experience).  It's generally one or the other, though you can order anything from outside if you are willing to wait a couple minutes extra for your food.

The wines aren't bad and I have yet to find a drink that the bar won't make for me, even if I have to tell them how.  Now don't think that I'm bad mouthing the place, the chain has won numerous awards, and the food is a healthy alternative to pretty much anything you would eat otherwise...and the prices are definitely comfortable.  Its always a good time.