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Living La Vida Moco

Chew On This Digest

June 16, 2013

Story By: Rachel Breit | Photos by: Rachel Breit

For those of us who are crazy for loco moco there are four main features to focus on when judging a loco moco’s quality. They are, of course, the rice, the patties, the eggs and the finishing touch — the gravy. The classic loco moco has been perfected to a comforting, satisfying masterpiece. However, if you need some variety in your “loco” for moco diet, Asahi Grill has a twist on the ‘ole standby.

Let’s start with the foundation: the rice. Asahi Grill offers three options for optimal enjoyment. Stick to tradition with white rice, choose brown rice for whole grain benefits, or select fried rice for some extra scoops of flavor.

Then come the patties. Asahi Grill’s loco mocos feature one-and-a-half homemade patties, which are made from the secret ingredients of Kapiolani Coffee Shop’s original recipe. Loco moco lovers will find these standout patties succulent and flavorful — obviously homemade.

Order your eggs the way you want, but the default is sunny side up. Two perfectly fried eggs hold their yolks intact until broken by a spoon or fork so that their runny golden goodness seeps into the mix.

Last but not least, the gravy is the crowning glory. Rich brown gravy with grilled onions smothers the dish down to the last bite, which is always a plus. For a Japanese-inspired twist, Asahi Grill offers a curry gravy that packs a punch of slightly sweet, slight spicy traditional Japanese curry that will warm your belly.

Macaroni salad on the side adds a creamy accompaniment to the loco moco or go with the tossed salad with tasty dressing. The Loco Moco with brown gravy is priced at $8.85, Loco Moco with curry gravy costs $9.25. Both are available for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Another bowl of comfort to drool over is Bul Gogi Don ($9.75). Tender, thinly cut marinated beef is served over rice with sweet Korean-style teriyaki sauce and grilled onions. An egg cooks over the top of the hot ingredients. The donburi bowl comes with tsukemono and soup.

Asahi Grill

515 Ward Ave.
593-2800
Sunday-Thursday, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

Honolulu, HI 96814

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