Not Your Basic Barbecue

Carolina born and bred, and practically raised at rib joints, this gal knows about some barbecue. Yessir, where I come from BBQ isn’t just a style of cooking — it’s a whole darn subculture in itself, where rivalries rage and owners get fierce over those fire pits, ya’ll! Needless to say, the bar was set high when I visited L&L, and boy was this girl glad to find not just BBQ, but beef, chicken, pork and fish served here, seriously.

L&L prides itself as being “Hawaii’s Favorite Plate Lunch,” and it makes good on that promise. This business, a brainchild of Johnson Kam and Eddie Flores, Jr., offers a full and varied menu of local kine grinds as well as barbecue that, despite being a standard Hawaiian staple, is anything but basic.

“We have the best plate lunch on the island,” explains manager Jennifer Cheung. “With so many stores branching out from our original one nationwide, we know we must be doing something right!”

This week’s featured fare is a mouthwatering mix of L&L’s best:

• Healthier Plate Garlic Shrimp ($9.79): For those already looking ahead to their New Year’s resolution of ditching a few pounds, this L&L dish featuring lightly pan-fried garlic shrimp, a single scoop of fiber-rich brown rice and tossed greens with just the perfect serving of Thousand Island on the side is just the right choice for holiday weight watchers.

“The Garlic Shrimp is my favorite because it’s crispy and crunchy yet light,” says Cheung. “The garlic we peel fresh — not powdered like most places — that added touch really makes the meal.”

• Chicken Katsu ($8.69): One of the most popular items on L&L’s menu, this plate comes with two scoops of brown or white rice, one scoop of creamy, house-made macaroni salad and a lip-smackin’ piece of panko-coated, pan-fried chicken. Served with L&L’s signature house-made Katsu sauce on the side, it’s no wonder why customers keep coming back for this one.

• Loco Moco Plate ($9.29): A Hawaiian staple served often for breakfast and beloved by locals and tourists alike, this piled-high plate consists of two scoops of brown or white rice, one scoop of house-made macaroni salad, a double helping of house-made hamburger patties, two eggs (served which-ever way you want) and a super secret gravy that’ll get ya goin’!

When it comes to authentic Hawaiian barbecue and local kine cuisine, let’s just say L&L smokes the competition.

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

Various locations
hawaiianbarbecue.com for more information