Fuel the body with something good

A neighborhood gem, Kenny’s Restaurant is a main fixture at Kamehameha Shopping Center in Kalihi. Since its opening in 1966, many island residents have grown up with Kenny’s, and have watched it grow and prosper with the passing of every decade. The restaurant’s diner-like atmosphere invites patrons to sit back, relax and talk story over a good meal derived from American classics, Asian influences and a touch of aloha that’s only found in the Islands.

Albeit vast, the menu boasts a handful of signature items that can’t go unnoticed, including Kenny’s Chinese Chicken Salad ($11.95 regular price, $10.95 special for the next three weeks, Friday-Sunday only) laden with lettuce, Chinese parsley, peanuts, won ton chips, shoyu chicken and sweet pieces of char siu. The salad is splashed with a homemade sugar-free sesame seed dressing.

“We want our customers to be able to have it all despite dietary restrictions or preferences. It’s important to us to give diners healthy options,” says restaurant owner John Fujieki.

To coincide with its healthy approach to dining, Kenny’s has collaborated with Doni Chong, owner of Always Aloha Fresh and Wailele Natural Flavored Waters of Hawaii. As Hawaii’s only locally sourced, naturally flavored Hawaiian drinking water, Chong says Wailele’s Coconut Lime Water is a healthier alternative to juice or soda.

“Flavorings are natural certified, kosher quality and free of any artificial coloring, extracts and enhancers.

Also no high-fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners are used. Instead, sweeteners are made out of evaporated crystal cane sugar or locally organic cane sugar,” states Chong.

Authentically made, manufactured and distributed here at home, Coconut Lime Water is available at Kenny’s by the glass ($3.75) Friday-Sunday for the next three weeks. Free taster samples are offered as well.

For the health conscious, Fujieki and Chong also recommend Turkey Avocado Sandwich ($9.95), which features Chong’s deliciously fresh kale, basil, pesto spread with sunflower seeds.

“It’s a nice substitute for mayonnaise,” she says.

“We promote nutritious choices but don’t hold back on the taste,” adds Fujieki.

Kenny’s Restaurant

Kamehameha Shopping Center
1620 N. School St.
841-0931
Sunday-Thursday, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 6 a.m.-11 p.m.