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Big portions leave diners happy, satisfied

A La Carte Columns

June 5, 2016

Story By: Lynsey Beth Futa |

Local Boy ($11.50)

Local Boy ($11.50)

In Hawaii, locals are blessed with a variety of different cultures, which means access to the unique offerings of countless cuisines from around the world. But in all honestly, the main thing most locals are concerned about is if the portion size is big enough.

Whether it’s an adequate amount of food to feed the guests at a family party, or if there’s enough yummy pickings to fuel a day full of outdoor and ocean activities, locals search for establishments that give a lot for a lot less.

Fairwood Drive Inn operates its restaurant with this in mind. With 18 years at its Keeaumoku location, the business moved to Kaimuki Shopping Center in 2011, while simultaneously opening Pho 27 Cafe within the same space.

Grilled Salmon Steak ($10.50)

Grilled Salmon Steak ($10.50)

While Pho 27 Cafe offers Vietnamese fare and Hong Kong-style cafe food, Fair-wood serves local and Chinese dishes, filling its plates to the brim with delicious morsels. The best example of this is represented in the combination plate, Local Boy ($11.50). Fairwood puts battered Honey Garlic Chicken, Char Siu and Teriyaki Steak into one meal with two scoops of white rice and a mound of mac salad.

If customers are looking for a healthier version of quantity and quality, there is Grilled Salmon Steak ($10.50), which is served with tossed green salad and rice. The salmon is topped with chopped garlic and the salad is served with a homemade vinaigrette.

And while patrons come for the large variety of local-style food, Fairwood specializes in Chinese cuisine, offering traditional dishes such as Sweet and Sour Cabbage and Beef Brisket Noodle Soup. The restaurant also just started selling house-made Char Siu Manapua (three for $4.50) a month ago.

Salt and Pepper Pork Chop ($9.95)

Salt and Pepper Pork Chop ($9.95)

One Chinese dish in particular can’t be beat: Salt and Pepper Pork Chop ($9.95). The pork chops are marinated overnight, fried with fresh chili and seasoned with salt and pepper for a crispy, flavorful taste. The dish is served with two scoops of white rice and mac salad.

“We want customers to leave here full,” says owner Tiffany Ko. With a menu packed with endless food options, plus specials that line the walls, customers are sure to do just that.

Fairwood Drive Inn & Pho 27 Cafe

3221 Waialae Ave., Ste. 21, Kaimuki (and Keeaumoku Street)
739-6688
Daily, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Honolulu, HI 96816

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