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Cooking From The Heart

A La Carte Columns

June 18, 2017

Story By: Christina O Connor | Photos by: Lawrence Tabudlo

Grilled Chicken Steak ($12.95)

Fairwood Drive Inn and Pho 27 Café owner Tiffany Ko has spent the majority of her life perfecting her culinary skills. She started cooking alongside her father when she was just 10 years old.

And while Ko has always enjoyed eating, what she really loves about cooking is being able to share her creations with others.

“When I cook, I like when people like (my food),” Ko says. “When people like it, I feel happy.”

One dish that is sure to please both Ko and her customers is the Tommy ($11.95), which is one of the restaurant’s most popular items. It features two shrimp tempura, one piece of teriyaki beef and honey garlic chicken. It’s served with two scoops of rice and one scoop of mac salad.

With its wide, varied menu that features a mix of local-style Chinese and Vietnamese eats, Fairwood Drive Inn and Pho 27 Café has become a popular place — with many regulars stopping by a few times per week.

“They don’t only come one or two times,” Ko says. “They want to keep eating here. Some people are coming in every day.”

If you’re a regular, be on the lookout for daily specials!

A GREAT PICK

Tiffany Ko, owner of Fairwood Drive Inn and Pho 27 Cafe, recommends Grilled Chicken Steak ($12.95) to customers. “We marinate (the chicken) overnight with all kind(s) of seasoning inside,” Ko says, “so it is really tasty.” The dish is served with black-pepper sauce, onion sauce or tomato sauce, and your choice of French fries or rice.

Fairwood Drive Inn And Pho 27 Café

Kaimuki Shopping Center
3221 Waialae Ave., Kaimuki
738-0027
Daily, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Honolulu, HI 96816

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