Can’t Resist This Plate Lunch Spot

Baked Chicken with Gravy ($8.50)

Rene Paulo had always had a passion for cooking, and spent years managing the kitchen at various schools. But, as his son Travis tells it, “He had always wanted to start his own place.”

In 2000, he did, and the resulting Laverne’s Hawaiian and Local Style Food now has a location in Waikele, one at Newtown Driving Range in Aiea and also offers catering. Rene still serves as head chef, and Travis manages the business end.

“Everything is made with pride,” Travis says. “My dad has been the head chef (since 2000) and everything that comes out of the kitchen comes from him, so quality is always the top priority.”

Kanaka Nachos ($10)

Laverne’s Hawaiian and Local Style Food offers home-style favorites such as Baked Chicken with Gravy ($8.50). The dish features tender baked chicken with homemade gravy that is created from scratch every day.

WHAT’S NEW?

If you haven’t stopped by Laverne’s Hawaiian and Local Style Food in a while, you could be missing out on one of its newest creations, Kanaka Nachos ($10). The nachos feature kalua pork and smoked meat over tortilla chips, with squid luau and lomi salmon for extra flavor. The dish was inspired by a friend of co-owner Travis Paulo.

“He ordered nachos with a bunch of sides, and he was like you gotta try this out,” Paulo recalls. “I tried it and I was like, I have got to put this on the menu.”

Laverne’s Hawaiian And Local Style Food

Newtown Driving Range
98-330 Kaahele St., Aiea
600-8073
Daily, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.