Where Good Times Meet Great Eats

September 9, 2012 By Ali Resich Photos By Nathalie Walker

At Opulicious, diners are presented with the opportunity to awaken the child within themselves and fill up on fresh, comforting plate lunches and local dishes. Owner and chef Kelli Kay Chun also is filling up hearts — and balloons — with her “hil-air-ious” balloon-twisting skills that add magic to the family-friendly dining experience.

For nearly a year, Chun’s longtime passions for cooking and balloon-twisting have masterfully intertwined to create her unique Coolidge Street eatery. From vases filled with balloon flowers to animal creations that Chun can twist up in minutes, there’s always a touch of whimsy to go along with each meal.

One dish that the keiki adore and the adults grew up with is a good ol’ bowl of Saimin ($5.25). Spam, pork, egg, fish cake and green onion soak up the flavor of Opulicious’ classic dashi broth that’s just waiting to be slurped up with a bundle of noodles.

If you love the warmth of soups, Chun suggests trying her Oxtail Soup ($11.50) special on Fridays as well. “We usually sell out by lunch,” she says.

Another must-have, Fried Saimin ($6.75), presents a twist on traditional saimin. Noodles, Spam, pork, egg, fish cake and green onion are stir-fried, picking up all the sizzling flavors from the pan. “This one’s a popular dish, too,” says Chun. “It comes with Teri Beef or Chicken as well as a side of dashi sauce.”

In addition to the fantastic flavors that end up on every plate, Opulicious is known for its fun-filled environment and dedication to helping children in the community. As part of these efforts, the eatery will donate 10 percent of the proceeds from any fountain drinks purchased to the Ronald McDonald House throughout September and October.

That’s reason enough to bring all the kids in for the most amusing feast in town.