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Home of “Won-of-a-Kind” Grinds

Digest On the Menu

May 5, 2013

Story By: Kyle Galdeira | Photos by: Nathalie Walker

After developing a love for easy-to-make french fries and other tasty comfort food as a youngster, Paul Park decided to offer diners the same experience via his “Won of a Kind” fried won ton poppers.

Park opened Paul’s Poppers three years ago at its convenient North King Street location near Honolulu Community College and Costco Iwilei, behind the Jiffy Lube in King’s Gate Plaza. While the culinary craftsman initially pursued an education in the field of biology, worldwide travels and experience in the restaurant business led him instead to open his own eatery.

The restaurant specializes in bite-sized won ton creations known as poppers, which are crafted fresh by hand daily, and feature more than 20 flavor combinations. Customers are treated to a simple ordering system: select a flavor, and choose from Half Order ($5 for six poppers), Fryer’s Dozen ($12 for 15 poppers), Fryer’s Delight ($30 for 40 poppers) and Tailgate Platter ($75 for 100 poppers).

Some of the best-selling flavor concoctions include Spinach Artichoke, 3 Cheese Jalapeno, Pork Original with pork, jalapeno and Cheddar, and Mac and Cheese.

And, don’t forget to indulge in the popular Dessert Poppers ($5 for three), such as Chocolate Peanut Butter Decadence and Strawberry Cheesecake.

“I always thought I could make food better,” Park says of his tireless tinkering with flavor combinations and preparation techniques. “My girlfriend and I always liked the jalapeno cheese poppers lots of people are familiar with. Two years after creating my first popper, I had friends buying them from me 50 at a time. I started out with three flavors, and they’ve continued to grow from there.”

In addition to the popular poppers, the eatery also offers local-style plate lunches including Stevie Wonder ($10), named after one of Park’s friends who supported the eatery in its early stages and dreamed up the filling meal. The plate includes a bed of french fries topped with mozzarella cheese, chicken katsu and is then smothered with gravy. The tasty Poutin Style Fries ($5) also are available a la carte.

“I don’t make your food until you order it — it’s going to come out hot and fresh, just the way food is supposed to be enjoyed, at the peak of deliciousness” Park says.

From May 10 to 16, diners can take advantage of Paul’s Poppers Hot Deals Hawaii special offering. During that week, diners may purchase $20 worth of certificates for just $10, and may use them within six months toward the purchase of their favorite poppers (the offer does not apply to plates, specialty items, fries or bowls).

Paul’s Poppers also offers catering services for events of all sizes, including business meetings, weddings and graduation parties. Customers may find the distinct poppers at The Shack Mililani and Hawaii Kai, King’s Corner, the Aloha Stadium concession area during University of Hawaii football games and at a variety of community events including Eat the Street Kakaako, Mililani and Kapolei, Honolulu Night Market and Discover Kakaako.

Pop in and treat your taste buds to a foray in flavorful fun.

Paul’s Poppers

King’s Gate Plaza
555 N. King St. No. 110, Honolulu
351-7583
Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturdays, noon-7 p.m.
Closed if catering an event; closed Sundays

Honolulu, HI 96817

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