No matter where in the world life takes me, I’ll always be a local girl at heart. Though I’ve been to many exotic places around the world, Hawaii is my home. The Islands are a very special place, one that’s immersed in the aloha spirit and a culture centered on ohana. And the food? Especially the food that’s unique to Hawaii? All I have to say is, boy, we’re pretty lucky. Naturally, nowhere else whips up a Hawaiian-style plate quite like we do.
It’s not often that I have the opportunity to indulge in these “ono kine grinds,” but this week, the craving was real. So real, in fact, that I sought out the following OYK establishments — both well known for their Hawaiian plates — ready to indulge to my heart’s content. Hello kalua pig, lau lau, lomi salmon, macaroni salad, rice and a scoop of mouthwatering poi. Get in my belly, please! The Hawaiian plate is just one more reason why we’re so lucky we live Hawaii!
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
L&L’s Kalua Pork with Cabbage ($9.29)
Synonymous with Hawaii’s signature plate lunch, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue traces back to 1976, when the original L&L Drive-Inn opened in Liliha. Today, the company boasts an impressive 200 establishments throughout Hawaii, the Mainland, Guam, New Zealand and Japan. L&L is taking the world by storm, one plate lunch at a time.
Hawaiian-style favorites include the famous Hawaiian Plate (price varies by location) featuring a hearty serving of L&L’s signature Kalua Pork with Cabbage, a piece of Keoki’s lau lau, rice and macaroni salad.
And since kalua pig is my all-time fa- vorite, whenever I’m at L&L, Kalua Pork with Cabbage is what it’s all about. The shredded, smoked pork is seasoned to perfection, and the cabbage adds a well-liked crunch to the overall dish. Believe me, it’s so ono!
There are close to 40 L&L establishments across the state. Each one is operated as a franchise and offers the same broke-the-mouth menu. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue also has stepped up its game with the addition of healthier menu options, which still consist of plate lunch classics served with one scoop of brown rice and tossed fresh greens.
Lucky we live Hawaii. Lucky we have L&L.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue The Gateway at Mililani Mauka 95-1057 Ainamakua Drive #F8 (and various locations)
626-8828
New Eagle Cafe
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- Mary Rose of New Eagle Cafe holds Hawaiian Plate ($14.75)
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- New Eagle Cafe’s Hawaiian Plate ($14.75)
The eagle has landed on North Nimitz Highway for an unforgettable meal. New Eagle Cafe is best known for its comfort food that is sure to satisfy all appetites, no matter the craving.
And sometimes it’s the simplest of foods that are the most delicious. Hawaiian Chopped Steak is divine, and so is New Eagle Cafe’s Hawaiian Plate.
Priced at $14.75, Hawaiian Plate is an Aloha Friday special and contains all the integral components of a standard Hawai-ian-style plate lunch. There’s a choice of rice or poi, and, of course, there’s chicken long rice, kalua pork with cabbage, savory pork lau lau and a refreshing yet zestful helping of lomi salmon. It definitely hits the spot after a long and hectic week.
According to New Eagle Cafe staff, this ono Hawaiian Plate is available anytime after 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner. However, come early, because this plate only is available while supplies last. You can bet that I already have next Friday’s lunch date marked on my calendar!
New Eagle Cafe 1130 N. Nimitz Hwy., Ste. A-100
See more articles from: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, New Eagle Cafe
