Egg-Cellent Ways To Take Action

Every week, the Dining Out team and I are fortunate enough to explore Oahu’s culinary gems and share our findings with you, but when it comes to discussing food in Hawaii, there’s much more to the conversation. Hawaii Foodbank reports that one in five islanders are in need of emergency food assistance this year. Those numbers certainly are staggering, but with the help of September’s Hunger Action Month and the Foodbank, there are many ways for you and I to help.

As I learned, lending assistance doesn’t only come in the form of donating canned goods. You can show your support of hunger relief through posting a “spoon selfie” to social media as part of the Foodbank’s “Spoontember” initiative, or even download the nonprofit agency’s “30 Ways in 30 Days” calendar online at hawaiifoodbank.org to find numerous small ways to make a difference.

As the Foodbank’s calendar explains, did you know that you can collect your egg cartons to give to Hawaii Foodbank to repackage eggs? This week, I’m spreading the word at some of our must-try Ono, You Know eateries, all the while helping to empty their egg trays (which also may be donated) by trying some of their most egg-cellent feasts.

Big City Diner

Packed with protein and sustenance, eggs in all their glory present a breakfast of champions like no other. Whether you like them on top of your loco moco, scrambled into your fried rice, or accompanying your favorite breakfast meats, you can find it all at your neighborhood Big City Diner.

Corporate executive chef Dennis Franks shares some of his favorite egg-filled breakfasts, starting with Fresh Fish and Eggs (market price). Not only does this dish feature two farm-fresh, locally sourced Kalei Eggs, but it’s gluten-free and presented with a lean fresh catch — proving you can have a healthy, but still satisfying breakfast. Diners may even order it with figure-friendly brown rice.

“A lot of places don’t have fish and eggs, (especially) with brown rice, so we’re trying to at least offer the healthier options,” says Franks.

For all my fellow benedict-lovers, you absolutely must try Chef Dennis’ Fire Roasted Portobello Mushroom and Avocado Benedict ($12.99). It’s one of his newest hollandaise-highlighted items, and it’s only available on weekends. “It has sauteed spinach, grilled tomato, Portobello mushroom, poached eggs and avocado on the top,” describes Franks.

Big City Diner
Pearlridge Center
98-211 Pali Momi St. No. 900, Aiea
(and other locations)
487-8188

Royal Palace Chinese Restaurant

When lunch and dinner roll around, why not keep this egg-stravaganza going? This foodie is happy to eat eggs all day long, especially when they come from Royal Palace Chinese Restaurant at Stadium Mall.

The restaurant has one classic dish in particular, Egg Drop Soup ($8.25), that is rich in soothing flavors.

Traditionally, egg drop soup is made by adding beaten eggs to a hot broth, which creates thin, silky strands of cooked egg that bedazzle the soup. At Royal Palace, owner and head chef Jin He Wu adds brightness to his version of the dish — both in flavor and presentation — with the addition of carrots and green beans. What brings the real impact, though, is savory shredded pork utilized during the cooking process.

Egg lovers also will rejoice over Plain Egg Fu Yong ($8.25), and let me assure you, there’s nothing plain about it! Reminiscent of a savory omelet, this menu item sizzles with fluffy egg cake bursting with bean sprouts, onions and chives. While it’s great for sharing, Royal Palace staff say many folks like to enjoy it simply on its own.

While taking the time to enjoy your next meal, keep in mind that it’s not too late to make a difference for others and get involved with Hunger Action Month. And don’t forget to donate your egg cartons — restaurants may donate egg trays, too.

Royal Palace Chinese Restaurant
Stadium Mall
4510 Salt Lake Blvd., Ste. C1
487-6662