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Leeward eateries offer variety

A La Carte

April 18, 2021

Story By: Ginger Keller | Photos by: Pearlridge Center

Big Uncle’s Combo ($25)

Found on the expansive grounds of Pearlridge Center is a plethora of eateries for the whole ohana to enjoy. From quick bites to sit-down restaurants, the Leeward shopping center truly has it all.

Uncle’s Fish Market & Grill

Founder Bruce Johnson opened his fish-centric restaurant as a way to pay homage to his mentors and heroes. A fisherman himself, Johnson states that the uncles “were hard to get to know, tenacious, humble, a bit kolohe — but very honorable. They’re my heroes and of all nationalities and ethnicities.” The most popular item on the menu has to be Big Uncle’s Combo ($25), which comprises fresh, local and seasonal fish, two jumbo gulf shrimp and several pieces of calamari steak — and it’s all deep-fried in a zero-transfer oil that offers a crispy crunch without excess grease.

Chicken Katsu Sando ($9.50)

Koromo Katsu & Curry Bistro

Hot-ticket items at Koromo Katsu & Curry Bistro include the Chicken Katsu Sando ($9.50) — which features everyone’s favorite crispy chicken with tomato, pickles, cabbage and a spicy sauce on a grilled garlic brioche bun — as well as a Pork Loin Katsu Bento ($21). The latter is made up of premium Sakura pork loin katsu, shredded cabbage, tsukemono, and white or brown rice. Keep a lookout for a new outdoor dining patio opening in mid-May!

No. 31 (price varies)

Bravo Restaurant

As a family-friendly Italian-style locale, Bravo Restaurant is best known for serving hearty portions of pasta and, of course, its famous baked garlic rolls. Its Seafood Harvest ($19.99) is worth a mention, though, as it incorporates sautéed shrimp, scallops, calamari and Manila clams in a light tomato cream sauce over linguine. Open from 4 to 10 p.m. daily, the eatery also offers takeout from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Poke & Bento-Ya

The freshest fish is purchased daily from Honolulu Fish Market and is used in a variety of Poke & Bento-Ya’s local favorites, like Hawaiian poke, Japanese-style sushi, sashimi and bentos. Its owners and operators strive to provide grab-and-go food that maintains the utmost quality. Popular items include the No. 8 (spicy ahi and shrimp tempura rice bowl) and No. 31 (ahi, salmon and hamachi sashimi on salad). Prices vary.

Seafood Harvest ($19.99)

Holy Cow

Founded in Hawaii, this shop offers a fairly novel concept with its hot dogs. Freshly made, customers can choose from five different filling combinations. Its top sellers are the Flaming Cheetah (Flamin’ Hot Cheetos crumbs over spicy mayo) and Fruity Pop (Fruity Pebbles wrapped all around a corn dog).

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