'Ono Kine Grindz

Bob's Big Boy

A slice of Americana right in my own backyard, Bob's Big Boy has been serving locals since the mid-70's.  One of just a few late night eateries around, Bob's serves up an eclectic mix of local favorites, diner classics and a small assortment of ethnic dishes too.

Mix combination (US$8.95).

On the plate, you'll find mahi mahi, teriyaki chicken and a small bowl of hearty beef stew.

Hot turkey open-faced turkey sandwich (US$8.95).

   Bob's Big Boy
   2828 Pa'a Street
   Telephone: 808.833.3440

Big Kahuna Pizza

Big Kahuna Pizza is located along a stretch of roadway that is home to warehouses, and auto body and repair shops.  Since most of the surrounding area is industrial, one wouldn't expect to find a little green and yellow "shack" serving some of the Island's best pizza here.

A long time destination of both local residents and visitors, you'll have to keep your eyes open for the signs announcing da Big Kahuna's and quickly turn into the gravel parking lot.  If you drive too fast, or aren't looking for it, you'll drive right past it.

Walk past the "porch" and open the screen door to enter the tiny restaurant.  You'll see the menu board above the counter where the orders are placed.  The menu is quite lengthy, and includes a number of pizzas and sandwiches.  If you don't like waiting, take my advice and place your order over the phone -- well in advance of your anticipated pick up time.  But be forewarned.  If it's busy, the wait can be as long as 30 minutes or more!

After placing your order and paying for your meal, you can choose to dine-in (you food will be brought to the table), if one of the four tables inside the restaurant are available.  Otherwise, you'll have to order to go.

Since I had some time to spare, I decided to eat in.  It was busy, and crowded, so I ended up waiting 15 minutes for a table to open up and another 10 minutes for my food to arrive.  What did I order?  I had "da sumo special" (6" personal pan, US$5.95; 12" medium pan, US$16.95).

This perfectly sized pizza contains an extraordinary variety of tasty toppings.  Here's the short list of what's on here: pepperoni, ham, Italian sausage, kalua pig (!), Portuguese sausage, bacon, onions, fresh mushrooms, chopped tomatoes and black olives!  Is that artery clogging goodness or what?  Even with all those toppings, the thick, fluffy and slightly sweet crust remains crisp and crunchy until the last bite.

I also ordered the garlic cheese balls (one dozen, US$3.35).

Fluffy and slightly chewy, these garlic cheese balls are brought to the table straight out of the over.  Rich and buttery, and made flavorful with all of that garlic and cheese, the bottoms of these are crispy, making these so fun to eat.  I do have to tell you that these garlic cheese balls are addictive -- you can't eat just one.  In fact, before you know it, you've eaten them all.

Sometimes when I'm in the area, and don't feel like having a pizza, I'll go for one of Big Kahuna's amazing sub sandwiches.  Here is the surfer sub combo/grinder (with turkey and roast beef, US$6.35).

The paper plate-sized homemade bun was slightly sweet, yet dense and fluffy.  Nicely stuffed with more than a few slices of roast beef and turkey before being topped by some shredded lettuce and tomatoes, this is one heck of a sandwich.

Big Kahuna Pizza
833 Puuloa Road
Telephone:  808.833.5588

Soon's Kal-bi Drive In

Yesterday, I made the drive out to 99 Ranch Market to pick up some food for the upcoming week.  On the way home, I decided to stop by at Soon's Kal-bi Drive-In for dinner.

It's been years since I've been here, but everything seems to be as I remembered, except the food pictures lining the glass enclosure where orders are taken and picked up. 

There's a bench in front of the counter, which is where I sit while waiting for my number to be called.  I ordered the Soon's Special Combination Plate (US$8.25).

This plate come with 2 scoops white rice, 2 pieces kalbi, one piece BBQ chicken, some meat jhun and one fried mandoo.  There is also a small amount of vegetables in the little foil "container" in front.  Inside the "container" we have bean sprouts, cabbage and kim chee.

The kalbi is exactly as I remembered.  The marinade is delicious and suits the local palate.  If you're used to eating traditional-style kalbi, you may not enjoy this.  Tasting more like a Japanese-style teriyaki sauce, the kalbi is quite sweet.  That said, the meat is tender and practically melts in my mouth. 

The BBQ chicken is a little different.  A whole chicken thigh is cut away from the bone (and the bone is left attached), then grilled with the skin on.  I'm sure the marinade used is not the same as the one that's used for the kalbi as this one's not quite as sweet.  This one had lots of charred bits...which is how I like my BBQ chicken done.

The meat jhun, is beef that has been thinly sliced and then marinated before being dipped in egg batter and fried.  This one is quite good, although like the kalbi, it was a bit sweet.  There was just enough of the egg coating on this to make it slightly crunchy around the edges.  Perfectly cooked.

And the lone mandoo, was over-stuffed and deep fried.  A winner.

Unlike other local Korean "fast food" restaurants, such as Yummy's or Gina's BBQ, Soon's does not give a lot of vegetables and that has always been a disappointment to me.  That said, the price is quite steep for the amount of food given.  Although good, there is definitely better value elsewhere.

Soon's Kal-Bi Drive-In
Salt Lake Shopping Center
898 Ala Lilikoi Street
Telephone:  808.836.7665

Bee's Dessert House

After my dim sum lunch, I decided to treat myself to dessert.  What better place to visit than Bee's Dessert House.  Located at the food court at 99 Ranch Market, Bee's is very well known for the tasty "bubble drinks" that they serve. 

I was told about 7 years ago, that this drink first originated in Hong Kong, made it's way to Taiwan, where it's hugely popular, and slowly migrated here.  The most popular offerings at Bee's are the taro and honeydew pearl cream teas.  Today, I have the jasmine pearl  cream tea (US$2.25).  This is made by combining jasmine tea, cream, ice and mochi balls in a shaker, then serving cold with lots of ice.  You need to have the big straws so that you can suck up all of the mochi! 

Wanna know the reason that sets this drink at Bee's apart from everyone else's?  It's the pearls!  They're not too mushy, but have just the right "firmness" to them.  Nice bite...and very chewy!

Since I'm going to be taking this with me, I also sit down to have the shaved ice with azuki beans, green beans and mochi balls (US$3.10).  This is all topped with some evaporated milk.  Mmmmmmmm!  Just look at all the toppings!  I like the fact that this dessert is not too sweet, although the amount of beans is a little too much for me....

Bee's is one of the best bubble tea places that I have visited and has become one of the shops that I must visit everytime I shop at 99 Ranch Market.

Bee's Dessert House
1151 Mapunapuna Street
Telephone:  808.834.8888