GREAT
PLACES FOR HAWAIIAN FOOD-----DA OLD DAZE KINE
Information about Hawaiian food at local Hawaiian food restaurants and
outlets from distinguished SLC Class of 1949 food critic, Mr. Merton
Lau. Many of you have frequented these places, but now you will know the
rest of the story. Those of you that are off-island are going to have to
make special trips to savor the Hawaiian food delicacies that Merton
refers to.
Hello Peter,
When you classed me as an “expert” at knowing where to get good Hawaiian food, I guess you did not realize so many of our classmates (especially the ones living away) have such strong interest or feelings and many questions about Hawaiian food, relative to quality, cost, where available, etc., etc. Since I got you into this mess by opening my big mouth, I guess I must help to bail you out, so here goes.
I. ONO HAWAIIAN FOODS – The Laulau is quite good and is rather huge so that four persons could easily share one order. The Butterfish Luau is very good and so is the Salt Meat Luau, and the Tripe Stew is also worthwhile. I also like the Chicken Long Rice, but do not limit yourself from the other interesting dishes like Salt Meat Watercress, and the Naau. Of course, you must include Kalua Pig, Lomi Salmon, and Poke Fish. I would by-pass the Pipikaula.
II.
The owner and founder, Helen Chock passed away about a year ago and her grandson, Craig Katsuyoshi has taken over and was under Helen’s wing for many years. It should be known that Helen Chock (Helena is her Hawaiian name) received the highly prestigious James Beard Award a few years ago and the James Beard Foundation flew her to New York City to receive the award and be recognized. For those who have not heard about James Beard, he is a food critic that is well respected throughout the country and you can be assured that you will get good food if a restaurant receives a James Beard award designation. Can you believe that the business started about 1946 on Kalihi Street, then relocated to North King, then to School Street when the King Street building was demolished - - - and all these years under one owner.
III. YOUNG’S FISH MARKET – Located in City
Center in Kapalama (where Gem’s Department Store used to be), self help,
buffet style, interesting place to try if you have not been back home
for a long time. They were initially located on
IV. PEOPLE’S CAFÉ – On Pali Highway next to Safeway – convenient, easy to park if you use the Safeway – Long’s parking lot, old time, since college days, but different owners over the years.
V. OTHER SOURCES
A. HAILI’S HAWAIIAN FOODS - In the Ward-Ala Moana Farmer’s Market – more for take out, with a fairly wide selection of Laulau, Poke, Raw White Crab, Haupia, Kololo, and even the raw Ake. And at rare occasions, Poke Oio (the bonefish which Chinese scrape to make fishcake). The Poke Oio includes chunks of fish with bone and skin to chew on – whereas most poke fish dishes are boneless and without skin.
B. TROPIC FRUIT & VEGETABLE – Also in Famer’s Market, near Haili’s, has ono Raw White Crab, Laulau, and other poke items.
For Amona’s convenience, I have included copies of
menus from both Ono’s and Helena’s restaurants. Since Amona has
such great interest in good Hawaiian food, tell him that he has an open
invitation from me to take him to
Best,
Merton Lau (ANOTHER OF MANNY'S CLASSMATES)
