Ono Grinds is pidgon for Good Food. Leah Goslen, you’re going to love this post.
Hawaii has been really hitting me hard lately. Last month I saw two of my CS buddies move to Oahu to minister through surfing and yesterday I watched a show on The Food Network about the foods on The Big Island. They traveled all around and ended up in Hilo at one of my favorite restaurants (Cafe 100), and ate one of my favorite things (Loco Moco). If you’re wondering what this is, its a layer of sticky rice, covered with brown gravy. On top of the rice, goes a thin hamburger patty, then more brown gravy. Finally you top it off with a fried egg. Its best served with one scoop of mac salad on the side…
Makes my mouth water just thinking about it!
Today, I was determined to find some Hawaiian food…I found a place about an hour away called the Aloha Cafe. I walked in and literally could feel the Aloha spirit. I had my L&L Hawaiian BBQ shirt on and right when they saw it they started asking me about it. We started a conversation and I instantly made some friends because of this shirt…and I went on to explain my hunger for island cuisine and why it was OK for me to drive an hour to get some. The lady who owned the place and the other employees were from Oahu. We talked about what we missed, and hearing them speak just made my heart smile. I love the language and slang and don’t think I could ever grow tired of hearing it. It’s kinda funny how now, years later, it comes out in my conversations sometimes as well.
They didn’t serve Loco Moco, but they did have my second favorite meal…teri beef, 2 scoops rice, 1 scoop mac salad. Ummmm. So good. They also invited me to come back on the last Sunday of April to a Luau. Once a month, Hawaiians come from Houston, San Antonio, and The Katy area to play music, dance and eat the traditional meal…Apparently their are more Hawaiians in Texas than I thought, although I can’t imagine why. I don’t think they have dug an imu, but they still will be serving kalua pig, poi, lomi salmon, poke…all the REAL stuff….
And yet tonight, the islands will still be toying with my memories, as I will be seeing off ANOTHER pair of friends. Mandy and Noah will be moving in 2 weeks to Oahu as well, to work and minister. They will be missed but I know they will be greatly used of God. Hawaii is definitely gaining two new amazing residents. Have fun guys…maybe someday I can join you again as we keep answering the question…WHO DO YOU SURF FOR??
1 Comment
March 24, 2008 at 9:40 pm
did you ever eat at Hawaiian Style Cafe located in Kamuela? the portions are HUGE HUGE ! they serve the food until stay all pau !!!