YUM.
OMG, just – YUM!
After last night, I can say I’ve tasted Hawaiian cuisine, and that I am now probably a life-long fan.
Last night, after seeing “Scott Pilgrim vs the World” (which was GREAT) a group of ten of us descended upon Aloha Eats, which is a Hawaiian Grill located just south of Wrightwood on Clark in Chicago – which bills itself as “Chicago’s FIRST Hawaiian Mix Plate!” Promptly, we found ourselves in carb-tastic foodie heaven on earth.
(First, however, we faced a mini-drama, as we didn’t realize how tiny the place really was. I’d envisioned a sit-down place, but it’s a tiny storefront place with a few tables. Our group was about to order our food and take it back to our apartment to eat when – happily – a large family got up and we managed to steal their seats.)
Having watched both the Hawaii episodes of No Reservations and Man vs Food, I had a few ideas of things I wanted to see/try on a Hawaiian menu. Aloha Eats did not disappoint.
First and foremost, Eric and I shared a plate of Loco Moco. If you’re not aware, Loco Moco is a bed of white rice, topped with two hamburger patties, gravy, and two fried eggs. (Pictured above.) It’s a heart attack on a plate, but sweet jesus it’s a delight. On the Hawaii episode of Man vs Food, Adam Richman marvels over the dish, and in real life it truly is a marvelous thing.
Next, I had a spectacular bowl of Saimin (essentially ramen soup) with Spam. Yes, Spam. It’s a Hawaii thing. Though my husband despises it, I don’t personally find it to be all that bad – especially fried. The Loco Moco was seriously tasty, but it’s the Saimin I will go back for. I adored it. We also shared a seafood plate, which had fried shrimp, mahi mahi, and scallops, which were also fantastic. It was a lot of fried food, and a heck of a lot of carbs, but it was all really good and I can’t wait to go back. (Anthony Bourdain featured Spam Saimin on the Honolulu episode of No Reservations, which is where I first knew I wanted to try it.)
It’s not a fancy place., and it also won’t break the bank. The food is served in styrofoam containers with plastic silverware, and … it’s perfect. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. The restaurant is BYOB, but they have fountain pop and a variety of canned juices. (Hayley and Scott noted a slight disapointment that the fruit punch on the fountain pop machine wasn’t Hawaiian Punch, which seems like an easy cash in – but alas.)
Loved it. Absolutely loved it. I even “liked” them on facebook.
(Side Note: Aloha Eats is located next to the positively luscious Molly’s Cupcakes. We partook of cupcakes post-dinner, and it was a total win of a dining experience. The Cookie Monster cupcake was grand – with a ball of cookie dough in the center. No wonder they won the Food Network cupcake challenge.)
I write this with a happy heart and memories of a full-to-the-brim stomach.
If you want more Hawaiian indulgences, try Tiki Terrace Polynesian tiki bar & restaurant here in Des Plaines. It’s right around the corner from me and the food is really tasty! If you go, try the coconut chicken or the kahlua pork. Heck – call me and I’ll join you for a mai tai! =)
One of the owners is a world champion fire-knife dancer AND he hand-carved all the booths and tikis in the restaurant.
Also, right down the street is the Barefoot Hawaiian shop & dance studio. That’s where my daughter takes dance classes (and how I know about this stuff!). They have a cool little shop with tons of Hawaiian shirts. Okay, that’s enough plugging for Des Plaines. Enjoy your Hawaiian adventures!
For some reason the idea of Spam used in human food tickles my funny bone. To add it to ramen noodles almost puts me rolling on the floor! Wow! and the fried egg/burger/rice/gravy thingy; well, I may have to make that for Tom!
…burp…