I spent last weekend down in Portland for Obon at the Oregon Buddhist Temple. We stayed at the Edgefield again. The room was nice, but the hotel had 5 wedding parties that night. This didn’t not make for a restful night of sleep. We also went up to Hood River and The Dalles. More on that adventure coming soon.

The migraines have been attacking… and thus not much has been done other than work and sleeping.

I finally made my way up to try the Aloha Hawaiian Grill in Kent. They had completed their building, and open to customers. They were pretty busy when we went in, the menu and decor are almost exact the same as L&L. I think they got their furniture from the same place. /p>

After, a short amount of time the musubi was ready. The katsu musubi was generous in portion. So, big the nori didn’t fit all the way around. The chef didn’t put much sauce on the musubi, but it was still good. It’s nice to have another new plate lunch in town.

Aloha Hawaiian Grill
18016 71st Ave S., #102
Kent, Washington 98032
425.656.5283

I stumbled upon Hawaiian Kine BBQ driving down the Tualatin Valley Highway on my way back to Portland. I was feeling a bit nostalgic for the islands after I had just driven through Aloha, OR. I was excited to see Hawaiian Kine BBQ siting the front of a Fred Meyer. I had just had breakfast, but I was open from something small. I mean how could I pass up this new find.

After, opening the door I was greet by the smiling shop keeper. She pointed to the images on the wall of all the ‘ono dishes they make. I immediately knew that I wanted a Chicken Musubi, but I was interested to see what other items that offered. The offer the typical plate lunch fare, but also on the list: Poi, Poke, Lomi Samon, and Manapua.

The restaurant is brightly colored, and inviting. Keali’i Reichel was playing on the sound system. I sat in the dining room, reading the NWHT, while I waited for my musubi.

The musubi arrive quickly, and piping hot. The chicken was generous in size, and the sauce was perfect. They homebrew all their own sauces, which makes for a nice treat and added flavor. I recommend a stop at Hawaiian Kine BBQ anytime you pass through Hillboro. Their musubi broke da mouth!

Next time I will try their loco moco.

Hawaiian Kine BBQ

6551 SE Tualatin Valley Highway
Hillsboro, OR 97123
503.591.9400

***Update- I went back today (8/11/07) to eat, and it looks like they’ve gone out of business. Their sign is no longer their, and there is no note stating that they have moved. I’m very sad. ***

I stumbled upon yet another Hawaii Restaurant in Olympia. I was driving to the Co-op, and was stunned to see this sign for Aloha Cafe. I immediately did a U-turn, drove up into the parking lot, only to find that they were just closing. Excited I decided to return the next day on my way up to Seattle.

Aloha Cafe is located in an older house, that the Aloha Cafe owners have lovingly converted into a comfortable cafe. I walked in the door, and found a large table full of people enjoying food, talking story, and listening to Sudden Rush on the audio system.

I sat myself down, and was quickly greeted with a menu. I had eaten a short time before so I opted for something small. The menu offered the standard plate lunch fare, but also held a nice surprise. I was excited to see that they had ahi poke. I got an order of the poke, and a bowl of rice.

The poke was delicious and filling. The only thing missing was some poi and ‘opihi. I’ll definitely go back, as they are the closest plate lunch joint.

Aloha Cafe

2805 Pacific Ave SE

Olympia, WA 98501

360.754.5344

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is now open in Lakewood, WA. They had their grand opening on Friday, but I didn’t get a chance to stop by until today. This location looks very similar to the Renton and Federal Way locations. This location is slightly large than the Renton location, and has plenty of seating.

The menu presents the usual fare you would expect at an L&L. I opted for a katsu musubi. I was pretty full, and decided to take the musubi home. It was hot and fresh even when I got home!

I’m so used to L&L’s being crowded, and today it was very low key. I don’t think the cat is out of the bag yet. I’m sure it will be packed once people know that it’s open.

 L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
(Gravelly Lake Dr. & Avondale Rd.)
10321 Gravelly Lake Drive, #D
Lakewood, WA 98499
(253) 588-8296