Cherrystone's Grill & Grotto
15501 S. Vermont Ave
Gardena, CA 90247
310-329-8200
http://www.cherrystones.org/
Casual nice; sit down dining.
Plenty of lot and street parking out front.
Visited: May 2010, Dinner, Dine-in
This is an interesting restaurant with your traditional fare that you would find in a restaurant called 'grotto' such as prime rib, meatloaf, and fish and chips. But it's also a Hawaiian restaurant, so you get things like katsu, kalbi and bento boxes. It's such an unassuming restaurant with great food and friendly service.
We had the special thin sliced Prime Roast Beef with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy ($14.50) - so very tender, and the gravy was dark brown and heavenly. It came with a serving of seasonal veggies, and started with a nice little dinner green salad.
We also tried the steamed Chilean Seabass with Chinese Black Bean Sauce ($18.50). This was very tasty, and the fish was cooked very well despite its thickness. The fish came with steamed rice and vegetables. It also came with a starter salad, and we chose the somen salad that came with greens in a very nice soy vinaigrette. I could have eaten a whole meal of that salad alone.
And we got the Teriyaki Salmon Bento Box ($13.00) that came with somen salad, mac salad, broccoli medley salad, steamed rice, and fruit. While tasty and interesting, the other entrees seemed more exciting.
On special were their Sesame Wings which is usually only available on the catering menu. These were lovely soy-sesame marinated wings then deep fried to a golden brown. Tasty and very meaty.
Our neighbors at the table next to us had the braised shortribs with gravy and the panko crusted pork chops. Both looked super tasty, and gave us inspiration of what to try on our next visit.
Showing posts with label teriyaki. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teriyaki. Show all posts
Friday, June 11, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
California Sushi & Teriyaki, Hermosa Beach, CA
California Sushi & Teriyaki
429 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
310-372-3656
Located on the corner of PCH and 5th (a light), and has its own plentiful parking lot.
Order at the counter, and food is brought to the table.
Visited: a several times, Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: May 2010
There are so many sushi and teriyaki places in the South Bay, but this one is really good. The food is fresh and plentiful, and everyone is really nice. And for being in Hermosa, it's amazing that it has so much of its own parking.
While everything we've tried on the menu is good, the tempura is amazing. They use rice bran oil - and I assume that must be the secret. The tempura is hot and fresh, but also amazingly tender with a very nice crisp bite. Very tasty. The Combo Tempura plate ($8.50) with shrimp and veggies is definitely the way to go, and definitely enough to share. If you get tempura with your Box or Plate meal, you don't get the variety of veggies that you get with the Veggie Tempura plate ($5.95) or the Combo Tempura plate.
They serve a variety of sashimi and rolls which seem to be popular. I particularly like Unagi ($3 for two pieces), and theirs is very tasty. The eel is well cooked, and has a nice sauce.
Other than the tempura, we go for the teriyaki. You have your choice of Bowl ($4.95-8.50; meat, rice, miso soup and salad), Plate ($7.95-11.95; meat, rice, salad, and tempura - shrimp and veggies), or Box ($9.50-9.95; meat, rice, salad, tempura, and California roll - 5 pieces!). Not all meats are available in all combos, but the basics such as Chicken, Beef, and Salmon are. The teri sauce is also a little different - less sweet and a little more peppery. All portions are very generous.
The Chicken Teriyaki is fine - as most places are. Nothing special, but not bad. The Beef Teriyaki is also good. It's a thin sliced beef instead of steak style. The Salmon Teriyaki is excellent, and highly recommended. The Korean BBQ - beef short ribs/kalbi - is very tasty and the meat is very tender. The Bulgogi is also very tasty.
There are several more things on the menu that we'd like to try, and we're happy to go back!
429 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
310-372-3656
Located on the corner of PCH and 5th (a light), and has its own plentiful parking lot.
Order at the counter, and food is brought to the table.
Visited: a several times, Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: May 2010
There are so many sushi and teriyaki places in the South Bay, but this one is really good. The food is fresh and plentiful, and everyone is really nice. And for being in Hermosa, it's amazing that it has so much of its own parking.
While everything we've tried on the menu is good, the tempura is amazing. They use rice bran oil - and I assume that must be the secret. The tempura is hot and fresh, but also amazingly tender with a very nice crisp bite. Very tasty. The Combo Tempura plate ($8.50) with shrimp and veggies is definitely the way to go, and definitely enough to share. If you get tempura with your Box or Plate meal, you don't get the variety of veggies that you get with the Veggie Tempura plate ($5.95) or the Combo Tempura plate.
They serve a variety of sashimi and rolls which seem to be popular. I particularly like Unagi ($3 for two pieces), and theirs is very tasty. The eel is well cooked, and has a nice sauce.
Other than the tempura, we go for the teriyaki. You have your choice of Bowl ($4.95-8.50; meat, rice, miso soup and salad), Plate ($7.95-11.95; meat, rice, salad, and tempura - shrimp and veggies), or Box ($9.50-9.95; meat, rice, salad, tempura, and California roll - 5 pieces!). Not all meats are available in all combos, but the basics such as Chicken, Beef, and Salmon are. The teri sauce is also a little different - less sweet and a little more peppery. All portions are very generous.
The Chicken Teriyaki is fine - as most places are. Nothing special, but not bad. The Beef Teriyaki is also good. It's a thin sliced beef instead of steak style. The Salmon Teriyaki is excellent, and highly recommended. The Korean BBQ - beef short ribs/kalbi - is very tasty and the meat is very tender. The Bulgogi is also very tasty.
There are several more things on the menu that we'd like to try, and we're happy to go back!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Rascals Teriyaki Grill, Torrance, CA
Rascals Teriyaki Grill
5111 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
310-542-0022
http://www.rascalsteriyaki.com/
Free parking in lot, however can be very crowded during meal times.
Additional locations in Gardena and Long Beach.
Closed Sundays.
Casual/fast foodish. Order and pick up at the counter.
Visited: Numerous times; Usually take-out
Most recently: June 2010
Rascals is a teri grill with a decidedy Hawaiian bent. They do a brisk business, and everything is super fresh.
Our favorites are the Chinese Chicken Salads ($5.15, $6.75) with shredded chicken breast, cucumbers, green onion, and the cruchies are rice noodles and almond slivers. The dressing is tangy with a hint of sesame. Party trays of this salad are very popular for parties, but we think you actually get more 'stuff' if you order the individual salads.
And the Teri Burgers ($3.95) on a soft bun with lettuce, tomatoes, soft onions, pickles, and mayo. The burger also comes with extra teri sauce, which we find we need.
Also very good is the Teri Beef (Bowl $5.75, Plate $6.95, Deluxe With Salad $8.10). The Teri Chicken isn't bad, but we prefer the Beef.
The Curry Bowl (Chix $5.35, Beef $5.75, Veg $5.15) is also pretty tasty as is the Chili and Rice ($3.95).
Because they're usually so crowded during meal times, we often call ahead and Rascals has a separate pick up line for called in orders.
5111 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
310-542-0022
http://www.rascalsteriyaki.com/
Free parking in lot, however can be very crowded during meal times.
Additional locations in Gardena and Long Beach.
Closed Sundays.
Casual/fast foodish. Order and pick up at the counter.
Visited: Numerous times; Usually take-out
Most recently: June 2010
Rascals is a teri grill with a decidedy Hawaiian bent. They do a brisk business, and everything is super fresh.
Our favorites are the Chinese Chicken Salads ($5.15, $6.75) with shredded chicken breast, cucumbers, green onion, and the cruchies are rice noodles and almond slivers. The dressing is tangy with a hint of sesame. Party trays of this salad are very popular for parties, but we think you actually get more 'stuff' if you order the individual salads.
And the Teri Burgers ($3.95) on a soft bun with lettuce, tomatoes, soft onions, pickles, and mayo. The burger also comes with extra teri sauce, which we find we need.
Also very good is the Teri Beef (Bowl $5.75, Plate $6.95, Deluxe With Salad $8.10). The Teri Chicken isn't bad, but we prefer the Beef.
The Curry Bowl (Chix $5.35, Beef $5.75, Veg $5.15) is also pretty tasty as is the Chili and Rice ($3.95).
Because they're usually so crowded during meal times, we often call ahead and Rascals has a separate pick up line for called in orders.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Best of the South Bay
Best of the South Bay
I thought it might be fun to create a compilation of Best Ofs, so here goes. I'll be adding to it as I discover my favorites. There are some 'best of' restaurants here that don't have full reviews yet, but they're coming soon.
Baba Ganoush
LaZeez Pita Grill, 4903 Torrance, Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
Smooth, creamy and garlicky.
Barbecue
Jay Bee's House of Fine Bar-B-Que, 15911 Avalon Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247
Great finger lickin' bbq.
BBQ Brisket
Joey's Smokin BBQ, 25308 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
OMG tender and tasty.
Biscuit
Gaffey Street Diner, 247 N. Gaffey St, San Pedro, CA 90731
This biscuit is not for the faint of heart. Large enough for 3 to share.
Bolognese
Vince's Spaghetti, 23609 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
The Original Meat Sauce is a fine food unto itself.
Breakfast
Snax, 4535 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
A great neighborhood place.
Cake
King's Hawaiian Bakery, 2808 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Their use of chiffon-style cakes as the basis for most of the cakes makes them heavenly.
Carne Asada
Acapulco, 3530 Carson St, Torrance, CA 90503
Consistently an amazing flavor.
Carnitas
El Burrito, Jr, 21141 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
Tasty and not greasy at all.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Angara, 2170 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501
Creamy, sweet - great mild or medium. The Lamb Tikka Masala is also fab.
Chili Cheese Fries
Y' Not Burgers, 22940 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
I'm sure these are incredibly bad for you.
Honorable Mention: Snax, 4535 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Great LA Area: The Hat, 1 W. Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801
Chips and Salsa
El Paso Cantina, 2404 Sepulveda Bl, Torrance, CA 90501
Great chips and really nice fresh salsa - a little sweet.
Chinese Chicken Salad
Chicken Maison, 3901 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505
A beautiful and tasty salad with pita croutons as an added treat.
Churrascaria
Greenfield, 5305 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90804
Honorable Mention: By Brazil, 1615 Cabrillo Ave, Torrance, CA 90501
Cioppino
Delzano's by the Sea, 179 N. Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
There are many lovely cioppinos out there, but this one is really stellar.
Cuban Food
Versailles, 1000 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
They have the best mojo de ajo around.
Deli Sandwiches
New York Deli, 2424 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501
Long term quality that still holds up.
Donuts
Randy's Donuts, 805 W. Manchester Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301
Really, the big donut on the roof reflects how good these are.
Double Cheeseburger
Suzy's Bar and Grill, 1141 Aviation Blvd, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Honorable Mention: Snax, 4535 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Fried Chicken
DUTC Grill /Golden Bird, 14903 S. Western Ave, Gardena, CA 90249
Golden Bird - do I need to say anything else?
Fried Seafood Combo
The Admiral Risty, 31250 Palos Verdes Drive West, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90275
Just cooked so very well.
Honorable Mention: Captain Kidd's, 209 N. Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Garlic Bread
Kincaid's, 500 Fisherman's Wharf, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Honorable Mention: Vince's Spaghetti, 23609 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Gelato
Crema Dolce, 1820 S. Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
If you've been to Italy, you'll like the gelato here.
Hawaiian Food
Bruddah's Hawaiian Foods, 1033 W Gardena Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247
An excellent hole-in-the-wall where the locals eat.
Hawaiian Fried Chicken
Harry's Cafe, 1721 S. Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247
Available as Harry's Chicken with bone or Island Fried Chicken, boneless.
Ice Cream
Rite-Aid/Thrifty, 3860 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Mmm, mint chip and chocolate!
Indian Food
Angara, 2170 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501
Great curries, biryanis, and an excellent lunch buffet.
Koobideh
Fanoos Grill, 25336 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Seaside Palace, 3720 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Lasagna
Il Toscano, 24590 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Excellent.
Linguine and Clam Sauce, White
Il Toscano, 24590 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Excellent.
Loco Moco
Bruddah's Hawaiian Foods, 1033 W Gardena Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247
Bruddah's has the best gravy.
Macaroni and Cheese
Jay Bee's House of Fine Bar-B-Que, 15911 Avalon Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247
You can see the cheesey goodness.
Machaca
Snax, 4535 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Meatball Sandwich
The Appetizer, 1000 Torrance Blvd, Unit A, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Overall tasty, but the bread really makes this the winner. You may want to ask for extra sauce.
Unfortunately, they've closed - we'll have to try their other location.
Pastrami Sandwich
Y' Not Burgers, 22940 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Greater LA Area: The Hat, 1 W. Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801
Prime Rib
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, 2301 Rosecrans Ave, El Segundo, CA 90245
Refried Beans
El Burrito, Jr, 21141 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
OMG, these are so creamy and gravy-like, they must be bad for you.
Shwarma
LaZeez Pita Grill, 4903 Torrance, Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
Great seasoning and char.
Steak
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, 2301 Rosecrans Ave, El Segundo, CA 90245
Fork tender.
Tempura
California Sushi & Teriyaki, 429 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Cooked in rice bran oil. Very tender and crisp.
Teriyaki Beef
Honda, 3629 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505
Real meat, not that thin stuff you often find elsewhere.
Teriyaki Salmon
California Sushi & Teriyaki, 429 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Very tasty, well cooked and a nice portion.
I thought it might be fun to create a compilation of Best Ofs, so here goes. I'll be adding to it as I discover my favorites. There are some 'best of' restaurants here that don't have full reviews yet, but they're coming soon.
Baba Ganoush
LaZeez Pita Grill, 4903 Torrance, Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
Smooth, creamy and garlicky.
Barbecue
Jay Bee's House of Fine Bar-B-Que, 15911 Avalon Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247
Great finger lickin' bbq.
BBQ Brisket
Joey's Smokin BBQ, 25308 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
OMG tender and tasty.
Biscuit
Gaffey Street Diner, 247 N. Gaffey St, San Pedro, CA 90731
This biscuit is not for the faint of heart. Large enough for 3 to share.
Bolognese
Vince's Spaghetti, 23609 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
The Original Meat Sauce is a fine food unto itself.
Breakfast
Snax, 4535 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
A great neighborhood place.
Cake
King's Hawaiian Bakery, 2808 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Their use of chiffon-style cakes as the basis for most of the cakes makes them heavenly.
Carne Asada
Acapulco, 3530 Carson St, Torrance, CA 90503
Consistently an amazing flavor.
Carnitas
El Burrito, Jr, 21141 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
Tasty and not greasy at all.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Angara, 2170 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501
Creamy, sweet - great mild or medium. The Lamb Tikka Masala is also fab.
Chili Cheese Fries
Y' Not Burgers, 22940 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
I'm sure these are incredibly bad for you.
Honorable Mention: Snax, 4535 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Great LA Area: The Hat, 1 W. Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801
Chips and Salsa
El Paso Cantina, 2404 Sepulveda Bl, Torrance, CA 90501
Great chips and really nice fresh salsa - a little sweet.
Chinese Chicken Salad
Chicken Maison, 3901 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505
A beautiful and tasty salad with pita croutons as an added treat.
Churrascaria
Greenfield, 5305 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90804
Honorable Mention: By Brazil, 1615 Cabrillo Ave, Torrance, CA 90501
Cioppino
Delzano's by the Sea, 179 N. Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
There are many lovely cioppinos out there, but this one is really stellar.
Cuban Food
Versailles, 1000 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
They have the best mojo de ajo around.
Deli Sandwiches
New York Deli, 2424 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501
Long term quality that still holds up.
Donuts
Randy's Donuts, 805 W. Manchester Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301
Really, the big donut on the roof reflects how good these are.
Double Cheeseburger
Suzy's Bar and Grill, 1141 Aviation Blvd, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Honorable Mention: Snax, 4535 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Fried Chicken
DUTC Grill /Golden Bird, 14903 S. Western Ave, Gardena, CA 90249
Golden Bird - do I need to say anything else?
Fried Seafood Combo
The Admiral Risty, 31250 Palos Verdes Drive West, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90275
Just cooked so very well.
Honorable Mention: Captain Kidd's, 209 N. Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Garlic Bread
Kincaid's, 500 Fisherman's Wharf, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Honorable Mention: Vince's Spaghetti, 23609 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Gelato
Crema Dolce, 1820 S. Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
If you've been to Italy, you'll like the gelato here.
Hawaiian Food
Bruddah's Hawaiian Foods, 1033 W Gardena Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247
An excellent hole-in-the-wall where the locals eat.
Hawaiian Fried Chicken
Harry's Cafe, 1721 S. Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247
Available as Harry's Chicken with bone or Island Fried Chicken, boneless.
Ice Cream
Rite-Aid/Thrifty, 3860 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Mmm, mint chip and chocolate!
Indian Food
Angara, 2170 Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501
Great curries, biryanis, and an excellent lunch buffet.
Koobideh
Fanoos Grill, 25336 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Seaside Palace, 3720 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Lasagna
Il Toscano, 24590 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Excellent.
Linguine and Clam Sauce, White
Il Toscano, 24590 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Excellent.
Loco Moco
Bruddah's Hawaiian Foods, 1033 W Gardena Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247
Bruddah's has the best gravy.
Macaroni and Cheese
Jay Bee's House of Fine Bar-B-Que, 15911 Avalon Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247
You can see the cheesey goodness.
Machaca
Snax, 4535 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Meatball Sandwich
The Appetizer, 1000 Torrance Blvd, Unit A, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Overall tasty, but the bread really makes this the winner. You may want to ask for extra sauce.
Unfortunately, they've closed - we'll have to try their other location.
Pastrami Sandwich
Y' Not Burgers, 22940 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Greater LA Area: The Hat, 1 W. Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801
Prime Rib
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, 2301 Rosecrans Ave, El Segundo, CA 90245
Refried Beans
El Burrito, Jr, 21141 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
OMG, these are so creamy and gravy-like, they must be bad for you.
Shwarma
LaZeez Pita Grill, 4903 Torrance, Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503
Great seasoning and char.
Steak
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse, 2301 Rosecrans Ave, El Segundo, CA 90245
Fork tender.
Tempura
California Sushi & Teriyaki, 429 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Cooked in rice bran oil. Very tender and crisp.
Teriyaki Beef
Honda, 3629 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505
Real meat, not that thin stuff you often find elsewhere.
Teriyaki Salmon
California Sushi & Teriyaki, 429 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Very tasty, well cooked and a nice portion.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Ono Ono Hawaiian BBQ, Tustin, CA
Ono Ono Hawaiian BBQ
17582 E. 17th Street, Tustin, CA 92780, 714-505-0750
http://onoonohawaiianbbq.com/
In a strip mall with plenty of free parking.
Casual/fast foodish. Order at the counter; your food brought to you.
[Note: This is not the same as the Ono Hawaiian BBQ restaurant chain.]
Visited: February 2009, Lunch, Dine-in
The food was hot, fresh, and fast. What a treat! It was definitely Ono Ono (ono means delicious in Hawaiian)!
It's a combination of fast food and sit down dining. You order at the counter, but they bring you your food, and you're served on real plates with plasticware. It sounds odd, but it works. The staff and decor were all very nice.
All of the entrees come with choice of 2 sides: white rice, brown rice, long rice noodles, Asian coleslaw, grilled veggie, potato mac, or green salad. Keep in mind that if you want rice, you have to order it as one of your sides. This threw me for a minor loop when ordering.
You can also get free soup if you eat in. I had the miso soup with tofu. Very tasty. They also had a second more traditional looking veggie soup in a reddish broth.
For appetizers we got:
Spam Musubi ($2.75) which was sliced into 4 nice slices. The rice was seasoned and tender, and the Spam was nicely fried. Overall more flavor than I've had at other restaurants.
12 pcs Fried Dumplings ($5.99). I guess I was expecting pan fried gyoza, but these were actually deep fried. They came with a soy dipping sauce. Not bad, they needed the sauce; but I wouldn't order them again.
The 3 item combos are a great way to sample their offerings, and they are sold at a great price. You get plenty of food, and may even be able to share a plate. We had:
Mix Plate ($8.95): BBQ chicken (like teri chicken), kalua pork, panko fried mahi mahi (served with tartar sauce) with sides of grilled veggie and long rice. The mahi mahi was outstanding as was the long rice. The chicken and pork were also very good, but the other items outshone them. The veggies were plain, and that suited the meal very well.
Ono Plate ($8.95): chicken katsu, BBQ spicy pork, beef kalbi with sides of white rice and potato mac. The pork was just like Korean-style spicy pork - yum! Great flavor and very tender. The kalbi was also very nice - hot and fresh with a nice char. The katsu was just fine; the others were just that much better. The potato mac was plain but tasty. It had little bits of carrots for color and texture.
There are plenty more things on the menu to try, and I'm looking forward to my next visit.
17582 E. 17th Street, Tustin, CA 92780, 714-505-0750
http://onoonohawaiianbbq.com/
In a strip mall with plenty of free parking.
Casual/fast foodish. Order at the counter; your food brought to you.
[Note: This is not the same as the Ono Hawaiian BBQ restaurant chain.]
Visited: February 2009, Lunch, Dine-in
The food was hot, fresh, and fast. What a treat! It was definitely Ono Ono (ono means delicious in Hawaiian)!
It's a combination of fast food and sit down dining. You order at the counter, but they bring you your food, and you're served on real plates with plasticware. It sounds odd, but it works. The staff and decor were all very nice.
All of the entrees come with choice of 2 sides: white rice, brown rice, long rice noodles, Asian coleslaw, grilled veggie, potato mac, or green salad. Keep in mind that if you want rice, you have to order it as one of your sides. This threw me for a minor loop when ordering.
You can also get free soup if you eat in. I had the miso soup with tofu. Very tasty. They also had a second more traditional looking veggie soup in a reddish broth.
For appetizers we got:
Spam Musubi ($2.75) which was sliced into 4 nice slices. The rice was seasoned and tender, and the Spam was nicely fried. Overall more flavor than I've had at other restaurants.
12 pcs Fried Dumplings ($5.99). I guess I was expecting pan fried gyoza, but these were actually deep fried. They came with a soy dipping sauce. Not bad, they needed the sauce; but I wouldn't order them again.
The 3 item combos are a great way to sample their offerings, and they are sold at a great price. You get plenty of food, and may even be able to share a plate. We had:
Mix Plate ($8.95): BBQ chicken (like teri chicken), kalua pork, panko fried mahi mahi (served with tartar sauce) with sides of grilled veggie and long rice. The mahi mahi was outstanding as was the long rice. The chicken and pork were also very good, but the other items outshone them. The veggies were plain, and that suited the meal very well.
Ono Plate ($8.95): chicken katsu, BBQ spicy pork, beef kalbi with sides of white rice and potato mac. The pork was just like Korean-style spicy pork - yum! Great flavor and very tender. The kalbi was also very nice - hot and fresh with a nice char. The katsu was just fine; the others were just that much better. The potato mac was plain but tasty. It had little bits of carrots for color and texture.
There are plenty more things on the menu to try, and I'm looking forward to my next visit.
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