Plate Lunch Week- Leilani's Hawaiian Restaurant

*** An update on Leilani's Restaurant can be found here.

*** This location of Leilani's has closed.

I've been thinking about doing a "Plate Lunch Week" for a while now. You know, getting back to my roots (or depending on your view..."into the weeds"). So after procrastinating for a few months, I've decided to do a mmm-yoso plate lunch week...this week it'll be Monday to Friday plate lunches. Heaven for those who like "major grindz", hell for those watching their cholesterol.

I thought I'd start with Leilani's....no it's not a rehash of my post on Leilani's Cafe in PB, but the "new" Leilani's Hawaiian Restaurant, located in of all places, Serra Mesa. FOY (Friend of Yoso) Trent(now called Bruddah Trent), first informed me of Leilani's existence in an email, and a few days later, I went to check it out.

So why start with Leilani's? I've noticed that here on the mainland, we have been inundated with a number of "Hawaiian BBQ" joints. So it goes without saying that most people I've met think that Hawaiian BBQ is the ubiquitous "plate lunch". Nothing wrong with that, but the plate lunch is much more than the corporate Hawaiian BBQ, which when done well, is a good value(there are several L&L locations in Honolulu that I like), but when done with only the profit margin in mind(which happens often), is really lousy. If you grew up in Hawaii, you're sure to have your favorite(s), whether it's Rainbow Drive-In(my personal favorite), Masu's(RIP Masu's), Richie's, Zippy's, Cafe 100, Grace's, or any number of places, and there are many. You'd also realize that there is life beyond the BBQ Chicken, BBQ Beef, and all the generic items served in those Hawaiian BBQ places. Each one of the places mentioned above have their own versions of the "standards", each with it's own "food personality" of sorts. In addition, other "standards" like Beef Stew, Sweet Sour Pork, Chili, Mochiko Chicken, etc, are also available. The difference with Leilani's is that the food served feels and tastes "home made". I think that Leilani's breaks the generic Hawaiian BBQ cycle.

The interior of Leilani's is spartan, bright, and clean.

So of course I started with the Regular Loco Moco($7.50):

Not the largest loco, nor the most sophisticated. But this loco moco is the closest to what my Mom made, from the hand formed patty, to the home made beef gravy, this screams "comfort food" for me. The hamburger is very lean, so it might be a touch on the tough side for many, but that is because there is no filler. The eggs are done a perfect "medium" over. My only regret was that no Tabasco Sauce was available. I find the vinegar-spiciness of Tabasco to be the perfect foil for the eggs and gravy. Plus, that is pretty much the way I've always eaten my locos.....

Teriyaki Chicken Hawaiian Style ($7.50):

As on my previous visits to Leilani's Cafe, the teri sauce is sweet but not overly sweet. I love the little touch of teri sauce over the rice. I wish that like my previous visits the chicken was dark meat, but this was still good. I enjoy the mac salad, it has the right amount of mayo, and the carrots and celery added good flavor and texture.

On my most recent visit, I got a good taste of the "Aloha" that exists at Leilani's. During my meals, during slower periods Leilani would appear from the kitchen and chat. During one of those conversations, I mentioned my lament at the lack of Tabasco Sauce. On this visit I walked in, and Leilani goes, "Hi Kirk, you know, when I went shopping, I remembered how you and a bunch of other people wanted Tabasco. So guess what?"

Now that's service.....I'm surprised she even remembered who I was......

I ordered the Hilo Style Loco($8.95):

I've detailed it all here. I was also given a little dish of extra gravy, which was a nice touch.

Leilani's is not the most inexpensive, nor are the portions huge, and it is not everyone's cup of tea. But the food is made with care, as if you are eating at your Tutu's(Aunty's).

For those regulars of Leilani's in PB, I did manage to ask a few questions...

Why Serra Mesa? Leilani was looking for a larger kitchen for her catering jobs, and it just so happen that this property became available. She is able to run both a restaurant and do catering from this location.

What about PB? The PB location is (hopefully) temporarily closed. In order to bring the property up to code, a commercial kitchen, among other renovations need to be done.

In news that warmed my heart, Leilani told me that since the customer focus seems to be more on "grindz" in Serra Mesa, she's thinking of having weekly specials, with stuff like Beef Stew and such.

Sad thing for me, is that after this post, I'm sure that word will get to Leilani and my cover will be blown...but that's okay, I'll keep eating there.

Leilani's Hawaiian Restaurant
3232 Greyling Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
858-565-4637

Open Mon-Sat 11am - 9pm
Closed on Sundays

A few years ago during an interview with Honolulu Weekly, Eddie Flores Jr, the founder of  L & L, mentioned his vision:

"L&L doesn’t use the term “plate lunch” in its mainland restaurants. Instead the cuisine is called “Hawaiian barbecue.” Flores says that with about 80 L&L restaurants on the mainland today and more than 100 set to open by the end of the year—along with 50 or 60 copycat restaurants with names like Waikiki Hawaiian Barbecue and L&K Hawaiian Barbecue—the words “plate lunch” are on their way out."

“In five to 10 years, we won’t call it plate lunch but Hawaiian barbecue,” he says. “Only old-timers will remember the plate lunch.”

This "old-timer" hopes not......I still love my "world on a plate"... Chicken Katsu-Sweet Sour Pork mix with extra Kim Chee!

One little bit of silliness. My favorite intersection in San Diego is located in Serra Mesa, and on my way home from Leilani's I finally managed a photo:

The question? Unida place?

The answer? Haveteur Way.....

Who says that city planners have no sense of humor???

Comments

[Kirk]

Hi CJ - Seems like Leilani was working real hard trying to get the PB location done.

Hi Elmo - Now that is some Aloha!

[Carol]

Hey Kirk, I can't believe you were surprised Leilani remembered who you were. Who doesn't know Kirk? But really, I find that's just the local way. :-)

I have yet to try Leilani's since I'm just way to lazy to drive out to PB these days. But now that they are in Serra Mesa, I will have to make my way there. Especially to try the spicy fried rice! Oh my, that looks delicious! And by the picture, it looks like real Portuguese sausage! Oh yeah! The only way I get loco moco is with fried rice so this may be right up my alley! Thanks for the review!

[Kirk]

Hi Carol - Like I said....I've probably been on the mainland too long........ The Hilo Loco is my favorite menu item.

[Carol]

Hey Kirk! The Mister and I popped over to Leilani's yesterday for lunch. The Hilo Loco was really good and I have leftovers for Monday's lunch! The fried rice wasn't spicy like the name suggested but it was good with the sausages. The eggs were cooked perfect and the gravy added a very nice flavor to the whole thing. I agree that the patty is on the drier side due to the leaness (I liked it). The Mister had chili over rice. He enjoyed it and I thought the chili had good flavor. Leilani stopped by to see how everything was and the gal that served us was really nice. The Mister was a bit surprised no Kalbi on the menu. I think I'm going to try the teri burger next time.

[Kirk]

Hi Carol - Yes, the fried rice is not particularly spicy...hence the Tabasco. I'm glad you enjoyed your meal. Leilani's isn't like one of those Hawaiian BBQ places, and so the menu is a bit different. I've got to check out the chili!

[sveta]

This is very interesting site...r

[Primo]

1 word "Ono"
Guess i no need go back to the island ... i no miss the plate lunch at Miki's anymo lol nah nah joke ... Best plate lunch place so far and the serves is #1 Ashley you make a big differents...make me enjoy my food...very nice person to talk to....K no can breath ... just want to say u gotta try loco moco Hilo style bradah!

[Kirk]

Hi Primo - Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Good to know Leilani's is doing well. I haven't been there for a while....I need to get back there soon.

[The]

Today my lunch compadre and I ate at Leilani's upon the urging of a colleague. We ordered the Kahlua pork and the regular Loco Moco. Both were excellent! Definitely not run-of-the-mill; very homemade, served hot and fresh!

To top it off, the service by our young, beautiful, wahine waitress was heavenly. She was alluring, engaging, warm and very professional.

We will be back.

"The Uncles"