The Lanai Leucadia

***** The Lanai has closed

One evening after a long day at work, I dropped by one of the local watering holes for a beverage. One of the folks there started up a conversation; mid-thirties surfer dude, very friendly. As is typical in the category of what "locals" back home call the "wea' you wen grad" moment....that is I was asked where I'm from and mentioned "Honolulu". In a sort of a conspiratorial whisper he asked me if I knew what a "Loco Moco" was. A funny moment in deed. Do I know what a Loco Moco is?

Anyway, the fella' mentioned his favorite spot was a place in Encinitas called "The Lanai". Which I filed away for "one of these days when I have time." Well, one of the good things about having to work weekends is that you can take as long for lunch as you wish. So on a bright and sunny Sunday, I headed up to Leucadia and hit up the Lanai.

Interesting locale.....the Surfer Dude told me that this used to be some Organic Taco shop or something? Anyway, it's quite hipster-hippy-ish looking; basically a food trailer parked in a "lanai looking" lot with picnic/patio type seating, next to a Nursery.

It's the typical "food truck" type of thing; order and pay at the window. Though they do bring your food out to you.

The menu ranges from Sandwiches, Poke Bowls (of course), Salads, Rice Bowls (the cheapest item on the menu at $9.25 and up), and Plate Lunches....with four different items available. The Loco Moco was $10.25.

Whoa, sunny side up eggs on this one, instead of easy over. Really good eggs. The hamburger patty was very lean and really tough and chewy, decent beefiness though. The rice was nicely done; edging on dry, but ok. I didn't care for the gravy. It had that made from base flavor to it....like the institutional stuff I used to work with from companies like "Knorr". Still, it was not bad if a bit on the pricey side. And no Tabasco....it's Sriracha all the way here.

So of course, there was the following Sunday.

You know, I kinda like this set-up....though I wouldn't want to be here when it rains (but heck, it's SoCal) or when it's really hot.

I went for the Mixed Plate ($14.00) which after tax was over fifteen bucks, yikes! I got the Kalua Pork (thankfully they spelled it correctly) and the Chicken Katsu.

First off the rice was a tragedy; mostly hard bits. The Kalua Pork was pretty darn good if on the dry side....it looks like they dump it on the griddle to heat up. Nice salt, mild smoke, other than being dry, it was nice. The Chicken Katsu was not to my liking; it looked like it had been pounded flat, with more, really hard instead of crisp breading than chicken and not much in terms of flavor. The katsu sauce tasted odd; like there was something fermented in it?

The Mac Salad was ok, if a bit odd in flavor....I think some of the kimchi juice had mixed with the salad. Simple stuff; macaroni, peas, mayo.....it was decently chilled.

The bok choy kimchi was okay; I enjoy my stuff a bit more fermented and didn't expect that here.

Food was kind of a mixed bag overall. Also on the pricy side. Nice folks working. I also kind of enjoyed the vibe, but am not sure how things would be if they were busy. Drinks are limited to coconut water, bottled water, some teas, kombucha (of course), and the ubiquitous Hawaiian Sun (which, strangely, I actually worked for a zillion years ago). Though if you want a plate lunch; I'm not sure what else is around here since Kealani's closed.

The Lanai Leucadia
1114 N. Coast Hwy 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
Hours:
Tues - Sat 11am - 9pm
Sun - Mon 11am - 3pm

 

Comments

[kat]

:( super pricey

[Shaun]

My family is planning on visiting CA soon and will be passing though Encinitas. I'm debating on including this on our list of places to try... With it being one of the only options would you recommend it?

[nhbilly]

Well it does not look.

[Soo @ hungryones]

Nice looking spot. Eating area reminds me of some food trucks I visited in Oahu. Kalua pork sound good.

[Kirk]

For the portion size, yes....

Hi Shaun - If you want a plate lunch or something similar; there aren't too many choices in the area for that. But if it's good food you're looking for; there are some really good options in the area - Kaito, Crack Shack, Q'ero come to mind.

Not worth driving up there for me Billy.

The kalua pork was the best thing I had here Soo.

[Sandy]

Thanks for saving me a drive to Leucadia :-) I think I'll stick with Homestyle Hawaiian for my plate lunch fix. Also, I vote for Crack Shack in Encinitas.

[Kirk]

You might want to check them out if you're in the area, Sandy. Not worth a special drive to me though.

[jack]

I love when you do local-kine foods. It's what brought me to your site many years ago!

[Kirk]

Hey Jack - I'm glad you still enjoy these....I still get those cravings!