A couple of months back I heard about a plate lunch place opening in Rancho Penasquitos named Kalei's Kitchenette. I noticed that the place opened at 10am, so I decided to take the drive on over and get there before the lunch crowds.
The shop is quite tiny with just a few indoor and outdoor tables and counter seating.
And the menu is quite concise as well with basically six items available not including poke bowls on the weekends and specials.
One thing that quickly caught my attention were the photos and the chef's story. He's a real local boy from Maui. What really grabbed me was the photo to the right of the story. The Chef, Andy Mangiduyos graduated from the same High School as my mom (many decades later of course), Lahainaluna!
Of the menu items, four of them can be made into a mixed plate, called "Kalei's Plate" ($17).
I decided to get the Huli Huli Chicken and Garlic Chicken to start things off. You can also choose your "sides", two of them for your order. Of course I got rice and mac salad.
The plate was quite heavy on the proteins. Personally, I liked having only one scoop rice as I will often tell the folks at turo-turo places to give me "half rice" these days.
The rice was cooked fine. The mac salad wasn't coated evenly and was quite bland.
The Garlic Chicken was the better of the two proteins as it was crunchy, much like Taiwanese "popcorn" chicken. Though I would have liked a heavier garlic flavor, it was seasoned decently, good salt and pepper and was far from bland.
I've yet to find decent Huli Huli Chicken outside of Hawaii and versions I've had here in San Diego have not been very good. Too much ketchup and sweetness to things. And while this version was better than what I'd had previously, it was still not my favorite. The chicken is supposedly marinated and smoked, but I really couldn't detect much smoke flavor. They tangy sourness of the sauce was a bit too much for me. The texture of the chicken was fine and the flesh was fairly moist.
That visit was back in July. I had meant to return, but the distance from work was a bit of a hinderance. Finally, I found a window of opportunity for a takeout revisit. This time I decided on the combo of the Teriyaki Beef and Kalua Pork. This felt even heftier than what I'd ordered before and upon opening.....
The mac salad, though a bit over-mayo'd was nicely seasoned this time around. I could make out hints of vinegar which really elevated it.
Man, look at all that beef and pork!
The teri beef was nicely marinated, though it was a thick and chewy cut. It didn't need the extra sauce on it as it had enough flavor. I used the leftovers of this to make a teri-beef sandwich for dinner!
I liked the kalua pork, it was moist and tender, not overly salty, with a decent smokiness to it. In fact, the Missus tried the leftovers and said it tasted familiar. Hmmm....... This is probably the best version I've had in San Diego.
I do wish Kalei's was a bit closer to home. But the distance is probably better for my waistline and cholesterol, right? The young lady working on both visit was very nice. The shop is small and other folks I know have complained about the wait time during peak periods, so that should be accounted for. As for the loco moco? Well, I'm saving that for another day!
Kalei’s Kitchenette
9926-F Carmel Mountain Rd.
San Diego, CA 92129
Currnt Hours:
Tues - Sat 10am - 6pm
Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Postscript: As you all probably know, there was a tragic event that occurred between my two visits and Andy (Kalei is Andy's son) being from Lahaina coordinated the transport of donated non-perishable items flown to Maui on Alaska Air. I loved seeing the HFS truck in the video on Kalei's Instagram page. They've currently paused the donations of supplies, but different options are noted on their Instagram page.
hoping maui can get back on their feet soon
Posted by: kat | Wednesday, 30 August 2023 at 10:03 PM
This is in my neck of the woods, but I have not yet tried Kalei's yet. I have heard of long waits, so I'm waiting to visit. Maybe you'll post about the loco moco first
Posted by: Sandy | Thursday, 31 August 2023 at 06:12 AM
I gotta get out more.. Raising capital for a startup sucks up a ton of time, but man, how do I not know about a new restaurant in my local circle that I certainly would have hit by now.
Posted by: Dereck | Thursday, 31 August 2023 at 07:41 AM
The Teri beef and Kalua Pork look great!
Posted by: soo | Thursday, 31 August 2023 at 08:46 AM
I'm hoping so too Kat!
I think going when they first open would be a good strategy Sandy!
You need to get out more Dereck! Good luck in your endeavors!
The kalua pork was good Soo!
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 31 August 2023 at 02:19 PM
Thanks for sharing the news about Kalei's, and appreciate the info that the owners have been/are involved in the efforts to help the people of Lahaina.
And this is a helpful note about the chicken. Huli-huli chicken is one of those dishes that I haven't really looked for here in Southern California, I usually just wait until a visit home and get some from the parking lot at Malama Market :-) But I'll have to give Kalei's kalua pig a try!
Posted by: Mar | Thursday, 31 August 2023 at 02:34 PM
Yeah, I usually avoid huli huli chicken on the mainland Mar. But with only 4 items to choose from to make a mixed plate it was easy enough to try all four over two meals. The kalua pork was pretty good compared to what is usually available here.
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 01 September 2023 at 09:43 AM
Wow great portions! I might have to stop by next time I hike Black Mountain.
Posted by: Junichi | Friday, 01 September 2023 at 10:08 AM
Yes, large portions of proteins Junichi! Hope you enjoy the food!
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 01 September 2023 at 10:10 AM
Looks good!
Posted by: Som Tommy | Friday, 01 September 2023 at 10:36 AM
I've been meaning to try Kalei's out. I believe they will be at the Plumeria Festival in Balboa Park this weekend so maybe will try them then if we go. Btw, we just got back from Oahu on Wednesday and one of our many(!) eating stops on a drive around the island was at Ray's chicken in Haleiwa....so ono.
Posted by: Jack | Friday, 01 September 2023 at 10:46 AM
The portion sizes of the proteins are quite generous ST!
Sounds like you ate well Jack! Yes, Kalei's will be at the Plumeria Festival.
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 02 September 2023 at 10:43 AM
I had loco moco there a couple of weekends ago and I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived at opening and there was no one else there but staff.
The rice was good, over easy eggs excellent, hamburger pretty good and the gravy was OK. I think that some demi in the gravy would amp it up considerably, but its a nice backup if I don't feel like cooking.
Posted by: Dereck | Monday, 02 October 2023 at 08:58 PM
Nice. I gotta try the Loco Moco now Dereck!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 02 October 2023 at 09:11 PM
I got a loco moco to go. The hamburger patty was a bit dry and the eggs were more of a medium with the yolk. Maybe I should eat in next time.
BTW, I heard that Zippys will be opening in Las Vegas (you know, the ninth island). I'm sure it will be packed!
Posted by: Sandy | Saturday, 07 October 2023 at 05:39 PM
Thanks for the update Sandy! I gotta go check it out I guess.
I heard Zippy's in Vegas was opening on the 10th?
https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/food/las-vegas-1st-zippys-announces-opening-date-2880503/
It's gonna be insane!
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 07 October 2023 at 05:52 PM