So Cal fave King Hawaiian

by Anna Ing on July 22, 2011 SAMPAN

To stir things up a bit, here is a review of an out-of-town place. Earlier this month, I went to a popular and highly recommended Southern California mainstay for Hawaiian and American Cuisine called King Hawaiian Bakery and Restaurant (2808 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 310-530-0050) and the family has been in business since 1950. Diners are greeted with a mouthwatering display of baked goods before entering the main dining room. Their trademark and award winning lightly sweetened, soft and delicious Hawaiian Bread needs no butter and is served while patrons browse their menus.

Hawaiian Regional Cuisine (HRC) echoes the diversity of Hawaii with Portuguese, Polynesian, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino influences and flavors in their cuisine. Did you know that Hawaii is the second highest consumer of Spam (luncheon meat) just after Guam? During World War II, when fish was banned, Spam became widely consumed. A popular snack called Spam Musubi consists of a fried and marinated slice of Spam wrapped in rice and nori (dried flat seaweed).  It is served as an appetizer that can also be found in the King’s Hawaiian Platter. Other delicious items in the platter include the Ahi Poke (sushi grade Tuna seasoned served over cabbage), Fried Calamari(breaded served with cocktail sauce), Kalua Nachos (Kalua Pork- lightly seasoned pulled pork) served with the regular fixings-beans, cheese, sour cream, guacamole and a tropical twist of pineapple salsa along with the Fried Sesame Wings. The Nachos and Ahi Poke were delicious while the Calamari had a little too much batter on it. The Fried Sesame Wings were a bit of a disappointment, being a little overcooked.

Hawaiian lunch plates “local style” are traditionally served with two scoops of white rice and one scoop of macaroni salad with a choice of the entree. The Chicken Katsu Curry plate had the macaroni salad and rice; in addition to the panko (Japanese flaky bread crumb) encrusted fried Chicken cutlet cut up and smothered with a delicious Japanese curry sauce laden with onions, carrots and potatoes. The curry was mild and flavorful but not spicy, which went well with the crunchy chicken. So, for a taste of Hawaii in So Cal, go where the locals go to King Hawaiian.

 

Chicken Katsu Curry plate. (Photo by Anna Ing)King's Hawaiian Platter. (Photo by Anna Ing)

This past long weekend, I went to LA area and caught up with pals. But the focus was to attend my dear friend and his wife's wedding ceremony and reception. I was asked to make a toast as it was a small gathering (30 people) and no maid/matron of honor or best man. It was an honor as he is like a lil bro who I met through our friend EQ when he was doing his masters at MIT. Who knew would room together for almost 8 years! I was with him through his ups and downs doing his aerospace PH.D at MIT. Now he is a married man to a woman who adores him but also challenges him as his lil "devil."

As our other roomie SW said, it was one of the most emotional weddings ever! I agree! When our friend HV made his vows, we were floored at his emotions. The usually unemotive and undemonstrative HV was causing all of us to tear up with his heartfelt emotion and sincerity! So proud of him!

I tried to help with the little tasks, waving in the bride, waving in the parents getting into the reception, sitting at the gift table with the guest book and making the toast. Or running errands such as getting the camcorder or carrying stuff back to the room, helping the bride change etc. But I with shaking hands, I made my speech was the biggest duty of that night. I said a few words in Korean (practiced it over and over and even called my pal 유진 back in Boston to makes sure it was right! Then asked my mom for the Cantonese portion. But I winged the English part (with some notes to cover stuff). I covered the history of knowing the groom even tossing in how SW and HV did not like each other initially! (Got a few chuckles) I had to mention EQ as he was the one who asked me to take care of his boy HV when he went back to California. When I got to mentioning my first meeting with his now wife SC. I recall meandering around LACMA and talking with her. She was not good with English and me not good in Korean. But I got the point across that if she was not nice to my bro/friend HV she was going to hear from me. Surprisingly, she liked me and my candor and called me 언니 from the get go. (I told her we are in America and I am Chinese American to boot, but she kept saying I command respect in her eyes.) I even tossed in how I enjoye seeing them being able to find each other.

No relationship has perpetual smooth sailing, they have their ups and downs, but I wish them all the best! To a great couple!

Thanks for letting me part of your special day! *hugs Now both my roomies and their friends are all wed off.