Post #156823 by tikiwinebear on Thu, May 5, 2005 9:03 AM

While in the Santa Cruz area, I was able to stop by the Aloha Island Grille for an early dinner. It was exactly as expected from the descriptions in other TC postings... friendly, very casual (self service), clean, great tasting and a good selection of hawaiian inspired foods.

I had a combination plate which I picked 2 items: coconut prawns and Kalua pig with cabbage. The combo plates come with 2 scoops of steamed rice and a scoop of macaroni salad (hawaiian style). Note: you can substitute fruit salad or tossed salad for those not wanting all the starchy carbs. The portions were perfect size for a big lunch, or filling dinner (even without eating both scoops of rice). Although different brands of beer were available, I selected a cold can of Guava Necter from my favorite Hawaiian drink maker - Hawaiian Sun. The entire meal was under $10.00.

Other items on their menu include Lomi Salmon, Ahi Poke, Spam Musubi, manapua, Loco Moco, Grilled Mahi-mahi, grilled beef or chicken or vegetable teriyaki, and mahimahi or chicken katsu. You can even get a side order of Kalua Pig (which I had to bring home or I wouldn't have been allowed in the door) and Poi! They have almost all flavors of cold drinks from Hawaiian Sun to round out that full Hawaiian taste.

The staff was very friendly and kept the place clean. Your order is placed and paid for at the counter, but is brought to you at your table. When you are done, you are asked to bus your own table, but the staff is quick to wipe off the table so those waiting can grab a seat.

Overall, it was a great dining experience knowing the casual Hawaiian atmosphere I was to encounter. And, I have leftover Kalua Pork for lunch today!!

Many mahalos to Aloha Island Grille for giving me a little shot of Aloha during my work week!!