R
Joined: Apr 29, 2007
Posts: 1
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R
The Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach has been there since 1947. Members of my family and my wife's family have been going there since the 1940s. It is still open, although forgettable now that the new owners have ruined it. Here's a review of our recent visit:
Update on the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach:
My wife and I have been there two times since the new owners
took over. Both our families have been regular visitors to
the RH for fifty years. JR and his sister (the old owners
whose parents started the restaurant) are sorely missed.
Only one half of the restaurant is now open (the side with
the bar), the other side is closed for renovations. The
atmosphere is ruined; from the street it looks like heck,
but since we are old friends we had to go check it out. On
Sunday, April 22 (our anniversary) we went and were much
disappointed. The price of the signature ribs dinner is so
high now that our two meals, with a bread basket but no
appetizers or alcohol, topped out at fifty dollars. Service
was lousy, I couldn't find anyone when it was time to pay
the bill. No Hawaiian music, no island-style interior, and
it looks like they have made zero progress on the remodel
since last summer. We won't be going back. sigh Now I know
why JR sold the place. It had horrible termite damage, the entire old structure needs to be rebuilt, the roof is wood shake and must be replaced, etc. JR would not have been able to afford to do everything necessary to satisfy the City of Laguna Beach building codes.
My wife and I fondly remember Christmases of the past, when JR's sister would play Polynesian songs on a piano brought in for the occasion. A priceless treasure is lost. The new owners apparently don't care about the traditions of the old restaurant.
Anyone want the recipe for the delicious "Ono Ono" salad dressing? Here ya go:
ONO-ONO SALAD DRESSING
1 cup canola oil
1/2 cup sugar
1 or 2 cloves garlic, minced
1 or 2 teaspoons Coleman's Dry Mustard
1/2 cup Best Foods mayonnaise
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup gorgonzola or blue cheese, crumbled, plus additional for garnish
Chilled lettuce, such as Bibb lettuce or Hawaiian Manoa lettuce
Procedure:
- Mix all ingredients except cheese and lettuce in food processor.
Blend thoroughly.
- Place mixture in bowl and gently add the crumbled cheese. Cover and
chill well.
- Serve on Hawaiian Manoa lettuce with an extra sprinkle of cheese on top.
Enjoy!
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