HAWAIIAN BBQ THIS LARGE CHAIN with locations all over the West Coast is a go-to spot for those seeking well-executed, abundant Hawaiian plate lunches at moderate prices. Making sauces in house, Ono Hawaiian offers plates with the usual scoops of rice and macaroni salad along with a main event like grilled chicken, teriyaki chicken, beef spare ribs, fried shrimp, kalua pig and a popular version of chicken katsu—a breaded, fried cutlet with a fruity, tangy sauce. Try the haupia, coconut pudding that’s drizzled with coconut milk and topped with shredded coconut. Clean and modern, Ono is a departure from the usual cluttered tiki bar decor. 1706 Oakland Road, Suite 10, San Jose, 408/573-8988. 1041 Cochrane Rd., Ste. 160, Morgan Hill, 408/779-2688; onohawaiianbbq.com February/March 2017 89 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: CHRIS SCHMAUCH; ALBERT LIU; CHRIS SCHMAUCH POKE BAR POKI BOWL THIS MINI-CHAIN WITH locations in San Jose and Palo Alto gets particular attention due to its lower prices compared to other poke bars, although there’s no skimping on freshness. The raw and cooked seafood choices include salmon, tuna, spicy tuna, yellowtail, shrimp and octopus paired with bases, sauces and toppings. As is typical, those who want additions like seaweed salad or avocado pay extra. A newer offering is popular Maven’s macaron ice cream sandwiches in yummy sweet and savory flavors like dark chocolate sea salt. 4750 Almaden Expy. Ste. 100, San Jose, 669/247-7654. 81 Curtner Ave. Ste. 30, San Jose, 408/610-9150. 2305 El Camino Real Ste. B, Palo Alto, 650/561-3027; poki-bowl.com HAWAIIAN RESTAURANT ONO HAWAIIAN RESTAURANT HUKILAU WHILE HUKILAUS ARE festive beach gatherings, this lively island spot —which has a sister restaurant in Honolulu— is far from the ocean in San Jose’s Japantown but that doesn’t deter those seeking an ample serving of aloha. The Hawaii-born owners have imported their state’s greatest food hits and the menu is one of the biggest around, enriched with live Hawaiian music on weekends. Happy guests can get a luau plate better than what’s usually served to tourists in Waikiki, which should be preceded by a terrific pupu platter. To top it off, order a massive macadamia nut brownie topped with ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate syrup. 230 Jackson St., San Jose, 408/279-4888; dahukilau.com
South Bay Accent - Feb/Mar 2017
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