Loco Moco Smackdown in Waikiki
The loco moco is a famous (and infamous) island dish: white rice, topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and thick brown gravy. Its presence on the menu is often a measure of how “local” an eatery is. And while the home of the loco moco is the sleepy town of Hilo on the Big Island, you can find a good loco moco almost anywhere. But in Waikiki?
The tourist mecca isn’t known for its “local” vibe, but several eateries along the Waikiki Beach Walk will try and prove they have what it takes to make a great loco moco this weekend. The “Loco Moco Smackdown” will kick off tomorrow with a loco moco eating contest. Actually, a blindfolded celebrity loco moco eating contest, which promises an epic mess. Contestants include Star-Advertiser blogger Cat Toth, HawaiiNewsNow’s Steve Uyehara, KINE deejay Billy V, former Miss Hawaii Raeceen Woolford, and photographer Charles Criscola.
Then, for the next three weeks (through July 10), six restaurants will put their best loco moco forward, and the people will decide which has the best loco moco in Waikiki… or at least on and around Lewers Street. To vote, you’ll have to post your pick to Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #WBWloco. The contenders are:
- Ocean House
- Cheeseburger Restaurant Waikiki
- Jimmy Buffett’s
- Giovanni Pastrami
- Keoni’s by Keo
- Hula Grill
I imagine each restaurant will try to add its own twist to the traditional loco moco recipe, but for my money, the more classic, the better!
