Three days ago, the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational drew tens of thousands of people to the North Shore.
I was not one of them.
Not that I minded. I tend to avoid traffic and crowds at all costs.
All the hoopla, however, made me realize it had been a while since my last jaunt there, and Sunday seemed a perfect time to go.
We arrived at around noon and wandered over to Uncle Bo’s Haleiwa for lunch.
The restaurant’s original location on Kapahulu Avenue is popular and though I’ve only been there a few times — usually with a large group snacking on pupu brought to the table — I remember the food being good.
Since I wasn’t a regular and the menu was extensive, I asked the waitress for recommendations. Her top pick: the Mekong-dip chicken sandwich, served on a baguette and accompanied by a coconut curry “au jus.” It was accented with two hearts (“MUST TRY!!!” according to the menu).
Who was I to argue? I ordered it.
On its own, the bread didn’t have much taste, the only downside to the dish. I wound up discarding the top half and wrapping the rest of the sandwich in a lettuce leaf before dipping.
After that, I had no complaints. The chicken was moist, tender, and contrasted nicely with the thin, crisp layers of cucumber, onion, and bread. The lettuce added to the freshness.
The coconut curry “au jus” offered a light accent of flavor without overpowering each bite, though you could certainly enjoy the sandwich without it. (If you’re a fan of chicken sandwiches, Grondin: French-Latin Kitchen in Chinatown serves up a delicious chicken sofrito for lunch.)
I was incredibly tempted to order the hobos: taro beignets with vanilla ice cream and Frangelico American honey sauce, i.e. heaven on a plate.
But it was lunchtime, I was stuffed, and better judgment prevailed.
You can bet they’ll be on the table during my next visit.