Doing the "Loco Moco"
We're all adults here, right? We can talk about adult things.
Cool, thanks.
Don't laugh, but until this week… I was a virgin.
You heard me right. I'd never in my entire life done the "loco moco" if you know what I mean. Call it old fashioned, but I've been saving myself for someone special; I wanted that first time to be magical, not just a notch in the belt.
I suppose you want details...
The loco moco is a uniquely Hawaiian technique. Start with two scoops of rice, round and soft like… well, it doesn't take Freud to make that connection. On top, a hamburger patty, draped with an overeasy egg, hot and wet. Pour gravy over everything, rich as a trophy wife and smooth as her kiss. It's enough to make your heart skip a beat.
All three layers, rice to meat to gravy, work together for an oh-so satisfying meal. Eat a Like Like loco moco and it'll quench your hunger for hours. Lazing in the booth, satiated and glowing with appreciation, I knew I was glad I had waited for my first loco moco. Maybe it's a guy thing, but all I could think about now was sleep. But first, a smoke.
Like Like Drive Inn
745 Keeaumoku Street
Honolulu, HI
808.941.2515
To learn more about loco mocos in all their glorious variety, head over to James at Big Island Grindz. In the world of two scoops, burger and gravy, James is the ultimate playa, taking names and keeping score. Read him to see what life can be.
This post was authored last year but set aside and forgotten until now.
OM...goodness, and I thought you would have had one by now :) Satoshi (my hubby) recommends the one at Kaka'ako Kitchen.
I've introduced many a friend and newcomer to the joys and pleasures of the loco moco. I suppose I'm developing somewhat of a decadent reputation.
Congratulations on your awakening. You'll find loco moco recipes vary wildly, but all are worth a try... at least once. The gold standard for me remains Ken's House of Pancakes in Hilo.
Used to love the loco moco at KC Drive Inn. followed by a small saimin.
Hey Alan - Like everyone else, I'm surprised it took you so long to lose your Loco Moco virginity!
Hi Alan,
A very amusing read! The best loco moco I've had was in Guam at King's Restaurant, they include a layer of carmelized onions on top of the rice, under the egg. The King's Restaurants in Guam have their roots here in Hawaii, but I think the ones here closed years ago. I like mine with sunny-side-up eggs and a little bit of everything in each bite. Mmm, mmm good!
Alan, you kept this a secret from me all this time?! You know, you could have told me and I would have been supportive. I wouldn't have shut youout.
It's always good to wait until the right time, and I respect your decision.
Now whenever you are in Hilo, please let me know. I'll show you a good time down at Ken's House of Pancakes!
Thanks for the plug :)
My gaw! So long for loco moco? Did you go to Bob Jones University or something?
Thanks for the entertaining post. Your friendly local Hawai'ian god comes down from his sacred place to eat loco moco some times, because the locals won't bring it to him. But never laughed about it befoah this post.
Everyone- this post is originally about nine months old. I wrote the first draft, hated it and forgot about it. That's no excuse for waiting on my first loco moco, even that long ago.
I am a relatively recent transplant to Hawaii, but I became aware of the infamous loco moco even before we moved. The real reason for waiting so long started is my health. I try to watch what I eat, especially those things that are both cholesterol- and fat-laden. (In other words, some of the tastiest things in life.) After a period, I decided a loco moco every now and then was a decent compromise, but by then I decided I wanted my first taste to be outstanding. I wanted to hold out for the granddaddy of loco mocos: Ken's in Hilo.
Sadly, it's been several years and I still haven't been to Ken's. My trips to Hilo have been too short and too occupied with other activities. I figured Like Like was a respectable choice for loco moco in Oahu.
So that's the reason I waited so long: health awareness and then holding out for Ken's.
Kat (and Satoshi)- I eat regularly at Kakaako, but haven't yet tried their loco moco. I'm making a mental note for the next visit.
Ryan- life is too short to fret about a periodic loco moco. I'm going to take your advice and try as many different ones as I can, especially Ken's.
Thanks for stopping by!
Nate- I'm too late for KC Drive Inn, although I heard recently that the owner to serve up his waffle docs at Shirokiya.
Kirk- Yes, but I am no longer a virgin. Does that restore my status in your eyes?
Fran- there are few things in this world that well caramelized onions can't improve. You can quote me on that.
James- I'm going to hold you to that invite! Don't know when, but expect an email some day.
Tikipundit- then the gods have smiled on me, or at least smiled *at* me.