We were driving to a different restaurant because hubby wanted poke before we head out of Hawai'i. However, one look at the line as we passed on Mamalohoa Highway, and we pulled a U-turn to check out this very popular food stand by the side of the highway.
We got the combo plate - 1/2 chicken and ribs with a scoop of rice and corn, the super combo which is the combo plus the brisket, the roasted pork in gravy with rice and the brisket sliders which were served with rice and a side of smoked chicken mac and cheese.
The chicken is fall off the bone tender and perfectly seasoned. To sauce or not to sauce, that is definitely the question.
The ribs - well, let me tell you - Chef jlr (aka my hubby) whom I call the BBQ Theorist because of the painstaking way in which he researches and perfects every plate of smoked meat he ever puts down in front of me couldn't speak highly enough of the ribs. The texture, the smoke level and the flavor were all spot on - and the housemade BBQ sauce (which we bought a bottle to bring back with us - now causing us to have to check our suitcase since it's too big to carry on!) just amplified the amazing flavor and texture.
The macaroni was perfectly al dente, with the right amount of smokiness and not overly smothered in cheese. This would pass muster with the pickiest of eaters.
The brisket in both the sliders (served on -- what else but delicious fresh Hawaiian rolls) and in the super combo platter were perfectly smoked, highly succulent and with the right amount of sweet and tangy BBQ sauce.
The roasted pork in gravy was perfectly seasoned and made me want a heap of mashed potatoes to sop up the gravy!
Moral of the story - if you pass a roadside stall en route to a highly rated restaurant, with a line around the block, change your plans and get in line! You might find yourself at one that rates even higher!
I can't wait for my next Big Island adventure, where Randy's Huli Chicken and Ribs will feature prominently on my list of places to eat!
