L&L Hawaiian Grill

The Average Meal 

 

Before I get started on this week's pick, I want to talk about "the non-spectacular". I'm sure that everyone has encountered a restaurant that, while good, may not be the best you've ever had. Nothing at this restaurant will necessarily "wow" you, but you will return anyway.  Quite a few franchised restaurants and fast food joints come to my mind when I think about this. 

When encountered at a mom and pop style venue you may be inclined not to return. Unless there are some horrifying factors involved (such as the cleanliness of the restaurant), I strongly discourage to completely write it off. Make an attempt to go back a second time.  Here's why:

• Potential! I have been to restaurants where everything on the menu is average but they have one item that is out of this world. This is important for several reasons:
• It shows the restaurant's ability to create something spectacular.
• Those average dishes could eventually evolve.
• You can order that amazing item and take it home to incorporate with your own cooking. I don't mean just bringing it home and serving it as a dish. Try cooking with it!
• Small business restaurant owners are always looking on ways to improve and increase their traffic. Your opinion will carry more weight.  If you have an opportunity to give feedback to the owner, do so. You are the driving force behind their business and they will care more about what you think than a franchised establishment.
  
• Most of us eat average meals on a regular basis anyway! We all go to a McDonald's or a Chili's every once in a while. Let's face it. You've never been blown away by anything at these places. Their menus will never change so why not go to a family owned business where the growth potential is present. 

Now back to your regularly scheduled program... 

 

My husband and I went to L&L Hawaiian Grill off of Austin Highway.  I had never been here before but my husband occasionally goes here on his lunch breaks. The first thing that I noticed about this place was how clean it was. It's obvious that the owners care about their establishment.

Say "hello" to Chris!

I ordered the Grill Mix (chicken, short ribs, and beef) served with brown rice and a salad. The meats were marinated in a teriyaki-style sauce and it was delicious. The best and worst part was everything was marinated in the same thing. My first bite of chicken was amazing. I followed this up with the ribs. These were also very good but definitely had the same marinade. By the time I got to the beef, I was getting bored with the same flavor.  The next time I go, I'll be picking just one meat instead of the mix.

Grill Mix

My husband ordered the Seafood and Grill Combo, which was fried fish, fried shrimp, and grilled chicken. He also had white rice and a veggie medley for the sides. This was the same chicken that was on my plate and he loved it. However, the fish and shrimp were nothing special. They were clearly the generic frozen breaded fish and shrimp that you can find in just about any cafeteria. The sides for the both of us were also very generic.

Seafood and Grill Combo

I want to stress that I wasn’t disappointed or displeased with my order. It was still better than most fast food joints. Whatever they marinated the meats in was delicious. It was just the only thing on our plates that was unique. Had they placed the same attention into the sides and the other items as they did with their marinated items, this place would go from “not bad” to “amazing.”

They do have a few other items that I really want to try on our next visit. Hawaiian style sushi and a variety of ramen soups round out the menu. They also have a ramen burger where the buns are replaced with ramen noodles and I've been told that it's pretty tasty.

My final thought on L&L Hawaiian Grill is that they have a unique idea for San Antonio. The venue has an amazing potential to grow and become something truly special. As it stands I probably wouldn’t go out of my way for this one. But if you happen to be in the area and are looking for a quick place to eat lunch that isn't a McDonald's, give it a try.

Visit their website for their history and menu at http://www.llhawaiiangrill.com/
Directions