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Obama-kine grindz

We offer the Honolulu-born Barack Obama suggestions to satisfy his local food fix

Metromix

August 9, 2008

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Barack Obama flashes a shaka before leaving the Obama Welcome to Hawaii Event at Ke'ehi Lagoon Park. (Credit: Advertiser library photo)

Now we know... U.S. Sen. Barack Obama has a thing for old-school, local eats.

During his speech Friday at Ke'ehi Lagoon Park, the Punahou grad and presumptive Democratic nominee for president roused the crowd when he said, "I'm actually here on vacation. I'm going to get a plate lunch. I might go to Zippy's. I might go to Rainbow Drive-In. I haven't decided yet. Get some Zip Min. I'm going to go get some shave ice..."

So there you have it. The Honolulu-born Obama is a local grindz kind of guy. Here are our suggestions on how the Hawaii native could satisfy his fix for plate lunch, saimin and shave ice while he's here on vacation.

Zippy's

1222 S. King St. - Honolulu

808-594-3720

Obama's go-to dish here is Zip Min, which we all know is souped-up saimin with wun tun, fish cake, egg and breaded shrimp. He probably could pick up a Zip Pac too, for a quick meal after body surfing at Sandy's.

Rainbow Drive-In

3308 Kanaina Ave. - Honolulu

808-737-0177

Obama says he may be headed to this old-school, Kapahulu take-out joint. This tells us a lot about what kind of local food he likes - and what era he grew up here. In the 70s, Rainbow's was one of the main places to go for plate lunch. Locals waited in long lines for the teri beef plate, chili rice, burgers and beef stew. Some still do. This is old-school all the way - a little greasy, but cheap and tasty.

Waiola Shave Ice

525 Kapahulu Ave. - Honolulu

808-735-8886

Obama wants some shave ice, but he may not want to drag Michelle and the girls - and the Secret Service - to the North Shore. No worries. There are good options right in town. After hitting Rainbow Drive-In for plate lunch, Obama and his entourage could walk over to Waiola Shave Ice for colorful treats with azuki beans and ice cream.

Waiola Store

2135 Waiola St. - Honolulu

808-949-2269

Or for a really, old-school experience, Obama could get his shave ice here. It's a tiny shop on a residential street in McCully. Only locals-in-the-know would even think to stop here. But they've got ultra-fine shave ice with lots of choices of flavors and add-ons like condensed milk, ice cream and azuki beans. Can you imagine Obama sitting on the bench outside slurping up a large, rainbow-flavored shave ice? Now that's a photo we'd love to get.

Grace's Inn

2919 Kapiolani Blvd. - Honolulu

808-732-0041

Back when Obama was attending Punahou in the late 70s, the old Grace's, not far from the school's campus, was THE place to go eat. Everyone got the chicken katsu plate lunch with chow fun, kim chee, mac salad and rice. This Market City location doesn't have the same cache as the old spot, but they have katsu and lots more.

St. Louis Drive Inn

3145 Waialae Ave. - Honolulu

808-734-3673

If Obama likes Rainbow Drive-In, he's probably a fan of this Kaimuki take-out spot too. They've got good, old-fashioned plate lunches and specials like two BBQ burgers with fries and a drink for $4.24. This is a local's local place. We think Obama would dig it.

Boulevard Saimin

1425 Dillingham Blvd. - Honolulu

808-841-7233

We suspect Obama's eaten here at some point. It's been around since 1956, and it still serves the same-tasting saimin, wun tun min and shrimp tempura that it did decades ago. It's the kind of place where you order barbeque meat sticks on the side, and they come soaked in teriyaki sauce. We suggest an early lunch to beat the crowds.

Heights Drive In

99-128 Aiea Heights Drive - Aiea

808-487-8884

It's in Aiea, but we think Obama should make the trip across the H-1 for the "special" plate - teri beef over fried saimin. Just think... he could satisfy two fixes at once. Locals who like plate lunch swear by this place. And that means a lot.

Big City Diner

3569 Waialae Ave. - Honolulu

808-738-8855

Big City Diner wasn't around when Obama was growing up. But we think he might feel pretty comfortable at any of the chain's locations. He can get saimin, hamburger steak, and he may even want to try the famous kim chee fried rice. We think it's a good choice for the Obama family.

Chowder House

1050 Ala Moana Blvd. - Honolulu

808-596-7944

Apparently, Obama likes this spot. He came here the last time he was in town. (The restaurant advertised this fact with flyers after his visit.) Obama's not alone in his liking for the hearty, comforting chowder that's been served here for years. The place is still packed with locals - and tourists - at lunch.

Palace Saimin

1256 N. King St. - Honolulu

808-841-9983

We don't know if Obama's ever been here. But if he's nostalgic about how things used to be in Hawaii, he should head on over for saimin, wun tun min and barbeque meat sticks. No matter how many years go by, this place doesn't change. And that's a good thing. We think he'll fit right in.