GREAT EATS HAWAII: BREAKFAST AT SAM CHOYS

SAM CHOY'S BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND CRAB

HONOLULU, HAWAII

It is rare that I eat breakfast, and even more rare to enjoy a breakfast with Keli on a Saturday morning. Keli requested pancakes and bacon as we drove down Nimitz Highway. Since Sam Choy's was close we dropped in for breakfast. I have eaten at Sam Choy's dozens of times and never have been disappointed in the food or service. This time however, the service sucked. We waited for around 10 minutes before anyone even approached our table. I was ready to bolt, but Keli told me to be patient. Finally a waiter arrived and asked if we had ordered drinks. I said no and he took our order. Two waters a coffee and an orange juice please. The coffee and juice came but the water did not arrive until 15 minutes later with our food. I just think that they were under staffed this morning because usually service is flawless. I ordered the Breakfast Wrap ($9.95). Fried Rice, sauteed onions, kalua pork, scrambled egg in a flour tortilla. Served with some Tomato Salsa and a small bowl of fresh fruit. The burrito is good, but for $10 I would expect better. Keli ordered from the Kids Menu. She selected Pancakes and Bacon ($4.75). The presentation was great. They used fruit, whipped cream and bacon to make a face on the pancake. Keli was in heaven and said it was great...perfect. Sam Choy's has a great breakfast menu. The Daily Specials are placed on the counter as you arrive to check in. On this day there was a Ahi Frittata and Loco Moco with Steak (both shown below). The menu also includes Steak & Eggs ($10.95), French Toast, Beef Omelet Stew, Pancakes, Fresh Fish and lots of Omelets. Prices range from $7 to $15. Pretty reasonable for the large portion sizes and quality. www.samchoy.com/restaurants_bigaloha.html

UPDATE 4/13 - SAM CHOY'S HAS CLOSED.