GREAT EATS HAWAII: RICO RICO PERUVIAN ROTISSERIE CHICKEN

Sunday, December 29, 2013

RICO RICO PERUVIAN ROTISSERIE CHICKEN

RICO RICO PERUVIAN ROTISSERIE CHICKEN
HONOLULU, HAWAII

RICO RICO

946 COOLIDGE STREET

HONOLULU, HI 96826

808-383-9179

HOURS: Sunday thru Friday 10:30 AM - 8:30 PM

Closed Saturdays

www.ricoricochicken.com

We cruised up to Rico Rico on a Saturday and the window in front was open. A friendly gentlemen named Carlos who was working here informed us that the restaurant was closed on Saturdays. He asked if we had eaten here before and we told him no. Carlos asked if we had a microwave oven at home and I told him yes. He handed me a bag and said to heat this up at home. Actually gave us some chicken to try at home for free. I thought this was one of the best examples of great service and told Carlos we would return. Return we did and there was Carlos along with others who greeted us like family. The girl at the counter asked if we had eaten at Rico Rico before. We said no and she took time to explain the menu and side dishes to us. Another smiling face behind the counter welcomed us as did Carlos and another gentlemen that may have been the owner. All smiles and all customer orientated. This was a great start. We chose to eat inside as it was a bit windy at the outdoor tables fronting Coolidge Street. The indoor seating fronts King Street across from the baseball field right before Longs. Our food was delivered to our table lighting fast. At Rico Rico you get fast food like service but the food is fresh. We started with a side of Neddie's Slaw (.99 when you order with a bird) and the Ko's Kale Salad ($1.99 with bird). Both were super fresh. The Kale Salad was a bit lemony according to my girls but the loved the fresh flavor. The Whole Bird ($14.99) is marinated in flavorful spices overnight and then cooked slowly over kiawe wood and charcoal. The result is a moist and delicious bird that lacks all of the grease you get with a Huli Huli or Costco Rotisserie Chicken. These birds are never frozen and free of antibiotics, steroids or hormones. You can taste the flavor in the meat from the first taste to the last. The herb seasoning is good and it permeates the entire chicken. As we enjoyed our chicken which was more than enough for three people several of the employees checked in with us to make sure we were enjoying our meal. We told them yes and we were not lying. I found a red bottle on the counter and found it to be a vinegar chili sauce. Added it to the chicken and "bam" the flavor was taken up a notch. This is exactly what I wanted with this chicken. We tried the bright yellow Peruvian Yellow Pepper Sauce that is provided with every chicken but really did not think it enhanced the flavor of the chicken. Thought the chicken was better without the yellow sauce. The red sauce however made me want to come back for the chicken and rice. The rice served under the chicken is filled with pieces of corn. Adds nice texture to the rice. We liked the food and service at Rico Rico. These guys really want to serve fresh quality food and provide great service with a smile. That is worth coming back for.