If there had been a white tablecloth and a glass of wine, I would have sworn I was in a multi-starred restaurant.
That’s how good the Five-Cheese Tortellini Pesto Alfredo with Blackened Mahi was… at the food truck in front of the E Komo Mai bar.
RPG (Restaurant Production Grindz) Chef/Owner Willie Leong serves restaurant-style food from a truck— and I’m here to urge you to go check it out.
The husband and I were recent guests, and we can’t wait to head back. Besides the aforementioned pasta and fish, Willie fed us some of his Krispy Soy Ginger Chicken, which I think is destined to become his trademark offering. It is his own version of Korean chicken, but I’d pick this flavorful option over ordinary Korean chicken any day. As my husband pointed out, it has a great burst of flavor.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD
I was also intrigued by his take on poke—in the form of what he calls “Bombz.” It’s fresh and delicious.
When Leong described what he was going to make for us, I was a little anxious, as we were on a schedule. However, BOOM. It was done. The guy is fast. We sat with “Fans of Willie” (I just made that up), which means other patrons who are similarly enthusiastic about RPG’s food. We had fun comparing plates and discussing favorites.
Leong learned to cook at various establishments in Waikiki, which explains the polish of his presentations.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD
He is glad to be home and excited about cooking on the island. He is already busy catering private parties and special events.
What else can you get at the food truck? Let’s just make a list:
Loco Moco
Hamburger Steak
Burgers, burgers and more burgers
Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Sandwich
Roast Pork
Dynamite Shrimp
Poke Bombz
Garlic Shrimp
And, on Friday nights, get your forks ready for (drumroll) rib eye steaks. Leong likes to cut them himself and said they are one of his favorite things to make. Try it with the Gorgonzola Alfredo Cream Pasta, or with the Sweet Potato Croquette, Fresh Veggies and Rice.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD
On Sundays, Leong rolls out brunch. If you’d in the mood for Eggs Benedict or a Local Scramble, drive on down.
This comments section is a public community forum for the purpose of free expression. Although Big Island Now encourages respectful communication only, some content may be considered offensive. Please view at your own discretion. View Comments
