Surf's Up in the SGV

********THIS RESTAURANT IS NOW CLOSED.********

When you think "San Gabriel Valley," you don't think, "Ooh! Let's get Hawaiian food!" But you can indeed sample some semi-palatable Hawaiian fast food in the SGV at Northshore Hawaiian BBQ (3010 N. San Gabriel Blvd., Rosemead).


Mind you, this is fast food. Roy's it is not. While Northshore is just a step above food court viands, I give props for its very friendly cashier, general cleanliness, enormous portions, and 10% discount for CIA employees.

I happened to be the only girl at lunch. Kinda felt like old times. Note that all five guys above are dressed remarkably similarly. It sure is easy being a guy. I should try to lunch with them more often. Jarhead is rather good-humored with all the ribbing he gets for being a conservative, especially from Purell. Fun bunch.

All full-sized plates at Northshore come with two scoops of rice and one scoop of macaroni salad. Behold my chicken katsu ($6.39), fit for a giant.

Before:

After:

Yeah, rather poor showing on my part. My leftovers served as another two meals. This ain't food for the dainty.

Frenchman wisely chose a pork mini meal ($4.99). Clearly, a mini meal is the way to go.

Purell's meat lovers combination plate ($7.59) -- BBQ chicken, BBQ beef, and BBQ short ribs -- was mountainous.

Is the food great? No. But I will be back. It's just too convenient, not to mention Baskin-Robbins is next door. On our way back to his car, Whipping Boy announced we were going in. We discovered "politically themed" flavors.


Whipping Boy and Frenchman got some sweet treats. I refrained. Aren't you proud? Then it was back to work.