I found out that Eddie Flores, Jr. and Johnson Kam founded L&L as a series of drive-in restaurants in Hawaii. Who would think the main courses of barbecued spareribs, chicken, and hamburgers would become such a huge hit? They became so popular that they started franchising in the 1900s. Since their mainland debut in 1999, they have been expanding their chain across the US. I believe their success is because their unique BBQ sauce offers an irresistible blend of sweet and savory - a well-guarded recipe since their humble beginnings.
What Does L&L Stand For?
I bet you're curious about what L&L means. Well, L stands for the love you feel from family and friends, the laughter that fills your life, and the light that brightens your day. And LL? It signifies Long Live Life! Thus, the name L&L Hawaiian Barbecue was born.
What Kind of Oil Does L&L Cook Their Food With?
I've always appreciated restaurants that prioritize the health of their customers, and L&L is one of them. They use sesame oil to cook their dishes, a healthy and versatile choice that is excellent for stir frying and deep frying. This oil type derives from toasted sesame seeds, lending it a distinctive, rich flavor. Plus, sesame oil is packed with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, both well-known for their heart health benefits.
Does L&L Barbecue Use MSG?
I know that this could be a controversial topic. Let's clarify what MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is. It's an amino acid discovered in 1908 by Japanese researcher Kikunae Ikeda. He was studying seaweed when he stumbled upon MSG - and he called it umami. We're familiar with tastes like sweet, sour, salty, and bitter, right? Turns out, umami is recognized as the fifth basic taste! It contributes to the subtle flavor depth we often describe as savory.
Simply put, MSG is a combination of sodium and glutamate. So, when people say they're allergic to MSG, what they're likely reacting to are these two components. However, since sodium and glutamic acid are naturally present in other foods like tomatoes or parmesan cheese, possible reactions would usually be considered as sensitivities rather than allergies.
As a flavor enhancer, MSG is added to some dishes at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to ask your server for information about MSG in your order.
What is the Hawaiian Term for Barbecue?
Ever heard of a Luau? That's what Hawaiians call a barbecue. It's a traditional outdoor feast featuring favorites like Kalua Pig, Lomi Salmon, and Poi. Something I found interesting is that the term Luau comes from Polynesian words meaning 'entertainment' or 'feast'. Ain't that cool?
What's the Most Popular Meat in Hawaii?
As a barbecue enthusiast, I can tell you, Hawaiians love their Kalua Pork. It's pretty much a succulent form of pulled pork that's cooked in an imu, or an underground oven. Normally, you'd have it accompanied by rice, a side of macaroni or cabbage salad, and a lovely coconut dessert called haupia.
Is Bacon a Part of Hawaiian Food?
While we familiarize with bacon as an American breakfast staple, Hawaiians also enjoy this smoked delight. In fact, some locals are proud of their unique version of bacon where the meat is boiled to remove excessive moisture before being smoked over hickory wood for hours. The result? A unique, smoky flavor that's an absolute joy to taste.
What Defines Hawaiian Barbecue?
To me, the most striking difference between Hawaiian and traditional barbecue is their use of macaroni salad and rice. Regardless of the protein, the meal is always served with two scoops of rice and a scoop of macaroni salad. It's fascinating how the locals love their macaroni salads, and rice is a must-have accompaniment.
What is Spam Musubi?
Before my visit to L&L, I only knew Spam as a canned lunch meat. To my surprise, I found it to be a local delicacy in Hawaii. They eat Spam Musubi - fried spam slices balanced with the light sweetness of steamed white rice and sushi seasoning, all wrapped in a dried seaweed called Nori. I must admit, I developed a new respect for Spam after tasting it.
What is Loco Moco?
This is one wild dish that L&L serves. Loco Moco - a mound of rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg and doused in brown gravy. Garnished with scallions and served with a side of ketchup, it's quite something! As a fun fact, 'Loco Moco' is derived from Spanish - loco for crazy and moco can mean egg or mucus. It was originally created at L&L Drive Inn to satisfy the hunger of road builders around Hilo in the mid 1900's.
Pros
- Friendly and prompt service
- Authentic Hawaiian barbecue flavors
- Healthy cooking methods
- Fresh and high-quality ingredients
- Wide variety in the menu
Cons
- May be a wait during peak hours
- MSG present in some dishes (though, can be avoided upon request)