We'd had a great time on Lana'i and we'll certainly be back.
When we got back to Ewa Beach; the Missus decided that we'd go out to an early dinner. There was one place She'd been wanting to revisit since we first ate there years ago; the Alley. Oxtail soup has a long history in Hawai'i, especially in bowling alleys. And the Missus really enjoyed the version at the Alley ; it was one place She really wanted to revisit. So we headed on down for an early dinner.
The place was fairly empty when we arrived; right before 5pm; but quickly filled up.
The Missus's "leaning tower of plates" soon arrived.
Served with minced ginger and cilantro; ponzu, brown rice, with one empty bowl for da' bones.
Man; this was good ono! The wonderful beefy-ginger-anise flavors; peanuts; that really delicious shiitake mushroom.
It's "rich and delish"! Oh yeah, the tender oxtails, cooked perfectly, not falling to pieces, but still spoon tender, was great. We still haven't found a real use case for that ponzu….
Good until the last drop……
I went with the Tasty Chicken…bowl. The plate would be just too much for me….though I did see one aunty whack the entire plate herself! I; of my own free will actually ordered this with brown rice. No tell anybody; but I like the way the Alley makes their brown rice. And when they asked me if it was mac salad or greens….the Missus, ahem, answered for me….
Oh, and I got the sauce on the side; it's a bit too much with the chicken glazed in it. But a light dip….the chicken is nicely seasoned on its own; light, crisp, moist; like a good karaage. It's best with just a touch of sauce as the flavor of the chicken and spices come through. And it goes strangely well with the brown rice. 
This was such a satisfying meal. The service was very friendly. Man, we can't wait to return next time I'm back "home".
The Alley Restaurant Bar & Grill
in Aiea Bowl
99-115 Aiea Heights Dr, Ste 310
Aiea, HI 96701
You have a nice home!
Pretty sure I saw this place on Diners drive ins and dives. Looked good then and sounds good now. Maholo!
this is satoshi’s favorite spot too, he loves the garlic shrimp.
It was great growing up there Soo!
It’s quite good here RD. I really don’t watch DDD because I’ve never enjoyed most of the places that had been on the show.
The Missus loves that oxtail soup Kat! Glad Satoshi likes it too.
Man I’d love to visit!
You gotta Jan! Hey; it’s halfway between San Diego and Japan, right? ;o)
Ah….Aiea Bowl oxtail soup. I grew up in Aiea so know it well. Does the parking still suck?
Yes, the parking can be horrendous Jack. That’s why we went really early for dinner.
Looks like a good hearty soup. I’d be puzzled by the ponzu too.
We’ve never figured out why they have ponzu Junichi. I think we’ll need to ask next time.