Name: Ron's Drive Inn Address: 580 Dillingham Blvd. ( the old Yick Lung Bldg.) Call: (808) 841-0841 Prices: $3.99 - $5.95 Hours: 6:00 am to 2:00 pm Macaroni Salad Alternative? yes Specialties: Mochiko chicken, Ahi Katsu, Misoyaki Ahi steak AND I SEZ: One of the best ways to find out about good eating places (especially the cheap kine) is by word-of-mouth. During my most recent visit to Comdex I was fortunate to meet a true plate lunch fanatic named Keith. During much of the time at Comdex Keith would rave about the Ahi Katsu at this place near his working place. Having the mind-set of someone from Missouri (Show me) I decided to give the place a try when I got back. Ron's Drive Inn is a small eat-in, take out establishment located on the front end of Dillingham Blvd, closer to King street. Because Dillingham Blvd. is usually quite busy you have to know what you're looking for. The turn into the drive way is kind of sharp so if you miss it, you have to double back. There's only around 5 parking stalls so take out with someone watching the car might be a good option. Rons has a nice selection of stuff. they have 14 regular menu plates and a special $3.99 1 choice or $4.75 two choice plate with 15 selections including Kim Chee fried rice. They also have a broiled prime rib w/mushrooms and onions for $5.95. After hearing about the Ahi Katsu all week at Comdex that had to be my choice- I was not disappointed. The ahi is rolled in Nori and coated lightly with panko and flash fried giving it a nice crispy outside but a raw tasty inside. The portion was also quite generous- nine pieces. The shoyu wasabi sauce was a nice complement to the ahi. Like steak, when you order thay ask you how you want it cooked-rare, medium or well done. I orderd it rare- anything more would make the ahi overcooked, or the consistancy of canned tuna.
Da Ahi Katsu- $5.95 Gourmet Food at plate lunch prices!
Some people are squeamish about eating raw fish. Take my brother-in-law for example. The first time he visited Hawaii I took him to a Yakiniku- cook you own food on a BBQ grill restaurant. We received sashimi for an appetizer. Not being a " when in Rome do as the Roman's do" type of person,he proceeded to BBQ the sashimi. Oh well, different strokes for different folks. Food: 1/2 (will change to 4 if a second critique is just as good) Service: 1/2 ( friendly and efficient) Atmosphere: ( about 32 seats- the place is kept clean!) Value: 1/2 (the ahi katsu is outstanding- gotta try the prime rib)