What I wouldn’t give for some U-Top-It!

July 16th, 2007

When I visit Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, I have to say as a foodie that I’m not always impressed with their offerings. I’m always on the look out for some new place to try because if it’s local food, I’m game! I did a search for the best Kona restaurants before making a trip over and a newer restaurant called U-Top-It came up. The draw of the restaurant is their Hawaiian Taro PanCrepes and you can top them almost any way you like from ono local foods to sweet desserts like Pele’s Passion that has chocolate hazelnut spread, raspberries and passion fruit. We came toward the beginning of the lunch rush around 11:30am and were lucky enough to snag a table inside though there were outdoor tables and you can get it to go as well. The better half had the Kanack Attack which featured portuguese sausage, spam and onions in the rice and 2 eggs on top of a crepe. I one upped him by getting the Mo Loco Attack which was the same as his except add a homemade 1/2 lb beef patty and the thickest, most delectable brown gravy you’ve ever had in your life. You ever take a bite of something and sink back in your chair as you chew it and smile? Yeah, that good. It was one of those meals that when they bring it to you, it looks like a good sized portion but as you’re eating it brings new meaning to the phrase “locals eat until they’re tired not full.” It just didn’t seem to end and even when I was tired and full–I still found myself shoveling in every last bit of that wonderful rice. To be honest, I barely ate the crepe because by the time I got to it I was exhausted. We had big plans on trying the Pele’s Passion but never made it, which is a good excuse to go back. Here’s the kicker, between the two of us for such a filling and wonderful meal, we paid just under $20 with tip! At current writing, the most expensive thing on the menu is $13.95 but most entrees averaging in the $7-10 range. (Prices are subject to change) U-Top-It has restored our faith in good old fashioned local food at good prices and we can’t wait to go back.

U-Top-It is open for breakfast and lunch from 7:30am-2:00pm Tuesday-Sunday and closed on Mondays. Located in the Ali’i Sunset Plaza next to the Coconut Grove Marketplace. Access from Ali’i Dr or Kuakini Highway. Free parking in the back on the Kuakini side.
75-5799 Ali’i Drive Suite A-4
808-329-0092