G. New Start?

Sup yo!

So after a burger reviewing hiatus, we're [somewhat] back! We're still fans of perfectly seasoned and cooked beef patties except we're totally sick of buns and fries. CARB OVERLOAD.

Therefore, we'll be moving on to something different! Something equally tasty but perhaps more local. We'll keep the best part--juicy ground beef--and eat it with rice, gravy, and a freshly cooked egg instead. It's LOCO MOCO time!

F. for Fail. Or Farewell?

Well, I always figured this day would come. The day where Brandon got sick of burgers. [Or perhaps sick of reviewing /writing].

Oh well. It was good times! Maybe we'll write about something else later. Maybe...lau-lau. (no.) or malasadas (no.) Manapua (cat?). We'll see. :]

Thanks.

E. The Best Burger in Hawaii?

I obviously have a favorite (Teddy's). I know other people don't agree and that's fine, we're all entitled to our own opinions. Some people probably don't even have a favorite, they just like burgers. Haha.

But of all the wonderful places to get a tasty burger on Oahu, the Food Network chose the Hukilau Cafe. In Laie. (I know this is probably really old. But for some reason I was thinking about it today! Weird?)

This is what that little box says:

A loco moco is Hawaii's take on a burger: a beef patty and fried egg on a bed of
rice, smothered in gravy. Fans of the state specialty know the gravy is
critical, which is why this loco moco is so popular. At the hidden eatery
on Oahu's North Shore, the rich, beefy stock is the best around.

I mean, nothing against the Hukilau Cafe, I'm sure it's a great place to eat. The highly opinionated people of yelp clearly like it. I'd like to try it myself, if we're ever in...the area (perhaps fishing?) YET when most people say burger, one thinks...beef patty. And a bun. I guess a loco moco is a local "version" of a burger...but it just simply is...not. a. burger. I like loco mocos! But still, I don't think it counts as that you say tomato, I say tomato(h) thing.

AND while Laie might be on the geographical north shore, its not THE North Shore.

Ha.

----------

On a side note, I visited my grandparents on my lunch break once because I was bored and my grandpa gave me a rather amazing tasting burger. I was like, "WOW holy crap this thing is amazing." And he gave me this kinda smug look and he said one word--"Costco."

Did I write about this already? Oh well. Today is Wednesday so maybe I get to eat another burger. I'm actually looking kinda forward to it. Hahaha. :]

D. Turkey + Birthday!

I hope everyone had a happy thanksgiving! And a happy Black Friday (and Cyber Monday) too. WHOOO I feel like I single-handedly took the economy out of recession. But anyway. I think we've FINALLY finished eating thanksgiving leftovers so good bye turkey, hello...burgers?

Last Sunday was Brandon's Birthday! :D HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRANDON! I rounded up all his friends and we went to The Yardhouse and he ate a surprisingly tasty (and monstrously large) burger. Maybe he's been too full of beer to write a review.

So there. More later. Gosh, December is another prime rib/spiral ham/eat dessert kinda month. Tasty Angus > Strange yam dish with marshmallows.

#12 Ige's Restaurant & 19th Puka

Ige's Restaurant & 19th Puka

Aiea

Category: Gourmet Burgers

Menu Item: The "Classic" Cheeseburger

Price: $8.49 (including fries)

Burger Size: 1/3 lb (~5.3 oz.)

Bun: White

Cheese: American

Toppings: Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Pickle Spear, Ketchup, Mustard

Description:

Ige's Restaurant and 19th Puka. The name of the restaurant tells you two things: One, It's local, and two, it's a sports bar. I wasn't really planning on doing a burger review for this place, but since I saw "Classic" Cheeseburger on the menu, I decided to give it a shot. Also, I haven't really thought of doing reviews on the burgers that are served at bars but I noticed that every bar I have been to usually has a burger as one of its top food items, so I might try some out for the next few reviews.

The first place to utilize toothpicks

For this review I ordered, yep you guessed it, yet another version of the "Classic" Cheeseburger. So far, no two of the "Classics" have been the same so I don't really understand why restaurants don't just put their name on it. Just call it Ige's cheeseburger. And honestly, this one deserves its own name. The first thing that stood out to me was that the burger came pre-cut in half and had toothpicks holding each half together. From all the reviews I have done, I have seen the burger fully assembled and half assembled, but never fully assembled, cut, and ready to eat. Just a little thing that makes the meal more enjoyable.

Homemade Goodness

The burger came on a white bun and was topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, ketchup and mustard. It also came with a pickle spear on the side. The burger patty itself was perfect. It had a nice texture, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It was also very soft and had a homemade taste to it. Usually, if I feel like I could make the burger myself, I wouldn't like it, but this time I could really appreciate it. They had just the right amount of toppings that didn't take away from the the flavor of the burger patty. Each bite melted together in my mouth and was delicious. As for the fries, they were just okay. Reminded me of those plain fries from The Counter, but the burger made up for it.

Nothin' fancy, just fries...

Verdict:

Ige's "Classic" Cheeseburger was cheap, delicious, and came out pretty quickly. I really enjoyed the homemade taste of the burger. The only minor negative thing about it would be the size. It's one of those burgers that you keep eating because of how good it tastes and it seems to disappear quickly. It wasn't too busy when I went there, but overall it seemed like a nice, chill place where the locals would hang out. If you ever make it out to this area, grab a beer and enjoy the cheeseburger. Auryte!

Grade: B

Ige's Restaurant & 19th Puka

98-761 Oihani Place, Aiea, HI 96701

(808) 486-3500

Mon-Thurs,Sat: 5-9PM, Fri: 5-10 PM, Sun: Closed

http://www.igesrestaurant.com