Guava Smoked

I went home to Honolulu recently and while there, my cousin Stacie and friends kept telling me I have to try this place «Guava Smoked» as they know I am a f-​o-​o-​d-​i-​e! I missed the «Made in Hawai’i Fair» where they had participated with a booth promoting their «Guava Smoked» products as well as giving out food samples and kept missing their lunch shop as their hours are from 10 am — 2 pm, but I was determined to try their food!
Finally got to their booth at the Blaisdell Farmer’s Market held on Wednesday’s. There is free parking which is a treat! It started to pour torrential rain! But I stood and ordered my combo plate of guava smoked duck, guava smoked spicy pork with white rice and fresh nalo greens for $ 12.00. The pork was tender with lots of flavor, the duck was also cooked just right and meaty, flavor mild but can definitely taste the guava smoked. The portion was good for both choices and had leftovers for another small meal for later. But they could improve on the portion of rice and greens. I brought my sister and niece along, who are also foodies and picky ones!
My sister ordered the same as me but preferred the duck over the spicy pork. My niece ordered their guava smoked fried rice with pork and chicken and the smoked duck. It was very ono (delicious)! The flavor of the guava smoked throughout the rice was mild but seasoned with just enough flavor as to let the chicken and pork carry some of the flavor too.
They definitely gained three new customers. Already spread the word and family and friends heading over to check it out. I also bought half a Guava Smoked duck home for my husband. Cooked it to the directions and he gave a thumbs up and didn’t even share with me !!!
Four stars as side portions can be increased. But flavor is definitely a FIVE STAR! Price is comparable for the specialty of the selection. I will be back to try more on my next trip home to the islands! Scott Shibuya, owner, you make some awesome grindz! Thumb up!

I bought their spicy pork plate twice at the Blaisdell farmer’s market. My husband likes it though I have to agree with him, it’s not spicy hot. It is good, though. They do have a frequent buyer card which they’ll stamp and once you fill out the card, you can get a free meal. I don’t think I’ll bother filling out the card though. I left my card in another purse last time and asked if I could just get another card and combine the two later. The worker told me «No, we don’t give out extra cards.» It’s not a big deal, but every place else that offers stamp cards usually will. Also, having to ask for the card or a stamp isn’t that pleasant. The dismissive nature makes me feel like somehow I’m asking for charity, which also meant that I’m not going to take her up on her offer of «we can stamp it twice next time.» Yep, because I want that charity feeling x 2 next time. If a company doesn’t want to do a loyalty program, then don’t or at least order your cards from Vistaprint. I told my husband from now on he’s getting the Kalua Pork plate at the Hawaiian food stall nearby. They might not have a stamp card but their service is really nice and their food is good.

I started going to the tuesday night farmers market at KCC. It’s become a little smaller since school started, since the market had to move out of the parking lot, but there are still quite a few vendors.
I bought the spicy pork pupu bowl for $ 9. Although the pork was really flavorful, I don’t think it was worth the $ 9. I’m glad I tried it though, so I can try something else next tuesday! I also find it a little awkward that their samples are minuscule, literally. If you are going to give out samples, don’t make it the size of a pin head… and if it’s too expensive to give out bigger samples, just don’t do it at all.