Kenrick Paraboo
ENG 100, MWF 1:00-1:50
Dr. Igarashi
18 March 2016 Elena’s Restaurant Home of The Finest Filipino Food Elena and Theo Butuyan founders of Elena’s restaurant migrated from Dagupan City, Pangasinan, Philippines, in 1969 to the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii where they have opened Elena’s restaurant in the sugar plantation town of Waipahu located at the Tropicana Square shopping mall on Moloalo Street, off of Farringdon highway in the vicinity of Jack in the Box and Arby’s. This restaurant is known as the originator of many popular Filipino dishes such as pork adobo fried rice omelet, sari sari, pork gisantes, and my favorite lechon special fried rice omelet, (Elena restaurant). Serving Hawaii for over 40 years, Elena continues to create new dishes using their family’s recipes and local home-style cooking. In addition to being featured on many food and dining television shows, Elena’s restaurant has been awarded and recognized consistently year after year as the finest Filipino restaurant in Hawaii. Elena restaurant is considered the finest Filipino restaurant because of its friendly staffs, delicious foods and its cozy atmosphere. As I parked in the Tropicana Square shopping mall parking lot that is shared by Elena’s Restaurant, Arby’s and Jack in the box, I felt that Elena’s restaurant is in a very convenient location. When I first glance at the restaurant, it looks small and cozy, but that didn’t stop me from dining at the restaurant. As I walked through the front door of the restaurant, I was greeted by a waitress who then took me to my table and offered me the menu. The waitresses were very friendly and polite, and whenever they passed by my table, they would make sure to check on me to see if I was doing okay. They were always happy to get anything that I need and was very helpful. They have served me at all times with a smile on their faces which makes me feel comfortable and causes me to feel relaxed. They were also very knowledgeable about the different types of food that the restaurant offers and recommend it’s special. As I was seated and offered the menu, I can smell the food cooking in the kitchen, and I could wait to place an order. I then ordered the Lechon fried rice omelet which came out within 3-5 minutes. When the waitress brings the Lechon fried rice omelet to my table, it was presented very well with a rather large portion of the fries rice omelet carefully placed center of the plate and Lechon on the side that smells like fried onions and served warm. Nothing that I have ever eaten can compare to the Lechon fried rice omelet, carefully stir-fried with hot steaming rice, seasoned with Elena's secret ingredients, then wrap in a thin egg crepe envelope. The egg envelope keeps the fried rice steaming and moist, served with Lechon that’s crispy pork belly chopped to bite sized pieces, seasoned with fish sauce, Hawaiian salt tossed with tomatoes, onions and green onions, As I took my first bite, It tasted so delicious with bursting flavors of the fried rice omelet which was so soft it was melting in my mouth, and the Lechon was crispy as it should, the combination of onions and tomatoes exploding in my mouth with freshness as it has just been prepared. While enjoying my food, I listened to the soothing Hawaiian music that was playing. The music was so soft and mellows the atmosphere. Everyone seems to be enjoying their meals and conversation, and the customers weren't that loud. The tables and floor were nice and clean. This restaurant has an ideal family friendly environment with seating for four, but will join tables to accommodate larger groups or families. The restaurant itself is small and cozy and is also perfect for couple’s dinner. Not a great place to keep a party of any kind simply because it’s small but a great place for a small group to enjoy themselves and feel relax. The restaurant doesn't have a restroom which is written on the front door as you walk in, but that didn’t bother me because my taste buds were going crazy and the atmosphere was relaxing. Elena’s is by far the best Filipino restaurant on Oahu, Hawaii and is not like any other restaurant. Although it may take a while to get there because of the heavy traffic build up which is due to construction railroad transit, those who are living on Oahu in Hawaii or those who has come to visit should, at least, stop in at Elena’s Restaurant for some tasty food. They may be many restaurants on Oahu that has meals costing $10, but no restaurant can beat Elena’s restaurant when it comes to delicious dishes costing under $10 and plus having a large portion with more than what you can eat. It is a great place to take your family for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. So why not stop in and have you a delicious meal! They are open daily, seven days a week from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm and reservations aren’t necessary. They also offers take outs which have a waiting time of up to 15 minutes.

Work Cited
"Elena Restaurant." Elena Restaurant. 2016. Web. 10 Mar. 2016. .