It's who you know...

...or who you meet. One afternoon when we were at the pool a local guy offered us a restaurant recommendation. He said it had great food and is a good value. Those are not two words you  hear in the same sentence on the Big Island.  He went on to say "it's in a hotel right up the road".

 

On our last day on the island we decided to venture "right up the road" for dinner. We'd forgotten the name of the hotel but my husband was certain he'd seen it on one of our adventures. So off we went. Sure enough 10 miles later he drove right to it. Unfortunately, we didn't see anything that looked like a restaurant. No sign, no nothing.

 

While we pondered what to do we noticed a guy walking towards us. We asked if he knew anything about a restaurant in a hotel. Not only did he know what we were looking for but told us he'd take us right to it. On our way to the restaurant he turned and said, "All the guide books recommend the pork chops".

 

I'm pretty sure we walked through a time warp when we entered the dining room.. The room would definitely be described as no-frills. It was a large wooden paneled room filled with miscellaneous tables. I think the table next to ours belonged the my grandmother. The menu was on a black, ridged felt board that you push little white letters into. We did a double take when we looked at it. Nothing on the menu was over $15! We of course ordered the pork chops. Our granddaughter ordered a BLT hold the T. When we ordered no sides were mentioned.

 

Next we were served a communal bowl of rice, a small dish of sautéed bean sprout and a small bowl of we're not sure what. Our granddaughter described it as clear worms (and I'm pretty sure she followed that with EW!) We noticed other diners mixed everything together in their bowls. We followed suit. I'd describe it as interesting.

 

Our server brought out our plates covered with

two pork chops smothered in onions. I  seldom eat one full pork chop but I'll gladly stand and admit I ate both! They were the best pork chops we've ever had!

 

The Manago Hotel opened in 1917 and is still owned and operated by the family. If you're ever in Captain Cook, Hawaii stop by. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you're there for dinner make sure to order pork chops. They are definitely worth $11.50.