What happened to Kaleos ?

[terracore]

Kaleos has been a bit hit-and-miss ever since we first started going there but it has definitely been declining over time. We went there for lunch today (it was nearly empty) and the food was inedible. The service was awesome but that doesn't help much when you can't eat the food. The appetizer was partially frozen in the middle, one of the entrees was so over salted and over cooked it was literally a salt shingle, and the top bun on my burger was (I'm using my old line cook judgment here) probably about 47 degrees when the food hit the table (though the meat was warm and correctly cooked).

The server did offer to replace the wife's entree (it was already 3 strikes and you're out so we declined) and did comp us one beverage but basically, we took all our food to go. $46 is a lot of money to spend on what turned out to be our dogs' food (and we had to soak/rinse the meat first because we were afraid of giving our dogs sodium toxicity... seriously not kidding here) For what it's worth in 16 years being together, we have never complained to a waiter about our food before, so it's not like we're "one of those people".

At this point, we won't be going back until we've heard that things have improved. The Black Rock has always had mediocre (at best) food but in our most recent experiences is the better restaurant in Pahoa. (No, I am not affiliated with the Black Rock in any way).

Since my wife left Kaleos hungry, I wanted to stop off somewhere so that she could eat and we almost went to the Golden Goat, but the level of frustration and disappointment was just too high so we haven't tried there yet.

Is there anywhere left to eat in Pahoa that doesn't suck, isn't filthy, is open most days, and has acceptable service?

[Lodestone]

We like Boogie Woogie's pizzas and Ning's Thai yellow curry with chicken (ask for MILD spice IMO), but we generally do take out so I can't comment on the service.

[RoGo]

We had a late lunch at Kaleo's yesterday and it was absolutely awesome. We both ordered 2 different specials and we were still talking about how good it was today. Also ordered their ahi tempura roll appetizer; it was so good we had a 2nd order. The restaurant was slightly busy but we were served promptly and with friendly service. So sorry to hear about your experience as it sounds like the complete opposite of ours. Perhaps the normal chef was out today.

[Aki]

With many visitors over the holidays, we have been to Kaleos twice for dinner and then the Thai eatery just a couple of days ago. All three meals were very good. In fact, the Thai food seemed better than I remembered it, when we had lunch there a few years ago.

What was the food that was oversalted? I have had one similar experience at Kaleos, when the "local fare" - pork and cabbage dish, was severely oversalted. That was the only time, but I did stay away from ordering it for many visits afterward, so I know what you mean about an unpleasant food experience.

Try again, when you're up to it, as everyone in our large party (10) raved about their various dishes (at Kaleos), so I would hope it was just an off-day.

[Kapoho Joe]

quote:

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Originally posted by RoGo

Also ordered their ahi tempura roll appetizer; it was so good we had a 2nd order.

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This is their anchor item IMHO it's always a hit, never a miss!

[Punatic007]

The acoustics at Kaleo's is a joke. The original restaurant called Godmother's which converted a turn of the century Pahoa house into a restaurant had interior walls and commercial carpeting to minimize the noise. Not anymore, in fact the original deck has been enclosed for dining as well as a new deck built alongside the parking lot. The front porch is now a screened eating area.

Too much space, not enough elements in place to deflect noise and create a peaceful and pleasant dining experience.

[shave_ice]

Ate there last night and had the steak and it was great. I almost always get the steak when I'm there because it's the one place I know will always cook a great steak. They did seem understaffed, but no complaints about the food.

[justthefacts]

last time i ate there i found a slug in my salad , they said sorry and like i said "last time i ate there".

[Chunkster]

After two episodes of heavily oversalted entrees and the consistent "hash house" noisy atmosphere, we quit going there. When we mentioned the salt issue to our waiter the second time, he took the attitude that we were the problem. They remain busily popular and consistently get good ratings on the travel websites, though.

[Tom.Yost]

It's our favorite local place to dine, but I have noticed the inconsistencies that others complain of. I've learned which seating to ask for (determines the servers), times to go, and items to order to consistently have a positive experience.