Frequently, the Shreveport-Bossier Journal’s always-hungry reporter has lunch at a local restaurant and tells you about the experience.
By ANON E. MUSS, Journal Services
Some folks have a problem eating out alone.
I am not one of them.
In fact, sometimes it’s nice to have an hour to myself, where I can collect my thoughts over a (hopefully) good meal in a nice atmosphere.
A recent Friday was one of those times.
I found myself near downtown Shreveport around lunch hour and remembered Ono’s Hawaiian Grill Artspace (708 Texas Street, Shreveport) opened a while back. Ono’s began as a food truck, and became so popular, it moved into a building. From my understanding, things went awry (nothing to do with their food), and they went back to operating out of a food truck. But now, they are once again in a brick-and-mortar location.
Hey, why pass up an opportunity to go to Hawaii?
Unfortunately, my visit did not get off to a good start. However, it had NOTHING to do with the restaurant. For me, downtown parking is – and has been – a big pain in the you-know-what. This time, the problem wasn’t finding a spot. There was an empty space near the front door. But paying for that spot through the parking app was a disaster.
Am I the only one who gets a weak cell signal – if I get one at all – downtown? Everything moved at a snail’s pace. Accessing the parking site’s app. Entering the length of time I would be parked. Paying. After 10 minutes (not exaggerating), I gave up. I almost left, but that wouldn’t have been fair not to give Ono’s my business just because I had trouble paying to park. So, I went in, hoping I would be seated at a table where I could keep an eye on my car – and any parking officer who tried to give me a ticket.
Walking into Ono’s just after noon, I was happy to see a bright and airy atmosphere. There was what I assumed was Hawaiian music playing, but the volume was very low, I couldn’t tell. Just as it’s annoying to hear music so loud you can’t have a conversation, it’s a bummer to hear music so low, you can’t enjoy it.
Within seconds, I was greeted by a pleasant hostess who offered me seating at either a table, or the bar. I chose one of the roughly 12 tables (all but one accommodated seating for four people). The bar looked like it could seat 12-15 people. There was a television against the back wall of the bar, which could be seen by some, but not everyone in the restaurant. The TV was not as big as you see in a lot of places, but it fit the size of the restaurant, not taking away from the aesthetics.
I was barely settled in my seat before Matthew, friendly and soft-spoken, came to take my drink order. He also served as my sounding board, as I complained about the parking situation. I took a little comfort in hearing that I am not the only customer who has expressed frustration. In fact, Matthew told me he has to pay $3 a day to park. So, before his shift starts, he’s in the hole.
Speaking of my drink order, Matthew brought a carafe of water, but no ice. Is that a Hawaiian thing? I didn’t know, and didn’t want to show my ignorance. But I definitely prefer ice water to no-ice water.
For lunch, Ono’s has a one-page paper menu. Eats are on one side, drinks on the other. Appetizers, Poke, Sandwiches, Soups & Salads, and Plates are all offered. Considering I was alone, and the effort I had put in just to get inside Ono’s, I treated myself to an appetizer. I went with Coconut Shrimp ($14) and was not disappointed. Matthew served me a very attractive presentation of four coconut shrimp coated in Panko and on top cabbage shreds. There was also a bowl with plenty of Yum-Yum sauce.
The shrimp were a decent size, hot, and tasty. They were breaded just right. And let me tell you about that Yum-Yum sauce. It was so good, I ate a lot of it after dipping my shrimp. I don’t know much about Yum-Yum sauce, but I know this Yum-Yum sauce was delicious.
Some diners next to me were eating burgers which looked outstanding. But if I am going downtown to eat at a Hawaiian grill, and endure all of the afore-mentioned parking pain, I’m not having a burger. Ono’s offered seven types of “Plates”, everything from panko-fried chicken, to pan-fried, shell-on garlic shrimp.
I went with Teriyaki Chicken ($19). The menu promised a grilled chicken breast, steamed rice, and vegetables. However, for $2.50, I could – and did – substitute the steamed rice for fried rice.
When Matthew served my meal, I was truly impressed with what I saw. The chicken breast was cut into slices – a lot of thick slices. I wondered if I would be able to eat them all (which I did). The chicken – in fact, the entire dish – could have been warmer. But the chicken was tender, and drizzled with just the right amount of Teriyaki sauce. The sauce wasn’t overwhelming, but added just enough taste to make a difference. The rice was plentiful, as was the broccoli. However, the broccoli was undercooked and crunchy.
Ono’s offers desert drinks, but no typical desserts. It’s just as well, as I was very full.
I was out in less than an hour. The cost of my meal before tax and tip was $35.50. And here’s a first for me: the receipt read “Tip percentages are based on the check price after taxes.” At least Ono’s confessed to the crime of suggesting tips based on the after-tax number, and not the pre-tax number.
Is $35.50 a lot for a one-person lunch? Yes, but remember, I had a $14 appetizer. Take that off, and I would have spent a little over $20. I thought the price was fair for the quality and quantity of food I ate.
I give Ono’s Hawaiian Grill Artspace Three Forks. Frankly, the parking issue would keep me from going out of my way to return, and that is a shame, as it had nothing to do with the restaurant. But if I am in or near downtown, I would endure the parking hassle to eat at Ono’s again.
Shreveport’s Downtown Development Authority has a new executive director. For the sake of all downtown restaurants, I urge him to solve the parking nightmare. Make it easier to go to Ono’s Hawaiian Grill than going to Hawaii.
1 Fork: Would rather eat a box of dirt
2 Forks: Will return, but only if someone else is buying
3 Forks: Will return and look forward to it
4 Forks: Will return and go out of my way to do so
Is there a restaurant you would like the Journal to visit for lunch?
Email SBJRestaurantReview@gmail.com.
