Crouching Lion

Between Kaneohe and Kahuku, the dining choices are very limited.

We tried our best to always look for small local eateries during our trip. However, as we all know, a hungry (not to mention tired) person is less picky.

That’s why we stopped by the Crouching Lion restaurant despite the warning from the guide book.

(We actually ate here twice! When the hunger struck … we couldn’t help ourselves.)

It’s hard to miss this place on the highway since it has big sign.

IMG_4065_m
Bird of Paradise welcomes you at the entrance.

IMG_4063_m
Outdoor dining – overlooking the ocean

IMG_4069_m
Why would you sit inside when the weather is so pleasant outside?

IMG_3683_m
The food is overpriced.

IMG_4061_m IMG_4058_m
Coconut juice drinking competition

Our Dinner

IMG_3689_m
Bahia Fish & Shrimp Stew

IMG_3685_m
Pineapple coleslaw comes with each entree

IMG_3686_m
Kalua pork with cabbage

IMG_3687_m
Garlic Butter Shrimp

The food wasn’t bad, but I expected exceptional food for the price we paid. I felt a little disappointed.

Our Lunch

There’s buffet available during lunch time. It costs about $17 and it is not a big buffet. So, do go in and check first to see if it’s worth your money.

When we arrived here, the buffet just ended; so we had no choice but ordered from the menu.

IMG_4077_m
Mahi-mahi fillet salad

IMG_4078_m
Crabcake sandwich

And finally, drum roll please … my Crouching Clams! This dish was listed under Appetizers but I had it as my entree. 🙂  What can I say? I love clams.

IMG_4075_m
Crouching Clams (steamed with garlic), bread

I did enjoy my dish and thought the clams were fresh. There were quite a few of clams in the pot to fill up my stomach.

IMG_4071_m
I loved that yellow hibiscus wall.

IMG_4082_m
Chicken! Did they escape from the restaurant’s kitchen?

Hawaii has chicken overpopulation problem. So, it’s not uncommon to find a flock of chicken on restaurant’s lawn.

IMG_4080_m
Mama bird with baby birds

A waitress poured ice water on the birds to discourage them from coming to the dining area. The waitress advised us not to feed them. Apparently the tourists like to feed the birds which make them keep coming back for more. The birds tend to make a mess on the floor.

My verdict: Crouching Lion doesn’t offer the best value in food. It’s a casual place to take a break when there’s no where else to go. If you can plan ahead, skip this place.