Jarrod A.
Yelp
Now, there's a deeper reason why my heart ventured into Downtown Hilo and towards this location for dinner. A parking spot in front of the restaurant, it was meant to be.
Here it is. This place is called Moms Hilo. Now with that first word as part of this eatery's name, that's some living up to do. Can this place really set the vibe, so much so with the food and ambiance and overall experience, that it can proudly call itself Moms? I was about to find out as I snapped a picture of the entrance fronting Keawe Street. Looking-in before entering, I already knew I would be writing about this place.
A cozy, intimate dining room with cute booths tucked against the wall, an actual sushi bar opposite of the booths, high top tables placed in the middle and, a small bar in the corner. The dining room set-up was welcoming, everything placed perfectly so much, it was visually pleasing to the eye. But, the lighting was even more impressive. A combination of lanterns, spots lights from the ceiling and, Christmas lights hanging just in the right place. Magical. Just like my home, I felt like I just walked into my house. The decor, use of colors, how everything made it just so inviting, it was awe inspiring. I sat down in a booth, feeling like I was ready for a meal cooked by someone's mom, even better, my own mom. I've missed my mom's cooking for over two weeks now, hoping as she gets better, I'll soon be able to enjoy her cooking once again.
The broth of the Udon made me tear more than once while I was eating. An emotional moment. You know, when your mom cooks homemade soup and works on that dish with so much time, and care and most importantly love? Well, my mom does. And this Udon broth reminded me of that geniune care she used to place into her cooking. The dish is called Moms Kake Udon Soup, a rightful name choice, a dish this place should proud of. The broth, pure simplicity. You can tell it was made from scratch and with lots of care though, with layers of flavors. Absolutely amazing.
The Udon noodles were cooked perfectly, mild in flavor, allowing the delicious broth to really shine. The Ajitama Tamago, or the ramen egg was divine. Yolk just soft enough but not runny, but not cooked all the way through either, dipped in soy sauce; delicious. The Udon was also topped with two juicy pork slices seasoned beautifully, kamaboko (fishcake) slices, a piece of shrimp tempura, mushroom slices and, green onions.
I got so emotional over this dish, I had to write about if first. But my appetizer and cocktail were equally as good. A margarita with tequila and sake, I had to try it. Plus I'm a sucker for anything with a li hing mui rim. Sign me up. Over crushed ice and mixed with my choice of pineapple juice, this is a cocktail I would recommend. It paired well with my Inari Bombs.
Back seven years ago, there was a place called Cousins in Hilo. They made these amazing poke bombs and when they closed down, I really couldn't find anywhere in Hilo that compares to that style of preparation. Until now, and done even better. This appetizer, Inari Bombs at Moms Hilo, was prepared with even more care at the sushi bar, where the sushi chefs created this edible work of art. Sushi rice shaped by hand to not only fit inside the fried soybean pockets, but artfully crafted to keep its shape even after taking multiple bites. Topped with spicy ahi, drizzles of spicy aoili and, sweet unagi glaze, these bombs were finished with green onions, sesame seeds and, tobiko (fish caviar). Divine.
Now when someone enters your mom's house like mine as a guest, mom welcomes them with a warm embrace even without physical contact. Or, I know you remember going to a friend's parent's house per say and experiencing the same. You feel like family right off the bat, even when its your first time being there, right? There's a connection, a warmth. It's inviting, comforting, loving. That's how I felt walking into Moms Hilo for the first time.
Service by the team, how they engaged with me either by actual guest service or by means of culinary preparation plus more, was pure genius. Service that was tailored perfect mind you, a part of the theming of Moms Hilo that really shined. Honestly it was that good, done extremely well in a true, geniune way. An overall dining experience with lots of heart, care, love and, charm. Just like mom would. She would be proud.