Chef Dante Tripi has brought Hawaiian flavors to Grand Junction with his food truck, Hawaii Street Food. Previously a chef in Hawaii, he now shares his passion for Hawaiian comfort food at the corner of Seventh Street and Grand Avenue, near the historic Lowell School.
Dante has been in kitchens since he was 14. “I fell in love with the controlled chaos,” he says. After years in fine dining, he wanted to create the comfort of Hawaiian plate lunches for everyone to enjoy.
I recently sampled his dishes at the “Sinners & Saints” event in Palisade, and the food was a hit! The Katsu Chicken stole the show. It featured crispy panko-crusted chicken, Hawaiian macaroni salad, pineapple ginger slaw, and steamed rice. We also enjoyed the Ahi Poke plate, which came with marinated tuna, avocado, jalapeños, and sesame seeds. The Crispy Shrimp plate, with tempura shrimp and sweet chili sauce, was another favorite.
Dante emphasizes using local ingredients. His Loco Moco plate, featuring VanWinkle Ranch beef, is particularly popular. It consists of a grilled beef patty over rice, smothered in gravy, and topped with a fried egg.
One of the unique treats on the menu is malasadas, Portuguese donuts that have a special place in Hawaiian culture. Brought over by Portuguese immigrants in the late 1800s, these donuts have a rich history. They are filled with mango custard at Hawaii Street Food, a perfect blend of heritage and local love.
A key aspect of Hawaiian culture is the concept of ‘Aloha’—which embodies love and compassion—and ‘Ohana,’ meaning family. Hawaii Street Food aims to spread these values through their cooking.
Starting in November, their hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and Sunday brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dante is excited about introducing island-style breakfasts to the community.
In other food news, Colorado Mesa University is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a “Block Party of a Century” on Main Street, featuring various local food vendors. The fun includes live music and a beer garden.
Josephine’s, a new Italian restaurant in Fruita, promises to be a hit as it’s run by the same owners as the popular Fidel’s in Palisade.
Sauvage Spectrum Estate Winery recently won awards for their 2024 Zweigelt, showcasing the unique qualities of Colorado’s terroir.
Lastly, Stella’s Fried Pork Tenderloin is now soft-opening, offering a breakfast and lunch menu that is sure to delight.
If you have any food-related news or events, feel free to reach out!
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