“Aloha” has two meanings: “hello” and “goodbye.” I think it might also mean “a big dinner” because that's what you get at Mo’ Bettahs, 2081 24th Ave NW, in Norman.
Other than a few cans of SPAM and pineapple on my pizza, I have not experienced a lot of Hawaiian food in my life, so I hoped that Mo’ Bettahs would put me on the golden path to sunny pleasures.
I stopped by the Utah-based chain concept last Thursday afternoon after a trying doctor's appointment left me famished. Tucked away in a shopping center, Mo’ Bettahs feels like a chain and looks like a chain, but with a stereotypical state-side Hawaiian charm. As I stood in line contemplating my order, crashing waves and gnarly surfers and other tiki-idols adorned the walls, and the sweet aroma of saucy pork had me screaming hang-ten.
For my meal, I staked out the biggest wave on the menu – the Ekolu ($17.99).
Meaning "Da Big Boy,” it is very much a grand platter, weighing about two or three pounds according to my scientific estimates. Containing three scoops of white rice, two spoonfuls of potato salad, and a shard or two of lettuce, it had three key components: Kalua Pig, Teriyaki Steak, and Shrimp Tempura, all available in distinct portions.