Zippy's Chili: Has it Always Bean This Way?

[scrivener]

So my mom passes me some Zippy's Benefit Chili tickets. I run down to my nearest Zippy's and hand them over. I get asked the usual "Do you want that heated up?" question, and this time I say no. I usually say yes.

In a minute or two, my number is called and I get: Zippy's chili in 1.5-pound plastic bags, complete with heating directions, ingredients list, and nutrition info. Obviously, this is the chili you get when you order it online or get it in the frozen section at the supermarket.

I check the ingredients, and holy cow. This thing is loaded with stuff you don't expect in take-out food. You know, preservatives and stuff. Naturally (or unnaturally), I expect this stuff from packaged food, but when I order chili at a restaurant, especially chili that a restaurant considers a specialty, I expect just chili. I've been places (sit-down places, even) where I suspected the chili came out of a can; however, one doesn't think of Zippy's chili as being equivalent to what comes out of a can.

I've known for a decade or so that none of the chili is made in the restaurants: I've seen it being unloaded in giant plastic bags (like bags of potting soil, only a little smaller) behind the restaurants. I just always assumed it was just chili, though.

Are the restaurants serving us exactly the same chili they send out to web-orders? If so, shouldn't they be ashamed of themselves? They're selling a glorified canned chili, really, and not letting us know. I feel betrayed.

[manoasurfer123]

It tasted the same when I tried it when it's shipped to the big island as it does in the restaraunts on Oahu... I couldn't tell the difference.

We also have family in the mainland that orders zippy's online just to get the stuff! http://www.zippys.com/zippys/rates.asp#suggestions

For that matter...how many Oahu people know that Zippy's is only an Oahu thing...neighbor islands no more?

[SusieMisajon]

Gotta be the same stuff, no matter where. That why the taste ('quality control') is the same. Just like McDonald's.

Of course, maybe you feel cheated, cause Zippy's is a local place, and McD's is some kind of global monster. Well, Zippy's might've started that way, but it has become a victim of its' own success.

Instead of badmouthing them, from a public place....why don't you go and ask them, and then share the answer with us, in here. You might be surprised, you never know.

They might even be willing to share the recipe with you...the original 'family-style' one...that way, you could make it at home, and choose for yourself, what you want to put in it.

[pzarquon]

To many, Zippy's chili is an abomination. Even I know that on some levels, it's awful. But it falls into the category of, "So bad it's good." Or rather, "It's what I grew up with, so I just love it." A guilty pleasure. A taste of home. Definitely distinctive.

I'm surprised if, indeed, the "sealed and preserved for shipping" stuff is the exact same formula as what's served in the restaurant. I mean, I knew it was mass produced in vats, but if anything, I figure they'd only spend the money on all those preservatives for the stuff that had to keep, versus what would be on a plate in a couple of days.

Still got that bag handy? What was on the ingredient list?

[lavagal]

Don't you just imagine this big million-gallon tank up there in Waipio Gentry as the bottomless source of this gunk? And the complex system of flexible pipes pumping it into big trucks? (Does Zippy's own Rotor Rooter or does Rotor Rooter own Zippy's?) (hey come to think of it, maybe Zippy's could design a fool-proof sewer system!). And the many minimum-wage workers in hairnets and latex globes with hand can openers dumping in kidney beans, dehydrated onions, Lawry's Chili Mix packets and TVP? And for good measure, some chewy gristly ground beef to assure that it is indeed almost real.

Let's just say I'm no fan of Zip's chili--however, I must confess that I do love a chili frank plate at least once a year.

Now my husband, he can make a mean pot of chili! From the initial asthma inducing browning of poblanos to that garnish of lime squeezed on top, my man knows chili.

[Lei Liko]

For that matter...how many Oahu people know that Zippy's is only an Oahu thing...neighbor islands no more?

Plans for the first Zippy's on Maui (http://starbulletin.com/2006/04/01/news/whatever.html) have been delayed.

It's an Oahu thing now, but before Iniki hit in 1992, they were on Kauai.

[SusieMisajon]

Don't you just imagine this big million-gallon tank up there in Waipio Gentry as the bottomless source of this gunk? And the complex system of flexible pipes pumping it into big trucks? (Does Zippy's own Rotor Rooter or does Rotor Rooter own Zippy's?) (hey come to think of it, maybe Zippy's could design a fool-proof sewer system!). And the many minimum-wage workers in hairnets and latex globes with hand can openers dumping in kidney beans, dehydrated onions, Lawry's Chili Mix packets and TVP? And for good measure, some chewy gristly ground beef to assure that it is indeed almost real.

Let's just say I'm no fan of Zip's chili--however, I must confess that I do love a chili frank plate at least once a year.

Now my husband, he can make a mean pot of chili! From the initial asthma inducing browning of poblanos to that garnish of lime squeezed on top, my man knows chili.
Will your man share his recipe?

[lavagal]

probably, mon cherie. Find yourself a bottle of stout, a big chunka chuck, and standby. Give me a couple of days, OK? It's best in a porcelained cast iron LeCrusset, the bigger the better. Surely you have one of those!

@;)

[SusieMisajon]

probably, mon cherie. Find yourself a bottle of stout, a big chunka chuck, and standby. Give me a couple of days, OK? It's best in a porcelained cast iron LeCrusset, the bigger the better. Surely you have one of those!

@;)
Several. I also have a slowcooker, which is not all that easy to find, over here. Ricecookers, too, are a novelty item. Come to that, RICE is a novelty item, almost!

[Pomai]

The way this thread was titled in pun form as "Always Bean This Way" had me thinking it was going to be about their Vegetarian Chili, which I much prefer over the traditional Chili. Served HOT from the take-out counter, of course. I love the texture of the mushrooms in it - at least that's what I THINK it is! Or is it some sort of "Meatless Mystery"?

Here's Zippy's nutritional information (http://www.zippys.com/menu/nutritionalinfo.asp) page. Unfortunately it doesn't include the ingredients lists.

[speedtek]

To cut cost and be consistant Zippy's chili is made in large quantities and shipped to the restaurants, not like the old days where it was made in the rest. and some cooks would add thier 2 cents in. I think they changed to central cooking in the early 80's

[AbsolutChaos]

The way this thread was titled in pun form as "Always Bean This Way" had me thinking it was going to be about their Vegetarian Chili, which I much prefer over the traditional Chili. Served HOT from the take-out counter, of course. I love the texture of the mushrooms in it - at least that's what I THINK it is! Or is it some sort of "Meatless Mystery"?


I've always been curious about the vegetarian version of Zippy's chili, but I'm hesitant to actually plunk down some money for it.

I tend to shy away from most vegetarian chili. In fact, these days I only eat the homemade turkey or chicken chili that my boyfriend makes (he puts a lot of chopped up chilis and Indian chili powder in there for me! :D ), as I often find that most vegetarian chili tastes like someone simply dumped a bunch of ketchup in there (blech). A lot of vegetarian chili seems to be very ketchupy and sweet, not yummy spicy. How would you describe the Zippy's vegetarian chili?

[i-hungry]

hard to say without tasting it yourself.

in general, zippy's chili of all variations are only ok. its basically a fast food type of chili. the centralized cooking of the chili made things worse in my opinion.

if you're eating a decent homemade version then you're not missing much.

their chili is not spicy either.

[Erika Engle]

Zippy's is a good stand-by ... and I don't know if it's psychological or what, but I'd be horrified at receiving a seal-a-meal BAG of chili for my fundraising tickets, instead of the familiar, reusable (and oh-so-kitchen-kitschy) plastic container!

Thanks for the warning!

This thread brings to mind a chili cook-off I had the pleasure of helping to judge several years back (in the 1980s). It was a U.S. Navy cookoff ... and I can't remember which team won, but my very favorite entry was called "Hellraiser," and oh-my-gosh! It was hot enough to be a pleasure for heat-lovers, it bit you without blowing your head off. It was like that John Mellencamp song "Hurt so Good" (you spice guys know what I mean, right?). It also wasn't overly tomato-ey or overly thick from too much flour ... I wish I'd been more serious about cooking at the time, because I'd love to have another taste to try to de-construct/reconstruct it. MAN that was the best chili I ever ate. A biker-looking dude had submitted the recipe.

[Pomai]

How would you describe the Zippy's vegetarian chili?Well, to begin with, I ordered one today and took a photo for you!...

http://www.96seven44.com/images/zippysvegchili.jpg
This (large) 5 oz. take-out container costs $3.75 which was ordered with crackers (2 packages included) instead of the usual white rice.

First I must declare that Zippy's Chili served hot at the take-out counter tastes like it was fresh made. Unless someone told me (like in this thread), I would have never known it came in pre-processed bags.

I would describe Zippy's Vegetarian Chili as being meaty in an earthy kind of way, most likely from the abundance of sliced mushrooms in it. The Chili flavor is pronounced, yet its spicy edge is considered mild, as is a hint of sweetness. There's also what looks like ground boca (soy-based) burger which gives it the simulated texture of ground beef, without the heaviness of it. Enough that it would have most carnivores fooled in this disguise. There's also an abundance of perfectly tender kidney beans, corn and small chopped pieces of bell peppers, celery and onion.

i-Hungry is right... you'll have to try it and be your own judge. For what it's worth, I think it's great... especially on those days when you crave something heavy, but should be eating light. ;)

F-Y-I to expats: Zippy's take-out prices have risen considerably. A ZipPac is now $7.10 and most of their regular plate lunches are $6.50 or higher, breaking the former $5 ceiling. They've also phased out the classic paper plate with the cardboard paper box shell in of favor black styrofoam plates with vacuformed clear lids. :(

[pzarquon]

I'm a meat lover, but honestly don't usually notice the difference if the vegetarian version of Zippy's chili is being served. They're both good.

[1stwahine]

Pomai, I was debating wat to have for dinner. Your picture looked so ono I somehow tasted the Zippy's Chili on my taste buds. Only thing, I prefer the meat version. I going order a side Macaroni Salad with dat! Yummy!

I'm off to Vineyard Zippy's! :D

Auntie Lynn

[craigwatanabe]

Here on the Big Island there is this rumor that Cafe 100 and Zippy's had a "gentleman's agreement" that Zippy's wouldn't compete in the same market as Cafe 100. I think it's time to be ungentlemanlike as Cafe 100's food SUCKS BIG TIME and those from the Big Island who think otherwise need to check out some of Honolulu's hole in the walls for some great tasting grinds.

I'm still trying to find good eats here. Island Infusion is good.

But back to chili, when I was living in Honolulu several years ago I had an opportunity to participate in a market survey where we were put in a focus group by a marketing company and they asked us questions such as: Do you think they should serve Zippy's Chili during UH sports at the stadiums? Do you think Zippy's should be cross merchandised at places such as 7-Eleven? Would you buy frozen Zippy's chili from a supermarket or fresh at a non-competing fast food establishment such as Taco Bell?

I said, "Hell yeah to all of them" We got $50 cash for participating. Now I can get Zippy's chili at KTA and at Taco Bell here on the Big Island. But oh how I wish Zippy's would come here as a restaurant. I think they'd give Ken's Pancake house a real run for their money. Can you believe we only have one Jack in the Box and Burger King here in East Hawaii? Unbelievable. On Oahu you'll find Jack every two miles it seems.

As for transporting chili, once back in the late 70's I saw this big aluminum panel van pull up to the Makiki Zippy's and unload this huge pot of chili to the back entrance.

Anyway the veggie chili is pretty good. When I used to buy benefit chili, I used to buy four tickets and tell them to put it in one bucket (four one pounders = one bucket). I'd tell them to put two regular and two veggie orders in the same bucket. The veggies makes for a really hearty chili when mixed with the regular chili.

[SusieMisajon]

Is Cafe 100 that little hole-in-the-wall place, that serves up real corned beef and cabbage, on thursdays? I LOVED that place!

I used to go there, with my Hilo Landlady, Mildred DeLima. Can't find too many places like that, anymore.

Mildred DeLima (passed, and sadly missed) was half Japanese, and half Portuguese. I took her, many years ago, to Portugal. We took the train, from Biarritz, France, to Porto, and then made our way down to Lisbon.

The poverty and standard of living was a real eye-opener. The hostels, where we stayed, were usually just private homes, the occupants of the beds evicted, for us paying guests. One little lady, in Nazareth, actually grabbed us off the train, and dragged us to her place...we ended up buying quite a lot of the exquisite handmade crochet, that she had made for sale, in order to boost her meager income.

Everybody looked so familiar...Mildred would say, "Dat guy looks just like Blackie Mendoza", or "Isn't she the spitting image of Mary Gonzalves?". Porto was beautiful, but gray and bleak...except for the houses, which were completely covered, on the outside, with beautiful blue and white ceramic tiles, each about 5" square.

Every square inch of available space was planted with a garden, and every one had the tall, leafy Kale cabbage...for caldo Verde, the 'green soup', served at most meals, before the meat course.

Oops...sorry, getting carried away...back to Zippy's...

[AbsolutChaos]

Well, to begin with, I ordered one today and took a photo for you!...

I would describe Zippy's Vegetarian Chili as being meaty in an earthy kind of way, most likely from the abundance of sliced mushrooms in it. The Chili flavor is pronounced, yet its spicy edge is considered mild, as is a hint of sweetness. There's also what looks like ground boca (soy-based) burger which gives it the simulated texture of ground beef, without the heaviness of it. Enough that it would have most carnivores fooled in this disguise. There's also an abundance of perfectly tender kidney beans, corn and small chopped pieces of bell peppers, celery and onion.

i-Hungry is right... you'll have to try it and be your own judge. For what it's worth, I think it's great... especially on those days when you crave something heavy, but should be eating light.

Wow--your description was almost as good as eating it myself. I guess I'll have to try it the next time my book club meets at Zippy's! Thanks for such a thorough response. Only on HT, right? :D

[scrivener]

I agree with Craig about Cafe 100. It may be the mythical (or even real) creator of the Loco Moco, but it is not very good and it's closed on Sunday. It may have sixty varieties of loco, but none of them is very good.

Eat at Blane's instead, if you want a good loco.

[pzarquon]

Never understood the appeal of Cafe 100's loco mocos either. I'm a Ken's guy myself.

Oh! Um. Er, Zippy's Chili. Say, Scriv, why not just e-mail the customer service address at Zippys.com and ask if there's a difference between the packed-for-shipping and restaurant chili formulas?

[alohabear]

Can you believe we only have one Jack in the Box and Burger King here in East Hawaii? Unbelievable. On Oahu you'll find Jack every two miles it seems.
.....and no Wendy's too Craig :eek: Wendy's has good chili(not good enough to drive 100 miles to Kona).

[Palolo Joe]

On Oahu you'll find Jack every two miles it seems.
No Jack in the Box in Palolo... or Kaimuki. Or all of East Honolulu, for that matter. Gotta go over to Kapahulu, or points Ewa.

Lots of small, hole-in-the-wall restaurants up Waialae, though...

[Erika Engle]

.....and no Wendy's too Craig :eek: Wendy's has good chili(not good enough to drive 100 miles to Kona).
There USED to be a Wendy's in Hilo ... on Kilauea Ave., mauka of Kaiko'o Mall. My sister worked there, after I moved to Oahu.
She said all the overdone burgers from the grill wound up in the chili.
Maybe that's why there USED to be a Wendy's in Hilo? ;)

I think the place where Wendy's WAS, previously housed other fast-food concepts, as I remember dashing out of then-neighboring KIPA-AM to grab a slice or two of pizza during my board-op shift on weekends.

I'm a Ken's loco-moco devotee as well. I don't remember ever eating one at Cafe 100, but I remember seeing a guy eating a DOUBLE loco-moco he'd ordered at K's Drive Inn (by Kadota's Liquors).

[scrivener]

I remember seeing a guy eating a DOUBLE loco-moco he'd ordered at K's Drive Inn (by Kadota's Liquors).
During my first semester in Hilo, especially those first weeks when I was still waiting for my student-loan check, K's was a lifesaver. It had single locos for just over a buck-fifty, I think (this was in 1993). One scoop or rice, one thin shoe-leather patty, one egg, lots of pretty decent gravy. I never liked the food there, but I liked the prices enough to keep going back in those lonely first days. I didn't have a car, and I lived across the river, so K's was a nice place to stop on my way home in the rain after that last Japanese class.

[Pomai]

While we're drifting on the Loco Moco, Big City Diner's REALLY LOCO, LOCO MOCO is excellent. A HUGE 1/2 lb. GRILLED burger and egg on rice with one of the best brown gravies I've tried in recent memory. All topped with tasty caremelized onions. Just $6 bucks is a pretty good deal considering the portions and great taste.

Back to Chili (and value), nobody can beat the CHILI DOG PLATE from Richie's Drive Inn on N. King st. across the post office near Farrington HS. For just $3.85 you get a huge serving of their house-made (no pre-processed bags) Chili, TWO hot dogs, 2 scoops rice, mac salad AND a small drink! Their Chili can be described as intense in flavor. Simple as that. Richie used to be the cook for many years at Rainbow Drive Inn back in their glory days. Richie's is also the ONLY place I've seen where you can order a plate lunch at a drive-through window.

[tutusue]

While we're drifting on the Loco Moco, Big City Diner's REALLY LOCO, LOCO MOCO is excellent. A HUGE 1/2 lb. GRILLED burger and egg on rice with one of the best brown gravies I've tried in recent memory. All topped with tasty caremelized onions. Just $6 bucks is a pretty good deal considering the portions and great taste.[...]
It's soooo big that it serves 2 people adequately! I've done that on several occasions and don't think I've ever finished my half! :o Splitting the bill makes for a very frugal (and filling) breakfast!

[Pomai]

Well portions and Zippy's certainly don't go hand-in-hand. It seems their prices increased while portions decreased.

I LOVE their fried noodles and Somen Salad. But $5.50 for a plate of NOODLES? Sheesh, their profit margin on that is probably better than Shave Ice. :confused:

[lavagal]

Back to Chili (and value), nobody can beat the CHILI DOG PLATE from Richie's Drive Inn on N. King st. across the post office near Farrington HS. For just $3.85 you get a huge serving of their house-made (no pre-processed bags) Chili, TWO hot dogs, 2 scoops rice, mac salad AND a small drink! Their Chili can be described as intense in flavor. Simple as that. Richie used to be the cook for many years at Rainbow Drive Inn back in their glory days. Richie's is also the ONLY place I've seen where you can order a plate lunch at a drive-through window.

Oh man, this is good to learn! I loved Rainbow's chili dog plate! I must try this! Thanks for the tip, Pomai!

[scrivener]

Their Chili can be described as intense in flavor. Simple as that.
I'll go a little further with the description. I wouldn't call it "intense," but it's a lot better than at most plate-lunch places. It's very tomatoey, which I consider a good thing, and I find it a little flat, which I don't. However, you get a lot of food for your $3.85, and those two hot dogs plus small drink more than make up for any shortcomings the chili has in the flavor department. I do not consider this very good chili, but I think it's a very good deal.

[helen]

I think the last time I have been to Zippy's was around 6 to 7 months ago. And I don't think it was for the chili.

As far as Hilo goes, I used to go to Cafe 100 during the weekend, their hamburgers were okay and they was the closest to UH Hilo. But I remember K's too but they were slightly farther away.

[alohabear]

There USED to be a Wendy's in Hilo ... on Kilauea Ave., mauka of Kaiko'o Mall. My sister worked there, after I moved to Oahu.
She said all the overdone burgers from the grill wound up in the chili.
Maybe that's why there USED to be a Wendy's in Hilo? ;)
That's when Danny(alooooha!) K owned all the Wendy's(he went bankrupted). Now that building is Starbucks .

[Erika Engle]

Richie's is also the ONLY place I've seen where you can order a plate lunch at a drive-through window.
At the risk of sounding like a dinosaur who lives in the past, I remember getting drive-through plate lunch from Jolly Roger on Dillingham, when KSSK was at 1505 Dillingham Plaza. Fried shrimp plate! Mahi plate! Yum!

I talked with many business folk about why they didn't put another eatery in that location, or like, a drive-through coffee place, but I was told, without variance, that the landlord wanted too much money for the spot.

The building was since razed to make way for an -- auto parts store?

That chili-dog plate sounds winnahs! Esp. w/the Rainbow connection. (get it? nyuk nyuk).

[pzarquon]

Say, Scriv, why not just e-mail the customer service address at Zippys.com and ask if there's a difference between the packed-for-shipping and restaurant chili formulas?Got a reply back from Monica, a friendly customer service rep at Zippys.com, who reports:

"Our Quality Assurance manager has informed me that the shipped Chili and the Chili sold in our stores are the same - the ingredients and recipes are identical."

So, folks buying from Nebraska can rest assured that the stuff they're getting is the same as what we get in Zippy's restaurants. But the folks eating at the restaurants may be as surprised as Scriv originally was as to some of the ingredients!

[craigwatanabe]

.....and no Wendy's too Craig :eek: Wendy's has good chili(not good enough to drive 100 miles to Kona).


Wendy's gotta be really hot and juicy (thank you Andy Bumatai for that description of Wendy's I'll never forget :eek: ) for me to travel a hundred miles for :D

How about that new Patty on Patty technology by Burger King? I'm thinking some nasty thoughts right now. :D

And Erika...isn't Popeye's still a drive thru near the old KSSK dive? That was an interesting radio location with the two elevators going up labeled "Perry" and "Price" guess which one was on the right.

After KHVH joined KSSK at the now Dole Cannery location, is when I started noticing a bit of an off the fence toward the right political affiliation from Uncle Mikey. :D Ya think Rick and Rush may have had an influence on Mr. Perry?

[Erika Engle]

Wendy's gotta be really hot and juicy (thank you Andy Bumatai for that description of Wendy's I'll never forget :eek: ) for me to travel a hundred miles for :D

How about that new Patty on Patty technology by Burger King? I'm thinking some nasty thoughts right now. :D

And Erika...isn't Popeye's still a drive thru near the old KSSK dive? That was an interesting radio location with the two elevators going up labeled "Perry" and "Price" guess which one was on the right.

After KHVH joined KSSK at the now Dole Cannery location, is when I started noticing a bit of an off the fence toward the right political affiliation from Uncle Mikey. :D Ya think Rick and Rush may have had an influence on Mr. Perry?
I haven't been by HT in what seems like days. Sorry for my delay.
I've not done the drive-through thing at Popeye's Dillingham in years, though I did dine in there within the past ... year? Red beans are still real good.
I'd forgotten about the P&P elevators. Funny!
Mike and Larry have always said, "Perry on the left, Price on the right," since the very first morning they signed on ... because of the sides of the studio they occupied when they first said it. Political inclinations had nothing to do with it, it was literal. Then, Larry's Midweek column was named "The Right Price."

[Bard]

Mmm... just picked up a box of Zippy's Chili at the Uwajimaya today. Maybe I just have a taste for yuckified fast food but I think it's lovely!

So bad for you and yet so tasty ;)

[cynsaligia]

I check the ingredients, and holy cow. This thing is loaded with stuff you don't expect in take-out food. You know, preservatives and stuff. Naturally (or unnaturally), I expect this stuff from packaged food, but when I order chili at a restaurant, especially chili that a restaurant considers a specialty, I expect just chili. I've been places (sit-down places, even) where I suspected the chili came out of a can; however, one doesn't think of Zippy's chili as being equivalent to what comes out of a can....
...I feel betrayed.

me, too! this mornin' i went over to zippy's makiki to have breakfast whilst cramming for a bus law final. i initially thot i was gonna have an omelet, but then i also wanted chili/brown rice. but the server put the breakfast side of the menu up, and i noticed for the first time ever that they have chili omelets. ha! best of both worlds--i can have my chili and still have it be breakfast.

granted, it's not as if anyone can realistically expect healthy food from zippy's, brown rice or not....

but still...as much preservatives etc as canned? BLEH!!! and BLEH some more. by the way, did i say BLEH? cause BLEH!!! *scowl*

and chili is the only thing really worth eating there now that they're so expensive! would that richie's were 24 hours!

[mapen]

Back to Chili (and value), nobody can beat the CHILI DOG PLATE from Richie's Drive Inn on N. King st. across the post office near Farrington HS. For just $3.85 you get a huge serving of their house-made (no pre-processed bags) Chili, TWO hot dogs, 2 scoops rice, mac salad AND a small drink! Their Chili can be described as intense in flavor. Simple as that. Richie used to be the cook for many years at Rainbow Drive Inn back in their glory days. Richie's is also the ONLY place I've seen where you can order a plate lunch at a drive-through window.Dropped by today for their chili plate. When did they raise the price to $4.33? Still not a bad deal...

[Pomai]

Just seen an Oceanic TV spot last night for a new Zippy's special called "Chili Moco", which consists of rice, topped with a hamburger patty, chili and 1 egg (mac' salad not included) for $5.45.

To hell with that New Year's weight loss resolution. lol

[craigwatanabe]

If there's one thing I miss about Oahu...it's Zippy's. We do get the Chili in the frozen form sold in most markets here but it's just not the same.

If Zippy's opened in Hilo they'd destroy Ken's Pancake house. But then again that may not be a bad idea as it seems every other time our family dines at Ken's, we get sick from bad food. Yeah don't eat their Won Ton.

[Miulang]

If there's one thing I miss about Oahu...it's Zippy's. We do get the Chili in the frozen form sold in most markets here but it's just not the same.

If Zippy's opened in Hilo they'd destroy Ken's Pancake house. But then again that may not be a bad idea as it seems every other time our family dines at Ken's, we get sick from bad food. Yeah don't eat their Won Ton.
As late as last year, I thought they were planning to open a store in Kahului. They were even starting to hire management staff for the store. Now, nada. Wonder what happened? There's no Neighbor Island locations listed on their website.

Miulang

[craigwatanabe]

As late as last year, I thought they were planning to open a store in Kahului. They were even starting to hire management staff for the store. Now, nada. Wonder what happened? There's no Neighbor Island locations listed on their website.

Miulang

As far as the Big Island goes, there's this rumor that Zippy's and Cafe 100 (here on the Big Island) had a gentleman's agreement not to compete here (in Hilo).

Zippy's would do very well at the Prince Kuhio Mall as Dotty's closed down last year leaving a big restaurant space available (and still vacant). Dotty's had a similar setting quite like Zippy's so I'm sure they could fit in very well.

[oceanpacific]

I heard that Zippy's at one time planned to open in Kailua-Kona, but opposition by other businesses there derailed that.

Anyway, although I often purchase chili benefit tickets for fundraisers (I always buy FOOD tickets, forget about CALENDERS), I much rather prefer the chili from RAINBOW DRIVE-INN, with or without the hot dogs.

[craigwatanabe]

I heard that Zippy's at one time planned to open in Kailua-Kona, but opposition by other businesses there derailed that.


What other businesses? There's only Denny's. Everything else is catered for the tourists. And please don't tell me Uncle Billy's is competition. Zippy's would do very well on this island.

[Erika Engle]

As far as the Big Island goes, there's this rumor that Zippy's and Cafe 100 (here on the Big Island) had a gentleman's agreement not to compete here (in Hilo).

Zippy's would do very well at the Prince Kuhio Mall as Dotty's closed down last year leaving a big restaurant space available (and still vacant). Dotty's had a similar setting quite like Zippy's so I'm sure they could fit in very well.

I wonder if there's some 100th Battalion connection between the Cafe 100 family and the Higa family, of Zippy's -- that would result in such a gentleman's agreement? Hmmm ...

Also, you prolly know by now, Craig, that IHOP is going into the old Dotty's space. It will be run by the Espinos -- the franchisees who have the Waikiki location and who are developing the WWMall location, following the Wests' inability to move forward in that spot.

[tikiyaki]

To hell with that New Year's weight loss resolution. lol

Weight loss resolution and food blog writing don't exactly compliment each other. :eek:

As far as Zippy's Chili goes....I gave it a shot, and tho' I don't eat alot of chili, it was pretty damn good. I wonder if it's available here.

[Erika Engle]

Where is "here," Tikiyaki?

Lest I cause you to reveal something you'd prefer to hold close to the vest, if you're in the Pacific Northwest, Uwajimaya sells Zippy's chili frozen. I believe they also sell Zippy's curry the same way, in boil-in-bags.

Other mainland retailers may, as well, but I dunno.

However, Zippy's also does e-commerce -- though it's not what I'd consider cheap.

http://www.zippys.com/

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue also sells Hawaii food and beverage items at several mainland L&L locations. (I mean, in addition to plate lunches, such as frozen lau lau to take home.)

[tikiyaki]

Where is "here," Tikiyaki?

Oops...Southern Cal. Burbank to be exact.:rolleyes:

[Erika Engle]

I didn't look up the Longs Web site, but maybe the Longs in your area (if there is one) also sells frozen Zippy's chili and curry?

If you find yourself a'Jonesin', it might be worth a Web-check and/or phone call.

Good luck!

[Wixxy]

Just ordered Zippy's chili and portuguese sausage via internet and am definitely disappointed. Paid more for 1 1/2 lbs of chile than I used to for 2 lbs just last summer.

Gonna have to try one of the Zippy's chili recipes to see if it'll work. I can't afford to get ripped off like that all the time! If not, I'll just do without.

Skyline is popular around here, but I just can't get into chili on spaghetti. I still get funny looks when I put chili, stew, or even just pork and beans on rice....lol

[Pomai]

I finally got to try their Chili Moco plate. Well sort of. My friend ordered it for lunch today and gave me a sample section (cut out like a slice of pie) to try.

Here's the actual take-out plate, revealed in layers...

http://www.96seven44.com/images/zippys_chili_moco_omelette.jpg

The layers of the dish from bottom to top:
Plate (for take-out): 8" diameter x 1-1/2" depth black plastic (with clear plastic lid)
1st Layer: White Rice
2nd Layer: Mayo'-based "Secret Mac Salad Sauce"
3rd Layer: (1) Hamburger Patty
4th Layer: Zippy's Chili (classic only)
5th Layer: (2) Eggs

Interestingly, you cannot substitute the type of Chili (bean, no bean, vegetarian), but you CAN order your eggs how you want it (sunny side, over easy, omelette or scrambled).

The most interesting component has to be the "Secret Mac Salad Sauce" (I made that name up), which is basically their Mac Salad without the Macaroni. It's shown as a close-up in the bottom-right photo. That may sound gross, but you know what? It really adds dimension and punches out the flavor of the nicely-grilled burger patty right above it. A standard Loco Moco doesn't employ this, so whoever thought of putting that in this dish is a plate lunch genius! lol

My friend opted for an omelette on top, but personally I'd have chosen two sunnyside-up eggs. Let that liquid, golden yolk drip all over. Yum. ;)

I was thoroughly pleased with the combination of flavors. Enough that I just may order one the next time I head to Zippy's. At $5.45, the portions and value is just right. That's actually cheaper than most other plate lunches on Zippy's regular menu.

Supposedly the Chili Moco is only available for a limited time, but I'm guessing this will eventually join the regular menu list.

Thumbs up!

Now I'm heading down to the "Cholesterol" thread for some tips. :D

[Islandgirlrubes]

wow thanks pomai for giving us a "sample" of the new zippy's chili moco. i was curious myself when i first saw the commercial. now that you were able to give us the "scoops" i may i have to sample it myself. and i must agree that zippy's has jacked up their prices and definitely cut back on the portions. my friends and i would always used to go eat zippy's on da weekends after drinkin..good times!!! it was a good place to go for a nice warm hearty meal eventhough would be like 3 or 4 in da mornin' hehehe. :P

[Pomai]

wow thanks pomai for giving us a "sample" of the new zippy's chili moco. i was curious myself when i first saw the commercial. now that you were able to give us the "scoops" i may i have to sample it myself. and i must agree that zippy's has jacked up their prices and definitely cut back on the portions. my friends and i would always used to go eat zippy's on da weekends after drinkin..good times!!! it was a good place to go for a nice warm hearty meal eventhough would be like 3 or 4 in da mornin' hehehe. :PYou're welcome. :)

Yeah, Zippy's prices and articulately-controlled portions push buttons sometimes, but they have the quality and consistency of local fast food down to a science. If they went public, I'd buy Zippy's stocks. ;)

I have to admit, looking at that photo of the Chili Moco is making me one want now. lol

[alohabear]

I finally got to try their Chili Moco plate. Well sort of. My friend ordered it for lunch today and gave me a sample section (cut out like a slice of pie) to try. :DFunny, Cafe 100 in Hilo has been making something like this for years, except they put lil' smokies in it.

[Miulang]

Funny, Cafe 100 in Hilo has been making something like this for years, except they put lil' smokies in it.
Isn't Cafe 100 of the 2 places in Hilo that like to claim to have invented the original loco moco?

Miulang

[alohabear]

Isn't Cafe 100 of the 2 places in Hilo that like to claim to have invented the original loco moco?

MiulangYes, they have so many different locos I lost count:eek:

[dick]

I just had one of those Chili Mocos for dinner. I agree the mystery sauce on the rice is a winner.

[speedtek]

Gee, makes me depressed....I'm either allergic to the ingrediments or I can't afford it!

[craigwatanabe]

Yes, they have so many different locos I lost count:eek:

And they all pretty much suck. It's sad that the establishment (Cafe 100)that boasts about being the originator of the Locomoco can't seem to make a good one. They use frozen patties that tastes like cardboard.

If they made their hamburger patties and added a little spice called Salt to their dishes maybe I'd go to Cafe 100 more often.:rolleyes:

[Pomai]

It's back!...

http://www.96seven44.com/images/chilimocosign.jpg
Snuck that shot. he he.

http://www.96seven44.com/images/chilimocoss1.jpg
Ooey-gooey Sunny Side Up on top. The only way to have it.


http://www.96seven44.com/images/chilimocoinside.jpg
Witness the Macaroni Salad "Special Sauce" layered on the rice. Absolutely brilliant.

You can order with full options now, as the sign indicates in small print: choice of white or brown rice, classic, vegetarian or no-bean chili and how you want your two eggs cooked. No option for the burger patty.

When it was first introduced it was $5.50. Now, in typical Zippy's inflated price fashion, it's $6.50. Still, this is ALOT of food. I could only eat half and I was full.

Decadent, but sooooooo good.

[achow]

I just had a large bowl of Zippy's Vegetarian Chili with rice last night. It costs me $4.10 for that bowl but it was worthwhile because I didn't eat chili for over a year. It still tastes good.

[Da Rolling Eye]

Funny, Cafe 100 in Hilo has been making something like this for years, except they put lil' smokies in it.
Wow! Cafe 100 is still around? Is it still owned by the same family, the Miyashiros (?)? Stayed in the same dorm as their daughter. Met here when I met my 1st wife cause all them Hilo girls kinda stuck together. ;)

[oceanpacific]

Wow! Cafe 100 is still around? Is it still owned by the same family, the Miyashiros (?)? Stayed in the same dorm as their daughter. Met here when I met my 1st wife cause all them Hilo girls kinda stuck together. ;)

Cafe 100 is still around and run by two of Richard Miyashiro's daughters. Yes, it's true that Hilo people tend to stick together.

[Pomai]

It's back!...

http://www.96seven44.com/images/chilimocosign.jpg
Snuck that shot. he he.

http://www.96seven44.com/images/chilimocoss1.jpg
Ooey-gooey Sunny Side Up on top. The only way to have it.


http://www.96seven44.com/images/chilimocoinside.jpg
Witness the Macaroni Salad "Special Sauce" layered on the rice. Absolutely brilliant.

You can order with full options now, as the sign indicates in small print: choice of white or brown rice, classic, vegetarian or no-bean chili and how you want your two eggs cooked. No option for the burger patty.

When it was first introduced it was $5.50. Now, in typical Zippy's inflated price fashion, it's $6.50. Still, this is ALOT of food. I could only eat half and I was full.

Decadent, but sooooooo good.Just got word yesterday from management at a nearby Zippy's location that the Chili Moco is officially PERMANENT and here to stay.

WOO HOO!

Now YOU can officially take out your heart defibrillator and statin pills.

[Hurricane350]

Speaking of Zippys, which location has a drive-thru? I remember a cabbie telling me that only one has one and it was the only one he went to but I can't for the life of me remember where he said...

[Da Rolling Eye]

Holy smokes, Pomai! That is just......I have no words. :o
Me thinks a full on traditional English breakfast has less calories and cholesterol than a bowl of that moco. :eek: Guess I'm going to have to give it a try. :D

[Da Rolling Eye]

Cafe 100 is still around and run by two of Richard Miyashiro's daughters. Yes, it's true that Hilo people tend to stick together.
Mahalos! Is one of them Gail? Her nickname was Pogo. (sorry OT):o

[Keanu]

Zippy's chili is now more "flatulence friendly".

[Da Rolling Eye]

Zippy's chili is now more "flatulence friendly".
Ho, you should heah this family of 3 aftah eating da regulah chili. Brrt, brrrt, brt, brt, brrrrrrrrrraaaat! An das oni da baby girl. :eek: Azwai hawd gotta mek da TV loud. 2 girls against one guy, no can win. :D I complained to Mom and all she told me was that girls don't do that kind of thing. :confused: <sigh>

[oceanpacific]

Mahalos! Is one of them Gail? Her nickname was Pogo. (sorry OT):o


The one I know is Kay. We ran around with her gang back in high school.

[Creative-1]

And they all pretty much suck. It's sad that the establishment (Cafe 100) that boasts about being the originator of the Loco moco can't seem to make a good one.


Cafe 100 does not claim to be the originator of the Loco Moco. Loco Moco’s were actually invented by the Lincoln Wreckers Hilo baseball team who were named because they used to hang out at the Lincoln Grill.

My father-in-law, Henry Honda, was a member. They wanted something cheap and filling. The name ‘loco moco’ was chosen because it rhymed.

Naomi’s Fountain put it on their menu, but they were hit by the tsunami of 1960. Richard Miyashiro bought out Naomi's and inherited the Loco Moco.

He named his restaurant Café 100 for his 100th Batallion buddies who died in Italy. They've patented the Loco Moco, but only so no other could scoop it up and prohibit them from making it. They freely let others make and sell it under that name.

Bob Sigall