Ask folks what they miss most from KC Drive Inn on Kapahulu avenue who closed their doors in 2005, and chances are they’d say the Ono Ono Shake and the Waffle Dog. Well thanks to Dayton Asato, family heir to the legacy, you can still get the original Waffle Dog! Got a party, fundraiser or special event? Just give him a call or email and you can share this old time island favorite with your family and friends.
Last Sunday at Shirokiya while I went to visit my friend Layne, JNP and their Kikaida Tokusatsu group, who else was there? Dayton and his family serving Waffle Dogs… what a “double chop” combo!
I took a picture of him making it in their proprietary waffle dog iron, but he quickly mentioned that Shirokiya had scolded someone on Saturday for doing that, so I deleted that picture. I understand. Anyhow, I chatted with him about the business, and he mentioned visiting my blog, suggesting I should take it to another level, which is a nice compliment coming from him. Mahalo!
I could have cleaned up the edges of the Waffle Dog I have here, but I prefer showing it in its true form, as anyone in line would get them. And believe me, there was a line. In fact, they even had a sign that indicated a limit of 3 per person.
The iron makes 6 at a time. The process involves pouring the waffle batter down on the bottom mold, then they lay a hot dog in each one, then pour more waffle batter over the hot dog, then the waffle dog maker top is closed down and held in place until they’re cooked through, which took several minutes.
I forgot to ask what brand of hot dog they were using, but if you asked me based on taste, I would say they were either Farmer John or Oscar Meyer. They certainly didn’t taste like the cheaper Bar S brand. The batter was slightly sweet, giving the whole package that savory-sweet flavor. Perfect. Being a waffle by nature, it doesn’t have a crispy crust, but more of a soft browned exterior. I opted not to add ketchup or mustard so I could savor its core elements, although they were giving condiment packets out to those who asked.
It was packed in that foil wrapper shown, which you took to any cashier to pay for at $3.66 (with tax) each.
My overall impression is that they’re a different twist to the Andadog, once again having that savory-sweet thing going on, and very unique in the hot dog world. Supah ono!
One last note on KC Drive Inn. The property was sold to a local doctor, which is now home to a new medical center.
Dayton when he made a Shirokiya appearance several years ago…
For more information, visit their website at:
Here’s the Kikaida Brothers that were at Shirokiya that day…
Kikaida (left) and Kikaida 01 (right)
These amazing costumes were fabricated by my friend Layne Luna, a professional artist from Hilo. The only exception is the Kikaida helmet, shown above in this close-up, which was purchased directly from Toei Studios, a refurbished original that was actually used in the 70′s series. Wow!
To see more of Layne’s amazing art, including life-like fiberglass fish mounts, visit his blog here:
aah! i loved those KC waffle dogs accompanied by the Coffee Malt …mmm good! i also like all those crispy extras around the edges.
love your photos !
WHOA!!!!!!!!! You had a picture of Kikaida, no–THREE pictures of Kikaida. How cool is that? You rock!
And yeah–I think maybe you should try the Jan and Michael Stern thing too. Hawaii needs it’s own foodie-writers.
Ha! When I was reading this I thought, “Wow, this reminds me of an andadog. I bet it’s good!” Then you mentioned it too!
Is it Labor Day yet?
I am really bummed! I was right there at Shirokiya and missed my chance at that waffle dog…
Next time!
I saw a sign at Waimalu Shopping Center (I think that’s what it’s called–the one on Kam Hwy with Leonard’s, Chun Wah Kam, Kabuki, etc.) that this place was selling KC Drive In Waffle Dogs. I can’t remember what the place was called though…
Seriously, how can I get a waffle dog? These look great, and a unique twist on a classic favorite! Thanks for sharing such a great post!
YAY KC HOTDOGS
fucken awesome
is that realy made out of real dog?
petra – you’re a moron. its a freaking hot dog, not dog you idiot
Is KC’s still even open? All the good things in Hawaii seem to be closing…the drive-ins, the bowling alleys and a lot of old time food establishments. What a shame.
g808, the former location of KC Drive Inn on the mauka end of Kapahulu is now a medical building.
The only remaining memory that I’m aware of from KC Drive Inn is the Waffle Dog, now owned and operated by Dayton, who does appearances occasionally at Shirokiya and private functions. Thankfully Shirokiya is still going strong in Ala Moana Shopping Center (the last and only location in Hawaii).
Another long-time establishment that closed this past year due to the economic slump is Nick’s Fish Market in Waikiki.
Speaking of Bowling Alleys, Kapiolani Coffee Shop (home of fantastic Oxtail Soup) is still going strong in Waimalu Shopping Center, with a sister restaurant called Asahi Grill on Ward Avenue.
Pomai, missed KC since I was too young to go there when they were open. Now when in Honolulu will try their waffle dog somewhere in a plaza in Waikiki.
2 years later 3 college kids from UW-Green Bay prefected the Waffle Dog and slipped a bratwurst in there instead of an inferior encased meat. We call it the Braffle. Great minds thinks alike.
Tim, a “Braffle” sounds delicious! Sounds easy enough to try and replicate at home. I’ll add that to my blogging “Do-it-yourself” list.
Mahalo for letting us know about it!
Dang! Now I have that old Frank DeLima KC ad jingle stuck in my head!
Marcus, never heard that Jingle you’re talking about. How do the lyrics go?
Have you heard Frank Delima’s latest parody song, “Where is da’ Tsunami?“? Pretty funny!