You probably haven’t heard of my city. It’s that exciting. But read on! If you’ve traveled through Kansai Airport, you absolutely have been here. Just a few small towns north of Wakayama, Izumisano is a relatively small place with large aspirations. Located directly across the bridge from KIX, my city hopes to become an international hub in the Kansai region. With such aspirations, it is no surprise then that Izumisano is home to two restaurants drawing their inspiration from far-flung shores.
The first, Hale Aina, is a cozy upstairs bar with a refreshingly non-cliché Hawaiian motif. Think less plastic hula girls and old posters of Waikiki, more live hula performances and the flag of my alma mater, the University of Hawaii, posted proudly on the wall. Run by the amicable Hiro-tenchou, the bar boasts all your standard spirits, Mai Tai’s, and even Hawaiian beer. Hiro is a true gentleman: he welcomes all with a big “aloha!”, sees them off the same, and even allows this drunken idiot to sing and play his beautiful Hawaiian-made koa wood ukulele (read: expensive!).
A frequent visitor to Hawaii, Hiro brought back his love of the aloha spirit and put it into delicious local favorites such as ahi poke, loco moco’s, and spam musubi’s. But the crowning achievement is the Hale Aina Burger: a large beef patty, lettuce, tomato, and all the fixings. Cheese, avocado, and other toppings available upon request, and I always request them. If you’re tired of small burgers with big prices, hele on to Hale Aina. For the non-Hawaiians, that means GO!
Hale Aina is located just a short walk from Nankai Izumisano station. When exiting the station turn right towards the bus stops. Look to your right hand side and you’ll be sure to spot the Hale Aina hibiscus sign.
While Hale Aina brings warm aloha to my little Izumisano, the real heat is delivered care of Tex-Mex-themed Lone Star. As one might guess from the name, Lone Star is a refuge for Americans feeling that emptiness in their hearts and stomachs for refried beans, nacho cheese, and truly spicy salsa. In fact, finding Lone Star was like seeing the Virgin Mary. I cried, called all the people I knew, and rediscovered my faith in chips and salsa.
If it’s whiskey that warms your heart, they’ve got all kinds; if it’s hot sauce, well, you better put an ice pack in your bathroom. A great place for that special birthday buddy too, as they’ll get cake, ice cream, and the entire staff doing a country line dance in their honor. Top off the embarrassment with a cowboy hat and a margarita.
Don’t worry though; you won’t be the only one in a cowboy hat. Lone Star’s master always sports one, along with jeans, boots, and a Texas-size belt buckle. All staff wear the Texas flag and a big smile, as the restaurant is focused on fun. Look for their party photos on the back wall near the kitchen. And while you’re there, enjoy the delicious aroma of BBQ spareribs, nachos, quesadillas, and tacos. While you wait for heaven on a plate, order a bucket of beer – four beers in a bucket of ice with a nice 10% discount. The only way you can go wrong is if ya’ll don’t come back now, ya hear?
Lone Star is a ten-minute walk (when sober) from Nankai Izumisano station. More information and a map are available at the restaurant’s website. Tell them I said “howdy!”
