For almost 10 years, Savage Shrimp Kaua‘i in Koloa has served the highest quality and tastiest shrimp dishes on the island. If you ever traveled down Lawa‘i Road, you might remember Savage Shrimp as a lunchwagon. But after years of
For almost 10 years, Savage Shrimp Kaua‘i in Koloa has served the highest quality and tastiest shrimp dishes on the island.
If you ever traveled down Lawa‘i Road, you might remember Savage Shrimp as a lunchwagon. But after years of serving on the happy lunchwagon, owner Susan Allyn decided to relocate to Kukui‘ula Village Shopping Center.
“I had some of my fondest memories on that lunchwagon,” Allyn said. “If I were 20 years younger, I would probably still be running it.”
Whether serving by lunchwagon, whether serving by restaurant, the shrimp dishes at Savage Shrimp are onolicious and breathtaking.
There are an abundance of choices at Savage Shrimp Kaua‘i: Choices include scampi, tacos, salads and fried shrimp.
Shrimp scampi dishes are all priced at $12.50. It comes with 10 pieces of shrimp that are marinated overnight in a classic French garlic marinade. A side of two scoops of rice and tropical coleslaw are included.
The types of scampi that are available include garlic scampi, the house specialty; spicy garlic scampi, the house specialty with a notch of hot sauce; Bahia scampi; Brazilian scampi made with coconut milk, orange juice, cilantro and Kaua‘i grown tomatoes; aloha scampi, coconut milk, chili sauce and lemongrass lime; and Savage scampi, garlic scampi served in a savory broth, with a sourdough baguette for dipping — no rice with this dish.
Tacos are $10.50. There are two choices: Shrimp or fresh fish, both are sautéed, not fried. Two tacos are served on corn tortillas with cheese, with a spread of cream sauce, chopped cabbage and tropical salsa.
If you’re a vegetarian or just looking for a good dose of veggies, Savage Shrimp offers its Ono Savage Salad for $9.95. It comes with organic greens, carrots, tomatoes, basil, garbanzo and black beans, pepperoncini, sweet onions, feta and a light Italian dressing on the side. A smaller portion of the salad is priced at $6.95. Also, if you would like to add shrimp or chicken, it is an additional $6.95.
We can’t talk about shrimp without mentioning some fried delights. The fried menu includes fried shrimp and fries for $10.95, coconut shrimp for $14.50, fish and chips for $10.95 and Po-boy (a Louisiana recipe of fried shrimp or fish served on a sourdough baguette with lettuce, tomato and remoulade sauce) for $8.95.
After learning of all these delicious dishes, I was amazed that Susan was able to cook them all up in her lunchwagon back in the day.
“It was very difficult working out of the lunchwagon, but I had a lot of fun,” Allyn said. “Now that I’m at this new location, I have a lot more help and it has made my job a little easier.”
Allyn said that making customers happy is her main motivation for continuing her tenure in the restaurant business.
“Being able to interact with people and getting positive feedback drove me all these years and continues to drive me,” Allyn said. “When you have a great attitude, you get happy people, and happy people makes a happy kitchen.”
During my interview with Allyn, a satisfied customer greeted her. The customer was just a little toddler who, accompanied hand-and-hand by his father, thanked Allyn.
“Thank you for the food,” the little toddler said. “I was really hungry.”
If that doesn’t make your heart melt, I don’t know what will.
Allyn looked at me and said, “See what I mean?”
I had first hand experience to what Allyn was talking about; interacting with her customers and getting nothing but positive feedback. The food at Savage Shrimp will do that to you. It will leave you happy and satisfied.
Savage Shrimp, is at 2829 Ala Kalaikaumaka St. in Koloa. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Visit http://www.savageshrimp.com or call 808-742-9600 for more information.
