A home fridge reminds me how long becoming real takes. All those hugs the young boy gives the Velveteen Rabbit achieves the goal. So is the fridge shown love by what food you place in there. Strategic choices of amor are going in the ice box. And flour tortillas are a staple of the heart to keep chillin’. Of course, I had one—and more than a few extra—ready to make a spontaneous burrito from Los Habaneros leftovers. This place has portions we honest food lovers always take with.

I ordered the carnitas tostada that stacked high with refried beans lathered first on the crunchy flour tostada, then thick strands of soft juicy pork (carnitas, that is), next some shredded lettuce, and finally grated cheese heapings. Two generous scoops, one of tangy guacamole and another of start-the-diet Monday morning sour cream, complete the artisan plate. Lost in table conversation, I ate some and took the rest to la casa. There I carefully scooped some from each of these goodness flavors, sprinkled in four or five grilled jalapeno slices, then sealed the savory treat in one fluffy hot flour tortilla, the one I just heated in the pan, having been chilling in the fridge, the amor ice box. Writing these sentences takes some focus, such is the state of eating bliss.

Mind you, the fish taco while dining with a friend took up the initial stomach space. Soft deep-fried squares of fresh fish, nestled into the crackly corn taco shell, piled high, again, with lettuce and cheese, could have made for one meal. Why just one though when ordering for the road so enticing.  

Or if on the touristy side, meaning without a fridge, yet still seeking the Velveteen Rabbit effect, how returning to favorite restaurants teach us dining methods to love the place. For example, the full carne asada plate can easily feed two rabbits or humans, if those are your traveling companions. Rice and beans are such comfort food, always, and then the thin sauteed slices of beef layered several pieces high with grilled onions, are very filling. The mild salsa pours liquid flavor, tart tomato and onion bits, on everything.  

In the meantime, when traveling on Big Island or living as local residents in dire need of the taqueria fix, Los Habaneros is the one. I have eaten here a dozen times over the last several years, and every time the food has been fresh, tasty, and reliably ready to create meal number two or three back at home, depending on what comida amor I have in the fridge.

Find Los Habaneros on Ali’i Drive, where the road ends in the Keahou Shopping Center. The direction is south going towards Captain Cook area.

78-6831 Alii Drive # 404 # 404, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740