03/23/2023
Though it was beloved, the Beachwalk BBQ food truck operated by Chef Preston Tripp and Ashlee Alewine did not truly scratch their itch to open their own restaurant. When a building on the west end of Grand Avenue in Grover Beach came on the market, the two jumped on it and Pono Pacific Kitchen was born. The space received a sizable makeover and now, the restaurant is flooded with light, and the comfy, wraparound bar with beautiful tile work gives the establishment a trendy, freewheeling energy. Both the setting and food take inspiration from places Preston has lived: Las Vegas, Southern California, Hawaii and now, the Central Coast. Guests enjoy locally sourced and Pacific-inspired, approachable dishes, such as the misoyaki butterfish with black forbidden rice and local baby bok choy, and the fried chicken and caviar. The sweet pepper relish with ponzu wasabi butter was inspired by Oahu’s famous chef, Roy Yamaguchi, whom Preston has always admired.
📍228 W. Grand Avenue in Grover Beach
Words by Renee Roragen
📸by Jennifer Olson