There’s something to be said for sitting down with friends and family. and enjoying a meal together at the table or on the go. On those nights where cooking feels too far-fetched, and motivation in the kitchen lacks eating out is sometimes the most fun and logical option. And who doesn’t love a meal cooked for them by someone who knows exactly what they’re doing in the kitchen?
Nestled in the heart of Moscow lies a wide array of restaurants, each proud to share their cultural traditions and food with fellow food lovers and community members of Moscow.
LocoGrinz Hawaiian BBQ
First entering the community in 2001, LocoGrinz Hawaiian BBQ has been proudly sharing their culture, story and food to Moscow’s community members.
The owner of Locogrinz is Gayne Mitta is originally from Hawaii but attended the University of Idaho Law School. Mitta had the idea to open up Locogrinz in hopes of sharing his passion for the Hawaiian culture and food that comes with it. For LocoGrinz Hawaiian BBQ, culture means everything.
“When we first opened in 2001, there truly wasn’t much food diversity in the area,” Mitta said. “We wanted to provide a new wave of cultural diversity with the community, but noticed people were rather hesitant at first to come in.”
As time passed by Mitta noticed that they started seeing supportive responses, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We felt very welcomed into the community, and we’ve grown to learn that a lot of people share our same love for Hawaiian food,”he said.
But which dish should you try if you stop by LocoGrinz?
“Our most highlighted and favorite dish would probably be the Hawaiian BBQ chicken, also known as Hawaiian style teriyaki,”he said.
On top of their Hawaiian BBQ chicken, their macaroni salad has proved to be a fan favorite, and a guaranteed must try.
“We pride ourselves into tying the saying Aloha while making our dishes, where we make sure we carry our family outlook to our customers,”Mitta said.
While flavorful and quality meals are a guarantee at Locogrinz, you can also be expected to feel welcomed into their culture and traditions.
“We pride ourselves in treating our employees like family,” Mitta said. “We go by the Hawaiian saying Ohana, which translates directly to family. We view our customers as family, and we strive to make sure they get the best deal from us.”
It’s safe to say that LocoGrinz Hawaiian BBQ is here to provide a family atmosphere, all while creating their dishes that customers all around love.
Mikey’s Gyros
Mikey’s Gyros have also been representing their cultural diversity for the past 40 years here in the heart of downtown Moscow. Owner, Louise Todd, joined her business partner in owning the restaurant in 2005 and has been passionately building relationships with long time customers, as well as new time visitors.
“We definitely grew up in a close-knit community where diversity was and is extremely important to us,” Todd said. “We welcome everyone into our restaurant where it’s always been a place for professors and students to feel comfortable hanging out.”
So, look no further, if a new hangout spot is needed, Mikey’s Gyros is ready with open arms. One special aspect of Mikey’s Gyros are their rotating soups that are switched out routinely on the menu.
“Our soups give us a chance to focus more on a global aspect,” Todd said. “It’s a good way to reach out and really engage in every cultural and diverse aspect. We look forward to creating new soups and introducing them to our customers, and we also love taking in suggestions on what our customers might enjoy seeing on the menu. Sometimes we have people tell us they grew up eating a certain soup, and we aim to recreate it and put it on our list for them.”
Todd’s personal favorite is the African peanut, which is made up of yams, sweet potatoes, ginger, cayan and peanuts. Don’t be alarmed, if soup isn’t your usual go to, Mikey’s is also famous for their Greek gyros. Topped with lettuce, red onion, tomato and handmade cucumber yogurt, their Deluxe Gyro has proved to be a top seller and a beautiful representation of their passion for Greek food.
Maialina Pizzeria Napoletana
Born with an obsession for wood-fired pizza and the beauty behind handmade pasta, Maialina’s opened in 2013, ready to serve the community.
“I think for Maialina’s, locality is so important to us,” Palmer said. “Our chef Carly (Lilly) was born and raised in Moscow, and Chef George has involved himself so heavily into the community. Everyone who walks in here is automatically considered a part of our family.”
Front tier workers Aspen and Diane are proud to represent Maialinas, where they buy their produce locally and have personal relationships with their purveyors.
Not only has Maialina’s partnered with local Moscow farmers, but their very own chef, George Skandalos, started a non-profit organization called Fare Idaho. With COVID-19 taking a hit on a multitude of small businesses, Skandalos became an advocate by sharing his collective voice and shared interest in a love of food and local Idaho markets. Through his nonprofit, Skandalos has been able to support other small business in a time of need and love.
Dining at Maialinas also brings a wide array of food options, ranging from their famous air loom tomato with caprese salad, to their homemade pasta dishes that change from season to season. With a passion to serve the Moscow community, Maialina’s is open with loving arms to those ready to indulge in a taste of Italy.
*This piece was revised April 5th, 2022. Corrections were made to the Mikey’s Gyros section. Husband was changed to business partner and Part-time was eliminated in the first paragraph.