07/29/2026
ππππ°ππ’π’ππ§ π
π«π’ππ ππ’πππ
Starting this week! Hawaiian Fried Rice is on the menu. Itβs bright, bold and filled with tropical flavor.
Flavorful curry-spiced fried rice is tossed in a wok with diced spam, pineapple chunks, onions, carrots, scallions. Drizzled with a sweet soy glaze and topped with furikake seasoning.
Itβs got it all: salty, savory, sweet, spicy, tart, citrusy and TONS of umami flavor.
ππ‘π ππ§π¬π©π’π«πππ’π¨π§
This weekβs special is inspired by both our siblings trip to Japan last year and our familyβs personal history living in Hawaii for a time when Grandma and Grandpa first immigrated to the US.
πΊ The beauty of Hawaiian culture and her food lies in a deep connection with the land, a gratitude for the resources it provides, and a strong sense of community.
This harmonious way of living resonated deeply with our familyβs roots to our home country of Laos in Southeast Asia. π±π¦
After Hawaii, we moved to Texas and then ultimately settled here in Wisconsin.
Weβd always jokingly roast Grandpa for generationally signing us all up for these brutal Midwest winters over the beachy paradise of Hawaii ππ
But he and Grandma truly fell in love with the natural wonders of Wisconsin. The land here provided abundance in a different way: fishing in the freshwater rivers and lakes; hunting and foraging in the woods, and friendly communities too.
Japanese-Hawaiian fusion cuisine, like our Laotian-Midwestern menu, tells a significant story. One that all of our grandparents have most likely lived through and taught us: π³π¦π΄π°πΆπ³π€π¦π§πΆππ―π¦π΄π΄. Using the ingredients you have, adapting, and creating something out of nothing.
We hope youβll savor this dish with a sense of wonder and significance too. Even better: alongside family, a friend or even a neighbor.
β¨ Available exclusively this week for dine-in and takeout while supplies last.
See you soon!
With gratitude,
The Sweet Basil Family & Staff
https://www.sweetbasilmke.com/
