Cha-Cha-Cha Salsaria - Hawaii Kai

Tom and I had to pick up a bookshelf in Hawaii Kai and since we were on that side of the island, we stopped off at Cha Cha Cha's to try out their nachos.  We had lovely outdoor seating and the company of a couple ducks hanging out by our feet.  They are the same beggars as the pigeons but somehow not as annoying and cuter.  House margarita's were only $5.50 so we ordered a couple of those and some beef nachos.  Live music started playing halfway into our meal which just added to the lovely night.

Tom: Something rad:  There are ducks at my feet!  How cute!  Waterfront nachos rule.  House salsa was a great balance of spiciness and pepper flavor.  Great service. Great margarita!

Something lame:  Ducks defecating. But that's pretty much it.

Chip to topping ratio: 4/5 almost perfect overall.  The topping density was more biased towards the center of the place (5/5) to lighter at the edges (3/5).  The spicy ground beef had excellent flavor and other toppings had full flavor without conflicting.  Harmonizing!

Ingredients: olives cilantro beans ground beef sour cream pickled jalapeños shredded cheese chips

Presentation:  Thoughtful double plating on long slender plates.  A cool dish placed under the hot one bearing the nachos allowed movement of the dish without burning fingers.  Toppings distributed aesthetically.

Overall:

4.50/5.00.  I'm excited for nachos at cha cha chas again soon!

Pile of Nachos: $9.95 ($2 extra for chicken, beef or pork).  You can also get a half order.  Whole refried beans, olives, cheese, sour cream drizzle, cilantro, chips, salsa and we think some jalapenos

Shananigans (4): Looks lovely on a long platter, can't wait to dive in!  RAD: The beef has lots of flavor, the house habanero sauce kicks up the heat to just the right place.  I always love when there are olives on my nachos, should be mandatory ingredient.  LAME: Lack of spice (unless you pay $1 to get a small ramekin of the house made hot sauce).  Topping to chip ratio: 4, had to use a fork for some ingredients with no chips.  We devoured it in moments and could not write while we ate for fear the other person would eat part of the other's share.  At first I thought it was small but it turned out to be perfect for two people to share.  If it was bigger, we would have kept eating and been stuffed.  I love that they give you little Mexican blankets on the lanai if you are chilly during your dinner.