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Aloha Tavern offers fine dining during UFL-03

Marine Corps News

Release Date: 8/19/2003

Story by Sgt. Reina Barnett

CAMP PALAN, Republic of Korea(August 19, 2003) -- Just in time for Ulchi Focus Lens 2003, the Aloha Tavern has opened its doors to the Marines and Sailors here.

In an era of fatty fast food and every Marine's favorite- the nutritious meal ready to eat (MRE), the Aloha Tavern offers not only something different, but offers a cure to homesickness as well, dishing up all-American cuisine, pleasing the palate of the hard-working Marines and Sailors billeted here. The long lines tell the story.

Built to withstand the great outdoors, the Aloha Tavern has a rustic décor, specializing in hot, home-cooked meals.

Executive chefs Sgt. Aubrey Evans from 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, and Cpl. James Owen of Marine Corps Air Facility, Kaneohe Bay, are among the seven Marines who feed those aboard Camp Palan.

"I like to see the smiles on people's faces when they come through the line," said Evans. "We do the best we can."

When asked about his first food-service experience at UFL, Owen said, "Cooks are more appreciated in the field. They [patrons] appreciate us when they are hungry."

"The service is awesome," remarked Cdr. Jeff Rhodes, Deputy Force Chaplain, Marine Forces Pacific.

For breakfast, Marines enjoy omelettes, cooked just the way you like it, or a couple of scoops of scrambled eggs. Alongside the eggs are several choices of select meats, as well as waffles with savory fruit toppings or rich maple syrup. A variety of breads, fruit, coffee and juices can also be found at the tavern or in any of its adjacent dining areas.

For dinner, the tavern offers the same great service, serving up specialties such as chili with rice, lasagna and baked chicken. Salad, assorted fruits and select desserts are also available. The beverage list here has more than six choices.

Petty Officer First Class Shannon Fisher, religious program specialist for MarForPac, said, "The chicken is very good. However, coffee is paramount. They've got to keep the coffee full," referring to the morning coffee.

Master Sgt. Gwynn Sadlier, Pacific Command staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge, praised the baked chicken, saying, "It was good. But there's no ice cream here. You've got to have ice cream!"

There are two softly lighted indoor dining rooms directly across the tavern, which offer ample seating. With bistro-style seating behind the tavern, Marines can also enjoy the beauty of Palan Lake while savoring their meal.

Proper dress attire is required; wearing physical training (PT) gear is not allowed. The tavern is open for breakfast Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner. Sunday hours are from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. for breakfast, and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for an evening meal.

The Aloha Tavern is a can't miss for patrons of fine Marine field dining. This critic gives the Aloha Tavern four out of five EGAs.

Stop in while at Camp Palan, and give the Aloha Tavern a try.