Ginger crowns new burger

As long as people are eating beef, there will be attempts to create a better burger, and Aloha Table has come up with a true original.

The new Local All-Star Hamburger starts with a grass-fed Big Island beef patty layered on taro buns. Also sandwiched in between are Big Island lettuce and tomato, Maui onions and a statement-making heap of Oahu- grown, chopped raw ginger.

I have to admit I’m not that big a fan of cooked ginger in food because it tends to overpower every other ingredient, but in its raw form it offers a mellower crunch that gives this burger its strong personality. With cold and flu season here, it may be a good idea to indulge in ginger for its antimicrobial properties.

For $15 the burger comes with a side of Big Island purple sweet potato fries.

Also new at Aloha Table are a couple of Midnight Special ramen options, such as an oxtail and local corn miso ramen ($12), and a nose-dripping spicy ramen ($12) of local pork and local red chilies. I applaud the heat, which is hard to take on the first couple of spoonfuls but mellows out afterward.

Aloha Table is at 2238 Lauula St. in Waikiki. Call 922-2221.