Fry-yay

Fries are my guilty pleasure — the thicker and more garlicky, the better — so even though National French Fries Day was technically yesterday, there’s no reason to stop the celebration. Every day can be fry-day, especially when you’re eating the loaded versions at the places below.

It’s hurricane season

I first tried the seasoned hurricane fries from Mariposa (1450 Ala Moana Blvd.) when it was on its happy hour menu. The restaurant’s executive chef Lawrence Nakamoto actually grinds arare and furikake into a powder to use as the “hurricane seasoning.” The fries come with a creamy, Asian remoulade made with wasabi oil, shibazuke pickles and shichimi spice for dipping. Call 808-951-3420.

Yay for okonomiyaki

Located in SALT at Our Kakaako (685 Auahi St.), Redfish Poke‘s addictive okonomiyaki fries ($9) feature the crinkle-cut variety loaded with yaki glaze, kewpie mayo, bonito, scallions, furikake and pickled ginger.

“We’ve always loved okonomiyaki and felt that putting it on fries was fitting and fun,” shares head chef Reid Matsumura.

Pro tip: Check out Redfish Poke’s daily happy hour (2-6 p.m.) for an awesome discount in the form of $5 truffle fries topped with fried Goteborg and garlic aioli. Visit redfishpoke.com.

Don’t go ‘bacon’ my heart

Thick, crispy steak fries smothered in a delicious mess of melty, smoked Gouda and Swiss fondue cheese sauce, crispy bacon and chopped green onions. Talk about droolworthy. Aloha Beer Co.‘s bacon fondue steak fries ($10.50) are a twist on a rich, savory poutine that pairs perfectly with beer.

Steak fries are consistently one of Aloha Beer Co.’s top-selling menu items. The bacon fondue steak fries are one of the few original items to survive the changes to the food menu over the years, but don’t worry — Aloha Beer Co. (700 Queen St.) plans to keep them around for a long time. Call 544-1605 or visit alohabeer.com.

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta’s column features a variety of tips and insider knowledge about Oahu’s dining scene. Follow Kelli on Instagram (@kellishiromabraiotta).