A taste of the Hawaiian islands

The former owner of a food cart in Portland has opened a restaurant in Camas.

James Culp operates Local Girls Hawaiian Shave Ice & Grill, with a lot of help from his family.

His parents, Jim and Tami Culp work there, along with James’ fiance, Dena Randall. James’ sister, Sarah, and her boyfriend, Andy Morones, are also employees.

Sarah’s homemade Hawaiian macaroni salad is served with rice and choices of teriyaki chicken and/or steak, Huli Huli chicken or chicken Katsu. Shoyu chicken and kalua pork are available with rice.

Other lunch or dinner options include yakisoba noodles, Hawaiian spicy chicken wings, SPAM or tofu musubi, SPAM and cheese, and “Loco Moco” with hamburger and/or SPAM.

More than 40 shave ice flavors, such as root beer, watermelon, sour apple and pina colada, are available.

Cherry, grape and strawberry sugar free options are also available.

“Shave ice is a great little dessert treat,” Jim said.

He and Tami have lived in Washougal for 10 years.

“You’re set if you want burgers or Mexican food, but for variety we’re kind of lacking [in restaurant options in the local area],” Jim said.

The name of the eatery is a tribute to James’ parents, as well as his daughters, Maliyah Rose and Gracie Mae.

Jim and Tami have been to Hawaii 19 times, and their favorite place for shave ice in Maui is Local Boys Shave Ice.

For Jim, Hawaii means a “no worries attitude.”

James has been there several times, and he enjoys the lifestyle.

“It’s relaxing, and I like to be outside,” he said.

When in Hawaii, James enjoys hiking, seeing waterfalls, snorkling, going to the beach, and hiking on lava fields.

The decor in Local Girls Hawaiian Shave Ice & Grill includes several surfboards, gecko sculptures, a tiki bar and photos of Hawaii taken by Jim and Tami.

“We just want you to feel like you’re walking into a little slice of paradise on the mainland,” James said.

Outside dining is also available.

The restaurant is located in the former Jett Burger location, in the One Stop Shopping Center. James and Jim contracted electricians and plumbers, and they renovated the 3,500 square foot space.

James plans to add breakfast options, such as coconut and pineapple pancakes, macadamia pancakes, and sausage, eggs and bacon, in late October.

A karaoke night, for all ages, is planned for Friday, Oct. 3, from 5 to 9 p.m.

“We’re family oriented,” James said. “There is no alcohol. We’re just trying to bring in the kids and the community.”

Local Girls Hawaiian Shave Ice and Grill, 3531 S.E. Second Ave., is open Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call 931-0719 or visit www.facebook.com/LocalGirlsPDX.