The sun sets on Boulder's 8island Hawaiian BBQ

There aren't many places in this state where you can pick up a Hawaiian plate lunch, savoring teriyaki steak, panko-encrusted pork, chicken katsu or Spam alongside a scoop of macaroni salad and rice. In fact, we can really only think of one place that featured the casual island tradition: 8island...

By Laura Shunk

January 6, 2012

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There aren't many places in this state where you can pick up a Hawaiian plate lunch, savoring teriyaki steak, panko-encrusted pork, chicken katsu or Spam alongside a scoop of macaroni salad and rice. In fact, we can really only think of one place that featured the casual island tradition: 8island Hawaiian BBQ in Boulder.

Sadly, 8island was another casualty of the new year: The colorful place has closed, taking its massive menu of Hawaiian specialties with it. The signs were down on the front of the spot's strip mall address this week, and employees at the next door Little Caesar's confirm that the restaurant served its last plate last Monday.

No word on what owner Michael Iuchi, a Sushi Tora alum, might do next -- or what might take over the kitchen at the 8island address.

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Laura Shunk was Westword's restaurant critic from 2010 to 2012; she's also been food editor at the Village Voice and a dining columnist in Beijing. Her toughest assignment had her drinking ten martinis and eating ten Caesar salads over the course of 48 hours. She still drinks martinis, but remains lukewarm on Caesar salads.

Contact: Laura Shunk

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