The local community pool in Eugene, Oregon (Amazon Pool) is unlike any other public pool. Sure, there is a random mixture of people (Olympic athletes, White Trash, professors, and a mish mash of kids), incredible views and greenery, and endless options of fun (high dive, platform dive, loopty-loop slide, tunnel slide, obstacle course, water sprays, sandbox, you name it). But it is the snack grill that is my ultimate favorite. It is not your typical pool snacks — no corn dogs or french fries — but rather hippy dippy Asian cuisine served at Ume Onigiri House. Kombucha, of course, and even better their dumplings and onigiri. Even though Ken is half-Japanese, I had never tried an onigiri until this summer. AND MAN, how I love it. Seriously, if you ever go to a restaurant and see it on the menu, get it. It is essentially a rice ball filled with various fillings — teriyaki chicken is my kids go to, but I have had the kimchi and teriyaki tofu and they are DELICIOUS.
Placing the order. Each onigiri costs $2.50 — A STEAL OF A DEAL! That alone makes it amazing.
The kids love it so much that they can barely wait to eat it.
It comes with homemade pickles, spinach, and the rice balls.
Tusia loves to mix hers up…making it a mixture of rice and chicken.
Cruzzie loves the dumplings.
Dumpling dude.
A portrait of feet and onigiri.
Another day, another onigiri dinner.
Basically, twice a week at swim lessons, the kids would eat onigiri for their dinner.
Perfection.
So yes, I understand that Ume Grill is unique to Eugene, but wherever you are, go find ONIGIRI. So good and so healthy, too. The perfect little meal.
