432792 Sun Aug 19 11:21:28 -0700 2007 2 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 2859691 I haven’t been in Hercules for a while and decided to see how Marylou’s was doing. It looked as good as ever. Since I was bowled over by the Filipino macaroni chicken salad at the newly opened Choko’s cuisine I thought I’d compare Marylou’s. I like Choko’s better but Marylou’s has a lot to recommend. It is a homier version with more in it and not as creamy. The macaroni is larger as are the cubed carrots. There are also little pieces of ham and crunchy apple. The chicken has larger pieces, is not cubed and there seems to be a little dark meat too along with larger pieces of pineapple and small accents of celery and raisins. Also bought a bottle of Mogu Mogu, a pink lychee drink with white pieces of nate de coco in it. They had a lychee-like look, texture and flavor. The first sip seemed lightly perfumy, but it was actually good and refreshing. I’d buy it again. Choko’s is good, but Marylou’s still seems the best food-wise.The turnover is higher and they are more likely to be making dishes from the kitchen rather than just the steam table. They are both very good to me and Choko’s is new so still developing and is a prettier place to dine-in. Why didn't anyone ever tell me about Filipino macaroni salad? It is great. Previous report: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/35801 Sun Aug 19 11:21:28 -0700 2007 10264 rworange 1 2860185 Sometimes it has bits of cheese in it as well! Sun Aug 19 15:49:11 -0700 2007 2859691 40512 sabrinasmom 1 2860261 I grew up eating it but it never occurred to me that it was a Filipino recipe until you mentioned it. I've actually never seen it sold anywhere either, come to think of it. Thanks for the report though, I haven't had it in a while so maybe I'll pay a visit. Sun Aug 19 16:30:32 -0700 2007 2859691 11940 DezzerSF