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Hawaii Regional Cuisine, page 2
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Indigo in Downtown Honolulu is a very popular, very eclectic, very enjoyable hotspot featuring a great Happy Hour(s) and fabulous dishes like this mu shu duck roll. |
Indigo Eurasian Cuisine. A Closer Look. 1121 Nuuanu Ave. in Downtown Honolulu. 521-2900. Lunch Tuesday-Friday, dinner Tuesday-Saturday, late-night Tuesday-Wednesday till 11:30, Thursday-Saturday till 2am. Parking in Marks Garage or other public parking structures in vicinity. Prices: $$$. Map. Located in the heart of the business district that is also fast becoming quite the trendy locale for contemporary art folks, Indigo is the unique dining experience of Chef Glenn Chu’s making. The dishes, as well as the furniture and ambience, are a mixture of Indonesian, Thai, and Chinese. Relaxing sounds from the rock and plant-laden waterfall will soothe your busy mind and the rattan and bamboo furnishings reinforce the exotic Asian feel of the restaurant. There is a busy buffet of dim sum for the office lunchtime crowd, and at night visitors from the nearby Hawaii Theatre and art galleries arrive, especially during Friday night art events. The goat cheese won-tons are delicious and one of the more popular items here. They are filled with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and sweet peppers in a nice four-fruit sauce. The grilled Mongolian rib-eye with black bean beurre blanc sauce is another popular choice. The bar area can get a bit loud, so be prepared for a fun evening, and have a cocktail or three, you know, just to blend in with the crowd!
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Hawaii's only revolving restaurant offers great Hawaii Regional Cuisine and spectacular views of Waikiki and beyond! |
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Top of Waikiki. A Closer Look. 2270 Kalakaua Ave. at the Waikiki Business Plaza. 923-3877. Dinner nightly. Parking in building. Prices: $$$$. Map. A distinguishing feature here is that in one hour, all from the same seat, you will have taken on slowly changing views from mountain to ocean and back, or vice versa, because that’s the time it takes for the entire restaurant to move in a 360 degree revolution from it’s lofty vantage point on top of the Waikiki Business Plaza - hence it’s name. Chef Sean Priester, who has won numerous awards and brought this restaurant to noteriety, is now gone, but new Chef John Ness also has an impressive resume in fine restaurants on the Mainland and Oahu, as well as working under the former Chef for three years. Much of the menu is still here, such as the popular chicken cordon bleu, spicy tuna/Kona kampachi w/sea asparagus, and tea-smoked ginger duck l'orange, along with new dishes like roast lamb chop nicoise and free range chicken panzanella. The combination of great views and dining make this a great experience.
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Great views, great food, great service, great atmosphere it's aaalll great experiencing Twist at the Sheratons' Hanohano Room! |
Twist at the Hanohano Room. A Closer Look. 2255 Kalakaua Ave. at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. 921-4600. Dinner nightly. Parking at hotel. Prices: $$$$. Map. The old Hanohano Room is now gone, and in its place is a sleek new restaurant with the same great views from its giant floor-to-ceiling windows, high atop the Sheraton Waikiki. The dining room is much more stylish now, featuring shimmering curtains, white leather, art-deco carpets, and tasteful drop-lighting. There are periodically-changing menus that feature three, four, or five-course meals from $65-$105. Choose your own from appetizers like roasted cauliflower and Kona lobster bisque w/truffle essence, entrees like shellfish Cassoulet or Tahitian vanilla-poached onaga, and desserts like spiced cabernet gelee w/poached pears or chili chocolate catalan cream w/cinnamon-sugar churros and stewed bing cherries.
Alan Wong’s Pineapple Room. Macy’s Department Store at the Ala Moana S.C. 945-6573. Breakfast Saturday and Sunday only, lunch daily, dinner nightly except closed on Sunday. Parking in center lot. Prices: $$$. Map. A great way to spend lunch in between the best shopping on the island, not that breakfast and dinner are bad. It’s just that lunch just always seems to be a happening time at this chic but very casual spot, one where tutu’s and children can mix with aloha-shirt-clad businessmen and youngsters with nose rings and tattoo’s – right in tune with the Ala Moana vibe. Chef Neil Nakasone has been carefully tutored under the watchful eye of his mentor, with his versions of island comfort food kicked up several notches, like seared ahi, loco-moco, and Chinese-style steamed Mahimahi. Its burger, made with North Shore-grown island cattle, has won a couple of island taste-test contests and is big, bold, and beautiful to behold. Just as a word of warning, though - these high-end burgers are very lean and lack the fat content of more economical burgers. Though the kids who are accustomed to greasy burgers from McDonald’s may not appreciate them, the more discriminating will marvel at the quality of beef itself, cooked perfectly and without the charred slaughtering of cheaper burgers.
John Dominis. 43 Ahui St. in Kakaako. 523-0955. Dinner nightly, Sunday brunch 9am-1pm, lounge area open Monday-Thursday 4pm till 11:30pm, Friday and Saturday 4pm till 1am. Valet parking. Prices: $$$$. Map. This local spot was once at the undisputed top of the food chain in the islands. These days, the competition has stepped it up exponentially, so I can't quite say the same. Don’t let that scare you away, though. With a menu that includes items like abalone, caviar, jumbo Alaskan king crab legs, and live lobster, it’s still a quality place to visit. The Sunday brunch has an impressive spread of items, including several action stations for waffles, a meat carver, and custom-made omelets. Ever mindful of the large Japanese clientele in the islands, an extensive sushi bar has gone up, along with a decent list of sake.
Ola at Turtle Bay. 57-091 Kamehameha Hwy. at the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore. 293-0801. Lunch and dinner daily. Parking at hotel. Prices: $$$$. Map. If you’re out on the North Shore (about 45 minutes to an hour from Waikiki – like another state for us islanders!) this is a nice little stop – it’s almost right on the beach fronting a quiet little cove. The cool ocean breezes run through the entire restaurant, and Chef Fred DeAngelo’s island cuisine is modern and imaginitive. Try the ahi and lobster poke in a won ton spoon for starters, along with the crab cakes. They lack the large chunks of fresh crab you love to see, but the rich and savory flavors make it a winner, blending perfectly with the slightly sweetened lemongrass-soy buerre blanc. The signature slow-poached Togarashi Salmon is also heavy on flavors, exuding an intense smokiness that comes from being roasted over a kiawe-wood grill. The pinkish-orange flesh is super moist and one of the softest cuts of salmon I’ve ever had, but is crusted with a caramelized cane sugar that I find a bit too sweet. In general, a great place for a casual atmosphere with great dishes and an island-style resort surrounding.
12th Avenue Grill. 1145C 12th Ave. in Kaimuki. 732-9469. Dinner nightly except closed on Sunday. Parking in lots behind or around store, or on street. Prices: $$$. Map. Former caterer Kevin Hanney is quickly rising up through the ranks with his clean, comfortable retro eatery. He has some unforgettable macaroni and cheese, found on the same menu as the signature kim-chee steak. “Only in Hawaii!” is all I can say! Chef Hanney also creates a really great smoked ahi spread on their nicois salad that is bottled and sold at RC Fields, the Wine Stop, and other fine food stores. And don’t forget the desserts, such as the light, delicious lemon mousse pie and a great maple crème brulee.
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Not your typical greasy burger - Lean, high-quality North Shore Cattle Co. beef is used at Town, along with fries sprinkled with fresh herbs. |
Town. 3435 Waialae Ave. in Kaimuki. 735-5900. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily except closed on Sunday. Parking in lot behind store on 9th Ave, or on street. Prices: $$$. Map.
You may be getting a sense of what locals knew all along – Kaimuki, which is only about a five minute drive from Waikiki, has some really great food! Sure, in the past it was known more for island-style comfort-type foods, but with the addition of Town, 12th Ave. Grill, and Café Miro, not to mention trendy little bakeries like Café Laufer and JJ Bistro, Kaimuki is quickly becoming the sophisticated mecca for small, contemporary cafes. Town fits the bill and delivers with an American/Italian mix of dishes like polenta, frittata, fancy salads and sandwiches, bruschetta, and ribeye steak with Roquefort butter. Its young, hip clientele ensures that there are many healthy options using locally-grown products such as Hamakua mushrooms, Mao Farms organic lettuce, Sumida Farms watercress, and Kulana grass-fed beef.
You may be getting a sense of what locals knew all along – Kaimuki, which is only about a five minute drive from Waikiki, has some really great food! Sure, in the past it was known more for island-style comfort-type foods, but with the addition of Town, 12th Ave. Grill, and Café Miro, not to mention trendy little bakeries like Café Laufer and JJ Bistro, Kaimuki is quickly becoming the sophisticated mecca for small, contemporary cafes. Town fits the bill and delivers with an American/Italian mix of dishes like polenta, frittata, fancy salads and sandwiches, bruschetta, and ribeye steak with Roquefort butter. Its young, hip clientele ensures that there are many healthy options using locally-grown products such as Hamakua mushrooms, Mao Farms organic lettuce, Sumida Farms watercress, and Kulana grass-fed beef.
Downtown @the Hisam. 250 S. Hotel St. at the Hawaii State Art Museum in Downtown Honolulu. 536-5900. Lunch daily except closed on Sunday. Prices: $$. Map. The place with the funky name (and kinda catchy, too – don’t ya think?) is embedded deep in the Hawaii State Art Museum, and the restaurant itself looks like an extension of the museum, with modern designs and display pieces everywhere. I can’t help but to think this symbiotic relationship is a bit more favorable to the museum, though, as the downtown chic’sters have reacted favorably to this new breakfast and lunch spot. Chef Ed Kenny, of Town restaurant in Kaimuki, has created Downtown with the same amount of diligent care – light, healthy, quality meals at a great price and a pronounced Italian accent. The roasted beet salad with arugula, pistachio nuts, and shaved ricotta salata is great, as is the simple but fabulous baked salmon over polenta. There are also items like panini’s, sandwiches, and lasagna made from ground lamb, along with locally made sodas, home made fruit drinks, and great desserts.
| 'Want a garlic challenge? Not only is there garlic outside, but wait till you see what's waiting deep inside these standing French baguettes from Garlic Restaurant Ninnikuya! |  |
Garlic Restaurant Ninnikuya. A Closer Look. 3196 Waialae Ave. in Kaimuki. 735-0784. Dinner nightly except closed on Monday. Parking in two small lots on either side of store or on street. Prices: $$$. Map. “Ninnikuya” means “garlic house” in Japanese, and that it rightly is. Garlic laced four mushroom pasta, Black Angus steaks on a hot stone, and garlic fried rice are some of the specialties here. Even some of the desserts are infused with this potent vegetable, or herb, or fruit - or whatever they call it! You’ll fee like you’ve walked into a friends house, especially when you dine in the outdoor section under the trees, with it’s suburban location and casual atmosphere. This hole-in-the-wall is the sister location of its original store in Hiroshima, Japan.
Sam Choy’s Breakfast, Lunch, and Crab. 580 Nimitz Hwy. in Iwilei. 545-7979. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, with breakfast buffet on weekends. Valet parking. Prices: $$$$. Map. While Sam Choy’s Diamond Head is classic Pacific Rim, his Nimitz location is much more casual and more personifies the essence of his island style character - playful, easy-going, comfortable, and big! We really love the Aloha and family-style feel of the place, in spite the fact that it also houses a microbrewery producing Sam’s own line of Big Aloha Beers. There’s also a huge boat - yes, that’s right, a boat - in the middle of the dining room, and there’s enough brass, circular windows, and maritime nostalgia to give it a fun, nautical feel. It’s the kind of place where you just wanna cover the whole table with newspapers, get dirty, and tip over a pot of hot, steaming seafood directly over the front page! All heart and all soul, this restaurant is! Jumbo king crab legs, kona lobster tails, peel-n-eat shrimp, manila clams – they’re all here! It’s the perfect place to have an ice-cold, locally-made draft beer, and also very close to the airport if you’re looking for a last island meal!
Hula Grill. 2335 Kalakaua Ave. at the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel. 923-4852. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Parking at hotel. Prices: $$$. Map. This Waikiki restaurant is located right above the popular Duke’s restaurant (listed in the Dinner w/Drinks section) and is owned by the same company. If you want to party, Duke’s is it, but come to Hula Grill if you actually want to hear what your companions are saying. The beachfront view is also better, as you can see a lot more surfing action than is possible from the ground floor. Early evenings are perfect here because of the dramatic sunset views, but it is also perfect for breakfast because the sun rises on the opposite side of your view, keeping you away from the heat and blinding rays of the morning sun. On the menu are items such as Mauna Kea goat cheese quesadillas, sesame opah, steak Diane, and seafood gazpacho. The prices are normal for a Pacific Rim restaurant, but breakfasts are very economical.
Hau Tree Lanai. 2863 Kalakaua Ave. at the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel in Waikiki. 921-7066. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Parking at hotel. Prices: $$$$. Map. The Hau Tree Lanai is another open-air Waikiki beach-front restaurant, fronting the beautiful San Souci Beach, sometimes called Kaimana Beach by the locals. This romantic little get-away on the quieter, Diamond Head-side of Waikiki serves up items like escargot, wild mushrooms in a puff pastry, a “fisherman’s stew” of lobster, clams, scallops, shrimp, crab, and island fish, and moi Napolean with Portabella mushrooms and truffle butter sauce. The breakfasts here are fabulous, with an eggs benedict, a veggie benedict, and even a salmon benedict Florentine as well as the familiar line-up of pancakes, waffles, create-your-own omelets, cereals, breads, fruit juices, and the like.
Lucy’s Grill ‘n Bar. 33 Aulike St. in Kailua. 230-8188. Dinner daily. Parking outside store or on street. Prices: $$$. Map. This popular eatery is often crowded and is adorned with a modern Hawaiian beach look, and that goes for the guests, as well! Kailua is similar to Hawaii Kai in that you will find many expensive homes, with well-to-do white and oriental homeowners trying to look the casual Hawaiian part! The dishes here come in large portions for a Pacific Rim restaurant. There are bountiful salads filled with hip ingredients like arugula, mandarin oranges, mesclun greens, red onions, gorgonzola cheese, and balsamic-berry vinaigrettes. Some of the popular main dishes you can find are the pepper-crusted ahi with wasabi-miso buerre blanc, and the spinach and caramelized onion pizza with lilikoi puree.
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Dass' one big boat! The Star of Honolulu has the grandest sunset dinner cruise in the state. |
Star of Honolulu’s 5-Star Dinner. A Closer Look. Pier 8 at the Aloha Tower Marketplace ocean side of Downtown Honolulu. 983-7827. Nightly departures at 5:30pm. Parking in center lot. Prices: $$$$. Map. This dinner is actually on board the 1,500 passenger Star of Honolulu ship, specifically built for stability and comfort in Hawaiian waters. Be sure to show up early to allow time for check in at the office right across from the ship, as they will not wait for late-comers! This is the premier dinner cruise in the state, and the only one with an excellent 7-course, French-inspired meal that can stand up to the other Pacific Rim restaurants out there. The meals change quarterly, but you can always find a fork-tender filet mignon and lobster highlighting your meals, along with variable items like canapés of melon and prosciutto, Kamuela tomato gazpacho, and rock shrimp endive. You also get to meet the captain, listen to the sounds of live jazz, and be assured that you won’t receive this kind of preferential treatment on any other dinner cruise in the islands, unless, of course, you charter your own yacht! As you may expect, you’ll be paying top dollar for this experience (roughly $175 per person!). If you want something a little more affordable, there are three other levels on the ship that offer dinners for a more manageable $70-$80.
Epic. 1131 Nuuanu Ave. in Downtown Honolulu. 587-7877. Weekday lunch only, dinner nightly except closed Sunday. Valet parking fronting store ($6 p/car) or self-park in any lots around area. Prices: $$$. Map. Restaurant Epic is part of the blossoming of Downtown Honolulu, with Chef David Hoffman preparing such specialties as a roasted tomato horseradish bisque with grilled fennel and prosciutto swiss panini, a blue-cheese-crusted deep-sea papio, gorgonzola-smeared chicken, and kabeyaki glazed U-10 sea scallops. The new-wave sushi seems to be very popular, with interesting concoctions like an inside-out roll of crusted beef tenderloin, grilled black tiger shrimp, and spicy miso mustard sauce. Where there is sushi there must be sashimi, and where there is sashimi there is poke. In Hawaii, at least. Both are offered here as well, like the truffle ahi poke and the sizzling ahi sashimi, served with spiced radish slad, grapefruit, avocado, and jalapeno yuzu ponzu. Definitely some ultra-modern dishes they got going here!
