The Food Company Market & Café

The Food Company Market & Café Restaurant Review:

Located in the middle of a strip mall, far from the typical Kailua visitor crowd, The Food Company Market & Café offers the neighborhood upscale fare in a casual beach town setting. The candlelit dining room is a bit dark and smoky from the partly-open kitchen, but enlivened with artwork from local artists adorning the walls. The real draw, however, is chef Jason Kiyota's culinary know-how and technique with his signature creations. Standout appetizers include pan-roasted Mission figs topped with prosciutto, micro arugula, Gorgonzola and shallot-walnut relish. Don’t miss the Kona abalone prepared escargots-style in a garlic Cognac butter sauce. Smoked ahi dip and tortilla chips are complimentary and a nice surprise. For entrées, the tender red wine-braised short ribs are served with garlic mashed potatoes or purple Okinawan sweet potatoes. Fish is offered in a variety of preparations, such as pan-roasted hamachi filet in langoustine butter broth or Thai-style chili garlic salmon. Local meats and seafood are often featured, and pasta, gnocchi and risotto round out the varied menu. Dessert choices may include flourless chocolate cake with vanilla bean ice cream and balsamic peppered strawberries. The restaurant is BYOB (no corkage fee). In the mood for a more casual meal? A sister restaurant, The Food Company Restaurant & Catering, is right next door and features local-style plate lunches, bentos, and snacks such as loco moco, mochiko chicken, maki sushi and musubis for dining in or to go.