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News for Restaurants in Hawaii
March 2013 Archive

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HAWAII RESTAURANT NEWS



Openings

Chai Chaowasaree, who closed his Aloha Tower venue after more than 14 years, has opened a new restaurant, Chef Chai, in the Pacifica. The new restaurant still has many of Chaowasaree's customer favorites, like his kataifi prawns, Japanese eggplant and zucchini soufflé, and kabayaki New Zealand salmon, but features new items like Thai-style oxtail soup, saké-braised baby Kona abalone, and deconstructed scallop potpie with lobster reduction. The difference is that his new place does not use butter, in an attempt to be more healthful. There is even an entrée called "Lower Your Blood Pressure," a stir-fry of Swiss chard, crimini mushrooms, broccolini, zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes and potatoes. For reservations, call 808-585-0011. Dinner nightly. Chef Chai, 1009 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96814, 808-585-0011.
 
Three Fat Pigs has opened at Kings' Shops in Waikoloa on the Big Island. It is a gastropub from chef Philip "Ippy" Aiona, who appeared on the eighth season of the Food Network show "Food Network Star." Menu offerings include sweet corn soup fritters; crispy pig tails and pickled watermelon; and a Big Island citrus salad with orange, grapefruit, fennel, ricotta and basil dressing. Three Fat Pigs, Kings' Shops, 69-250 Waikoloa Beach, Waikoloa, HI 96738, 808-339-7145.
 

 

News Bytes

Maui Lamb Mondays in April at 12th Ave. Grill
Lamb is traditionally served in the spring, and 12th Ave Grill owner Kevin Hanney is showcasing this seasonal dish with local ranchers. Chef J. Schoonover will be featuring Maui Cattle Company lamb as specials every Monday in April to promote awareness of various treatments of different cuts of lamb using as many local products as possible. The menu is as follows: April 8, smoked, slow-roasted Maui Cattle Company lamb shoulder with Manoa honey and kumquat marmalade, baby Big Island fennel, and kabocha farro; April 15, Maui Brewing Co. Mana Wheat beer-braised lamb shank with Hanson Mills toasted stone-cut oats and lotus root chips; April 22, rack of lamb. For more information and reservations, call 808-732-9469. 12th Ave Grill, 1145 12th Ave., Ste. C, Honolulu, HI 96816, 808-732-9469.
 
Pizza & a Bottle of Wine for $25 on Tuesdays at Bar 35
Every Tuesday, Bar 35 offers the combination of any of its specialty pizzas and a bottle of wine for $25. Some of the popular pizzas include the "Gyromatic," which is topped with lamb and beef gyro meat, tzatziki sauce, romaine lettuce, tomato sauce and mozzarella; and the "Sweet Bangkok," with Chinese sausage, sweet chili sauce, cilantro, tomato sauce and mozzarella. Vegetarians can enjoy the "Veggielicious," topped with fresh zucchini and mushrooms, olives, tomato sauce, mozzarella, fresh basil and sesame oil. Bar 35, 35 N. Hotel St., Honolulu, HI 96817, 808-537-3535.
 
Afternoon Tea Service at Orchids
Orchids at the Halekulani now offers afternoon tea service, which is in addition to the hotel's current afternoon tea being served in the Veranda. Whereas the Veranda only takes one reservation per day for a group of five or six people, Orchids can take one reservation a day for a party up to 20 people. Seating hours are from 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. There are three tea packages: Regular afternoon tea for $32; Champagne and afternoon tea for $49; and celebratory afternoon tea, which includes Champagne and a special cake for $54. All prices are per person. Book by calling Dining Reservations at 808-923-2311. Orchids, Halekulani, 2199 Kalia Rd., Honolulu, HI 96815, 808-923-2311.
 
Bottles of Wine Half Price on Tuesdays at Brasserie Du Vin
Every Tuesday night from 6 p.m. to closing, Brasserie Du Vin offers full bottles of wine for half price. If you have a favorite, or just wanted to try a particular grape, this is a deal that is hard to beat. This special does not include Reserve List and French Champagne. Brasserie Du Vin, 1115 Bethel St., Honolulu, HI 96813, 808-545-1115.
 


Chef Shuffles

Check back soon for more news.


Closings

CLOSED FOR GOOD
Take your taste buds on a walk down memory lane! Check out our exclusive closed restaurant database for Hawaii to virtually visit your favorite dining spots from the past. Kincha, R.I.P.

After 15 years, Sam Choy's restaurant has announced it will close on March 31. Sam Choy's owners decided not to renew its lease. During the last week of operation, the restaurant will hold five benefit dinners for local charities. Chef Sam Choy and executive chef David Cruz will feature their most popular dishes, including Choy's "Asian style" lamb chops on creamy rotelli pasta and seared ahi sashimi with ginger pesto. The schedule is as follows: Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Honolulu on March 25; YMCA of Honolulu on March 26; Ronald McDonald House on March 27; Na Koa (University of Hawaii Football) on March 28; and Honolulu Professionals Foundation, to benefit the Hawaii Intermediate Schools Athletic Association on March 29. Twenty-five percent of all food sales at dinner and a portion of breakfast and lunch sales on those days will be donated to the non-profits. No tickets are needed, but reservations are recommended. For more information call 808-545-7979. Sam Choy's, 580 N. Nimitz Hwy., Honolulu, HI 96813, 808-545-7979.
 

CULINARY EVENTS
Want to learn to cook? Try new dishes? Meet a foodie friend for fun? Check out our compilation of culinary events in your area.


View our calendar of Wine Dinners & Tastings in Hawaii

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