What’s new downtown
Friday - June 01, 2007
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Hukilau executive chef Jason Takemura and manager Keenan Silva
Sports Bar and Grill Opens in Executive Center Downtown.
“We’re going to the Hukilau” was on more than a few people’s lips this past weekend as down-town’s newest restaurant celebrated a grand opening by inviting the public. Free food, wine and beer samplings drew a huge crowd on Saturday night as guests stopped by to see what The Executive Center’s new signature restaurant has to offer. Executive chef is Jason Takemura and Hukilau LLC and AIO restaurants own the restaurant. Co-owner Kurt Osaki says that Hukilau’s philosophy has always been to promote the spirit of aloha through food and entertainment, and that will remain a focus in Honolulu. Hukilau, Bay Area, has been doing that successfully in its three locations - San Francisco, Palo Alto and San Jose. Hukilau Bar and Grill will celebrate the accomplishments of Hawaii’s world-class athletes by featuring Hawaii’s sports memorabilia and a sports theme throughout the restaurant. Local sports talk radio ESPN 1420 (also owned by the AIO group) will broadcast its shows live from the restaurant.
The local-style menu has been given an up-market twist by Jason, formerly executive chef of Chai’s Island Bistro. “The menu is a combination of Pacific Rim and American food,” says Jason of items like tofu cakes, a Hukilau burger and fries, and a bento-style lunch plate, served for those who want lunch in a hurry.
Hukilau Sports Bar and Grill is located in The Executive Center on Bishop Street and is open Monday through Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Early Birds at Aaron’s Catch the Best Deal
It’s always fun to track the best dining deals in town - and you have to go a long way to beat the value of one of Honolulu’s finest restaurants and its nightly early bird special. Aaron’s, at the top of The Ala Moana Hotel, offers a three-course taste of its spectacularly good menu for just $29 if you order by 6:30 p.m.
Afro-disiac cocktails created by master alchemist
Joey Gottesman are available at E&O for one
night only
The changing menu features signature dishes from the regular menu, including opakapaka, blackened pork chops and beef filet, along with appetizers and desserts. It’s an incredibly good deal, allowing you to experience the flow of the restaurant and the expertise of the kitchen. If you have something special to celebrate and you’re fairly new to fine dining, go early and you’ll love this so much I can almost guarantee you’ll be back.
The food is a mixture of fresh island ingredients, Mediterranean-style salads, pasta dishes, and entrees that feature classic dishes like rack of lamb ($37), filet mignon ($36) and osso bucco ($34). Try the cioppino ($34) if you love seafood. It’s bursting with Alaskan king crab, tiger shrimp, mussels, clams, fresh fish and calamari and comes with crunchy grilled pizza bread.
Aaron’s Atop the Ala Moana Hotel
410 Atkinson Drive
955-4466
Magical Happy Hours And Weird Hair at E&O Trading
E&O Trading Company, known for its exceptional cocktails, fine Asian food and award-winning décor, is soon to be famous for bad hair and gaudy clothes. “The evening is inspired by the great hairstyles of the ‘70s and of aphrodisiacs of the ancients,” says E&O partner Kenwei Chong. Following a theatrical dining performance in March with IONA Contemporary Dance Theatre, and a highly successful event last year, the trendy restaurant and innovative dance company will present another memorable evening June 16. “Our March event, Buddha-licious, was a spontaneous, outrageous, exhilarating, original and memorable evening,” comments Kenwei.
More of the same is in order this month as IONA members revisit the sartorial style of the ‘70s, while Joey Gottesman serves a series of specially created “afrodisiac” elixirs, including Rhino Horn, Viagra Martini, Tigers Lust and, naturally, the original Love Potion No. 9.
It’s your last chance to catch the perfect pairing - Iona is heavily scheduled through 2008 and won’t be back at the restaurant until then.
WHAT: A sensual, blowout evening of afro-disiac-inspired dinner, cocktails, entertainment and energy.
WHERE: E&O Trading Company, Ward Centre
591-9555 WHEN: Saturday, June 16 6:30 p.m., cocktails 7:30 p.m., everything else $200 (pp as available) Price includes food, open bar, silly favors, entertainment, aspirin, tax and gratuity.
ATTIRE: Sensual chic.
Hair to be provided/I>
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