Hawaii Foodie Buzz

There was a great article in Pacific Business News this week about two Hawaiian restaurants making the list of top 40 Best Restaurants in the US (as selected by Gayot), one of those being Chef Mavro Restaurant. I was lucky enough to dine there when my mom came to visit Hawaii in 2007. I met Chef Mavro (see pic) and took a bunch of pictures of the food, but sadly turned the menu of the evening over to my former boss back at the Seafood School in Sydney, so I can't remember the names of the dishes we ate. What I do remember though was the amazing experience we had, the local produce we tried, and the excellent wines that were matched to the food. Chef Mavro is a deserving recipient of this award - congrats Chef! Below is a picture of a dish made with goat's cheese from the Big Island, which I actually got two servings of because it was so delicious!

The other restaurant from Hawaii in the top 40 list was Ono Hawaiian Foods, which I have not yet experienced, but have added to my list for our vacation in February. From a quick glance at their website I noticed that the food is cheap and the local produce is abundant - something I am always proud to promote. I did notice that Spam is on the menu - which is I would expect and still find funny to think about (refer to yesterday's post on Spam for more info).

Congratulations to these two restaurants. As a huge fan of Alan Wong's I am disappointed that they didn't make the list, but they do feature prominently on other best restaurant lists throughout the world. Be sure to check out all these places on your next Hawaiian vacation - you won't be disappointed!

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck

Driving around the Island of Oahu, you will find that there are a bunch of shrimp farms, hence the abundance of shrimp trucks. I have not had the chance to eat at all of the shrimp trucks (yet - there is only so much shrimp you can eat per Island circle drive) - but the one that was recommended to me and the one I suggest you visit first is Giovanni's Original White Shrimp Truck. They are located on the North Shore and are definitely the most popular of all the shrimp trucks. I have been there twice in a 3 year period, and the good news is that the menu and prices have stayed the same. Here's what you get:

For $US12 (including tax) you have the choice of 12 fresh shrimp cooked in the following ways:

• Garlic Shrimp - had chunks of garlic in it but its so good
• Lemon Butter Shrimp - again I love this one, but a little heavy on the butter
• Spicy Shrimp - I have not dared to try this - as at the counter it clearly states no refunds on the spicy shrimp - suggesting to me that this might blow my head off with the level of heat

All shrimp comes with a side of rice (2 scoops). The shrimp is cooked while you wait, so it takes a few minutes but definitely worth it. Nothing beats good shrimp (or should I say prawns!) - depends who you are talking to!

I only have one warning when purchasing your shrimp - get one plate for yourself, not to share - it is so delicious that you will want to go back for more. Yum.

Alan Wong's - Honolulu

One of the best dining experiences I had in Hawaii was eating at Alan Wong's Restaurant on King St, Honolulu. Coming from Sydney and being fortunate enough to eat quality produce every day (thanks Sydney Seafood School!) I was thrilled to find a restaurant in Hawaii that served such wonderful local produce.

The first time we went there we had the 5 course degustation. Wow - the whole experience was amazing, from the food, to the service, to the view from the restaurant of the mountains. My favorite dish (and still is to this day), is the Ginger Crusted Onaga; I don't think I have ever eaten fish that was so fresh and tender.

The nice thing about Alan Wong's is that they always ask if you are dining for a special occasion eg. birthday, anniversary etc. And unless you are made of money, it usually is a special occasion! So be prepared for a special birthday dessert, or a selection of dessert samples to share on your anniversary. Not only is this thoughtful, but gives you an opportunity to sample a number of the dessert items that you were dying to try but just didn't have room for!

Alan Wong's also has an amazing selection of coffee - including beans that are roasted at his own plantation in Hawaii.

If you want to support the local economy and have a true Hawaiian experience - this is it. You can find more info about Alan Wong and his culinary ventures on his website - he has a lot of restaurants including one in Japan.

I have attached a few photos of the delicious food to get your mouth watering - enjoy!



Ginger Crusted Onaga - Yum!



Delicious Dessert Sampler