classic Hawaiian dish of octopus braised
with taro leaves and coconut milk. We
know not to tamper with tradition so we
simply improve the original by squeezing
fresh coconut milk every day (the only
restaurant on the island to do so) and by
grilling the braised he’e (octopus) over
kiawe wood in our hearth, resulting in a
tender interior and smoky, crisp exterior.
We stray from tradition with the addition
of a sprinkling of inamona dukkah at the
end. Inamona dukkah is toasted native
kukui nut to which we add ni’oi (Hawaiian
chile pepper), sesame seeds, grated coconut, and ‘alaea salt (sea salt).
Favorite Sunset Cocktail The House
Without A Key at the Halekulani Hotel has
a special place in my heart. This is where
my parents used to perform when I was
a child. My emotional connection aside,
with live Hawaiian music and hula every
evening, it is the most authentic and stunning venue in all of Honolulu for cocktails
at sunset.
Favorite Local Food Ono Hawaiian Foods on
Kapahulu, but they are closing their doors in August
after more than 50 years. So, I would have to say
Waiahole Poi Factory, although it is a bit of a drive
— albeit a pretty beautiful drive. I like the Laulau/
Luau Stew combo plate. And don’t forget the kulolo
for the road.
Favorite Special Occasion Go to Tamura’s Market
in Kaimuki and pack a cooler with goodies from the
extensive wine collection, poke counter and gourmet
foods aisle, and then head to any of the dozens of
Oahu’s public beaches, parks or hiking trails for a
special occasion that you’ll never forget.
WHO JUSTIN PARK
WHERE BAR LEATHER APRON
Specialty Drink Our house old fashioned (the BLA
old fashioned) is our most popular drink. We use
Japanese wasanbon sugar, which gives it a very rich,
unique flavor. We import the sugar ourselves directly
from a sugar factory in Japan.
Sunset Cocktail A House Without A Key
in the Halekulani Hotel is my favorite
place to relax, enjoy the sunset and take in
the laid-back Hawaiian vibe.
Favorite Local Food I absolutely love
Tanioka’s in Waipahu. It’s worth the drive
to experience true local takeout food.
They have the perfect grab-and-go-to-the-beach food. They also have the best
poke, fried chicken and musubi.
Favorite Special Occasion You can’t beat
the service and old-school ambience of
Hy’s Steak House. There’s no other place
in Hawaii like it and it’s my go-to place for
a special occasion. They grill steaks with
local kiawe wood, which gives the beef a
unique flavor.
WHO DAVE NEWMAN
WHERE PINT + JIGGER AND HARRY’S
HARDWARE EMPORIUM
Specialty Drink My favorite drink I have ever created
is called the Drawn and Quartered — equal parts
Campari, Angostura, lime juice, apricot simple syrup
and a splash of soda. It was created for a Campari
competition in which I lost out on a trip to New York
City. The name was something I thought up during
the competition while I was waiting my turn to go
onstage. The drink is this deep reddish brown color,
very similar to dried blood. This got me to thinking
of all sorts of serial killer names and then I thought
about it being equal parts of four ingredients. I love
double meanings.
Favorite Sunset Cocktail My favorite place on the
island to enjoy the sunset while having a cocktail or
sipping some champagne and taking in the scenic
beauty of Hawaii is a spot called China Walls in Port
Lock near Hawaii Kai. Now if you want a proper
cocktail with one of the best views in Honolulu you
must go see Jen Ackrill at Top of Waikiki. Formerly of
Rye in San Francisco, she is presiding over the bars at
Top of Waikiki and the club Sky as well. The revolv-
ing bar and restaurant give an unparalleled view
of Waikiki and if you go in time for the sunset it’s
pretty breathtaking.
Favorite Local Food One of my all-time favorite spots
for local food is about to shut its doors for good. Ono
Hawaiian Foods on Kapahulu is a true gem. Helena’s
Hawaiian Food would be my second choice.
Favorite Special Occasion Newer to the scene but
making waves is Restaurant Senia. Helmed by chef
juggernauts Chris Kajioka and Anthony Rush with
Chris Remelb crushing the wine program, this place
is a must-try. The talent that this place has packed
into it is almost silly. If you want to celebrate a special
occasion and you love wine then I can’t think of a
better place to go. I know this sounds crazy, but you
must order the cabbage. I know, I know cabbage?
Trust me, cabbage. Let Chris pair your meal with wine
and enjoy the magic.
WHO CHRIS KAJIOKA
WHERE RESTAURANT SENIA
Specialty Dish Charred Cabbage. This is dish is particularly special since my close friends, the Hirabaras,
of Hirabara Farms, grow the caraflex cabbage just for
us. I couldn’t source it locally, so they started to plant
it specifically for our use.
Favorite Sunset Cocktail The Halekulani, House
Without A Key.
Favorite Local Food Ethel’s (in Kalihi).
Favorite Special Occasion Sushi Sho.
WHO WAYNE HIRABAYASHI
WHERE THE KAHALA HOTEL & RESORT
Specialty Dish The Kahala’s famous Ahi Poke
Musubi.
Favorite Sunset Cocktail Sushi ii.
Favorite Local Food Ono’s.
Favorite Special Occasion Outrigger Canoe Club.
FROM BAY TO
ISLAND
San Francisco
chefs and
mixologists making
an appearance.
Chris Cosentino
Cockscomb
Marco Dionysos
ABV
Jason Fox
Commonwealth
Brandon Jew
Mister Jiu’s
Ravi Kapur
Liholiho Yacht
Club
Jordan Keao
Aina
Belinda Leong
B. Patisserie
Michael Mina
Michael Mina
Charles Phan
Slanted Door
