Hawaii Regional Cuisine is quickly gaining in popularity all over the world. Hawaii Regional Cuisine is a melding of several of Asian and European cooking styles, ingredients from local Hawaii farmers with new and fresh flavors result in a dining experience unique to Hawaii.
Chef Jean-Marie Josselin was classically trained at the Culinary School of Paris before being hired on as a Chef at the exclusive Hotel Hana-Maui. In 1990, he opened A Pacific Café in Kapaa on the Island of Kauai, and today, he has several restaurants on Oahu, Maui and Kauai.
A Pacific Café Oahu, one of three locations statewide, is located in the Ward Centre just three miles from Waikiki. Done in contemporary colors of Pacific Ocean vistas and tropical mountain landscapes accented with the artwork of local island artists with and an abundance of fresh island flower displays, the restaurant and lounge seats about 165. The wine list is extensive, including more than 40 different wines available by the glass. Also featured are specialty micro brew beers on tap, my favorite of which is by Kona Brewing Company. A full service bar is also available if you just cannot live without a tropical drink with umbrella.
The menu is a vast dizzying array of unique dishes waiting to tempt and seduce the most innocent of diners. Be assured that all are wonderful, but only a few are outstanding.
Start with the Tiger Eye Ahi (Pacific Tuna) Sushi Tempura, Pear Tomato Salad with Chinese Mustard Sauce ($10.50), or the Seared Sea scallops, White Truffle Mashed Potatoes and Japanese Pear Riesling Broth ($9.50). Also recommended are the Kalua Pork Potstickers with Avocado Wasabi Butter, Papaya Relish, Watermelon Salsa and Thai Chili Butter ($7.50).
The selection of entrees is vast and unique. Nevertheless, my recommendation is the Wok Charred Mahi Mahi with Garlic Sesame Seed Crust, and Lime Ginger Beurre Blanc Sauce ($24.95). After all, what better place to have Mahi Mahi than in Hawaii? For the non-seafood types, I recommend the Grilled Rack of Lamb Mongolian Style, Kabocha Pumpkin Ravioli with Merlot Mint Sauce ($25.95.)
For dessert, the Toasted Hawaiian Cake is a must. Steamed white chocolate cake, with a layer of Haupia (fresh Hawaii coconut pudding), toasted Macadamia nut mousse, caramel and Tahitian vanilla bean Crème Anglaise.
A Pacific Café is open for Lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30p.m. until 10:00p.m. This restaurant, as well as the outer island locations is very popular restaurants, so I highly recommend reservations by e-mail in advance of your arrival in the islands to avoid disappointment.
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