Restaurant Week Hawaii Underway

Celebrating 10 years with 10 days, Restaurant Week Hawaii is back! November 10-19, 2017 -- More than 70 restaurants from casual to fine dining (even a few fast food outlets have signed on) take part in the effort to raise funds for the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Diamond Head. Restauranteurs, chefs and culinarians can together join the movement to not only support local farmers, local businesses and local education but also the livelihood that marks Hawaii as a notable culinary destination. Diners can experience set-menus, specialty dishes and promotional items during this annual event.

I had the honor of revisiting a true gem during the launch of Restaurant Week Hawaii. Stage Restaurant has put together an imppressive 3-course tasting dinner for $60 (add $30 for wine pairings).
ACT1- Choice of:
Sashimi: Hamachi, Coconut Milk, Lime, Basil & Chili Pepper Ogo
or
Escargot: Hamakua Alii Mushroom, Cauliflower Lemon Purée, Parmesan Crisp, Arugula and Toasted House-made French Bread.
ACT2- Choice of:
Kurobuta Pork, Soy Glaze, Maui Pineapple Compote, Sweet Potato Purée, Brussel Sprouts and Applewood Smoked Bacon.
or
King Salmon, Butternut Squash Purée, Sugar Snap Peas, Shiitake Mushrooms, Teriyaki Butter Sauce.
GRAND FINALE:
Peaches & Cream- Lemon Panna Cotta, Grilled Peaches, Oatmeal Crumble and House-made Tahitian Vanilla Bean Rum Ice Cream.
or
Chocolate Tart- Peruvian Dark Chocolate, House-made Koloa Hawaiian Coffee Rum Ice Cream, Salted Caramel and Whipped Cream.

I enjoyed the Hamachi, Salmon and Peaches:

The hamachi was extremely fresh, delicate and utilized the citrus and the creaminess of the coconut's milk to balance all the flavors delightfully.

The salmon was perfectly cooked, sumptuously moist and tender, the butternut squash added a seasonal elegance that was nicely balanced.

All the components of this dish danced on my tongue. The rustic peach with the creamy panna cotta were accentuated by the sweet crunch of the crumble and the slightly tart lemon and what pulls this all together is the home-made vanilla rum ice cream.

Stage is open Tuesday-Saturday 5pm-8:30pm, reservations are suggested.
1250 Kapiolani Boulevard
Honolulu, HI
2nd Floor of the Honolulu Design Center
​237-5429