A new menu at Orchids in the Halekulani Hotel is always a good thing for Hawaii eating. The hotel restaurant in Waikiki has long been among my favorite settings on Oahu, if not all of Hawaii. Oceanside and quiet yet, a sedate alabaster repose within earshot of the waves, the spot also has had a lot of good food over the years. The new guy beneath the tocque has put his stamp on the place with a new menu as Vikram Garg moves the joint a bit to the East.

ORCHIDS LUNCHEON

Appetizers Highlights:

• Kona Kampachi with Thinly Pounded Kampachi, Fingerling Potato and Bagna Cauda


• Big Island Goat Cheese with Kalamata Olive Cake, Tomato and Macadamia Nut Chutney


• Ahi Nori Purse with Poke Style with Amarillo Chili Mayo

Related articles by Zemanta

• Get locals' lei of the land in Oahu (cnn.com)
• Top 10 Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii (chris.pirillo.com)

Entrees Highlight:

• Kahuku Shrimp Ravioli with Shimeji Mushrooms, Parmesan Sauce, Ogo Salad
• Lobster and Crab Burger with Sambal Aioli, Pickled Cucumber and Dill Parmesan Fries
• Shutome with Shaved Fennel, Baked Pearl Onions and Olives with Ka’u Orange Vinaigrette

ORCHIDS DINNER

Appetizers Highlights:

• Kumamoto Oysters with Japanese Cucumber and Yuzu Dressing


• King Crab Cocktail with Kim Chee, Won Ton Chips, and Avocado-Jalapeno Aioli


• Big Island Abalone with Silky Corn Bisque and Toasted Cumin

Entrees Highlight:

• Big Eye Ahi with Artichoke, Hearts of Palm and Cherry Tomato Salad with Béarnaise Sauce


• Opah and Pork with Togarashi Spiced, Stir Fry Beans and Kabayaki Glazed Kurobuta Pork


• Island Seafood with Kona Lobster, Onaga, Kahuku Shrimp, Steamed with Kaffir Lime Leaves, Served with a Trio of Aioli: Saffron-Garlic, Harissa and Miso. (For Two)

—Alex, 09/16/09