Hale ‘Aina Happenings: What’s New With Hawai‘i Restaurants in September 2017

Pair whiskey with dinner at Noi Thai Cuisine, sip on lilikoʻi drinks at M.A.C. 24/7 and experience Asian street food at Plumeria Beach House. Plus, grab tickets for the Hale ‘Aina Awards on Sept. 17!

By Lennie Omalza

Photo: Courtesy of M.A.C. 24/7

Punch of Passion at M.A.C. 24/7

Every day in September, M.A.C. 24/7 is offering lilikoʻi-inspired menu items. The seasonal short stack, dubbed “sweet-potato passion,” is two buttermilk pancakes topped with candied Okinawan sweet potatoes, drizzled lilikoʻi syrup, Chantilly whipped cream and a dusting of cardamom. At the bar, the Kūhiō Cooler is a fresh blend of gin and lilikoʻi purée with bruised mint, cucumber and freshly squeezed lime. The lobby bar will be serving the Old Passioned, with Maker’s Mark, lilikoʻi puree and a splash of bitters.

2500 Kūhiō Ave., (808) 921-5564, mac247waikiki.com

Sunday Suppers at 12th Ave Grill

Every Sunday in September, 12th Ave Grill is serving up something special for supper. Offerings include buttermilk-fried chicken (Sept. 3), seafood paella (Sept. 10), Hawaiian salt-and-herb-crusted Hawaiʻi Ranchers prime rib (Sept. 17) and Pono Farm house-made Italian sausage with three-cheese manicotti (Sept. 24). Cost for each dinner starts at $29 per person.

1120 12th Ave., (808) 732-9469, 12thavegrill.com

Summer Whiskey Soiree and Fundraiser at Noi Thai Cuisine

Photo: Courtesy of Noi Thai Cuisine

“Konu Au I Ka Wai,” a summer whiskey soirée and fundraiser for the City and County of Honolulu’s Ocean Safety Division (think lifeguards), will be held on Sept. 1. The whiskey pairing dinner will feature Thai shrimp ceviche, grilled fishcake, green curry wagyu beef (pictured) and more from award-winning executive chef Jongkul “Jimi” Sucodt. Cost is $85 per person. Adults 21 and older are welcome; evening cocktail attire is requested.

2301 Kalākaua Ave., Bldg. C, Level 3, (808) 664-4039, noithaicuisine.com

MW and Friends Reunited at MW Restaurant

Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka of MW Restaurant, along with some of their well-known chef friends, are coming together on Sept. 3 for a special event featuring more than a dozen dishes, including everything from Cajun-style Kauaʻi shrimp and cured kampachi to True Natural Brandt prime rib and barbacoa beef sliders. Tickets are $125 per person; VIP tables are also available. Call the restaurant or email events@mwrestaurant.com for reservations.

1538 Kapi‘olani Blvd., Suite 107, (808) 955-6505, mwrestaurant.com

Spanish Benchmarks Wine Tasting at Vino

On Sept. 7, enjoy four interesting wines, each from different Spanish regions: 2010 Clos Pissarra El Ramón, 2013 Muga Rioja Reserva, 2013 Numanthia Toro Termes and 2015 Fillaboa Albariño Rias Baixas. Cost is $25 per person. Call or email Ann Taketa (ataketa@dkrestaurants.com) to make a reservation.

500 Ala Moana Blvd., (808) 524-8466, vinohawaii.com

Asian Street Food at Plumeria Beach House

Photo: Courtesy of The Kāhala Hotel & Resort

On Sept. 28, Plumeria Beach House brings the tastes, sounds and sights of Asian markets to Honolulu. Guests will feast on various food and drink “street stations” set up in the restaurant and on the lawn. Cost is $65 per adult, $35 for children ages 6 to 12.

5000 Kāhala Ave., (808) 739-8760, kahalaresort.com

Join us for an evening of fantastic food, creative cocktails and exhilarating entertainment as we celebrate Hawai‘i’s very best restaurants at the 2018 Hale ‘Aina Awards: Destination Delicious on Sept. 17 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Take a culinary trip around the world in one evening while you dine on artfully crafted dishes from Hawai‘i’s best chefs. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.