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

Sip on sake at Hōkū’s, enjoy fresh oysters at Vino or experience dishes from a new chef at Alan Wong’s.

By Lennie Omalza

In August, Vino is serving fresh oysters and Hōkū’s is offering a five-course meal paired with sake from Hasamaya Brewery in Japan.

Photos: Courtesy of Vino Italian Tapas and Wine Bar, The Kāhala Hotel & Resort

Fresh Oysters at Vino

It’s still oyster season, and Vino Italian Tapas and Wine Bar chef Keith Endo will be serving these fresh and succulent on Aug. 1. Served raw, this special addition to the regular Vino menu is topped with Japanese cucumber, kombu, pickled vegetable and lemon granita. First come, first served.

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

The Art of Sake at Hōkū’s

A five-course meal will be paired with sake from the Hasamaya Brewery in Japan, as well as French wines from master sommelier-in-residence Roberto Viernes. Caoli Cano, Hasamay’s 12th-generation brewmaster, also an acclaimed musician, will provide live music and a discussion on the art of sake at this Aug. 2 event. Cost is $135 per person plus tax and gratuity. Call (808) 739-8760 or email restaurants@kahalaresort.com to make a reservation.

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

A Night with Bruce Neyers at Vino

Bruce Neyers of Neyers Vineyards is coming to Vino Italian Tapas and Wine Bar for one night only, on Aug. 2. This limited-seating event will feature braised short-rib bruschetta, Hauʻula tomato salad, braised pork belly, charred cauliflower, slow-cooked organic chicken, swiss chard-wrapped braised short ribs, a dessert trio and, of course, wines. Cost is $85 per person. Call (808) 524-8466 or email ataketa@dkrestaurants.com to reserve your space.

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

Next Generation Dinner at Alan Wong’s

Created with the intent to feature up-and-coming chefs, the Next Generation Dinner allows cooks the opportunity to create and refine their own dishes. The Aug. 9 dinner will be created by chef de partie Spencer Yamanaka, under the mentorship and guidance of chef Alan Wong and chef de cuisine Miya Nishimura. Cost is $89 for the five-course, prix fixe menu. (Also, note that Wong’s The Pineapple Room at Macy’s in Ala Moana Center closed on July 22, earlier than the original plan of July 29.)

1857 S. King St., (808) 949-1939, alanwongs.com

Sous Chefs Battle at Roy’s Hawai’i Kai

On Friday, Aug. 11, guests will have option to choose the “battle” as a menu item, which includes tasting portions and voting ballots. A $100 gift card will be randomly awarded to one participating guest.

6600 Kalaniana’ole Highway, 396-7697, royshawaii.com

Wine Speak at 12th Ave Grill

Chef Jason Schoonover and wine director Rick Lilley have created a meat-lover’s dinner of grass-fed Niʻihau antelope, Molokaʻi venison, lamb and beef on Aug. 17. The meal promises a pairing with powerful, beefy wines. Cost is $155, which includes tax and tip. Call for tickets.

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

Indian feast at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort

Chef Vikram Garg, formerly of the Halekūlani, will cook the food of his homeland on Sunday, Aug. 20, at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort. The dawat, or feast, will be served family-style, spotlighting the regional ingredients and flavors of India. Cost is $195 per person and proceeds benefit the Hawaiʻi Culinary Education Foundation.

5000 Kāhala Ave., (808) 739-8888, eventbrite.com

Summer Menu Items at Chef Mavro

Though Chef Mavro is known for its ‘onaga baked in a salt crust ($140), the dish is not always on the menu. Guests can enjoy this served-tableside signature dish through August. Also, new to the summer menu is the truffle risotto ($60), made with black Perigord truffles imported from Australia. For dessert, pastry chef Jose Calpito is offering refreshing Island mango with Szechuan peppercorn, laurel and lime ($16).

1969 S. King St., (808) 944-4714, chefmavro.com

Summer Menu Items at M.A.C. 24/7

The restaurant’s Modern American Summer menu features a new short stack and drinks during every month of the season. In August, its famous buttermilk pancakes will be available with peaches and cream ($15). There are also plans to debut a sweet tea as well as a plantation iced tea.

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

Maui Chefs Invitational at The Mill House

The second annual Maui Chefs Invitational will take place on the Valley Isle from Sept. 1 to 3. In this multipart cuilnary series, eight chefs from among the nation’s most successful restaurants come together in the spirit of creativity and camaraderie. Guests graze on dishes created through the collaborative efforts of the chefs, while enjoying live music in an open-air setting. Cost for dinner on Sept. 1 and 2 is $250 each; tickets for the chefs’ barbecue celebration on Sept. 3 is $75.

1670 Honoapi’ilani Highway., Waikapu, Maui, mauichefsinvitational.com