We had a fancy family dinner on O'ahu a few weeks ago at the Pineapple Room, the 'down market' Alan Wong's restaurant. I'm still swooning over it.
Don't be fooled by the fact that it is embedded in Macy's or that people can eat there wearing beachwear and slippers. (That is, as long as they are not having dinner with my parents, who Would Not Be Pleased. At All.)
Don't be fooled by the fact that it is embedded in Macy's or that people can eat there wearing beachwear and slippers. (That is, as long as they are not having dinner with my parents, who Would Not Be Pleased. At All.)
Everyone was happy. No one complained about it being 1) too fancy 2) too expensive or 3) too touristy or 4) too hoi-polloi. Major accomplishment considering it was two sets of grandparents, picky-picky Aunty, hungry teenager, and frugal husband. Some highlights.
Tomato and Watermelon Salad with Li Hing Vinaigrette My favorite salad.
Ever.
Ice-cold watermelon and cherry tomatoes. Paper thin cucumbers and li-hing vinaigrette. Balanced off with smooth little scoops of buttery goat cheese.
Love. Love. Love.
Ever.
Ice-cold watermelon and cherry tomatoes. Paper thin cucumbers and li-hing vinaigrette. Balanced off with smooth little scoops of buttery goat cheese.
Love. Love. Love.
We also had the Minute Ahi Poke and Kochojang Gyoza. No picture because they were on the table and eaten before anyone could get their smartphone out.
Salmon and Tea Rice Elevated This was part of the 'old-folks' (aka Earlybird Special). Furikake crusted salmon with chazuke risotto.
OK, so it sounds like salmon and tea rice, but Grandma, frugal husband and teenager licked up every last piece.
Poppa had the braised shortribs, which he approved of, though he would have liked a little more sauce.
OK, so it sounds like salmon and tea rice, but Grandma, frugal husband and teenager licked up every last piece.
Poppa had the braised shortribs, which he approved of, though he would have liked a little more sauce.
Malasada bread pudding. Genius. Dessert was malasada bread pudding topped with lillikoi creme brulee.
They had us all at "malasada". Then lilikoi. Then creme brulee.
The chocolate demographic enjoyed a 70% chocolate pudding. Grandma was most pleased.
While I would normally try to replicate at least some of this awesomeness, Alan Wong recipes are hard to pull off at home. I use the Blue Tomato cookbook to drool and plan my next visit rather than cook. Best to leave these to the professionals.
The Pineapple Room service is a really great balance of island-style friendly and white tablecloth attention to detail. The whole experience, especially if you dine early, is a lovely treat. Don't expect Zippy's prices, but it was well worth it when our normally thoroughly un-impressed Poppa declared, "That was good. I'm full now." at the end of the meal.
They had us all at "malasada". Then lilikoi. Then creme brulee.
The chocolate demographic enjoyed a 70% chocolate pudding. Grandma was most pleased.
While I would normally try to replicate at least some of this awesomeness, Alan Wong recipes are hard to pull off at home. I use the Blue Tomato cookbook to drool and plan my next visit rather than cook. Best to leave these to the professionals.
The Pineapple Room service is a really great balance of island-style friendly and white tablecloth attention to detail. The whole experience, especially if you dine early, is a lovely treat. Don't expect Zippy's prices, but it was well worth it when our normally thoroughly un-impressed Poppa declared, "That was good. I'm full now." at the end of the meal.
