A Hale Aina Christmas

December 20, 2009

Shaun Chillingworth, Marketing Director,

Simplify your holiday season, give the gift of great dining to yourself and plan to spend your Christmas Eve or Christmas at one of Hawaii’s best restaurants.

We’ve compiled a selection of some of the best offerings from Hale Aina Award-winning Restaurants around town of specials for the Christmas holiday.

Breakfast with Santa on Christmas Eve at Beachhouse. Photo: courtesy of Beachhouse at the Moana.

A number of Hale ‘Aina Award-winning restaurants are offering special dinners to celebrate the Christmas Holiday, including:

Click the links above for details on a specific restaurant you may be interested in or click to the next page to get started.

A Hale Aina Christmas continues…

On Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24^th from 9 – 11 a.m., Beachhouse at the Moana hosts Breakfast with Santa at the Moana Surfrider.

Breakfast with Santa. Photo: courtesy of Beachhouse at the Moana.

Bring your keiki to visit Santa to put in their last minute Christmas present requests before his busiest night of the year! Join Santa in the grand salon of Beachouse at the Moana for this special breakfast with a keiki-sized buffet! The buffet is filled with keiki favorites such as Finger Dippin’ French Toast, Cheesy Eggs, Half Dollar Pancakes, Mini Muffins, and Menehune Waffles.

Keiki can also participate in decorating gingerbread with Executive Sous Chef Richard Lancaster and each keiki will receive a commemorative photo with Santa and a personal gift to take home.

Adults will be able to enjoy The Veranda’s lavish breakfast buffet and share their own requests with Santa, if they wish!

Prices are $30 for keiki and $39 for adults. Seating is limited.

Christmas Brunch

On Christmas Day, Friday, December 25th, Beachhouse at the Moana will feature a Champange Brunch during the day and a three-course tasting menu at night.

From 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., enjoy a Christmas Champagne Brunch at Beachhouse at the Moana.

Moana Surfrider Executive Sous Chef Richard Lancaster and Beachhouse’s Chef de Cuisine Rodney Uyehara proudly presents a wide variety of culinary selections sure to please every palate. Also enjoy Hawaiian entertainment courtesy of the strolling trio Hala‘i lead by Ha‘a Heyer.

Beachhouse at the Moana Christmas Day Champagne Brunch selections include:

Photo: courtesy of Beachhouse at the Moana

Soup of the Day
Roasted Kahuku Corn & Shrimp Chowder

Cold Entrees
International Artisinal and Domestic Cheeses served with Lavosh, Crackers & Sweet Butter; An Array of Cold Served Platters including: Ahi ‘Maguro’ Sashimi with Shoyu Mustard; Steamed Shrimp in their Shell; Sliced Tako Poke and Ahi Poke with Ogo Seaweed; ‘Sub Mariner’ Ocean Salad; Wild Atlantic Salmon with a Light Beachwood Smoke; Mini Bagels, Sour Cream, Capers and Sweet Texas Onions; Assorted Maki, Inari & Nigiri Sushi served with Wasabi & Soy Sauce.

A Selection of Salads
Caesar Salad Station; ‘Hana’ Avocado, ‘Puna’ Papaya, Jicama, Shrimp and Wild ‘Nalo’ Arugala; Hamakua Tomato, Buffalo Mozzarella Loaf & Basil Shavings; Grecian Button Mushrooms and Grape Tomatoes; Spicy ‘Kunia Slopes’ Vegetable Salad, Lemon Oil Chili Cilantro; Ginger Free Range Chicken, Lychee, Asparagus, Bok Choy & ‘Chinatown’ Snow Peas; Fresh Lomi Lomi Salmon Ceviche with Crispy Won Ton Threads; Fingerling Potato Salad with Snipped Chives and Pancetta Batons; Strawberries and Baby Spinach with Aged Blue Cheese and Pignolis; Assorted Vinaigrettes & Dressings

Carving Station
Striploin of Beef with Horseradish Cream and Thyme Cabernet Jus; Roasted Tom Turkey with Traditional Macadamia Nut & Water Chestnut Dressing, Cranberry Orange Relish and Giblet Gravy

Chef Rodney Uyehara. Photo: courtesy of Beahhouse at the Moana.

Hot Entrees
Fire-Grilled Atlantic Salmon Filet with Sweet Pepper Cilantro Confetti & Yuzu Kosho Scented Nage; ‘Maple Leaf’ Duckling, Orzo Shiitake Mushroom Risotto & Pomegranate Ginger Glaze; Sugar Glazed Crusted Farmer John Ham with a Fava Bean Succotash, Madeira Wine Sauce Reduction; Eggs Benedict with Canadian Bacon & Citrus Hollandaise Sauce; ‘Georgia’s’ Peach Crepes with Tahitian Vanilla Bean Sauce; Crispy Applewood Smoked Bacon & Link Sausage; Creamed Mashed Potatoes; Glazed Sweet Potatoes; Yakisoba Noodles with Char Siu Pork, Root Vegetables and Pickled Ginger; Hawaiian Bouillabaisse with Shrimp, Scallops & Slipper Lobster, Straw Mushrooms, Baby Bok Choy & Lemongrass; Seasonal Bouquetiere of Vegetables; Steamed Jasmine Scented White Rice

An Assortment of Desserts & Fruits
Pecan Pie; Pumpkin Tart; Sacher Torte; Tiramisu Cake; Macadamia Nut Chocolate Tart; Italian Lemon Tart; Chocolate Whipped Tart; Strawberry Shortcake; Macadamia Nut Cream Tart, Fresh Fruit Tart; ‘Heavenly’ Japanese Cheesecake with Fruit Toppings; Yule Log; Mince Pie; Green Tea and Azuki Bean Roll; Haupia Cake; Stollen and Assorted French Pastries and Mousses; Dino’s Bread Pudding with Kahlua Vanilla Sauce; Fresh Seasonal Fruits

Served with Coffee or Tea

The cost of the champagne brunch will be $77 per adult or $70 for the buffet only. Children ages 12 and under will be $35 per child.

For reservations or more information, please contact the Starwood dining desk at 808-921-4600 or e-mail tdrc.hawaii@starwoodhotels.com. All applicable taxes will be applied and a 17 percent gratuity will automatically be applied for parties of seven or more. Complimentary valet parking is available at the Moana Surfrider as well as validated self parking at the Sheraton Princess Ka‘iulani.

A Hale Aina Christmas continues…

Christmas Tasting Menu

For Christmas night, from 5:30 – 9 p.m., Beachhouse at the Moana hosts a three-course Christmas Tasting Menu

Chef Rodney Uyehara. Photo: courtesy of Beachhouse at the Moana.

For those who prefer an alternative to traditional holiday buffets, Chef de Cuisine Rodney Uyehara has created an exquisite three-course menu featuring elegant entrees including duck, venison, and lobster. All items from the tasting menu will also be offered ala carte and keiki will also have their own special menu.

Beachhouse at the Moana Christmas Three-Course Tasting Menu

Select one appetizer, entrée, and dessert.

Appetizers choice of:

Le Crème De Fromage Asiago
Silky Smooth Asiago Gelato, Poached Pears, Kauai Honey, Candied Walnuts, Warm Baguette
Eggplant and Goat Cheese Souffle
Stuffed Baked Eggplant with Chevre, Gruyere and Parmesan Cheeses served with a Roasted Tomato Fondue
Foie Gras
Pan Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Nalo Greens and Toast Points

Entrees choice of:

Duck A L’Orange
Seared Long Island Duck Breast and Leg Confit with a Sauce Grand Marnier, Saffron Rice Pilaf and Baby Vegetables
Stuffed Roasted Venison
New Zealand Venison with a Granny Smith Apple and Foie Gras Stuffing served with a Calvados Demi, Parmesan Potato Puree and Baby Vegetables
Lamb Osso Bucco
Braised Australian Lamb Shank, Natural Sauce Reduction, Curried Couscous and Grilled Japanese Eggplant
Lobster Pan Roast
Maine Lobster in a Paprika Cream with Kahuku Corn, Fingerling Potato and Baby Vegetables

Desserts choice of:

Cranberry Bread Pudding with a Bourbon Vanilla Sauce
or
Cherries Cobbler Jubilee
Sweet Dark Washington State Cherries with an Orange Grand Marnier Gelato

Beachhouse Christmas Keiki Menu

First Course
Ham and Cheese Panini with Apple and Banana

Second Course choice of

Keiki Petite Filet of Beef
Garlic Jus and Horseradish Cream
Parmesan Mash Potatoes, and Baby Vegetables
Keiki Italian Style Chicken
Parmesan Mash Potatoes, and Baby Vegetables
Hibachi Salmon
Parmesan Mash Potatoes, and Baby Vegetables

Third Course
Keiki Dessert Platter

The three-course tasting menu is available for $85 per adult and $40 per keiki.

A Hale Aina Christmas continues…

Over at the Kahala Hotel and Resort, both Plumeria Beach House and Hoku’s have special dinners and brunches planned to celebrate the holiday.

Photos: courtesy of
The Kahala Hotel & Resort

Plumeria Beach House will host 3 special Christmas buffets for the holiday season.

The Christmas Eve dinner buffet will take place on Thursday, December 24^th from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Dinner buffet features a seclection of prime rib of beef and rosemary au jus; roasted leg of lamb stuffed with boursin cheese and fresh herbs; roast turkey, gravy, and stuffing; roasted porkloin with pear and cranberry chutney; baked island fresh catch and seafood casserole; dessert station
The Christmas Day Brunch Buffet takes place on Friday, December 25^th from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Brunch buffet selections include prime rib of beef with rosemary au jus; lilikoi glazed ham; fresh corned beef hash benedicts; waffles and Kahala thin pancakes; slow cooked pork, Hamakua mushrooms sauce, mashed potatoes; baked Atlantic salmon, crab, artichokes; Korean style braised beef with kim chee fried rice; waffle bar; dessert station
The Christmas Day Dinner Buffet takes place on Friday, December 25^th from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Dinner buffet selections include garlic and thyme grilled lamb chops; roast turkey, gravy, and stuffing; lilikoi glazed ham; sautéed Atlantic salmon, tomato and onion ragout; chef’s morning catch; dessert station with holiday favorites such as apple strudel, Christmas stollen, holiday fruitcake, pumpkin praline pie, spiced crème caramel, eggnog mousse torte

Each buffet is available for $60 Adults; $45 Children (ages 4-12)

Photos: Courtesy of the Kahala Hotel & Resort

Hoku’s will celebrate Christmas with a special 5-course dinner as well as a brunch buffet.

The 5-course dinner will be available on both Christmas Eve and Day, Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25 from 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.

5-course set menu features:

Foie gras torchon;
Roasted beet and sole salad;
Chestnut bisque;
Pan seared wagyu beef tenderloin
Raspberry truffle gateau

It is availabe for $90 per person; a la carte menu also available those nights.

On Christmas Day from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Hoku’s will host a Christmas brunch.

Brunch buffet includes king crab legs, clams and mussel; assorted tempura; winter spiced rubbed hanger steak; Hoku’s eggs benedict; made to order waffles; misoyaki butterfish; guava honey glazed ham; Christmas rib roast; herb crusted roast New Zealand rack of lamb; made to order omelets; and dessert buffet

It is available for $70 Adults; $52 Children (ages 4-12).

Event prices listed above do not include tax and gratuity.

For dining reservations at the Kahala Hotel & Resort, please call 808-739-8760 or e-mail restaurants@kahalaresort.com.

A Hale Aina Christmas continues…

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Night, Alan Wong’s Honolulu will have a special prix fixe dinner available to celebrate the holiday.

On the 24th and 25th, Alan Wong’s Restaurant will take early reservations starting at 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Only this prix fixe menu will be available on this day.

Starter Courses

Ahi Tartare with Truffle Salt
Kona "Seafood Poke" Stack of Smoked Butterfish, Abalone, Dungeness Crab & Kampachi

Alan Wong’s Honolulu also has a holiday gift idea – the Wong Way Chocolate toffee Macadamia nuts gift pack. Photo: courtesy of Alan Wong’s Honolulu.

Then choice of:

Ginger Crusted Onaga
with Organically Grown Hamakua Mushrooms, Corn, Miso Sesame Vinaigrette
or
Three Crab Dumpling
with Garlic Black Pepper Gravy

Entree Choice of:

"Surf N Turf" – Maui Cattle Company Beef Tenderloin, Butter Poached Lobster
with Parsnip Truffle Puree
Hudson Valley Duck Curry
Hasu, Gobo, Celery Root, Tomato Cranberry Sambal
or
Rack of Lamb Persillade
Kabocha Flan, Braised Swiss Chard, Hamakua Mushrooms

Finish with two delicious desserts

Wong Way "Fruit Cake Bread Pudding"
Tropical Fruit Malasada Bread Pudding, Caramel Dipped Pineapple with Macadamia Nut Praline Ice Cream and Molten Hawaiian Salt Caramel Truffles
"Waialua Chocolate"
Black White Molten Chocolate Cheesecake, Frozen Chocolate Souffle, Egg Nog Pudding Truffles, Haupia "Fries"

This special dinner is available for $85 per person (plus tax and gratuity).

For reservations, please call 808-949-2526.

A Hale Aina Christmas continues…

Dine among the twinkling stars and city lights this Christmas at Twist at Hanohano at Sheraton Waikiki Resort.

Photo: courtesy of Twist at Hanohano

Executive Chef Ryan Loo has created a special four-course Christmas dinner with special entertainment by "Dueling Pianos" featuring Ginny Tiu and Noly Paa.

CHRISTMAS AT TWIST AT HANOHANO

Twist at Hanohano’s chef Ryan Loo and general manager Shaun Ono. Photo: courtesy of Twist at Hanohano.

Amuse bouche
Kiawe Smoked King Salmon “Pastrami”, Ma‘o Farm’s Organic Beets,
Caviar and Dill Crème Fraiche, Big Island Meyer Lemon Essence

Regular Wine Pairing: Riff Pinot Grigio, Italy
Executive Wine Pairing: Louis Latour Pouilly Fuisse, France

Appetizer
Ka‘u Orange and Rosemary Glazed Duck
Pancetta Braised Aloun Farms Cabbage, Foie Gras and Apples, Fig Demi

Regular Wine Pairing: Parducci Pinot Noir, Medocino County
Executive Wine Pairing: Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley

Intermezzo
Tropical Fruit and Champagne “Ravioli”

Entrée
Herb Roasted Prime Rib Roulade, Black Truffled and Kona Lobster “Fondue”
Waimanalo Tarragon Infused Buttered Winter Vegetables

Regular Wine Pairing: Paul Dolan Cabernet Sauvignon, Medocino County
Executive Wine Pairing: Heitz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Dessert
Vanilla-Scented Maui Gold Pineapple and Kula Strawberry “Romanoff”
Pistachio Nut and White Chocolate Mousse, 50 Year Old Balsamic

Regular Wine Pairing: Eroica Reisling, Washington
Executive Wine Pairing: Vin de Glaciere Reisling, Columbia Valley

Twist at Hanohano will present this festive evening from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. (last seating at 9:30 p.m.) and is priced at $85 per person, $110 per person with wine pairings, and $130 per person with executive wine pairings.

Along with the special Christmas menu, Twist will also feature their regular core menu that starts from $65 for a three-course dinner. A children’s menu is available with prices starting from $40.

All applicable taxes will be added to the menu prices and a 17 percent gratuity will be applied for parties of seven or more. Complimentary valet parking and validated self-parking for four hours will be available at the Sheraton Waikiki.

For reservations or more information, please call the dining desk at 808-921-4600 or send an e-mail to tdrc.hawaii@starwoodhotels.com.

A Hale Aina Christmas continues…

Azure Restaurant at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel celebrates its first Christmas with an unparalleled five-course dinner featuring appetizers, entrees and desserts prepared with fresh indigenous ingredients.

Photo: courtesy of Azure Restaurant.

Executive Chef Jon Matsubara proudly presents his exceptional holiday menu on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 5:30 to 9 p.m. (last seating at 9 p.m.) .

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Menu

AZURE chef Jon Matsubara. Photo: courtesy of Azure Restaurant.

First Course
Chilled Kona Lobster
Wasabi Caviar, Crispy Taro Vichyssoise

Second Course
Diver Scallop & Pipikaula “En Sous Vide”
Kahuku Corn, Tomato, Rocket, Yuzu Buerre Noisette

Third Course
Tartine of Big Island Abalone & Hamakua Mushroom
Grilled Toast, Green Garlic & Citron Nage

Fourth Course (Select One of Entrees)

Roasted Hawaiian Onaga & Kahuku Sea Beans
Saffron, Fennel, Sauce Bouillabaisse
Maple Farms Duck Breast Sous Vide
Duck Fat Brussels Sprouts, Lentils, Ruby Port Gastrique
Prime Rib Eye Steak, Parsley & Garlic Béarnaise
Sake Braised Baby Spinach, Yukon Gold Puree

Dessert
Spiced Chocolate Pot De Crème, Chestnut Maroon with Ginger Bread Ice Cream

The 5-course menu is priced at $125 per person.

For reservations or more information, please contact the Starwood dining desk at 808-921-4600 or e-mail tdrc.hawaii@starwoodhotels.com. All applicable taxes will be applied and a 17 percent gratuity will be applied for parties of seven or more. A credit card will be required to secure a reservation and cancelations must be received 72 hours in advance. Cancellations received within 72 hours will be assessed a cancelation fee equal to the meal price (plus tax) for the entire party.

A Hale Aina Christmas continues…

VINO Italian Tapas & Wine Bar Christmas Day Celebration is for wine lovers.

VINO will be open Christmas Day from 5:30 to 8:30PM. and will be offering the regular VINO menu along with a few specials from Chef Keith Endo.

But VINO will be featuring a special wine list on this day, where if you have a good group of friends and family you could taste some really special wines.

Master sommelier Chuck Furuya. Photo: courtesy of VINO.

Wines List (prices good only for this day)

BUBBLY

Ruggeri Prosecco “Cartizze”–$29
Lasalle Brut Rose “Premier Cru”–$79

CALIFORNIA

2004 Au Bon Climat Chardonnay “Mt Carmel Vineyard”–$42
2006 Forman Chardonnay–$45
2002 Peter Paul Cabernet Sauvignon “Napa Valley”–$32
2001 Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon “Helena Dakota Vineyard”–$46
2006 Alta Maria Pinot Noir “Bien Nacido Vineyard”–$39
2005 Halleck Pinot Noir “3 Sons”–$43
2001 Girasole Syrah “Eaglepoint Ranch”–$36
2004 Ojai Syrah “Bien Nacido Vineyard”–$45
2006 Duckhorn Merlot–$65

FRANCE

2004 Laroche Chablis Grand Cru “Blanchots”–$39
2005 William Fevre Chablis Grand Cru “Les Preuses”–$41
2004 Colin Deleger Chassagne Montrachet Premier Cru “En Remilly”–$52
2006 Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Vieilles Vignes”–$65
2006 Drouhin Chassagne Montrachet ROUGE–$45
2003 Terrebrune Bandol–$39
2003 Clos Canon “St Emilion Grand Cru”–$31

GERMANY

2003 Muller Catoir Herrenletten Spatlese–$39

ITALY

2000 San Leonardo Gonzaga–$39
2001 Elio Altare “Vigna Arborina”–$46
2001 Pira Boschis Barolo “Cannubi”–$55

For reservations, call 808-533-4476.

A Hale Aina Christmas continues…

Formaggio Grill in Kailua hosts their own Christmas dinner on December 25th. The menu consists of a special four-course dinner with your choice of appetizer, soup or salad, entree and dessert.

Formaggio Grill Christmas Menu

Owner Wes Zane with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Photo: courtesy of Formaggio Grill.

Choice of Appetizer

Seared Diver Scallop
Enchanted Forest Mushroom Tarte
Short Rib Ragout with Gnochi

Soup or Salad

Kabocha Pumpkin Bisque
Warm Spinach Fennel Salad

Choice of Entree

Rosemary Garlic Prime Rib
Lamb en Croute
Porcini Glazed Seared Duck Breast
Bouillabaisse

Dessert Selection

Bread Pudding with Eggnog Anglaise
Ginger Spiced Creme Brulee
Caramel Cheese Cake

The four-course menu is available for $59 per person plus tax and gratuity.

Formaggio Grill will also offer a Special Kid’s Holiday Menu.

Entree Choices:

Spaghetti Marinara
Beef Stew
Chicken Pot Pie

And their choice of Dessert

The kids menu is available for $12 for Kids under 12.

For Christmas dinner reservations, call 808-263-2633 .

A Hale Aina Christmas continues…

The Willows celebrates Christmas with special menus on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The tranquil setting at The Willows. Photo: courtesy of The Willows.

The restaurant will feature a delicious line-up from chef Jay Matsukawa. The menu will include a variety of Hawaiian/ American favorites such as a chilled seafood station with Kim Chee Tako Poke, Island Style Ahi Poke and King & Snow Crab Legs. A carving station will include Rosemary crusted Prime Rib and a Herb Spiced Rack of Lamb with Mint Infused Demi-Glace.

Executive chef Jay Matsukawa. Photo: courtesy of The Willows. Photo: courtesy of The Willows

This special menu will also include many holiday favorites such as Apple Bacon & Corn Chowder, Herb Crusted Roast Turkey, Misoyaki Butterfish, Peppered Roast Pork with Caramelized Onion Jus, and a Crab Crusted Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce.

A variety of desserts that includes Pumpkin Pie, Red Velvet Cake, Custard Pie, Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding, Strawberry Cheesecake and a Creamy Eggnog Panna Cotta will also be available.

The cost for the buffet is $39.95 for lunch or dinner.

For more information, please visit www.willowshawaii.com or call (808) 952-9200 for reservations.

A Hale Aina Christmas continues…

Top of Waikiki has a special menu for Christmas Eve & Christmas Night.

A four-course holiday menu will be offered:

Soup
Butternut Squash

Salad
House salad with honey balsamic dijon dressing

Choice of Entree

Prime Rib with au jus & fresh Japanese horseradish cream, parsnip mashed potatoes, sauteed green beans & Maui onion with bacon.
or
Roasted Ham with sweet mustard pineapple glaze, parsnip mashed potatoes, sauteed green beans & Maui onion with bacon.

Dessert
Chocolate candy bar with peppermint ice cream.

The holiday menu is offered for $39 with Prime Rib or $32 with the Ham.

Also, note that the Sunset Menu is not available December 24th through January 1st.

For reservations or more information about this delicious deal, call 808-923-3877 or visit the restaurant online at www.topofwaikiki.com.

A Hale Aina Christmas continues…

Hiroshi Eurasion tapas is offering a special 4-course menu for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in addition to their regular menu.

Chef Hiroshi Fukui.
Photo: courtesy of
Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas.

First Course
Island Dynamite
baked Big Island butterfish, Big Island abalone & Kauai shrimp in sweet chili aioli with broccoli & Island heart of palm

Second Course
Crispy Skin Moi Japanese Bouillabaise
Manila clams, sakura shrimp, lump crab, calamari on orzo with truffled clam broth

Main Course (your choice of one)

Turf Turf & Turf $45
filet mignon, seared foie gras & sunny side quail egg with kabocha pumpkin au gratin & kabayaki demi glace

Panko Seared Alaskan Halibut $43
squid ink pasta, roasted shiitake mushrooms, broccolini & yuzukosho butter sauce

Sweet Course
Kula Strawberry Short Cake “Sandwich”
strawberry gelee, pastry cream & strawberry azuki ice cream

Menu price is determined by entree selected. For the Turf, Turf & Turf, the menu cost is $45, for the Halibut the cost is $43 (plus tax and gratuity for both).

Call 808-533-4476 or e-mail nmadosik@dkrestaurants.com for reservations.