A Hale Aina Thanksgiving

November 23, 2009

Shaun Chillingworth, Marketing Director,

This Thanksgiving, a number of Hawaii restaurants who are Hale Aina Award winners are providing Thanksgiving lunch and dinner options for people who want to avoid the kitchen grind, are looking for somewhere to celebrate, or just want to enjoy an award-winning meal.

The Thanksgiving offerings at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse. Photo: courtesy of Wolfgang’s Steakhouse.

It could be a good time to start a new tradition for your family and take them all to enjoy Thanksgiving at a restaurant like Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, Hoku’s, Twist at Hanohano, Beachhouse at the Moana, Plumeria Beach House, Ryan’s Grill, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Willows, Buca di Beppo, Shokudo, Huggo’s or Top of Waikiki.

Here’s a look at all of the offerings for the Thanksgiving holiday:

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse in the Royal Hawaiian Center will be offering a special Turkey Dinner for Thanksgiving, served from 11 a.m.to 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 26, 2009. The dinner includes:

Photo: courtesy of Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener..

Three generous, tender slices of turkey (dark & white meat)
Homemade stuffing
Homemade gravy
Mashed potatoes (rice is also available)
Mashed sweet potatoes
Cranberry sauce
Green beans
A slice of pumpkin pie for dessert

“Our turkey is of the highest quality, ordered from the same vendor in New York who provides our USDA Prime Grade Black Angus beef,” said Amir Ibrahim, General Manager. “We look forward to welcoming local and visiting families at our very first Thanksgiving in Hawaii! I know they will really enjoy our Thanksgiving dinner.”

The cost is $34.95. Wolfgang’s regular menu will also be available.

Reservations are highly recommended.

For reservations, please call 808.922.3600, or go to www.opentable.com.

Twist at Hanohano presents a Thanksgiving evening of dining and dancing. You can enjoy a Thanksgiving evening of outstanding food, excellent service, exciting entertainment, and unmatched views of the Waikiki and Honolulu skylines.

Hot Club of Hulaville. Photo: courtesy of Twist at Hanohano

On Thursday, November 26, executive chef Ryan Loo will be presenting an original four-course Thanksgiving dinner from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The four-course menu features ingredients that are “from farm to table."

Along with the Thanksgiving menu, Twist will also feature their regular core menu that starts from $65 for a three-course dinner. The fun and dynamic swing band Hot Club of Hulaville will perform from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. Hot Club of Hulaville’s energy will be sure to get you off of your feet and onto the dance floor!

Here’s the 4-course menu:

Soup
Aloun Farms Gingered Kabocha Pumpkin Bisque -7 Spiced Duck, Dean Okimoto’s Lemon Verbena Crème Fraiche
Regular Wine Pairing: Paul Dolan Chardonnay, Mendocino County
Executive Wine Pairing: Louis Latour Pouilly Fuisse, France

The elegant setting 30 floors above Waikiki. Photo: courtesy of Twist at Hanohano.

Salad
Kona Cold Lobster “Waldorf” Salad – Shaved Fennel, Preserved Tangerines, Saffron Tarragon Emulsion
Regular Wine Pairing: Paul Dolan Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino County
Executive Wine Pairing: Chalk Hill Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County

Entree
Herb Roasted Smoked Turkey with 3 Hamakua Mushroom, Maui Onion and Chestnut Stuffing – Roasted Fall Vegetables, Big Island White Honey Glazed Sweet Potatoes, Apricot and Cranberries, Giblet Gravy, Yukon Gold Potato Puree, and Pancetta Brussel Sprouts.
Regular Wine Pairing: Parducci Chardonnay, Mendocino County
Executive Wine Pairing: Rombauer Chardonnay, Napa Valley

Dessert
Cinnamon and Caramel Apple “Pie” – Surfing Maui Goat Cheese, Macadamia Nut Crunch, Spiced Port Reduction
Regular Wine Pairing: Eroica Reising, Washington
Executive Wine Pairing: Vin de Glaciere Reisling, Columbia Valley

Twist at Hanohano’s Thanksgiving dinner is $85 per person and $110 per person with regular wine pairings, and $130 per person with executive wine pairings.

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

A Hale Aina Thanksgiving continues…

Beachhouse at the Moana chef de cusine Rodney Uyehara creates delectable entrees with an Island-inspired flavor. A three-course tasting menu will be offered and guests will be given a choice of one starter, entrée and dessert.

The menu will also be available ala carte and a special keiki menu will be offered. Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

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

Three Course Tasting Menu

Choice of Appetizers, Soups and Salads

Eggplant and Goat Cheese Soufflé
Chevre, Gruyere and Parmesan, Oven Roasted Tomato Fondue
Kahuku Corn and Clam Chowder
Scallion Croutons
Salmon Cakes
Yuzu Vinaigrette, Nalo Greens

Choice of Entrees

Prime Rib of Beef
Garlic Jus and Horseradish Cream, Rosemary Roasted Red Potatoes, Baby Vegetables
Traditional Roasted Turkey
Hawaiian Sweetbread Stuffing, Cranberry Relish and Chardonnay Sage Gravy, Parmesan Mash Potato, Baby Vegetables
Pork Osso Bucco
Braised Pork with a Merlot Infused Natural Sauce, Parmesan Mash, Baby Vegetable

Choice of Desserts

Cranberry Apple Bread Pudding
Flavors of Nutmeg and Cinnamon with a Bourbon Sauce
Traditional Pumpkin Pie
Chantilly Cream and Caramel Sauce

The three-course tasting menu is $65. All of the items are also available ala carte (prices vary based on item).

Keiki Menu

First Course
Ham and Cheese Panini with Apple and Banana

Choice of Second Course

Keiki Portion of Prime Rib of Beef
Garlic Jus and Horseradish Cream with Rosemary Roasted Red Potatoes, Baby Vegetables
– OR –
Keiki Portion of Traditional Roasted Turkey
Hawaiian Sweetbread Stuffing, Cranberry Relish and Chardonnay Sage Gravy with Parmesan Mash Potato, Baby Vegetables

Third Course
Keiki Dessert Platter

The Keiki Menus is $35 for children 12 and under

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

A Hale Aina Thanksgiving continues…

The Kahala Hotel & Resort makes it easy to celebrate Thanksgiving with its popular Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner and lavish buffets and menus at award-winning Hoku’s and the Plumeria Beach House.

Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner (Take-Out Style)

Enjoy a holiday feast at home without cooking by ordering The Kahala’s complete and ready-to-eat Thanksgiving meal.

Each meal consists of:

Turkey-to-Go at the Kahala. Photo: courtesy of the Kahala Hotel & Resort

a traditional 12-14 pound roasted turkey (enough to feed 5 people)
stuffing with chestnuts, onions, celery and bacon
herb scented gravy
mashed potatoes
autumn vegetables with spiced roasted pumpkin seeds
cranberry sauce
ciabatta bread
fall garden vegetable salad with lilikoi vinaigrette
pumpkin pie

The Kahala’s complete holiday turkey dinner is $150 (plus taxes). An a la carte selection of additional menu items is also available. Take-out meal reservations are required.

To reserve a Thanksgiving meal, contact Kahala Dining Reservations at (808) 739-8760. Meals are served hot and ready to eat (reheating instructions are also included) and can be picked up at half-hour intervals between 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25 or 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 26. Cancellations are accepted up to 72 hours prior to scheduled pick-up time.

Thanksgiving Feasts at The Kahala (all prices are exclusive of tax and gratuity)

On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, both Hoku’s and Plumeria Beach House will be open to celebrate the holiday:

Hoku’s from Brunch.

Hoku’s will have a Brunch Buffet from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Menu highlights include: shrimp tempura; clams, mussels, and crab legs with black bean sauce; Hoku’s eggs benedict; roast turkey with mash potatoes, cranberry sauce, and herb gravy; roast prime rib of beef with natural jus and horseradish cream; herb crusted roast New Zealand rack of lamb; made to order omelets and ginger floats

Available for $70 Adults, $52 Children (ages 4-12 years)

Click here to see the full menu.

Plumeria Beach House for Brunch.

Plumeria Beach House’s Brunch Buffet will be available from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Menu highlights include: omelets made to order; traditional roast turkey with herb gravy and cranberry sauce; prime rib of beef with horseradish cream and beef au jus; traditional chestnut stuffing; wok fried shell fish with garlic black pepper sauce; waffle bar and dessert station

Available for $60 Adults, $45 Children (ages 4-12 years)

Click here to see the full menu

Plumeria Beach House buffet.

Plumeria Beach House Dinner Buffet will be served from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Thanks giving Day

Menu highlights include : roast turkey with chestnut stuffing, herb gravy, and cranberry sauce; prime rib of beef with au jus and horseradish cream; lobster and corn chowder; sweet potato vichyssoise; misoyaki salmon; herb crusted lamb chops; baked honey- mustard glazed ham; horseradish mashed potatoes and dessert station

Available for $60 Adults, $45 Children (ages 4-12 years)

If you’re looking to get your Thanksgiving started a little early or after the date, Hoku’s Thanksgiving Dinner will be available Tuesday, November 24 through Monday, November 30:

Hoku’s at night. Photos: courtesy of the Kahala Hotel & Resort.

Hoku’s Thanksgiving Dinner Celebration includes a five course set dinner menu.

First Course
Macadamia nut crusted foie gras terrine

Second Course
Honey glazed duck breast salad

Third Course
Pumpkin bisque;

Fourth Course
Oven roasted turkey with chestnut whipped potatoes, caramelized brussels sprouts, and cranberry sauce;

Dessert Course
Poached pear in rosemary on cornmeal pound cake with thyme lemon sorbet

The Thanksgiving Dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. for $70 per person; a la carte menu items also available.

For reservations, call (808) 739-8760. Complimentary valet parking provided for all guests dining at The Kahala.

A Hale Aina Thanksgiving continues…

Ryan’s Grill will be serving up an ’Island Style’ Thanksgiving menu featuring All Natural Free-Range Turkey Dinner, Ryan’s Style Carved turkey breast, Kalua-style dark meat with roasted seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes, pineapple-cranberry relish, housemade stuffing and gravy- all for the set price of $24.

Keiki price is $7 and includes a sundae. In addition, we’ll be preparing many of your Ryan’s favorites to satisfy everyone in your family.

The Thanksgiving dinner menu will be served from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Make your reservations by calling (808) 591-9132.

Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses statewide offer a New Orleans-inspired way to celebrate Thanksgiving this November 26.

The complete dinner starts with a choice of corn and crab chowder or Ruth’s signature Steak House salad. The entrée is traditional oven roasted turkey complemented with our southern cornbread Andouille stuffing, mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, sweet Island Kahuku corn and our Ruth’s cranberry sauce.

And it wouldn’t be the holidays without a choice of Ruth’s pumpkin cheesecake or sweet potato pie ala mode for dessert.

All Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses feature private rooms for group dining, as well as an extensive cocktail and wine list to complement the complete holiday menu, which is priced at only $45 per person, $19 for Keikis. All five locations accept reservations from 5:00pm for this special harvest menu.

Reservations are suggested island wide by calling (808) 599-3860 for Restaurant Row or (808) 440-7910 for Waikiki Beach Walk on Oahu, (808) 887-0800 for The Shops at Mauna Lani on the Big Island, (808) 661-8815 for Lahaina Center on Front Street or (808) 874-8880 for The Shops at Wailea, both on Maui.

The Willows will host a family size Thanksgiving take out set and special menu for Thanksgiving Day.

The popular Takeout Turkey Meal is now available for reservations. It includes a 10-12 pound fresh herb crusted roast turkey with garlic herb seasoning, chilled antipasto salad, sweet dinner rolls, potato spinach and cheese casserole, roasted garlic and shallot gravy, whole cranberry sauce, traditional stuffing, and a choice of pumpkin or custard pie all for $92.95. Each meal serves a family or group of 4 to 6 people.

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

Thanksgiving at 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, Fresh Sashimi of the Day and King & Snow Crab Legs. A carving station will include Herb Roasted Prime Rib and the Thanksgiving entrée highlight, the Herb Crusted Roast Turkey.

This special menu will also include many Thanksgiving favorites such as Peppered Bacon and Garlic Stuffing, Honey and Clove Scented Ham and a Potato, Spinach and Cheddar Cheese Casserole.

A variety of desserts that includes the holiday favorite, Pumpkin Pie, local favorite Haupia Pie, Caramel and Cinnamon Bread Pudding 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 Thanksgiving continues…

Buca di Beppo hosts an Italian Thanksgiving at their Honolulu location, offering a Turkey Feast option so you can celebrate an American tradition with an Italian twist.

Buca di Beppo’s Turkey Feast. Photo: courtesy of Buca di Beppo.

The Turkey Feast includes tender, moist white meat served over our homemade spicy Italian Sausage Stuffing, flavored with garlic, sage and Parmesan. It’s also served with gravy and whole-berry cranberry sauce.

In a small portion(up to 3) for $22.99, or in a large portion(up to 6) for $38.99

And you can add on some delicious starters, pastas, sides and desserts (including pumpkin pie) to make it a meal "mom would be proud of".

Buca di Beppo’s Thanksgiving Feast will be served from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 26.

For reservations, please call the restaurant directly at 808-591-0800.

Shokudo Japanese Restaurant hosts a "Chopsticks & Turkey" Thanksgiving Lunch Buffet featuring many of their signature dishes alongside traditional Thanksgiving fare.

Here is a look at some of what the buffet will offer:

Thanksgiving Fare – Turkey, Ham, Stuffing, Corn and Mashed Potato

Carving Station – Prime Rib with Au Jus

Salad Stations – Ahi Poke, Mixed Greens with Assorted Toppings, Ume Cucumber, Signature Homemade Tofu

Spicy Tuna crispy.
Photo: courtesy of Shokudo.

Sushi Stations – Nigiri Sushi, Ahi, Salmon, Ebi, Tamago, Spicy Tuna, served as mini donburi, Unagi Oshi Sushi, California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, Lobster Dynamite Roll

Entrees – Pan Fried Gyoza, Shrimp Tempura, Karaage Chicken, Braised Pork "Kakuni", Lobster Dynamite, Teriyaki Chicken, Garlic Shrimp Rice, Yakisoba Noodle, Udon, Somen, Rice & Miso Soup

Dessert – A Selection of homemade favorites

*Menu subjects to change based on product availability

The lunch buffet is available from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 26 for adults is $29.95; children (5-12 years old) is $14.95.

Limited seating available, please call 808-941-3701 for reservations.

A Hale Aina Thanksgiving continues…

Over on the Big Island, Huggo’s is celebrating Thanksgiving with a special dinner.

A 3-course dinner will be offered from 3:30 to 9 p.m.

Here’s a look at the special menu:

First Course
Roasted Winter Squash Soup with Nutmeg Scented Cream, Molokai Black Salt

Main Course
Traditional Turkey Dinner with Caramelized Maui Onion Mash Potatoes, Bacon-Apple Stuffing, Local Garden Beans, Housemade Gravy

Dessert
Pumpkin-Ginger Crème Brulee with Whipped Cream, Macadamia Nut Shortbread

The dinner is available for $28.95.

Call 808-329-1493 for reservations.

At Top of Waikiki, new executive chef John Neff has a delicious set course menu for just $32 per person.

The Thanksgiving meal at Top of Waikiki consists of:

Kabocha-Bacon Soup with mint & sour cream
Roast Turkey with savory gravy
Herb stuffing and cranberry-cherry compote
Cinnamon-brown sugar sweet potato-raisin hash
Haricot verts with bacon & onion
Pumpkin creme brulee

Reservations still available, call (808) 923-3877.

Formaggio Grill will host a Thanksgiving Dinner from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at its Kailua restaurant. It features a delicious 4-course meal to celebrate the holiday.

Photo: courtesy of
Formaggio Grill.

CHOICE OF STARTER

Alaskan King Crab Cake
Sweet Spud Terrine
Rabbit Pot Pie

CHOICE OF SOUP OR SALAD

Butternut Bisque
Spinach & Cranberry Salad

CHOICE OF ENTREE

Sage Roasted Turkey
Herb Roasted Prime Rib 8oz
Winter Squash Ragout
Wild Mushroom Stuffed Jumbo Prawns

CHOICE OF DESSERT

Formaggio Chocolate Bread Pudding
Orange Spiced Creme Brulee
Classic Pumpkin Pie

Thanksgiving dinner is available for adults for $45 per person; children under 12 – turkey and dessert for $12.99

Reservations available between 4pm and 9:30pm, call 808-263-2633. The restaurant is closed for lunch on November 26 and will open to begin dinner service at 4 p.m.