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Destination: Kauai Article Source: Copyright © 2012 by Fodor’s Travel, a division of Random House Inc. All rights reserved.
Kauai residents frequent this big, sparsely furnished eatery near the Lihue Fire Station for hearty, local-style at breakfast and lunch. Dani's is a good place to try traditional luau cuisine without commercial luau prices. You can order Hawaiian-style laulau (pork and taro leaves wrapped in ti leaves and steamed) or kalua pig, slow roasted in an underground oven. Other island-style dishes include Japanese-prepared tonkatsu (pork cutlet) and teriyaki beef, and there's always the all-American New York steak. Omelets are whipped up with fish cake, kalua pig, or seafood; everything is served with rice. Credit cards accepted. Closed Sun. No dinner.
Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood above Poipu Beach, this "House of Friends" has live classical piano music on Saturday nights and an outside deck open to sweeping ocean views. Entrées from the internationally eclectic menu include a saffron-vanilla paella risotto made with black tiger prawns, fresh fish, chicken breast, and homemade Italian sausage. For dessert, take the plunge with a baked Hawaii: a chocolate-macadamia-nut brownie topped with coconut and passion-fruit sorbet and flambéed Italian meringue. www.casadiamici.com. Credit cards accepted. No lunch.
The A-frame structure makes this popular restaurant look distinctly rustic from the outside. Inside, light-color walls and a full wall of glass highlight an ocean view that is one of the best on Kauai. Come early for a window seat and watch the surf crashing on the rocks while you study the menu. The food is simple and basic—think white bread and iceberg lettuce—but they know how to do surf and turf. You can try both in one of several combo dinner platters or order fresh island fish and thick steaks individually. The restaurant is best known for its prime rib and Australian rack of lamb. Longtime visitors and locals love this place, which hasn't changed much in 30 years. Arrive early for the best seats. www.bullshedrestaurant.com. Credit cards accepted. No lunch.
This restaurant partners a dreamy ocean view with impressive cuisine. Few Kauai experiences are more delightful than sitting at one of the outside tables and savoring a delectable meal while the sun sinks into the glassy blue Pacific. It's the epitome of tropical dining, and no other restaurant on Kauai can offer anything quite like it. Chef Robin Moe's menu changes often, but the food is consistently creative and delicious. A few trademark dishes appear regularly, such as mint-coriander lamb rack, fire-roasted ahi, and lemongrass and kaffir-lime sea scallops. Seared macadamia-nut-crusted mahimahi, a dish ubiquitous on island menus, gets a refreshing new twist when served with a lilikoi (passion fruit)-lemongrass beurre blanc. Save room for the signature molten chocolate desire, a decadent finale at this pleasing and deservedly popular restaurant. www.the-beach-house.com. Reservations essential. Credit cards accepted. No lunch.
Brennecke's is decidedly casual and fun, with a busy bar, windows overlooking the beach, and a cheery blue-and-white interior. It specializes in big portions in a wide range of offerings including ribeye steak, prime rib, shrimp, and the fresh catch of the day. Can't decide? Then, create your own combination meal. This place is especially good for happy hours (3 pm to 5 pm and 8:30 pm to closing), as the drink and pupu menus bring the prices closer to reality. The fare is fair, but the ocean view and convenient location compensate for the food's shortcomings. There's a take-out deli downstairs. www.brenneckes.com. Credit cards accepted.
This tapas bar is a very welcome addition to the Hanalei dining scene, rocketing right near top place in the categories of tastiness, creativity, and pizzazz. Owner-chef Jim Moffat's brief menu changes regularly: You might find banderillas (grilled flank steak skewers with honey and chipotle chili oil), Gorgonzola endive salad, or Spanish chorizo with grilled apples. The food is consistently remarkable, but its the subtly intense sauces that elevate the cuisine to outstanding. It's super casual, but chic, with a nice porch for outdoor dining. www.restaurantbaracuda.com. Credit cards accepted. Closed Mon.
Destination: Hawaiian Islands Article Source: Copyright © 2012 by Fodor’s Travel, a division of Random House Inc. All rights reserved.
Food in Hawaii is a reflection of the state’s diverse cultural makeup and tropical location. Fresh seafood, organic fruits and vegetables, free-range poultry and meat, and locally grown products are the hallmarks of Hawaii regional cuisine.
To experience island history first-hand, take a seat at one of Hawaii's ubiquitous "plate lunch" eateries, and order a segmented Styrofoam plate piled with rice, macaroni salad, and maybe some fiery pickled vegetable condiment.
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