Pa’akai Opens on Oahu, Hawaii
While mainlanders can search for farm-to-table dinners, diners on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, can indulge in sea-to-table dinners.
Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore (map), opened the Pa‘akai restaurant this month (part of a multi-million-dollar renovation of the resort, to be completed in the fall).
Pa‘akai — or “sea salt” in the Hawaiian language (reflecting Hawaii’s numerous seaside salt beds) -– features sea-to-table cuisine, part of a renewed focus by Turtle Bay Resort on locally sourced and inspired dishes.
Pa‘akai’s menu highlights the best in fresh local fish, farm-raised lobster, Kauai prawns, sea asparagus, seaweed and sea salt produced in Hawaii. Signature dishes include the pan-seared kampachi with roasted butternut squash, grilled crimini mushrooms and an apple daikon vinaigrette; as well as the Inamona–crusted scallops with avocado puree, Kahuku corn and pipikaula relish with macadamia nut chili oil. The restaurant also features an array of appetizers, including selections from a seafood “treasure chest”.
Pa‘akai has a contemporary, ocean-inspired ambiance of cool blues and natural fixtures, with flexible seating for 110 guests.
Pa‘akai’s dinner menu includes products and specialty items from local farms and suppliers including vegetables from Ho Farms (Kahuku, Oahu); Green Growers, Inc. (Hauula, Oahu); Twin Bridge Farms (Waialua, Oahu); and Small Kine Farms (Waimanalo, Oahu); and seafood from Garden Isle Seafood (Lihue, Kauai).
(Photo courtesy of Turtle Bay)