The Allure of Alfresco

The Kahala Hotel and Resort never disappoints, and its award-winning Plumeria Beach House — which was included in the Open Table Diner’s Choice 2013 Top 100 Outdoor Dining Restaurants, among other accolades — speaks for itself.

Ah, yes, dining alfresco in a sophisticated yet relaxing tropical setting with stunning views of white sand beaches and the azure ocean beyond.

OK, what’s for lunch? Starting with Gazpacho ($10), it’s a classic Spanish-influenced blended soup made with the freshest seasonal vegetables, including tomatoes, celery, onions, garlic, bell peppers, V-8, tomato juice, day-old bread (to thicken), red wine vinegar, olive oil, Tabasco, kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, chilled and served with traditional condiments. Fresh and light, it’s the perfect summertime soup.

And veggie lovers, if you include dairy in your diet, this one has your name all over it. Veggie Lovers Garden Burger ($18) is a soy-based patty made with brown rice, mushrooms, onions, rolled oats, mozzarella and Cheddar cheeses, milk, parsley and turmeric, stacked tall with grilled portobello mushroom, melted Swiss cheese, ‘Nalo greens, balsamic dressing, Kula tomato, pesto and smoked paprika seasoned fries. Each bite is a fresh, local vegetable celebration in your mouth, and the fries add just the right spice for that guilty pleasure.

You know you deserve it.

Contact Terri Hefner at diningout@staradvertiser.com

Plumeria Beach House

The Kahala Hotel and Resort
5000 Kahala Ave.
739-8760
Open daily
Breakfast, 6:30-11:30 a.m.
Lunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Curry buffet Wednesdays, 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dinner, 5:30-10 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday