Kahai Street Kitchen

Digest Step Up to the Plate

July 7, 2013

Story By: Alana Folen | Photos by: Leah Friel

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A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS WEEK’S HOUSE SPECIAL: MARINATED GRILLED CHICKEN MOZZARELLA BAKE ($8.95)

Lunchtime is a buzz at Kahai Street Kitchen, where avid fans refuel for the rest of the day with local comfort food with a gourmet twist. The eatery recently unveiled an updated menu in celebration of its seventh anniversary last month, yet it continues to pay tribute to the classics, such as Marinated Grilled Chicken Mozzarella Bake.

Created by chef David Yamamoto, Marinated Grilled Chicken Mozzarella Bake is the special of the month, and it’s a proven winner among patrons. Kahai Street Kitchen is the place to be for fine-dining plate lunches and catering.

Nine ounces of chicken is coated with flour and seasoned with salt, pepper and an assortment of herbs, and then baked to a crisp golden brown, while the meaty interior remains tender and juicy.

White wine cream sauce composed of white wine, shallots and a cream butter reduction has savory written all over it, adding another dimension to this already alluring dish.

“I like to incorporate local ingredients into the dishes as much as possible,” Yamamoto says.

“I create local-style favorites and always kick it up a notch. It’s great to take components from different types of cuisine and combine them together.

Sauteed spinach with pancetta and cream sauce is placed atop the chicken, along with roasted sliced tomatoes, fresh mushrooms and melted mozzarella cheese.

A choice of white or brown rice and potato mac or tossed salad accompanies the dish.