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Ocean House

Digest Kitchen Insider

July 21, 2013

Story By: Dining Out Team | Photos by: Leah Friel

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at your favorite restaurant? Well, much credit goes to the many chefs, owners and managers who work diligently day in and day out to make sure Hawaii’s diners have a top-notch dining experience.

This week, Dining Out gets the inside scoops from Ocean House’s chef Aurelio Garcia, who gives us a little taste of Ocean House and shares just what fuels his culinary drive.

NAME Aurelio Garcia
TITLE Chef
TRAINING/ EDUCATION The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y.

Who or what inspires you as a chef? Being a chef is so much fun! I like creating new dishes and I am proud to have people enjoy our food at Ocean House. I like teaching and watching our staff grow.

If you could serve food to a celebrity, who would it be and why? What dish would you serve? I would serve Kobe Bryant because he is my favorite basketball player. I would serve him Grilled Opakapaka with lime, apple banana, macadamia nut beurre blanc and Molokai sweet potato gratin.

What is your favorite dish on the menu? Why? My favorite dish is Fresh Steamed Monchong. Monchong is one of my favorite types of fish, as it is tender and has a great flavor. The fish is steamed with shiitake mushrooms, ginger, cilantro and green onions, and then it’s topped with sizzling sesame peanut oil and a little tamari, and served on steamed rice. Yum!

Is there a dish that you create that’s not on your menu, but available upon request? Yes, Seared Garlic Ahi is available upon request. Our longtime customers love this dish.

Ocean House

Outrigger Reef Hotel
2169 Kalia Road
923-2277
Daily, (Breakfast) 7-11 a.m., (Dinner) 5-10 p.m.

Honolulu, HI 96815

Ilima Awards
Hawaii's Best