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Turning the big 5-0 in bourbon, barbecue style

Columns Lite Bites

June 8, 2014

Story By: Yu Shing Ting | Photos by: Anthony Consillio

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, The Kahala Hotel & Resort kicks off the summer with monthly beachside affairs starting with Blues, Bourbon and BBQ, happening Friday, June 20 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Priced at $50 per person ($30 for children ages 6 to 12), guests will enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet-style menu created especially for this special night by chef Wayne Hirabayashi, banquet chef Rick Kusuda and food and beverage director Todd Oldham. There also will be an exquisite selection of bourbon flights available, as well as other refreshing summer drinks.

On the menu are Grilled Oysters, Kansas City Style BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Slow Smoked Brisket Carving, Crab and Seafood Boil, Creamy Grits and BBQ Spiced Shrimp, Hawaiian Style Baked Mahi Mahi, Warm Spinach Salad, Grilled Street Corn and Spicy Chili Garlic Peanuts. For dessert, delight in Mini Roasted Macadamia Pecan Apple Pie, Dark Chocolate Bourbon Truffle Lollipops, Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Marshmallows and Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes.

“We came up with something that would be well-received by the locals — things that we locals would eat, but with a Mainland flair,” says Kusuda. “For example, grilled oysters. It’s something we eat at every barbecue. These are Goose Point Oysters from the Pacific Northwest, and we have a nice Hamakua tomato and Maui onion lomi with avocado (on top).

“Also, for our Kansas City Style BBQ Baby Back Ribs, we give it a local flair with our vanilla lilikoi-roasted pineapple slaw. The Kansas City style ribs are real tangy with a lot of smoky flavor, so with the vanilla lilikoi roasted pineapple, it rounds out the flavor.”

Kusuda adds that most of the ingredients used at The Kahala Hotel & Resort are local and as close to farm-to-table as possible. Grilled Street Corn is Kahuku corn, featuring a unique spiced salt made in-house. Spicy Chili Garlic Peanuts also are made with homemade peanuts, and served with homemade garlic chips.

Located between the pool and the beach, Seaside Grill is normally closed for dinner, which makes these 50th anniversary summer events extra special. Add scenic ocean views, a stunning sunset and tropical breeze, along with the acoustic-blues-rock sounds of Tavana, and it’s sure to be a perfect evening under the stars with family, friends or that special someone. Or make it the beginning of a weekend getaway, with special kamaaina room rates starting at $286.

Seating for Blues, Bourbon and BBQ is limited, and reservations are required. Also mark your calendars for:

July 4: Hawaiian Style Clambake

July 25: Toes in the Sand (showcasing aged Rum and fine cigars)

Aug. 22: Wines of Summer (end of summer Rose Wine and Barbecue dinner)

Aug. 24: Makana (say goodbye to summer with the sounds of Makana)

Happy 50th anniversary, The Kahala Hotel & Resort!

The Kahala Hotel & Resort

5000 Kahala Avenue
739-8888
kahalaresort.com

Honolulu, HI 96816

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