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JJ Bistro & French Pastry

Digest Step Up to the Plate

November 30, 2014

Story By: Alana Folen | Photos by: Nathalie Walker

Take a closer look at this week’s house special: STONE CRAB CLAWS WITH JJ XO SAUCE ($19.95)

JJ Bistro & French Pastry on Waialae Avenue is a gem of a restaurant in the heart of Kaimuki. Owned and operated by executive chef JJ Luangkhot, the award-winning bistro dishes out fusion cuisine that’s Parisian and Asian inspired, and the eatery also is renowned for its decadent desserts. You’ll want to stop by often, as Luangkhot frequently spotlights new dishes of edible inspiration.

“I love to be inspired and create new dishes. That’s one of the best parts of my job,” says Luangkhot.

While dining trends come and go, one that’s here for the long haul is the idea that when digging into crab claws, messy is best. Luangkhot is sure of this. Since the dish debuted last month, it quickly has become another top seller.

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You can expect any seafood enthusiast to appreciate the dish for exactly what it is: rich, heavy, zesty and indulgent.

Stone Crab Claws with JJ XO Sauce is a mouthwatering holiday favorite, and with the holidays also comes time for JJ Bistro’s Yule Log and other seasonal pastries. The restaurant is accepting orders now.

“We sautee the crab with cooking oil and garlic, then add the ingredients. I cover the claws for five minutes until the juices seep out,” owner and executive chef JJ Luangkhot explains. “Heavy cream is added at the very end, and the dish is ready to serve.”

The crab claws exude individual flavors of garlic, chili paste, curry powder, heavy cream, salt, pepper and butter. Each ingredient is prominent on its own, but melds together beautifully.

JJ Bistro & French Pastry

3447 Waialae Ave., Honolulu
739-0993
Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

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