Ring in the Holidays with Kit n Kitchen

This holiday season, it’s tempting to jettison the stress of holiday cooking and leave it to the professionals: namely, Kit n Kitchen. Its dependably delectable food always is a surefire bet, but its festive menu specials are the perfect way to ring in the holidays.

Kit n Kitchen has a long history of success, with more than 13 years at its University Avenue establishment, and an additional location that expands its reach to Pearl City. The eatery’s menu is much beloved, as it blends the two most prominent international culinary influences of the Islands — European and Asian cuisine. The resulting creations are eclectic, modern fusions layered with outstanding and harmonious elements.

To beat the incumbent winter chill, Lamb Wellington ($21.95) is an excellent place to begin. Owner and chef May Yiu starts with a trimmed rack of lamb, marinates it in herbal pesto and bakes it in a puff pastry until it’s fork-tender. Served atop crisp potatoes and capped with jambalaya sauce, it’s rich and complex — and warming enough to make you forget the December chill.

Another particularly festive option is Pork Shank Ratatouille ($21.95), featuring braised meat with cranberry accents.

Perhaps the best way to take in the full scope of Kit n Kitchen’s adventurous offerings is to sample the Holiday Menu ($24.95). The three-course meal begins with a 12-bean soup and a fresh green salad with turkey and sesame-miso vinaigrette. There are several intriguing entree options to follow, including Burgundy Beef Risotto ($14.95), a particularly eye-catching Italian-style dish with fresh tomato and Parmesan.

While the menu is decidedly upscale, it’s well-suited to those on a budget. Their ever-popular 99 Cent Menu gives diners who order two entrees a selection of side dishes for only 99 cents. Options range from Meatball Chimichurri to the reigning favorite, Pan-Fried Eggplant with olive pimento dressing. Special deals like this, along with the well-portioned plates, ensure that you can come for Christmas, and then return for New Year’s. Lucky for us, Kit n Kitchen is indeed open on both holidays.

Kit n Kitchen

University
1010 University Ave.
942-7622
Daily, 11 A.M.-2 P.M. and 5 P.M.-Midnight

Pearl City
1029 Makolu St.
294-5888
Daily, 11 A.M.-10 P.M.