Getting Social At The Veranda

Fresh vegetables, Parmesan cheese crisp, three dips ($20, from Social Hour Pau Hana menu)

When it comes to enjoying after-work drinks and pupus in style, The Veranda at The Kahala Hotel & Resort raises the bar with its monthly Social Hour Pau Hana menu.

This month, executive chef Wayne Hirabayashi takes his culinary cues from Europe with agave spirits and regional wines that hail from Spain, and delectable tapa platters that are perfect for sharing. With indoor and outdoor seating footsteps away from the stunning shoreline with gorgeous sunset views, pau hana at The Veranda is a relaxed yet sophisticated affair.

“We hope people can come and relax, enjoy good conversation on the lanai, nosh on an exquisite selection of tapas and appetizers and sip hand-mixed cocktails with an artisan kick,” says Dara Lum, director of public relations.

Grilled “cab” N.Y. steak ($30, dinner menu)

Two kinds of tapa menus are available throughout the week, from Sunday through Monday and Tuesday through Saturday. A popular dish is the succulent clams, New Zealand mussels and soy-braised pork belly, with toasted baguettes ($30). Another must-try is the fresh vegetables with Parmesan cheese crisp and three kinds of dip ($20).

The wines and spirits change monthly on the Social Hour Pau Hana menu, and May features four different kinds of agave and wine selections from Spain, which have a wonderful range of flavors — from fruity to oaky, light to dark. You can select any two wines or two spirits for $12, and tapa platters are an additional $20-$35. Paired with delicious cocktails and live piano jazz music every night, dining at The Veranda is a treat for all the senses.

Clams, New Zealand mussels, soy braised pork belly, toasted baguettes ($30, Social Hour Pau Hana menu)

The regular dinner menu also is not to be missed. Highlighted items include ahi poke musubi appetizer ($20), which offers ahi poke with sushi rice fried for a crispy texture, along with crab namasu and soy ginger sauce. For an entrée, the 8-ounce grilled “cab” N.Y. steak always hits the spot, paired with mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and a rich Cabernet sauce ($30). You also can visit The Veranda earlier in the day for a relaxing and elegant Afternoon Tea service by the beach, with light finger sandwiches, scrumptious pastries and fine teas from The Harney Collection served every day.

The Veranda

The Kahala Hotel & Resort
5000 Kahala Ave., Honolulu
Dining reservations: 739-8760
Daily, Afternoon Tea: 2-5:30 p.m., Small plates and entrees
(Social Hour Pau Hana Menu): 5:30-10 p.m., Cocktail service: 2 p.m.-midnight