Exquisite Eats Reflect Culture

Fresh Oysters on Ice with Lemongrass Garlic Mignonette ($16 regular, $10 happy hour) A. Consillio photo

Chef Chai, a classy restaurant located on Kapiolani Boulevard, is a product of esteemed chef Chai Chaowasaree — who, as a child, would peruse the fresh ingredients at local markets in Bangkok for his family’s restaurant.

Mixing his past with the present, Chaowasaree seamlessly blends Hawaiian and Asian flavors together, creating a unique culinary style that truly highlights the best of both worlds.

A few of the delectable menu offerings at Chef Chai are Miso Chilean Sea Bass with Pickled Vegetables, Healthy Stir-fry with Cashew Nuts and Tofu, and Grilled Filet Mignon with Mashed Potato, Mushroom Puff and Merlot Demi.

In addition, the restaurant offers an extensive dessert menu and an excellent selection of wines, cocktails and other beverages.

Guests also can enjoy Chef Chai’s daily happy hour menu from 4 to 6 p.m. or the early bird dinner menu available from 4 to 5 p.m., reservations are highly recommended.

Chef Chai’s bar area. Photo courtesy Chef Chai

Making one’s dining experience even more special, the restaurant hosts a monthly Full Moon Concert, which includes a set dinner menu and live music for $79 per person. It’s the perfect way to impress a date or celebrate a night out with friends.

Along with establishing a successful career as a restaurateur, Chaowasaree has hosted cooking shows, is recognized as one of Hawaii’s top chefs, and his restaurants have been featured in various international magazines.

OYSTERS TASTE NICE ON ICE

Chef Chai’s Fresh Oysters on Ice with Lemongrass Garlic Mignonette ($16 regular, $10 happy hour) is a must-try for all you oyster aficionados, as the dish features Kusshi oysters from Kualoa Ranch. Kusshi oysters are grown in rich, deep waters, giving them a nice creamy flavor. Chef Chai highlights the delectable oysters with small pieces of diced tomato, scallion, tobiko caviar and its Lemongrass Garlic Mignonette.