Visitors can enjoy applause-worthy dishes

Escargot ($13)

William Shakespeare once noted, “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players.”

A stage that the late Shakespeare himself might have enjoyed is Stage Restaurant on Kapiolani Boulevard. With responsive service, gorgeous surroundings, and a world-class menu developed by executive chef Ron de Guzman and pastry chef Cainan Sabey, this magical restaurant satisfies in every way.

‘Shades of Purple’ ($15)

Featured players this week include Escargot ($13), a sophisticated warm-up act consisting of morsels served in heavenly clouds of lemon-cauliflower puree. Co-stars include tender alii mushrooms, Parmesan crisps and toasted baguette. This delicious prelude is finished with aromatic ribbons of garlic butter and bright notes of lemon zest.

New York Steak ($45) brings lusciously complex waves of flavor to the show. Accompanied by roasted artichokes and mushrooms, dressed with creamy potato puree, and crowned with charred green onion cream and bacon onion jam, it’s a show-stopping main event.

New York Steak ($45)

But it’s not over yet — time for the delectable denouement. The curtains open to reveal ‘Shades of Purple’ ($15), a dessert fit for a diva, made with lavender gelee, blueberry compote, blackberry ice cream, honey lavender Chantilly cream, citrus meringue, and sunshine-sweet notes of honeycomb.

A quick search on Instagram for “Chef Cainan” yields a bakery’s worth of creations, each image more mouthwateringly gorgeous than the last.

“Chef Cainan has fun with ingredients and techniques,” says general manager Michael Moore.

“He does some unique interpretations of classics. His carrot cake is like no other.”

Want a private show? Stage also offers desserts to order, call the restaurant for more information.

Located on the second floor of Honolulu Design Center, Stage is a bit off the beaten path, but parking is free with validation, so it’s an easy road to follow — garage entrances may be found on both Piikoi and Pensacola. The restaurant also welcomes group events, and soon will host the Wild Aloha Foundation’s cocktail reception fundraiser “Winos for Rhinos.”

“We’re a hidden gem … but it’s worth the effort to find us,” says Moore.