Hooked on Sam’s Fare

With a name like Sam Choy’s, Breakfast Lunch & Crab — and a fishing boat serving as an eating area within the restaurant — one should expect the popular eatery to feature stellar seafood selections.

Diners will not be disappointed when visiting Sam Choy’s BLC as the pupu menu alone nets an ample catch of diverse dining options. The Hukilau Pupu Platter ($24.95) is a party on a plate, offering up ample servings of fried poke, island coconut shrimp and fried calamari garnished with furikake. In the mood for more poke? Try the “Before Capt. Cook” Poke ($14.95), a mountain of freshly marinated ahi with inamona (roasted, crushed kukui nut), limu kohu (red seaweed), Hawaiian salt and green onions.

The BLC Crab Cakes ($12.95) offer a rich blend of lump and blue crab complemented with a basil aioli dressing. These bumboocha crab cakes are crispy on the outside while remaining tender and moist inside — the perfect balance of textures.

Looking to complement surf with turf? Grab hold of the always delicious BBQ Babyback Ribs ($15.95), a half rack of Sam’s famous char siu ribs glazed with a hint of coconut.

Sam Choy’s BLC also offers a selection of handcrafted beers from Brewmaster Dave Campbell — all of which pair perfectly with the pupu menu. The brews, which are crafted at the restaurant, include the Blonde Ale, Ehu Ale, Aloha Lager, Aloha Dark Lager and James Cook I.P.A. Diners can enjoy the fresh and flavorful beverages in 10 or 16 oz. glasses ($3.95 or $5.75 each) or delve into each offering with the sampler that includes 5-ounce glasses of each brew.

According to director of operations Gary Manago, the restaurant will be expanding later this year to include an Aloha Beer Garden, where daily tours of the brewery, a bar and additional seating areas will be offered.

Sam Choy’s Breakfast, Lunch & Crab