A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS WEEK’S HOUSE SPECIAL: PORK CHOP RISOTTO ($13.95)
Eclectic in its fare, Anytime Cafe in Market City Shopping Center effortlessy melds an exquisite blend of East meets West with its renowned Eurasian cuisine. Having opened its doors in February 2010, this most-coveted restaurant is owned by the husband-and-wife team of Ken and Cindy Wong, who always strive to give their customers the best.
Pork Chop Risotto is a favorite at this Hong Kong-style cafe, and has gained quite a following since it made its debut on the menu a year ago.
The meat lover was the inspiration behind this dish. According to Wong, the majority of risotto dishes at the establishment features chicken and vegetables. She felt the need to add on a meatier, heartier option to the risotto portion of the menu. “I’m glad I did because people love the pork chops. This is a best-seller.”
Boneless pork chops add a lot of savory to the dish, as they are marinated overnight with a dash of salt, bean curd sauce, cornstarch, five spice powder, minced garlic and a hint of ginger. Once the flavor is perfected, the meat is pan-fried and baked.
The foundation for this dish is the risotto, which Wong prefers over rice. “The risotto is imported from Italy, so it’s the best there is. Risotto has a chewy texture about it and easily soaks up all the flavors,” she says.
The risotto is simmered in a light tomato broth and accompanied by fresh vegetables, including red and green bell peppers, onion and button mushrooms. Diced morsels of boneless pork loin also are mixed into the risotto for additional flair, and Wong discloses melted Parmesan cheese as a special ingredient.
Anytime Cafe
Market City Shopping Center
2919 Kapiolani Blvd. #218, Honolulu
735-3888
Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-midnight
Saturdays, 8 a.m.-midnight
Sundays, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Honolulu, HI 96816
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