All the World’s a Stage

Honolulu Design Center is multiple venues in one. It’s a decorator’s paradise, show-casing contemporary furniture for your home or office at Inspiration Furniture; it’s a sophisticated place to hold special events in the ultra-modern Cupola Theatre with its retractable dome, and also the cool Ice Garden for smaller parties or business presentations; and there’s unique wine tasting (more than 500 labels to choose from) and exclusive self-serve beer tap party tables at Amuse Wine Bar — all under one roof and all impeccably furnished with sophisticated, international style.

So how can you think about lunch when you’re surrounded by so much eye candy? Easy. Food also takes a starring role in this production.

Kalbi Portobello Mushroom Sandwich ($15)

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Award-winning Stage Restaurant brings it all together in “a fusion of fashion and cuisine.” The offerings are diverse, ranging from lunch to prix fixe menus and, as the cuisine takes its cue from local island favorites, it strives to incorporate fresh, locally grown ingredients in its dishes.

Speaking of lunch, among the creative appetizers, salads and entrees is a sandwich list — and this week we shine the spotlight on Kalbi Portobello Mushroom Sandwich ($15). A perfectly grilled, kalbi-marinated portobello mushroom is topped with Swiss cheese, mayonnaise, Spanish onions, tomato and lettuce — and all the bread for Stage Restaurant’s sandwiches is baked in-house, so you know it’s fresh. The kalbi marinade infuses flavor into the portobello to mimic the iconic Korean beef dish (sans the meat), and the result is mouthwatering. The sandwiches here come with your choice of fries or a petit house salad (which is served with the restaurant’s popular honey balsamic vinaigrette) to complete the meal.

To quote Shakespeare, “All the world’s a stage.” Experience it. You’ll likely want an encore.

Contact Terri Hefner at diningout@staradvertiser.com

Stage Restaurant

Honolulu Design Center, Second floor
1250 Kapiolani Blvd.
237-5429
Lunch: Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Dinner: Monday-Saturday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.