Living on an island as beautiful as Oahu sometimes can be a double-edged sword. “For many restaurants, importing meats and produce from overseas is often the preferred way of purchasing ingredients because it allows them to buy in bulk,” says chef de tournant Jake Andrews of Hyatt Regency’s Shor American Seafood Grill in Waikiki. “However, the downside is that such a method often affects freshness and quality.”
Managed under the philosophy “food thoughtfully sourced, carefully served,” Shor is dedicated to growing and utilizing food and beverage options that are healthy, fresh and beneficial for members of the local community. “Our approach is even more applicable in Hawaii because people here really embrace supporting the local farmers,” says Andrews.
From freshly caught fish to farm-raised beef, Shor’s new menu is a haven for dishes with high-quality ingredients and creative flavor profiles. The restaurant’s Shellfish Tagliatelle ($32) is a popular entree, which includes a symphony of seafood favorites such as shrimp, mussels and scallops — grilled and seared individually to maximize flavor.
“We use fresh lobster shells to make a nice homemade butter, which we add to the tagliatelle,” explains Andrews. “We also make all of our pasta in-house with a special flour imported from Italy.”
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- Shellfish Tagliatelle ($32)
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- Shor’s chef de tournant Jake Andrews
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- Moscow Mule ($10)
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- Crunchy Garlic Fries ($5)
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- Grass Fed Filet Mignon ($42)
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- Charred Shrimp ($5)
Meat lovers will appreciate Shor’s variety of steak options. “We obtain all of our steak from two island-based co-ops,” he adds. “The beef is 100 percent island raised and grass-fed with absolutely no hormones or genetically modified organisms added.” As a result, favorites such as Grass Fed Filet Mignon ($42) receive high praise for their clean texture with superior marbling.
In addition to the regular dining menu, Shor’s daily happy hour, which runs from 5 to 6 p.m., features an array of shareable delights, including Charred Shrimp ($5) and Crunchy Garlic Fries ($5). “We use Kauai-grown shrimp, which is soaked in a kimchee marinade before char-grilled, and our fries are mixed with tempura flour to give it an airy lightness,” says Andrews. “Everything reflects a sense of comfort with fine dining.”
Along with a new menu, Shor also invites diners to partake in its new Chef’s Table available any night with a reservation made 48 hours in advance. The meal, which costs $500 for four people and $150 per additional person, features six dishes with accompanying wine pairings. “The dinners don’t come with a menu because we cater them to what is in season at the market,” says Andrews. “It’s really the perfect way to showcase what Shor is all about.”
Shor American Seafood Grill
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa
2424 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu
237-6145
Open daily for breakfast, 5:30-11 a.m.; happy hour, 5-6 p.m.; and dinner 6-10 p.m.
Honolulu, HI 96815
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