When husband-and-wife duo Allen and Mayu Farinas decided to try their hand at opening a restaurant, they had a clear vision in mind. Tired of the same greasy, high-calorie fast-food chains that often populate shopping centers, the Farinas committed to a menu that would employ farm-fresh ingredients and homemade recipes. Soon after, in 2011, GRYLT opened at Manoa Marketplace. Today, the eatery has three locations with more on the way.
Founded on the principle, “good food that’s good for you,” GRYLT aims to serve chef-inspired dishes that are creative and nutritious, using local ingredients whenever possible.
“People today are much more conscious about where restaurants source their ingredients and how they make their food,” says owner Allen Farinas.
“They want something that is going to taste great without the use of any harmful additives or frying.”
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- Owners Mayu and Allen Farinas
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- Braised Beef Wrap (starting at $8.80)
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- Angus Steak Plate (starting at $10.95)
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- Surf and Turf Platter (starting at $15.95)
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- Ahi Tuna Plate (starting at $12.95)
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- Grilled Tofu Plate (starting at $9.95)
Whether you are looking for a quick bite to eat or something more substantial, GRYLT has it all. The menu is known for its build-your-own-plate-lunch option, in which customers choose a protein, starch, vegetable side and sauce. Popular choices include Angus Steak Plate (starting at $10.95), as well as Ahi Tuna Plate (starting at $12.95), grilled rare and seasoned lightly with sea salt and cracked pepper. Vegetarians and vegans will love Grilled Tofu Plate (starting at $9.95).
Not to be outdone by the eatery’s roster of locally sourced proteins, GRYLT’s thoughtfully prepared side dishes also command high praise. Starches include white or brown rice, Yukon Gold-grade “smashed potatoes” as well as mashed cauliflower for a low-carbohydrate option.
“Instead of adding cream or butter, we use roasted garlic, sea salt and olive oil to keep our starches light and tasty,” explains Farinas. “They offer the perfect complement to our fresh greens and sauces, which are all made from scratch.”
For the large appetites, GRYLT also boasts a line of “power meals,” such as Surf and Turf Platter (starting at $15.95), which serves a generous portion of salmon or ahi with steak, a side of spinach and two scoops of brown rice. Those craving something on the smaller scale will appreciate any one of the menu’s taste bud-pleasing sandwiches and wraps. Braised Beef Wrap (starting at $8.80) is a popular choice, which comes with tender beef that has been slow-cooked in basil, cilantro, garlic and onions for more than six hours.
GRYLT does the body good!
GRYLT
Kahala Mall
4211 Waialae Ave., Honolulu (with additional locations at Ala Moana Center and Manoa Marketplace)
734-7958
Daily, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Honolulu, HI 96816
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