Whether planning a wedding reception or hosting a business meeting, more and more kamaaina are catching on to Pomaikai Ballrooms, where special events receive the special treatment they deserve. Located on the second level of Dole Cannery in Iwilei, the facility occupies the space formerly known as Dole Ballrooms. Under new management, the venue underwent extensive renovations before reopening in May 2013 as Pomaikai Ballrooms.
“If you take (the word) pomaikai, the literal Hawaiian translation is good fortune and blessings,” says general manager Jeff Marcello when describing what the establishment aims to bestow on all its clientele. Ensuring each occasion is carried out as successfully as possible, Pomaikai now features a new sound system and updated air conditioning, as well as Wi-Fi throughout the entire space.
Marcello and his team chose the Anthurium blossom, with its bold, beautiful colors, to represent Pomaikai Ballrooms because the flower symbolizes hospitality. Just as his employees are nothing but hospitable to their guests, Marcello and his staff hope that the local business community will join them in showing hospitality to Hawaii’s hardworking band of secretarial and supervisory members during an exciting Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon ($40 per person; $3 validated parking).
The festive feast will be held Wednesday, April 23 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the 11,000 square foot Hokulei room, which can accommodate more than 600 people. “I think people are realizing the convenience of coming into downtown without dealing with the hustle and bustle of Waikiki,” says Marcello. “There’s so many businesses in the area, we hope they take advantage of (the luncheon).”
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- Catering administrative assistant Stephanie Le, general manager Jeff Marcello, executive chef Freddie Billena, catering coordinator Priya Ho and banquet manager Stacey Sukita
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- Braised Boneless Short Ribs with Cabernet Sauce
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- Warm Vanilla-Raisin Bread Pudding with English Custard Sauce
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- Sauteed Mahimahi
The highlight of the day will undoubtedly be an up-scale buffet planned especially for the event by executive chef Freddie Bil-lena. With 36 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Billena brings a wealth of talent to his effortlessly delicious Hawaii Regional Cuisine.
Attendees will be able to start their meals with a range of appetizers, from Somen Salad and Oriental Chicken Salad to Mushroom Soup and Miso Eggplant. The spread also will showcase a range of enticing entrees, such as Herb Crusted Chicken drizzled in a spry lemon thyme sauce. Seafood lovers will revel in Sauteed Mahimahi accented with mushroom, sun dried tomato and basil vinaigrette. And meat enthusiasts will devour tender Braised Boneless Short Ribs with a rich Cabernet sauce.
No buffet would be complete without desserts, and Pomaikai’s won’t disappoint with an irresistible array of French pastries as well as Warm Vanilla-Raisin Bread Pudding with English Custard Sauce.
The Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon is presented in partnership with Summit Media, which has added a host of must-see local acts to the bill. Sweet sounds from Duncan Osorio, who recently appeared on NBC’s The Voice, as well as up-and-coming band Kolohe Kai and local favorite Kapena will fill the ballroom.
“It’s just a relaxing atmosphere in a very convenient location, with excellent entertainment and great food. Come and enjoy yourself,” adds Marcello.
Ali Carte can’t think of a better way to show appreciation for all the dedicated individuals who work hard in their companies year-round. To make a reservation for The Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon, call 695-4380 or 695-4376 by 5 p.m. Monday, April 21.
Pomaikai Ballrooms
Dole Cannery, second floor
735 Iwilei Road, Honolulu
695-4380 or 695-4376
Administrative Professionals Day
Wednesday, April 23 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Honolulu, HI 96819
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