It’s Better to Give with ’12 Months of Giving’

While the 12 Days of Christmas have come and gone, Kakaako Kitchen is making sure that the holiday spirit continues on through 2015, as the popular dining destination celebrates its 20th anniversary.

For two decades, Kakaako Kitchen has built a stellar reputation by offering tasty dishes crafted with fresh, locally grown and sourced ingredients to put a gourmet touch on local-style plate lunches and comfort food. Chef Anthony Phillips recently joined the Kakaako Kitchen team, and continues the vision of executive chef and managing director Russell Siu at the restaurant’s convenient locale on Ala Moana Boulevard at the ewa end of Ward Centre.

The culinary team has created 12 dishes as part of the “12 Months of Giving” campaign, during which one dish will be featured each month, with 20 percent of the sales from that dish allocated for a designated nonprofit charity. A full list of the dishes and charities will be available soon at KakaakoKitchen.com.

This month, the restaurant teams up with Ronald McDonald House, as the chef duo will cook for families of RMH Sunday, Jan. 18. Phillips has created a McDonald’s-inspired Big KK Burger Meal ($12.95), featuring Hawaii grass-fed beef hamburger with soy sake glaze, along with melted Cheddar cheese, topped with furikake tempura onion rings and served with fried potato chips and a medium drink.

Throughtout February, Kakaako Kitchen also offers a heart-healthy option to celebrate American Heart Association’s Heart Month and Valentine’s Day. For $12.95, diners can enjoy Big Island hearts of palm over ‘Nalo Farms organic greens and assorted grilled vegetables, topped with chicken breast and served with balsamic vinaigrette.

In October, pastry chef Justine Perkins will bake a Pumpkin Bread Pudding (price to be determined) that will represent autumn and featured as part of United Cerebral Palsy’s Dessert Fantasy fundraiser.

Of course, Kakaako Kitchen continues to serve its popular menu full of local favorites. Those looking for fresh fish can reel in Fresh Catch of the Day (market price), a classic featuring the freshest fish prepared uniquely and served with a choice of Hinode brand white or brown rice, mac salad or ‘Nalo Farms fresh greens. Old-Fashioned Beef Stew ($10.50) features slow-simmered beef with potatoes, carrots, celery and onions. It’s “soul filling and so good.”

Kakaako Kitchen also is poised to help with catering events ranging from intimate gatherings, including home parties, first birthday celebrations and business functions, to large weddings. With various options available, including assorted pupus and enticing entrees, Kakaako Kitchen’s skilled staff is capable of customizing menus for parties of 10 to 1,000 guests.

Patrons compliment the eatery’s Appetizer Platter (prices vary by order size and menu selections), which can be crafted with a multitude of options, including kalbi, garlic chicken, furikake tempura catfish with ponzu sauce, and spicy pulled pork empanadas. Diners also rave about Kakaako Kitchen’s Dessert Platter (prices vary by order size and menu selections), with options such as pumpkin crunch, red velvet cream cheese, lemon bars and double chocolate brownies.

“We put a lot of love into our food, in addition to providing excellent customer service,” says general manager Marcy Uyehara. “Customers who call for catering orders are treated like family. We understand everyone has a budget, everyone’s needs are different, and we try our best to fulfill all those needs for our new friends.”

Kakaako Kitchen

Ward Centre
1200 Ala Moana Blvd.
596-7488
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
KakaakoKitchen.com