Lately I’ve been in a bit of a rut. Every now and then, I fall into a vicious cycle of keeping myself extremely busy and not wanting to sleep (even though it’s clear that I need to). Practically having hit empty on my personal energy meter, the effects are hitting me hard — living life feeling exhausted and sluggish is not fun. Thank goodness for the weekend, when I can catch up on sleep and treat myself to comfort food. Currently, my definition of comfort food revolves around seafood. Yes, all kinds of seafood. You name it, I probably love it. The lusciousness of the joys of the sea rejuvenate me.
Loving seafood is in my blood. In fact, I grew up with my grandmother preparing whole fish, and we’d eat it, brains and all.
This week, in hope of reviving and recharging my internal battery, I went on a quest for succulent, savory and indulgent seafood medleys. When I’m on the run, time usually is sparse to enjoy a impeccably prepared meal. Yet, here at these must-try OYK establishments, I was able to sit down, relax for a moment and enjoy an exquisite medley of seafood — you know, the finer things in life.
Canton Seafood Restaurant
The name itself implies something wonderful for seafood purists. At Canton Seafood Restaurant on Keeaumoku Street, there are more than 200 menu items to choose from, and better yet, the cuisine is presented in a healthy manner with fresh ingredients and a whole lot of flavor.
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- The editor presents Canton Seafood’s Sauteed Mixed Seafood.
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- Canton Seafood’s Sauteed Mixed Seafood ($13.99)
Why have one type of seafood when you can have a bountiful selection all in one dish? So, with this in mind, Sauteed Mixed Seafood ($13.99) was the best option. Substantial portions of shrimp, scallops, squid and sea bass are cooked just so tender and doused with a special homemade sauce made of chicken broth and flavors derived from simmered pig bone. Snow peas, carrots and celery make their mark with pops of color, and salt and pepper add the finishing touch. Ask the friendly staff for a bowl of rice, and get ready to be moved by the succulent taste of this seafood medley.
The restaurant also offers another take on this dish with fried noodles as the only addition. Seafood Fried Noodle costs $9.99, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., patrons can enjoy it as a lunch special for $8.50.
And because Canton Seafood prides itself on natural ingredients and flavors, no MSG is added to the dish.
Canton Seafood Restaurant
923 Keeaumoku St.
955-3388
Stage Restaurant
Honolulu Design Center is an interior designer’s playground, and on the upper level of this impressive complex stands Stage Restaurant, a rich indulgence for the eyes and the palate. Dressed in stylish hues, the exquisite dining room offers a visual feast of bold artwork and unique furnishings from around the world. And chef’s contemporary Asian-American cuisine is the star of the show, drawing modern culinary innovations influenced by East Asian and European techniques to construct stunning local favorites.
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- Stage Restaurant spotlights exquisite furnishings and artwork. R. BREIT PHOTO
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- Stage’s Seafood Etouffee ($30)
Browse the dinner menu, and if you’re ecstatic over seafood, you’ll agree that Seafood Etouffee ($30) deserves a standing ovation. A medley of fish and shellfish, the dish consists of New Zealand mussels, Manila clams, Kauai sweet shrimp and the island-caught catch of the day (be it mahi mahi, opah or monchong) served atop Creole rice with sea asparagus and Ho Farms tomatoes.
This Southern-based hot seafood stew screams comfort, and showcases distinct flavors and textures, while the seafood lends its natural juices to the overall dish.
When dining at Stage, you can expect to be met with an award-winning dining experience from Act 1 to the finale.
Stage Restaurant
Honolulu Design Center
1250 Kapiolani Blvd.
237-5429
See more articles from: Canton Seafood Restaurant, Stage Restaurant
