PCC’s Pounders presents a mouthwatering matinee

Surf is up on Oahu’s North Shore, but waves aren’t quite what we’re hungry for.

The clock’s cuckoo appears to say, “It’s noon, you’re famished — to Pounders in Laie!”

Inside Polynesian Cultural Center is where you’ll stay, and we’ll hand you this ticket for today’s matinee.

So cool your jets, and settle in tight, for a Pounders presentation that’ll thrill with every bite.

Polynesian Cultural Center is no stranger to theatrical performances that portray the best of what these amazing islands have to offer, including its authentic and delicious Hawaiian luau. This week, its on-site eatery Pounders Restaurant presents a dazzling show just for Dining Out.

Act one and the stage is set. Avocado Papaya-Strawberry Tomato Herb Salad ($12) commands your full attention with an exquisite ensemble cast of fresh greens, avocado, feta, Kalamata olives and pecorino — all expertly attired, courtesy of Naked Cow Dairy with a Greek yogurt dressing — and offering a raw, gluten-free performance that panders specifically to the health-nut crowd.

Titled Spicy Crab and Ahi Poke Bowl ($16), our next scene brings together a match made in heaven — fresh ahi poke paired with house-made blue crab mayo. Defying all odds, this stunning couple has braved an ocean to find one another — and now they live happily ever after atop sushi rice with Sriracha, avocado, puffed rice and furikake.

The final scene boasts an Oscar-worthy starlet beckoning from Pounders’ in-house bakery. This tempting tart goes by the stage name Lilikoi Meringue Pie ($4.95 per slice), but by her character (she’s not too sweet, yet not a bit sour) and good taste in attire (think fruity summer tones, whipped chiffon-like cream tops, and accents of rich chocolate), you’d assume her name must really be magic.

Before the key players take a bow, Pounders’ general manager David Nagaishi (in his best radio announcer voice) urges the audience to “stop by Pounders for a leisure lunch or dinner, and enjoy our comfortable air conditioned dining room features, handmade pizzas from our Kiawe wood fired oven, signature sandwiches, salads, and don’t miss the scrumptious pastries and pies from Aunty Emily’s Bakery!”

Pounders Restaurant

Polynesian Cultural Center
Hukilau Marketplace
55-370 Kamehameha Hwy., Laie
239-3287
Monday-Saturday, Lunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dinner: 4-10 p.m.
(Aunty Emily’s Bakery, located within, opens earlier at 8 a.m.)
HukilauMarketplace.com