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The New Year Calls For New Bites

A La Carte Columns

January 1, 2017

Story By: Christina O Connor | Photos by: Lawrence Tabudlo

Cold Water Lobster Tail ($17 a la carte, $15 when added to an entree)

Cold Water Lobster Tail ($17 a la carte, $15 when added to an entree)

Today marks a fresh start. So what better way to kick off the new year than by trying a new restaurant?

Enter Wisp Restaurant & Lounge, which opened inside of the Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head hotel last month. So far, it’s been catering to customers’ taste buds with a menu of Hawaii Regional Cuisine.

For those who typically prefer the tried and true to the brand new, know this: Wisp is helmed by seasoned industry veteran Jon Ishimi, who has run a number of eateries and bars throughout the years. For Wisp, Ishimi has teamed up with Lani Nakamura, an attorney-turned-restaurateur.

Garlic Lover's Steak ($26)

Garlic Lover’s Steak ($26)

The new venue offers breakfast, dinner and a light menu of late-night fare. Wisp also has live music daily and a happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. featuring discounted drinks and pupu items.

“We have a lot of traditional American dishes, but we incorporate local ingredients with some Asian influences,” Nakamura explains.

SURF AND TURF

For a taste of Wisp’s flavors come together, order Garlic Lover’s Steak ($26). The dish is accented with roasted garlic, yuzu shiso butter and a port wine reduction. It’s served with a vegetable medley including shishito peppers, Maui onion, and Ho Farms tomatoes. To add a little surf to your turf, there is Cold Water Lobster Tail (a la carte for $17 or added to an entrée for $15). It’s broiled and served with drawn butter and lemon.

Wisp Restaurant & Lounge

Lotus Honolulu At Diamond Head,
2885 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu
791-5163
Breakfast: 6-10 a.m., dinner: 5-10 p.m. (open from 4 for happy hour); Late night (lounge service) Friday-Saturday until 2 a.m.

Honolulu, HI 96815

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