Chai’s Choice

Grilled Kabayaki New Zealand King Salmon with Sauteed Vegetables and Coconut Milk Ginger Brown Rice ($40, Early Bird Special Four Course Dinner). File photo

You can always expect something to be going on at Chef Chai at Pacifica Honolulu. Besides the usual magic that occurs nightly (sans Mondays) between the one-of-a-kind fare and the patrons who get to enjoy it, the restaurant also frequently offers live entertainment and special menus.

One such majestic treat is the Early Bird Special Four Course Dinner, which is available every night from 4 to 5 p.m. (must order before 5).

Owner and chef Chai Chaowasaree has created a special set menu ($40 per person) for early diners, who might be catching a show at Neal S. Blaisdell Center across the street, or a movie down the road. He offers patrons a fabulous — and delicious — pre-show with a menu that includes a decadent list of items, each boasting the restaurant’s famous Asian-fusion flair.

DO: Why should guests opt for the Early Bird Special Four Course Dinner?

CHAOWASAREE: The price is very reasonable! You get about a 20-35 percent discount, which is a very good value for what you’re getting on this menu.

DO: The Grilled Kabayaki New Zealand King Salmon with Sauteed Vegetables, Steamed White Rice or Coconut Milk Ginger Brown Rice sounds amazing. What makes this dish a standout entree?

CHAOWASAREE: We use the New Zealand King salmon, which is the best type of salmon and is twice the price of the commonly used Atlantic King salmon. The fish has no hormones and it’s all-natural. Plus, we add a slice of grilled Maui Gold pineapple, sprinkled with a pinch of Japanese shichimi chili pepper on top, to cut the decadent fattiness of the salmon.

DO: What else can diners expect from this feast?

CHAOWASAREE: You also get all the appetizers, including the Family Style Appetizers Sampler, which lets you try everything, and the heart-shaped dessert.

Chef Chai

Pacifica Honolulu
1009 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu
585-0011
Tuesday-Sunday, 4-11 p.m.; closed Monday; happy hour, 4-6 p.m. and 9 p.m.-close; Early Bird Special Four Course Dinner hours: nightly, 4-5 p.m.