The editor with Seaside Grill’s Tropical Fruit Iced Tea and Double Cheese Wagyu Beef Burger ($22).
We, the people of the United States of America, have the ability to do, say and, of course, eat what we want. It may not seem like a big deal, as we often take these things for granted, but it is.
Taking a brief moment to appreciate all that we have as Americans, I can’t help but get excited to celebrate Fourth of July, which is the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted, in case you forgot.
I usually commemorate Fourth of July by watching the annual fireworks show displayed at Ala Moana Beach Park, but now that I am fully immersed in the world of food, I’ve decided to ring in the holiday by indulging in my favorite all-American foods.
With cheeseburgers, fries, hot dogs and milkshakes lingering in my mind, I decided to start my eating spree a little early. So this week, I got my hands on some tasty and meaty treats that made me feel like a true American.
As I decided to freely and guiltlessly indulge in our country’s classic food offerings in the spirit of Fourth of July, I highly recommend you do the same.
Let the fireworks of flavor begin!
A BURGER REVOLUTION
After a visit to The Kahala Hotel & Resort’s Seaside Grill, I concluded that not all burgers are created equal, as they come in a range of sizes, shapes, forms and tastes.
SuperVeg Burger ($18) and Tropical Fruit Iced Tea ($7) from Seaside Grill
SuperVeg Burger ($18), a rather unique and “outside of the bun” type of burger, is a prime example. This sandwich is made up of a veggie burger packed with herbs and spices, grilled portobello mushroom, white cheddar cheese, Nalo greens, special Hawaiian dressing, Kula tomato, and pesto, served on a toasted brioche bun. The pleasantly tasty burger is then paired with a side of crisp, warm french fries.
“It’s very tasty,” notes Wayne Hirabayashi, Seaside Grill head chef. “It’s really different.”
Hirabayashi also adds the SuperVeg Burger can be made totally vegan, upon request, as the cheese can be swapped for dehydrated yeast and a vegan bun can replace the brioche.
If something a little more classic and meaty tickles your fancy, reach for Seaside Grill’s Double Cheese Wagyu Beef Burger ($22). The kicked up version of a classic cheese-burger features two 4-ounce wagyu-grade patties, American cheese, shredded cabbage cole slaw, tomato and applewood smoked bacon, placed in a brioche bun. This hearty all-American meal comes with a side of french fries and a pickle spear.
“It’s a very juicy burger because of the Wagyu beef,” explains Hirabayashi. “It’s a very good combination … you might go to sleep after.”
And if you do experience a kanak attack — the term many locals use to describe a sudden onset of fatigue after eating a good meal — take a few steps from Seaside and you can lie on the beach for a quick nap.
With summer in full effect, Seaside Grill is offering an Endless Summer Menu now until Aug. 18. The special food menu will be available every day from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. It will feature items such as Roasted Chicken, Daily Fresh Catch, Shrimp Cocktail and Grilled CAB New York Steak.
What’s more, guests can enjoy a Fourth of July feast from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday at The Kahala Hotel and Resort’s Plumeria Beach House. The eatery’s Fourth of July BBQ & Seafood Buffet will feature a barbecue station, hot selections, salads, seafood, desserts and more. The glorious buffet is priced at $65 per adult and $32.50 for each child (age 6-12).
‘GRILL’ WILL THRILL
If you plan on spending Fourth of July at the beach, pick up a plate lunch or two at Kau Kau Grill to add some turf to your surf.
I mean, there’s no better way to celebrate the holiday than with good food and a view, right? And you can rest assured that a meal from Kau Kau Grill will fit the bill, as the restaurant’s sole mission is to serve customers onolicious grinds.
Kau Kau Grill’s Pulehu Beef Short Ribs ($12)
“(Kau Kau Grill’s goal is to) make people happy with our food,” says Ryan Souza, manager and head chef.
Customers can experience food-induced bliss by biting into house specialties such as Garlic Ahi, Garlic Shrimp, Pulehu Beef Short Ribs and Barbecue Baby Back Ribs.
As my mouth waters just thinking about these delectable options, I can’t help but drift toward the eatery’s rib selections when thinking of the ideal Fourth of July meal.
Let’s take a closer look at them, shall we? First up is Pulehu Beef Short Ribs ($12), a plate lunch sure to satisfy anyone looking for a hearty, filling meal. Souza explains the generously sized pieces of beef are dusted with just the right amount of salt and pepper then grilled to perfection, creating a nice char. The ribs are then joined with the customer’s choice of either tossed or macaroni salad, and two scoops of rice.
Kau Kau Grill’s Barbecue Baby Back Ribs ($12)
“(Pulehu Beef Short Ribs) are more like a steak on bone,” notes Souza.
A dish I would gladly get my hands dirty for is Barbecue Baby Back Ribs ($12). The finger-licking good ribs go through a “whole day process,” says Souza, which includes slow cooking the meat in the oven and coating them with shiny, house-made barbecue sauce. This satisfying plate also comes with either tossed or macaroni salad, and two scoops of rice.
If you want to get a little wild with your meal, substitute your scoops of white rice for Kau Kau’s Krazy Rice ($1 per scoop). The tasty rice features pieces of shredded baby back ribs, house spices, onions and house-made barbecue sauce.
“It has a spicy kick,” says Souza. “It complements the ribs very well.”
So grab a plate lunch to go before hitting the beach or pull up a chair at the eatery’s casual, sit-down dining area, and prepare your taste buds for glorious bursts of flavor!
See more articles from: Kau Kau Grill, The Kahala Hotel & Resort
