‘Picture-perfect’ cuisine

Tonkatsu Sando ($13)

Enveloped within the imaginative atmosphere of the Hawaii State Art Museum, Artizen by MW sous chef Brandon Lee has whipped up some quite creative dishes of his own for the eatery’s patrons. Lee took over the reins at Artizen in August. He holds a culinary degree from Kapiolani Community College and has skillfully honed his craft with 12 years experience in the food industry.

He describes the cuisine served at Artizen as casual comfort food utilizing local ingredients. The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, except on state holidays. Artizen shares the same ownership with MW Restaurant located on Kapiolani Boulevard.

Smoked Marlin Club ($14)

Among the delectable new fish dishes available at Artizen is the Mochi Crusted Monchong ($16). Locally caught monchong receives a nice crusting of grated mochi and furikake in this appetizing twist on seafood. It is served with somen noodles and farmer’s barchan with a soy yuzu kosho vinaigrette.

Artizen also features a Smoked Marlin Club ($14) as another option for fish aficionados.

This features house-made smoked marlin spread and bacon. It also has Kula baby romaine, tomato and pickled onions, all served on a house-made bun.

Mochi Crusted Monchong ($16)

The eatery has other types of meaty menu items available as well. They include the Tonkatsu Sando ($13). It’s a twice-cooked pork tonkatsu, accompanied with shredded cabbage, togarashi aioli, and okonomi sauce, served on a house-made bun.

Another treat that diners can experience at Artizen is Mrs. Cheng’s Tofu and Vegetable Curry ($10). In this dish, fried tofu is melded with mixed vegetables in a flavorful coconut curry.

“This is one of our bowls that we rotate through for our Aloha Friday Bowl Specials. All the bowls we offer are $10 for Aloha Friday,” Lee shares. Another Friday bowl offered is the Hawaiian Style Ahi Poke Bowl.

Mrs. Cheng’s Tofu and Vegetable Curry, left, Hawaiian Style Ahi Poke Bowl ($10 each)

In addition, Artizen by MW also offers buffet-style private dining with hand-passed can-apes at per person prices beginning at $35 and up. It can include appetizers, salad, entrees, starch and dessert. Some items are Lemongrass Chicken Bao, Fresh Local Steamed Fish Chinese Style, Grilled Kalbi Shortrib and Strawberry Matcha Shortcake.

Private dining at Artizen includes the use of the cafe and sculpture garden after Hawaii State Art Museum business hours. Lee explains that it’s an elegant, pleasant place to have weddings, graduation parties and other celebratory gatherings.

Artizen by MW also does bentos in large quantities to go, catering and office parties on request. Lee urges customers to contact him for more info.