Sweet and Savory

A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS WEEK’S HOUSE SPECIAL: KAHUKU SURF & TURF ($32)

There’s a new “momma” in town and she can be found at M.A.C. 24/7 at the Hilton Waikiki Beach hotel. The modern American cuisine (M.A.C.) restaurant is popularly known for its grand servings and even grander challenges. With that said, M.A.C. 24/7 just rolled out a new mission for all the adrenaline foodie junkies out there.

Take on the M.A.C. Momma 5LB Cheeseburger Challenge ($45) featuring 2 pounds of black Angus beef patty between 1 1/2 pounds of brioche bun.

The monster stack comes packed with cheddar cheese, teriyaki sauce, Portuguese sausage, applewood smoked bacon, grilled pineapple rings, avocado, Kunia tomatoes, green leaf lettuce, crispy onion rings, chicharon, and garlic shoyu-vinegar dipping sauce on the side — what a mouthful!

The challenge is to finish The M.A.C. Momma in under 45 minutes. Then, for everyone who does, the burger is free.

“So far there have been two winners, the first was a local boy from Haleiwa who finished in 40 minutes,” says marketing coordinator Mark Turina. “The second was a female competitive eater from California who finished in 24 minutes. She returned a few days later for dessert, and finished the M.A.C. Daddy 5 LB Pancake Challenge in 25 minutes!”

Speaking of dessert, Turina also suggests indulging on the Donut Split Sunday ($9).

“Why choose between a freshly fried donut or a classic ice cream sundae, when you can have both,” he sways.

The exquisite dessert is sweet and warm plus gives off an unexpected tartness for ideal balance.

FROM NORTH TO SOUTH

As one of the newest menu items, the folks at M.A.C. 24/7 say the goal of this dish is for diners to enjoy the taste of the popular North Shore shrimp trucks in Waikiki, amped up the “M.A.C.” way.

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Six pieces of jumbo shrimp are sauteed in fresh garlic and butter and are served alongside a 10-ounce New York steak that is grilled and finished with garlic herb butter.

DON’T SPLIT THE DONUT SPLIT

For $9 diners can revel in this decadent treat comprising fried donut, Lappert’s Vanilla Ice Cream, chocolate drizzle, Oreo Cookie crumble, cinnamon sugar, whipped cream and lilikoi glaze.