Celebrate with the classics

Executive chef Ron de Guzman and marketing and events coordinator Alice Ancarani showcase Stage Restaurant’s finest offerings.

Stage Restaurant marks 14 years this weekend (April 17) and, to celebrate, the Honolulu eatery shines a spotlight on classic dishes from years past.

“It’s very exciting, as all birthdays are, but with this one in particular, we’re just so unbelievably grateful for everyone who has helped us get here and continues to show their love and support,” says marketing and event coordinator Alice Ancarani. “We are so thankful that we’re able to continue to share our passion for food and drinks with everyone.”

Located on the second floor of Honolulu Design Center, Stage is set to feature a four-course tasting menu ($85) April 13-17 to showcase well-loved dishes.

Furikake Wasabi Crusted Seared Ahi

To begin the tasteful journey, enjoy some Hamachi Sashimi, which encompasses the flavors of shiso, radish, spicy ponzu, orange and wasabi tobiko, and shoyu gelee. Next, dive into the fresh Furikake Wasabi Crusted Seared Ahi that comes with island succotash and tsukudani butter sauce.

A Honey Mustard Herb Crusted Colorado Lamb Chop is also part of exclusive menu, and comes alongside a parsley potato puree, sautéed vegetables and veal demi glace.

Chocolate Decadence Cake

Last, but certainly not least, guests can delight in a one-of-a-kind Chocolate Decadence Cake that features buttered popcorn ice cream, salted caramel, chocolate tuile and cookie butter powder. For $35, diners can also add a wine pairing to complete the meal.

“Our ‘World Inspired, Local Comfort’ menu takes familiar local flavors and spins them into dishes inspired by world travels,” notes Ancarani. “It is a unique, yet familiar cuisine, which tugs on the heart strings, while also delivering unexpected twists.

Hamachi Sashimi

“Local ingredients have always been a priority to us, they’ve been a foundation to our menu for years and it has become especially important to support local now more than ever,” she continues. “It is about supporting our community, protecting our businesses and highlighting the beautiful produce this island has to offer.”

Found within the same venue is Amuse Wine Bar, a place where one can find more than 80 wines from across the globe. Though, it offers far more than that. For the rest of the month, expect “throwbacks of the best” cocktails. According to Ancarani, it’s their way of paying homage to the people who have been part of the team since the start. This week’s drink is Smoked Roots ($10 happy hour; $12 special), which features Mezcal, turmeric agave, yuzu and fresh ginger. Ancarani also teases there are more surprises slated in the future. Check out the biz on social media to stay up to date with what’s new (@stagerestaurant and @amusewinebar).

Whether it’s Stage’s chic and modern atmosphere, palatable and inventive plates, or passionate team members, there’s a reason why people keep coming back for more.