Home Sweet Grove
Cover StoryJanuary 14, 2024
Story By: Dining Out Team | Photos by: Lawrence Tabudlo
(From left) Food and beverage manager/ chef Robert Rudd, director of food and beverage Ben Bickford, and assistant food and beverage manager Amber Hansen showcase some of The Grove Restaurant & Bar’s menu offerings.
Find a home away from home at The Grove Restaurant & Bar at Hilton Vacation Club The Modern Honolulu. Fifteen years ago, when the hotel first opened, The Grove was known as the Sunrise Pool Bar, and was where Japanese Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto had his restaurant. When Morimoto left, the Sunrise Pool Bar took on its new identity as The Grove in early 2017 due to the beautiful autograph trees that line the space.
Shrimp Tagliatelle Pasta ($30)
Whether enjoying breakfast on the lanai overlooking the marina, relaxing by the pool on a king-sized daybed or sitting at the bar under the trees, guests can enjoy great food and delicious cocktails at The Grove.
Ben Bickford, the hotel’s director of food and beverage, welcomes guests to take advantage of all the restaurant has to offer.
Kalua Pork Nachos ($20)
DO: What are some of the restaurant’s top-selling dishes?
BB: As always, the Beet & Burrata Salad ($20) is a crowd favorite, along with the Modern Trio Street Taco ($22) and The Grove Burger ($23).
Beet & Burrata Salad ($20)
DO: What are some unique items that can be found on the menu?
BB: The restaurant has recently enhanced all its food menus. Breakfast offers great options like the Ube Mochi Pancake with Lilikoi Curd, ($19) or local favorites like the Loco Moco ($19), which can also be substituted with kalua pork ($20). The lunch menu now includes Kalua Pork Nachos ($20) and a Kalua Pork French Dip ($20). For dinner, the restaurant offers a Braised Short Rib ($40) served with buttery mashed potato, seasonal vegetables and a red wine demi. Additionally, try the Shrimp Tagliatelle Pasta ($30) featuring cured egg yolk, shallots, chile bread crumb and Parmesan cheese.
DO: Are there any current specials?
BB: For Valentine’s Day, the restaurant is offering a three-course meal for $90 per person. The menu includes a choice of appetizer (ahi charcuterie consisting of wonton chips, nori, rice, spicy aioli, soy glaze, pickled chile, avocado, crispy garlic, tobiko and green onion, or a beet falafel with tzatziki DQG JDUOLF QDDQ ˚ D FKRLFH RI HQWUpH À OHW mignon with potato pave sous vide, baby carrots and a red wine reduction; sous vide duck breast with arugula and orange salad, and blackberry peppercorn sauce; or pesto JDUOLF FRQÀ W DQG EHFKDPHO ODVDJQD ˚ DQG a dessert of brownie with macadamia nut gelato, caramel and whipped cream.
Ube Mochi Pancake with Lilikoi Curd ($19)
Reservations can be made by calling 808-943-5824.
There is also a daily happy hour that runs from 3 to 7 p.m. Additionally, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, there is live music, and from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sundays, there is a DJ.
New York Cheesecake with Lilikoi Curd and Ube Cream ($10)
DO: What is the vision for the restaurant?
BB: The Grove’s staff aims to provide its guests with a great experience through good food, drinks and service. The team hopes to go above and beyond to create great memories for each of its guests.
The Grove has delicious libations, too.
DO: What can people look forward to from The Grove in 2024?
BB: The Grove is only getting better with lots to look forward to in 2024. It is working on producing seasonal menu changes for both food and beverages to create new dining experiences through exclusive events.
