Page 3 - Dining Out - April 3, 2022

Restaurant Insider with Anne Lee
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a few of their popular dishes and cocktails and hear more about this magical place.
AL: What makes this restaurant group so unique?
DT: T S Restaurants is so special because of how close-knit our com- pany is. I have a great relationship with our owners and executives. They are very supportive and gen- uinely care about me. One of my favorite parts of working with T S is how focused we are on serving our communities. They encourage us to do more than just run a restaurant; they want us be involved and make an impact on the community. Also, they truly care about a work and life balance. They are very supportive of me going on surf trips.
AL: What are the most popular items at Keoki’s Paradise?
DT: Our Panko & Mac Nut Crusted
Fresh Hawaiian Fish ($36) is crust- ed with panko flakes, Parmesan and mac nuts, and sautéed until golden brown. It is served with a lemon caper beurre blanc, bas- mati rice pilaf and locally grown bok choy. Another popular item is our Seafood Risotto ($35), a nice creamy dish with tons of seafood offered with the mushroom, spin- ach and chardonnay herb risotto. Lastly, our Prime Rib ($41) is only offered “while it lasts.” It is nice cut of Double R Ranch Signature Beef with mashed potatoes and local-sourced vegetables.
AL: How does the chef come up with the menu?
DT: Our chefs change and adjust our menus throughout the year and follow our concept of working with local farmers, ranchers and fisher- men. We only serve quality ingre- dients that are sustainable. In addi-
tion, we incorporate kalo or canoe plants in some of our dishes. Our concept is heavily focused on the relationships we have all throughout Kauai. One thing that is very unique to Kauai are the pohaku kui ai (poi pounders). These large stone tools were used strictly for the purpose of mashing kalo (taro) into poi, a smooth, sticky paste that was the Native Hawaiians’ staple food. It was a repetitive job that required a lot of arm strength. The poi pound- ers found on Kauai and Niihau are shaped differently than the ones on the other islands. They’re cut in the shape of a ring with a hole cut through the stone and in the shape of a pedestal — these are two-hand- ed poi pounders.
AL: Tell me about the dishes that you selected for us to try?
DT: The Crispy Hoisin Honey Pork Ribs ($17.50) are all-natural pork
ribs with a chile-spiked hoisin glaze, served with pickled cucum- ber. Guava BBQ Chicken ($29) is an all-natural half chicken with a local-inspired guava barbecue sauce with a Kauai-made vegeta- ble kimchi.
I also had them prepare a vintage 44 Mai Tai ($18), our locally influ- enced version of the original mai tai. We add fresh lime juice, Koloa rums and a splash of fresh pine- apple juice. The Chee Hoo Chiller Slushie ($20) is always a favorite; refreshing and fun. It’s served in a coconut with 100% Hawaii-grown fruit juice slushie, and your choice of vodka, tequila or rum.
AL: Where do you like to eat?
DT: On Kauai, I enjoy eating at Ki- awe Roots in Lawai for their Tino- no Pork Belly; the Spicy Ramen at Eating House at Kukuiula; and the Fried Kona Kampachi at Hualani’s at Timbers Kauai. However, I am not picky. Give me anything with noo- dles — from pasta to pho — I’m in!
AL: Anything else you want to share?
DT: Keoki’s is a very special place. There are many memories here for many of our kamaaina and visitors. We may not be by the beach like many of our other T S Restaurants, but it’s truly a hidden gem. You would never realize you are in a shopping center.
1. 44 Mai Tai ($18)
2. Crispy Hoisin Honey Pork Ribs ($17.50)
3. Seafood Risotto ($35)
4. Panko & Mac Nut Crusted Fresh Hawaiian Fish ($36)
Keoki’s Paradise
Poipu Shopping Village 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Drive Ste. 77, Koloa 808-742-7534 keokisparadise.com

RESERVATIONS
OpenTable 808.739.8811 KahalaResort.com
TASTING ALL THE FLAVORS WITH SEAN NA‘AUAO
Enjoy the beautiful contemporary melodies against the backdrop of

PLUMERIA BEACH HOUSE Wednesday, April 27
Seating and menu starts at 5:30 p.m., performance starts at 6:30 p.m. Cover charge $55 per person (tax included)
Dinner and drink menu available
ONE NIGHT ONLY
LIMITED SEATING
Dining Out / April 3-9, 2022 / 3