With a 10PM flight back to Denver, I had enough time for dinner. Not just any dinner. Dinner at one of Mrs. SFO and my favorite restaurants. We first heard of Alan Wong when we lived on the Big Island and he started The Canoe House restaurant at Mauna Lani, after training in Tokyo and New York's Lutece. Alan's modern Hawaiian cuisine is simply out of this world. His restaurant empire includes restaurants in Honolulu, Maui, the Big Island, Toyko and (coming in November) Shanghai. His original King Street restaurant will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year.
My decision tonight was easy. All my favorites in one "classic" tasting menu... with wine pairings.
Starting with Alan's signature "Soup and Sandwich"... Chilled vine ripened Hamakua Springs tomato soup and Kalua Pig Sandwich with grilled Big Island goat dairy mozzarella cheese, and foie gras.
Chopped Ahi Sashimi and Avocado Salsa Stack, on crispy won ton, spicy aioli and wasabi soy.
Oh yeah!
The Butter Poached Kona Cold Lobster, Keahole Abalone, Hamakua Eryngii mushrooms and green onion oil.
Amazing!
One of my all time favorites... Ginger Crusted Onaga with Alan's incredible miso sesame vinaigrette, mushrooms and corn. Paired with a beautiful Reisling.
OMG.
And as if that wasn't enough, the incredible Twice Cooked Short RIb, Soy braised and grilled "Kalbi" style, gingered shrimp, Kochu Jang sauce.
Fabulous.
And dessert, Alan's longtime signature dessert, The Coconut... Haupia Sorbet in a Chocolate shell, Tropical Fruits, Lilikoi Sauce.
What an amazing treat this dinner was. One of the best meals of the year at what is one of our Ten 10 Favorite Restaurants in the World.