In 2017 I tried
PAI Honolulu for the first time and have been a fan ever since. I've returned numerous times for
lunch and
happy hour, and most recently I tried the Chef's Tasting Menu.
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| SNACK - 18 Month Dry-Aged Carpaccio, Ankimo & Mentaiko Toast, Fried Oyster
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| AVOCADO SALAD |
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| BABY BEETS - oscietra caviar, watercress, red wine vinaigrette |
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| AGEDASHI XO TURNIP CAKE
miso-cured Ali`i mushroom, smoked akule, daikon oroshi,
ti leaf consomme |
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| DIM SUM
Abalone Mushroom & Sunchoke Miso Taro Puff
Halibut, Beet & Kombu Siu Mai
Head Cheese Har Gau
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| NDUJA & CRAB AGNOLOTTI
house-made pasta, pickled red onion, truffle
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| KONA PRAWN
smoked hazelnut romesco, olive, arugula |
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| NABETA
english pea ragu, spiced carrot, quinoa, mint, wasabi pea
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| CARNATION CHIBOUST
black lime meringue, bergamot foam, fernancier |
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| Cherry Miso Mousse |
I requested a Vegetarian Tasting Menu, which included modified versions of several of the dishes, including snacks with carrots and mushrooms, tempura asparagus, and an amazing main entree of mushrooms.
If I could make vegetables taste as good as Chef Kevin makes them taste, I'd eat only veggies!
I liked the desserts, and thought the Cherry Miso Mousse was a surprising combo, but it worked!
A few of the vegetarian options:
A friend of mine who joined me for the tasting, loved the ankimo & mentaiko toast, and thought the avocado course was delicious and really liked the small hint of spice in the vinaigrette.
The Agedashi XO Turnip cake was his favorite course, noting that there were layers of umami.
He also enjoyed the agnolotti, the Kona prawn, and thought the dessert was light and refreshing.
Service was great, and I really enjoyed Chef Kevin Lee's tasting menu!
PAI Honolulu55 Merchant St Suite 110
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 744-2531
