AV Restaurant

New in Kaimuki is the all vegan restaurant, AV Restaurant, operated by the team behind Restaurant XO - Chef Kenneth Lee and Chef Harrison Ines.  

I've said many times that if I could afford to hire someone to cook delicious vegan food for me, I would, since I rarely eat meat.  Therefore I was extremely excited to have been invited to a media event at AV Restaurant.

AV Restaurant is like no other vegan restaurant I've tried before.  They combine an elevated dining experience and modernist cuisine in a Chef's Tasting format of 14-16 courses that's a treat for vegans and non-vegans alike. 

Crystal Crostini, Sesame Oil Hummus, Garlic, Pomegranate & Sumac

Beet Tartare Tartlet, Marmite Mayo, Tomato Yolk

Grilled Cauliflower, Soffrito, Miso Bagna Cauda, Black Lime

Vegan Shrimp & Potato Cannoli, Sweet Cumin, Saffron Aioli

Celery Gazpacho Sorbet, Compressed Cucumber, Harissa, Mint

Dan Dan Tortellini, Dan Dan Sauce, Chili Oil Snow

Tacoyaki, Tortilla Puree, Taco Sauce

Truffle Xiao Long Bao

Grilled Thai Eggplant Nigiri, Nori Paste, Tare

Japanese Curry Croquette, 11 Herbs & Spices, Cashew Ranch

Portobello Sando Pain Perdue, Steak Sauce, Dill Pickles

Optional: Cauliflower & Cheese Waffledog

Melon Sphere, Melon Soda, White Chocolate, Pop Rocks

Blackberry & Thyme Sorbet

Mac Nut & Chocolate Chip Cookie, Coconut Dulche De Leche, Anglaise

AV Restaurant offers familiar flavors in innovative presentations, and I left the dinner completely satisfied.

My favorites were many, including the Portobello Sandwich (I wanted an entire, regular-sized sandwich - it was that good!), the Japanese Curry Croquette (presented in a format that will play mind tricks on you, with tastes and flavors were completely reminiscent of eating comforting curry), the Vegan Shrimp & Potato Cannoli (enjoyed the complementing textures), and the Grilled Thai Eggplant Nigiri (I could've eaten a half a dozen of them).  The portions of each course were just the right size.  

You have the option to order the supplemental Cauliflower & Cheese Waffledog after the savories, and even if you already feel full like I did, I would suggest giving it a try.  It was sure delish, and you won't miss the meat at all!  

The Melon Sphere was fun to eat (follow directions closely, and don't mess up like I did by squeezing the sphere too hard before putting it into your mouth), and the Cookie was a simple, yet scrumptious way to end the meal. 

The food is amazing.  So much goes into each and every dish - thoughtful ingredients with distinct flavor profiles, innovative techniques, and meticulous execution.  

Congratulations Chef Kenneth and Chef Harrison!

AV Restaurant
1135 11th Ave

Honolulu, HI 96816

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Little Vessels Donut Co.

Whether you are living that plant-based or vegan lifestyle, or just enjoy donuts as much as I do, you must try Little Vessels Donut Co. They specialize in hand-made, plant-based yeast donuts, made in small batches, on the weekends only.  Flavors change weekly, and are announced on Instagram earlier in the week (usually Tuesdays). They do not have a storefront, so getting your hands on these can be tricky and takes a bit of planning and fast fingers. 

Pre-orders for Saturday pick up open on Wednesdays at 10 am sharp. Pre-orders for Sunday pick up open on Thursdays at 10 am. All orders must be placed and pre-paid through their website, and picked up in Kaimuki (9th Ave) between 12-2 pm on your designated pick up date, otherwise, you lose your order. 

Last weekend the stars aligned and I was able to get my order in before they sold out (I had to set my alarm to make sure I went to the website right at 10 am!) and pick up my donuts on a Sunday. These donuts exceeded my expectations! I have tried vegan donuts from other local purveyors, but none of them gave me that WOW feeling, but these donuts had me thinking WOW after the first bite! Well actually, the first WOW came when I opened the box - they were larger than expected. And since I picked them up right at 12 pm, they were really fresh and still warm. The vanilla was my fave of the three, and the chocolate marzipan came in a close second. 

Set your alarms for the next pre-order!

chocolate marzipan

vanilla

Ritz & Grape Jelly 

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Vegan Donuts from Little Vessels Donut Co.

It’s been great to see so many local bakers popping up over Instagram!  One of them is Little Vessels Donut Co (@littlevesselsco) who specializes in plant-based yeasted donuts.  The donuts are hand made, hand cut, and then cast iron fried.  She opens up her preorders on Wednesdays for pickups on the weekend, but you need to be quick because she sells out fast. 

A box of 4 donuts is $15 and a box of 6 is $20 that you pay ahead through Venmo. She also offers donut holes and sometimes special donuts on the menu.  The pick up location is in the kakaako area.  My family really enjoyed the donuts and finished all 6 that day!  It was also great to be able to support a local business!

 

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My First Vegan Meal at Tane Vegan Izakaya

Konnyaku Ceviche

My friend was visiting from out of town and we had plans for dinner.  Since she was recently diagnosed with celiac, her only request was an Asian restaurant with some gluten free options.  I did a quick search on Yelp and found that Tane Vegan Izakaya has loads of gluten free choices.  I was even able to quickly make a reservation through the Yelp app.

Headed by Chef Kin Lui, Tane Vegan Izakaya opened last year and is a fully plant-based restaurant serving Japanese dishes, ramen, and sushi.  When I looked over the menu, I saw most of it designated as Gluten Free.  The gluten free dishes we ordered were the Konnyaku Ceviche, Kale Kimpira, Grilled Mushrooms, Grilled Asparagus, Avocado roll, and a specialty roll.  Even the Spicy Miso Garlic ramen we ordered had a gluten free version available. 

I enjoyed all the dishes at dinner and was pretty proud of myself for having my first vegan meal.  The ambience of the restaurant is great and was busy on a Wednesday night.  Service was attentive.  On the website they have a time limit policy, but they didn’t rush us at all.  There is a small parking lot, but it’s hard to score a space so be prepared to look for street parking.    

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Spicy Indian Chick

I am a huge fan of Indian food, so when Spicy Indian Chick, a recently-opened food truck in Haleiwa messaged me, I couldn't wait to try the food!

There are four steps in choosing what to order: 

1) Choose a Plate Style.  You can select from Roti Roll, Roti Tacos, Basmati Rice, Splashed Slaw, or Festival Salad.

Roti

2) Next you pick a recipe.  Options included Goan Shrimp Curry, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chickpea Coconut Korma, Pulled Pork Vindaloo, Hawaiian-Indian Delight, Masoor Dhal.

Pulled Pork Vindaloo

Chicken Tikka Masala

3) Select a Chutney: Mango, Cool Coconut, Chaat Cilantro, Spicy Tomato.

4) Pick a Side: Festival Salad, Splashed Slaw, Basmati Rice, Indian Spiced Fries, Indian Spiced Hawaiian Sweet Purple Fries.

Splashed Slaw

Indian Spiced Fries with Chaat Masala

I opted for the Chicken Tikka Masala, a dish I love whenever I go to Indian restaurants, and ordered it with Roti, Chaat Cilantro Chutney, and Indian Spiced Fries. 

The chicken was tender, fragrant, spicy, and full of flavor, just the way I like it!  The portion size was very generous, and you get a lot of food for the price.  If you're unsure of what style of plate to pick or which chutney would go best with the dish you order, the friendly team at Spicy Indian Chick will assist. 

The Pulled Pork Vindaloo, which is marinated in a wine vinegar and made with a secret Indian spice rub, was also very delicious, but I liked the Chicken more because of how much spicier it was. 

The Indian Spiced Fries were addicting.  You can choose your spice, and the Chaat Masala was recommended.

The Splashed Slaw - a colorful mix of veggies, was just as gorgeous as it was refreshing to eat.

Spicy Indian Chick's owner, Sarah, grew up eating the Indian cooking of her grandparents and parents.  The culinary influence of her family, combined with her own personal touches, make Spicy Indian Chick an ideal spot for those craving authentic, delicious Indian food.

And great news for vegans - over half the menu items are vegan at Spicy Indian Chick!


Spicy Indian Chick
66-239 Kamehameha Hwy

Haleiwa, HI 96712

Mahalo to Spicy Indian Chick for hosting part of the meal!

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