Chef-Owner Danny Kalahiki has been serving fresh poke out of his food truck since 2009. The fresh-caught tuna is cut into extra-large cubes to ensure the fish’s natural flavor isn’t overpowered by the seasonings. The tuna is then tossed with watercress, red onions, poke seasoning and a housemade poke sauce. “It’s so tender that before I even bit into it, it started to melt,” Guy said of the fish.
Crowds line up for Hawaiian classics at this can’t-miss joint by the Maui airport. One flavor-packed favorite is the Notorious B.I.G. Moco, a spin on the Hawaiian comfort-food staple known as loco moco. A gravy-slicked hamburger patty comes perched on a mound of fried rice and topped with housemade chili, shredded cheese, Portuguese sausage, bacon, mushrooms and onions. A fried egg adds to the richness.
This Kailua-Kona joint is the spot for fresh flavors and locally-sourced ingredients. Favorites include Lau Lau (tender pork and Hawaiian salt wrapped in taro leaves and steamed for 10 hours) and slow-roasted Kalua pork. The restaurant also features a full bar and outdoor seating for a truly tropical experience.
Foster's Kitchen serves up an outstanding culinary experience with fresh flavors, local ingredients and menu items made from scratch. The Stuffed Chicken with Kona Coffee Red-Eye Gravy is an absolute knockout, among a variety of other incredible dishes. During a visit for Triple D, Guy also enjoyed the Citrus Avocado Poke.
Chilam Balam puts a "punk rock twist" on organic and farm-fresh Mexican tapas. According to Guy, the chicken flautas with pickled cabbage and homemade queso had great crunch and flavor. The combination of textures in the memelas with aged goat cheese, black beans and pea shoots also impressed.
You probably know Todd and Michele Rundgren as rockers from the 1970s, but on the island of Kauai they’re known for serving up tropical drinks and Hawaiian-inspired dishes at their own Tiki bar. While the atmosphere is 100% fun, they’re serious about cooking interesting dishes like their signature Iniki Burger. To make the patties, ground beef is blended with cubes of spam, a combination that adds a surprising bit of sweetness to the burger. The mouthwatering patty is topped with house-made pickles and slaw, onion compote and provolone cheese. “People are going to dig it,” Guy said between bites.
This Hawaiian spot is named for its signature dish: Saimin, a classic Hawaiian noodle soup similar to ramen. Fresh Saimin noodles made on Oahu are served with a rich broth made with dashi, a savory Japanese stock. The bowl is then topped with braised oxtail, mustard cabbage, Japanese fish cakes, fresh ginger, green onions, cilantro and peanuts. Guy was blown away by all the flavor: “The only problem is, I can’t get it in my face fast enough,” he said.
The Dolphin is an institution on the island of Kauai and the neighborhood place for fresh fish. Part restaurant and part fish market, the chefs are cooking up what they are reeling in. Guy loved the Teriyaki Tuna with its addictive salted drawn butter and raved about the Avocado Poke Bowl. “I can’t eat it fast enough,” he said between bites.
Jeremy Burwell is known for having the freshest poke in Hawaii, and for good reason: the fish he serves is so local that Jeremy, the chef-owner, catches it himself. His popular food truck serves up twists on the classic poke bowl, like the Kealia Plate, an Ahi tuna-based bowl mixed with fresh mint, macadamia nuts and watermelon. Guy said the unusual ingredients bring the dish’s flavors and texture to the next level. “I’ve tried all kinds of flavors, I’ve never had this in a Poke bowl,” he raved.
South Maui Fish Company believes in a high quality experience by upholding their principle of sustainability. Patrons get to choose from a selection of freshly caught seafood, and their dishes are prepared with locally sourced produce and ingredients. Their fish is cooked to order or can be purchased uncooked to take home.
This family run restaurant is making Kalua pork the traditional way and serving up the catch of the day with a macadamia nut topping and zesty cilantro sauce that Guy found addictive. They also throw a traditional luau once a week.
Rebel Kitchen brings international soul food to beautiful Kealakekua with a menu that includes a selection of creative burgers, sandwiches, entrees, salads and homemade sauces. While visiting with Triple G, Guy enjoyed the restaurant's Poke Burger and Coconut Curry Ono & Shrimp.
Three friends run this fusion restaurant in Hawaii that serves up legit ramen and killer Asian beer can chicken. Guy loved the fragrant broth of the ramen paired with the kimchi mushrooms and chicken soy sauce. “This isn’t your everyday Sunday chicken,” Guy mused over the orange-hoisin glazed bird served with wok-fried brussels sprouts with bacon.
Committed to a healthy lifestyle, owner Joanne Kapololu uses only fresh local ingredients. Originally Guy was skeptical about the tofu burger, but he ended up loving its "outrageous" flavor. The pulled-pork with bok choy slaw, Okinawan sweet potatoes and corn bread also impressed Guy.
Hilo Bay Cafe has served fresh, contemporary and locally sourced and inspired dishes since 2003. Now located on Hilo Bay with views of the ocean, Mauna Kea, and Hilo’s downtown area, the restaurant is frequented by tourists and locals looking to enjoy good food, a selection of drinks and fun atmosphere.
Make restaurant favorites at home with copycat recipes from FN Magazine.
Let Guy take you on a coast-to-coast tour Friday at 9|8c.