Kalapawai Cafe & Deli is a bistro-style dining room that serves up a little bit of everything, with an ever-changing menu and ingredients that are always fresh. Rachael ordered the charred ahi tuna topped with kona crab and the Kahuku corn ceviche salad. In the evenings, stop by for a glass of wine.
Lahaina Grill serves New American cuisine using only the freshest local fish. On her visit, Rachael tried The Cake Walk, which features mini servings of lobster crab cake, shrimp cake and ahi cake. Pair this delectable dish with a sweet, colorful Pear-fection Martini for the perfect Hawaiian night.
Rachael favors Aloha for its mixed plates featuring multiethnic food combos like Shoyu Chicken, fresh fish and teriyaki beef served with rice and mac salad. A standout is the Ali’i Plate, whose tenderized pork has been wrapped in a banana leaf for an “out-of-this-world juicy factor,” Rachael says.
While in Honolulu, Rachael stopped by this “hidden treasure” of a cafe for some R&R. It boasts an eclectic menu of smoothies, salads and specialty wraps. For something a bit different, try the traditional Polynesian drink awa. Rachael says its “bitter and earthy taste will totally relax you.”
Rachael loves the gourmet menu and laid-back vibe at the Hali’imaile General Store. On her visit Rachael gushed over the Sashimi Pizza, which features a layer of edamame hummus topped with ahi, sesame seeds and more. Other standouts include the Popcorn Shrimp and the Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi.
Dinette has the cozy feel of eating at a friend’s house, complete with family-style dining on Sundays. The rest of the week, you can feast on such classics as ricotta gnocchi and lemony chicken tagine. Rachael suggests the tartine-inspired toasts slathered with “yummy toppings” like lamb carpaccio.
Enjoy the inventive Indian menu at Ajanta, where Rachael dug into lamb rib chops, chicken tikka, naan bread and an assortment of chutneys during her visit. Ajanta is not only known for its creative take on Indian cuisine, but also for exclusively using free-range and hormone-free meats.
Rachael Ray stops at La Divina Gelateria in New Orleans, LA, for a scoop of gelato made from scratch, using fresh ingredients, on Food Network's Rachael's Vacation.
Rachael couldn’t resist a visit to Madrona Bar & Grill on her Roche Harbor vacation. The sustainable food and stunning views make it a local favorite. Rachael’s picks include the fresh prawn and avocado margarita, heirloom tomato and flank steak salad, and baby back ribs with huckleberry sauce.
This historic hotel is home to hip cocktail bar Loa. On Rachael's Vacation, Rachael Ray headed to the now-closed Rambla for French and Spanish-inspired small plates.
For a breakfast pick-me-up, Rachael heads to the “ideal hometown diner”: Rocky Bay Cafe. Located in Friday Harbor, Rocky Bay keeps both locals and tourists “happy and full” with comfort food dishes like hearty veggie omelets, biscuits and gravy, and even fresh doughnuts made in-house.
As one of the founding members of the Hawaiian regional cuisine movement, Mala Ocean Tavern delivers on both style and substance. Rachael loved their twist on a classic bruschetta made with seared ahi and edamame puree. Looking for a bigger bite? The Sauteed Fresh Market Fish is great for sharing.
Cactus serves up Southwestern and Mexican cuisine with a Pacific Northwestern twist, such as delicious Dungeness crab tamales. With five locations, Cactus delivers on options. Rachael loved her grilled Alaskan halibut; meanwhile, regulars can’t get enough of the braised brisket tacos.
On Food Network's Rachael's Vacation, Rachael Ray dines at Gerard's Restaurant, an award-winning French restaurant in Lahaina, HI.
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.