Frommer's Kauai - Jeanette Foster [112]
In the Eleele Shopping Center, Eleele. 80 8/335-3111. Main courses $11–$19. AE, MC, V. Tues–Sat 10:30am–2pm and 5:30–9pm.
Wong’s Restaurant CHINESE/JAPANESE/DELI/BAKERY “Eat at Wong’s, you can’t go Wrong,” proclaims the menu of this longtime island institution. Wong’s has all the bases covered for lunch and dinner: They feature both Japanese and Chinese dishes and have one of the best delis and bakeries (Omoide’s Deli and Bakery—great for picking up picnic fixings and sandwiches for the beach). Wong’s also has one of the world’s best homemade lilikoi (passion fruit) chiffon pies—it’s worth the drive just to sample this piece of heaven. Wong’s is not known for its ambience; in fact, it looks like a typical Chinese restaurant—one big giant cafeteria-size room. If you go at the wrong time, you’ll find it packed with tour-bus crowds. But the portions are huge, the prices right, and the service smiling. No sit down service; counter service and take-out only.
1-3543 Kaumualii Hwy., Hanapepe. 80 8/335-5066. Most items under $10. MC, V. Tues–Sun 9:30am–8:45pm.
Icy-Cold Dessert
Maybe it’s because Hawaii can be hot. Maybe it’s because it’s just downright refreshing and delicious. But there’s nothing quite like enjoying some Hawaiian shave ice under the tropical sun—don’t leave Kauai until you’ve tried it. The mainland has “snow cones,” which are made from crushed ice with sweet flavorings poured over the top. Shave ice (not “shaved” ice) is made by shaving a block of ice with an ultrasharp blade, which results in ice as thin as frozen powder. The shave ice is then saturated with a sweet syrup. (Flavors can range from old-fashioned strawberry to such local treats as li hing mui.) You can also ask for shave ice on top of ice cream. (Try it with sweet Japanese azuki beans for a special treat.) Shave ice can be found all over the island, from small, hole-in-the-wall stores to vans alongside the road. A few to look for are: Shave Ice Paradise, in the Hanalei Center ( 80 8/826-6659); Hawaiian Blizzard, a small stand in front of Big Save, in the Kapaa Shopping Center, 4-1105 Kuhio Hwy., no phone; and Halo Halo Shave Ice, 2956 Kress St., Lihue ( 80 8/245-5094).
4 The Coconut Coast
Where to Dine on the Coconut Coast
EXPENSIVE
The Bull Shed STEAK/SEAFOOD The informality and oceanfront location are big pluses, but Kauai regulars also tout the steaks and chops—prime rib, Australian rack of lamb, garlic tenderloin—and the fresh catch. The seafood selection includes broiled shrimp, Alaskan king crab, and Parmesan-drenched scallops. Dinner orders include rice and the salad bar. Combination dinners target the ambivalent, with chicken, steak, seafood, and lobster pairings. The salad bar alone is a value, and the entrees are so big they’re often shared.
796 Kuhio Hwy., Waipouli. 80 8/822-3791.www.bullshedrestaurant.com. Reservations recommended for parties of 6 or more. Main courses $16–$22 (many items are market price). AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 5:30–10pm.
MODERATE
Caffè Coco BISTRO This gets my vote for the most charming ambience on Kauai, with gourmet fare cooked to order, at cafe prices. Food gets a lot of individual attention here. Caffè Coco appears just off the main road at the edge of a cane field in Wailua, its backyard shaded by pomelo, avocado, mango, tangerine, litchi, and banana trees, with a view of the Sleeping Giant Mountain. The trees provide many of the ingredients for the muffins, chutneys, and salsas that Ginger Carlson whips up in her kitchen. Seats are indoors (beyond the black-light art gallery) or on the gravel-floored back courtyard, where Tiki torches flicker at night. From interior design to cooking, this is clearly a showcase for Carlson’s creativity. The food is excellent, with vegetarian and other healthful delights such as homemade chai, Greek salad and fish wraps, seared ahi with wasabi cream, and an excellent tofu-and-roast-veggie wrap. Although the regular menu is limited, there are many impressive specials. Service can be, to say the least, laid-back. There