Restaurateur Wes Zane is at it again. The Hawaii-based restaurateur is expanding his culinary empire, this time with an "Asian-style Formaggio" on Kapahulu Avenue, set to open later this month. Sake Street will occupy the space left by Wasabi Bistro (which has relocated to Beachwalk Avenue in Waikiki), Zane is currently retrofitting the space and packing the shelves with sake.
The premise, according to Zane, is that good sake pairs well with all types of food—not only Japanese cuisine. Examples of what he calls "Street food from around the globe" abounds: Roving carts will feature "Daily Dumplings", "Steamed Oysters with Calamansi Ponzu Sauce", "Tea Smoked Pork Ribs" and "Chicken Wings with Lemongrass & Kaffir".
Zane will dip south of the equator with the Argentinean classic, "Gaucho Ribeye Steak with Chimichuri". Patrons can even reach the realms of The Fez with "Moroccan Chicken Skewers". "Indonesian Lamb Chops", "Mochiko Chicken Lollipops", "Panko-crusted Mushrooms stuffed with Escargot" and "Kare Kare Shortribs" are more examples of the wild array of fare Zane will bring to upper Kapahulu.
Admittedly, the menu does lean towards Southeast Asia, says Zane. The Asian Seafood Cioppino and whole steamed, day-caught snapper will be mainstays on the menu. However, that curve ball isn't far behind: Foie Gras fried rice, anyone?
Sake Street will offer sake by the bottle, or in 2 ounce and 5 ounce pours. There will be no ceramic sake sets here; Zane has opted to serve all sake in Riedel crystal glassware. The extensive program will be overseen by advanced sommelier Patrick Okubo and General Manager Dio Raquel. The bottle menu will also favor champagnes and Rieslings, which will pair best with the fare.
Sake Street will be open seven days a week from 5:30 p.m., and is located at 1006 Kapahulu Ave.
Call (808) 735-2266 for more information.
A Blindfold with that Risotto?
In other Zane-related culinary news, Formaggio Grill in Kailua has begun a unique dining experience that offers patrons a four-course dinner and wine pairing—to be enjoyed while blindfolded.
Yep, you read that right. Blindfolded.
The folks at Formaggio decided that in an age where consumers are overwhelmed with news media, multi-functional cell phones and information—it was time to step back and focus on the senses that truly stimulate our souls.
The idea, albeit not completely original (the trend originated in Zurich, Switzerland, at a restaurant called Blindekuh, which is staffed by blind workers), is a first in Hawaii. Other "Dark Dining" restaurants exist in New York, Atlanta and San Francisco.
The meal will take place in Formaggio's "Gallery", or private dining space, every Monday night, according to Zane. The cost is $75 per person, and the experience begins promptly at 7:00 p.m.
Visit www.Formaggio808.com for more information.
Formaggio Grill in Kailua has begun a unique dining experience that offers patrons a four-course dinner and wine pairing—to be enjoyed while blindfolded.
