The Med Comes to Hawaii: Mediterranean Gourmet
Posted by Greg Bullard on Well Fed on the Town.
Located a few miles from where the road ends, just 10 minutes west of the small village of Hanalei, on the North Shore of the most remote Hawaiian Island, Kauai, I will admit that you would have to go a bit out of your way just to dine at Mediterranean Gourmet. However, if you happen to find yourself in the neighborhood, Mediterranean Gourmet is situated in the Hanalei Colony Resort and is well worth the visit.
Open for both Lunch and Dinner, the restaurant is situated right off of the gorgeous White Sand beaches a few miles from the Hanalei Bay and overlooking the crystal blue waters of the Pacific. The menu features many traditional, welcome Mediterranean delicacies, but several have a distinct island flavors twist to them. They effectively marry the unique bounty of the Hawaiian Islands with their Mediterranean roots.
Some of their specials regularly available are such things as Romantic Dinner for Two, a four course Prix Fie menu with a small variety of choices and Picnic Baskets for those wanting to grab some snacks and light foods to accompany their trip to the beach.
Most nights at Mediterranean Gourmet feature live, local entertainment ranging from musical groups featuring Jazz, Hawaiian Sounds or Island Music, or on some nights, Belly Dancing.
The night we dined their featured the Belly Dancer, and she was skilled at providing a pleasant accompaniment to the meal and atmosphere without distracting from either.
Starting with the Saffron Rice Cakes, served with Feta Cheese and a Cajun Aioli; we were also served Pita Bread and Hummus, as one would expect from a Mediterranean restaurant. Washing these down with some fruity, tropical drinks, it was a beautiful start to the meal.
My dinner partner enjoyed one of the menu items, a Banana Leaf Baked Ahi rolled in coconut and panko bread crumbs, then topped with a pineapple mango ginger reduction and served on a bed of organic mixed greens. Yes, it really was as good as it sounds. The fish was delicate and extremely moist from being baked in the banana leaf. Savory and aromatic, it comes alive with the distinct, sweet tastes of the pineapple, mango and ginger.
Deciding to set the menu aside, I went with the night’s special, Paella! First, I would add that Paella is always a favorite of mine, and that offered at Mediterranean Gourmet did not disappoint. Texture wise it came out as more of a risotto, however that’s a fairly minor difference, so no complaints. If I had one criticism, I could have used a bit more saffron. However, while enjoying the very abundant Shrimp, Ahi, Scallops, Muscles, Clams and King Crab…the amount of saffron wasn’t immediately on my mind.
Our dessert, their version of a chocolate lava cake, was extremely well prepared and a delightful end to an outstanding meal. You may have to go a bit off of the beaten path to find your way to the door of Mediterranean Gourmet. However, if you happen to be in the neighborhood already, the wonderful flavors of the Med, blended with the fresh ingredients of the islands will make your stop memorable and rewarding.
