by VICTORIA ELIZABETH
Backstage Pass visited Eating House 1849. Born from the wildly innovative mind of celebrity chef and restaurant industry magnate, Roy Yamaguchi, Eating House 1849 pays homage to Hawaii’s vibrant culinary heritage, using what was available from local farmers, ranchers, foragers and fishermen.
This dynamic restaurant, which is widely acclaimed by both critics and patrons alike as one of premier destinations in Honolulu for world class, chef-prepared food and beverage, effortlessly blends the easy ambiance and simple flavors of a plantation town with bold modern cuisine.
The food and beverage menu is wildly impressive and expansive, featuring a sublimely curated selection of award-winning cocktails, starters, entrees, and desserts, sure to impress even the most discerning “foodie”, and the serene atmosphere could be best described as resort casual with an effortlessly chic island flair.
The Backstage Pass Team and I were elated by the opportunity to return to this revered and legendary local establishment to spotlight some recurring favorites and brand new additions to the Eating House 1849’s iconic menu.
Upon our arrival to the restaurant (which is conveniently located on the top level of the bustling International Marketplace), we were greeted by the warm and friendly staff, including John and Kimmie, and were escorted to our seat, where we savored the open air atmosphere and felt the warm Hawaiian breezes.
Each dining experience at any Roy Yamaguchi restaurant begins with a serving of fresh, perfectly seasoned edamame, and we all were soon presented our menus as we were assigned the seemingly impossible task of selecting just a few choice items from the extensive menu to highlight.
Luckily, we were assisted by the expertise of our server and the manager on duty in selecting an assortment of food and libation options that all blended beautifully to create the perfect dining experience.
DRINKS:
Aloha Smash: Sweet, indulgent, and the second most overall popular beverage on the menu, it features Four Roses Bourbon, pineapple, guava, mango , and strawberry.
Lavender Lei: Featuring empress gin indigo, lemon, lavender, and creme de violette.
Pineapple Hawaii Martini: Local pineapples vanilla vodka , Koloa coconut rum.
Our resident non-drinkers, Lynn of Lynn Henley Photography and our constant travel companion “Mimmie” sampled the “mock-tail” options. Almost any beverage option can be made sans alcohol upon request.
Mojito: This rum- free version of a refreshing mojito includes fresh mint leaves, sugar (or simple syrup), lime juice, and club soda for a cool, light and refreshing drink.
Tropical Medley: This popular island concoction features the fresh flavors of passion fruit, orange and guava )
SMALL PLATES:
Ume Glazed Grilled Pork Belly Bao Buns: Pickled namasu, crispy garlic, tender grilled pork
Ice Cold Rainbow Roll: A delectable blend featuring salmon, ahi, Maui onion, ogo, garlic and soy.
ENTREE:
Butterfish kamameshi: Furikake rice, Lomi tomato, oden veggies . Lotus root, carrots, dikon big white radish . Miso brown sugar.
Paella rice stew: Lobster, Portuguese sausage chorizo, shrimp, clams.
DESSERTS:
Pineapple Upside Down Cake with li-hing (plum) sauce. This sensational sweet treat embodies the flavor and flair of the island with an irresistible blend of fresh pineapple and plum glaze.
DESSERT DRINKS:
Pumpkin Spice Mai Tai: Featuring the rich fall flavor of pumpkin adorned with a smattering of savory spice, this after dinner guilty pleasure effortlessly blends the essence of fall with the classic rum-based tiki cocktail featuring light rum, dark rum, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice, and orgeat syrup will have you craving seconds in no time.
Pumpkin Espresso Martini: Featuring Bailey’s Cream and pumpkin.
Special thanks to the amazing Robbyn Shim and the entire Eating House 1849 team for facilitating our visit for this spotlight feature.
WEBSITE: https://www.royyamaguchi.com/eatinghouse1849-waikiki
PHONE NUMBER: +1 (808) 924-1849
INSTAGRAM: @eatinghouse1849
