Backstage Pass: Enjoying a tasty Mexican meal in Honolulu

by VICTORIA ELIZABETH

Aloha Amigo is one of the latest additions to the acclaimed Zetton’s group’s dynamic family of restaurants, filling a voracious appetite for quality, chef-prepared Mexican cuisine in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Featuring a chic, yet warm and inviting , atmosphere, the energy of Aloha Amigo is palpable and electric, upon entry into its bright, colorful, beautifully decorated interior. 

The Backstage Pass Team and I were elated by the invitation to experience and spotlight this dynamic new restaurant as well as the sophisticated and stylish Peppermint Cafe, which is located within a very convenient walking distance in the lobby of the Courtyard by Marriott. We were invited by serial restaurateur and food industry magnate Makoto Hasegawa to attend Aloha Amigo’s already-legendary DJ night (which takes place the 2nd Tuesday of each month. 

The packed house was quite visibly enjoying the experiences, feasting on scrumptious entrees and sipping house margaritas.

Following our grand tour of the restaurant, we made our way to the private booth which had been reserved for us at the aforementioned Peppermint Cafe and were presented a menu featuring a dizzying array of enticing cocktails, various libations, appetizers, entrees, and so much more. 

Our server, who also pulled “double duty” as the bartender, warmly greeted us upon arrival, offering her top suggestions and recommendations for drinks and food options.

Both Peppermint Cafe and Aloha Amigo offer a staggeringly vast assortment of menu options, and selecting only a few items to highlight certainly proved to be a challenge; however, with Hasegawa’s and Valerie’s trusty guidance, we landed upon options which truly came together for cohesive and delightful overall culinary experience . Read all about our top recommendations below: 

COCKTAILS: 

Coconut Margarita: One of the bartender’s top recommendations , this robust and full bodied island take on a classic margarita has quickly become one of the most oft-requested beverages on the menu at Peppermint Cafe.

Bartender’s Special: This bold, flavorful, and beautifully blended cocktail features a mango and coconut base with a mystery liquor that packs a serious punch and will have you ready for “round two” in no time.

Raspberry Gimlet: Refreshing, tangy, and aesthetically pleasing, this is a gin-based cocktail with a tart and sweet flavor profile, created by adding fresh raspberries or raspberry syrup to a classic gimlet.

BAR SNACK: 

A bar-room standard, we ordered mixed nuts to accompany our cocktails, a mix which included assortments of perfectly roasted and salted premium cashews, almonds, Brazil nuts and more.

APPETIZERS: 

Chips and Guacamole: Features a heaping pile of crisp tortilla chips and house-made guacamole. A supremely satisfying appetizer and a great way to kick off your dining experience.

ENTREES: 

Tacos: Simply put: no visit to Aloha Amigo is complete without trying the iconic tacos. Since we had trouble deciding between the fish, shrimp, and chicken options, we finally concluded: Why not order all three? The fried fish tacos feature a savory sauce and are placed atop a bed of slaw, the shrimp tacos feature tender shrimp smothered in a chef prepared, house made sauce, and the “pollo” option features tender shredded chicken drenched in a mouth watering verde sauce.) 

Special thanks to the incredible Makoto Hasegawa, our bartender/server, Valerie, and the entire Aloha Amigo staff, for the incredible hospitality and for setting up our visit for this spotlight feature. 

ALOHA AMIGO 

WEBSITE: https://www.alohaamigo-islandmexicancantina.com

PHONE NUMBER: +1 (808) 200-3954

INSTAGRAM: @alohaamigo_waikiki 

PEPPERMINT CAFE AND POOL BAR 

WEBSITE: https://www.peppermintcafe-waikiki.com

PHONE NUMBER: 808-673-6852

INSTAGRAM: @peppermintcafe_waikiki