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2008-05-22  Food
| Ono Kine Grinds
The Big Chief
Kahuna Kabobs in Lahaina serves up local food with a Mediterranean flair
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| | by Starr Begley | |  |
May 22, 2008
When on the Westside, I’m partial to eating gyros at the little Greek place in the Lahaina Cannery Mall. Humor me; it’s one of the only places to get them on the island. That’s why, when a friend recommended we go to Kahuna Kabobs on Front Street after a long morning of wakeboarding, I nearly threw a fit.
I’ll clear the air and admit right now that I’ve never been a big kabob fan. They look great, but pulling charbroiled chunks of meat off of a skewer is just not my thing. But because I was trying to be a good friend, am a total pushover and owe my pal big time, I went along with it.
Kahuna Kabob’s menu was surprisingly diverse and everything on it looked unique and special. In fact, it was tough to choose from all that was available. The house salad looked awesome, and I’ve never gotten very excited about a salad before. We’re talking greens, carrots, tomato and mandarin oranges all tossed in Kahuna’s Lilikoi sesame ginger dressing with a side of grilled, curried pita bread. For a few dollars you can add a kabob of your choice and make it a real meal.
I love falafels, so I almost went for the “Veggie Hipster” wrap which is all about handmade falafel balls and stuff like mixed greens, beans, onions, tomato and tandori yogurt folded into a grilled tortilla. The chili also looked good, especially the special chili topped with kalua pork, cheese and mango chipotle salsa. But when it came down to decision time I went with the Kalua pork plate.
This was no ordinary Kalua pork. No, my friends, this plate was different. For starters, the meat tasted a little sweet and was piled on cabbage that was neither too raw nor completely wilted. I chose to have it come with the pineapple-fried rice, which was different and delectable. I went with the macaroni salad for a side, but for a small price adjustment could have gone with the grilled veggies.
My husband ordered the beef kabob with a mix of white and brown rice. The meat was glazed with teriyaki sauce. By the way he wolfed it down, I’d have to report that he liked it.
But my friend got the most delicious plate lunch that I’ve ever tasted, and I’ve tasted a lot.
The Indian Blackened Ahi Steak plate with local Ahi, seared and blackened to perfection with “Silk Road” spices comes served over Molokai mashed potatoes topped with thick asparagus spears. The whole dish is covered in a coconut curry sauce and mango chipotle salsa and sits in a beautiful lime green wasabi yogurt sauce.
The balance of the flavors was unbelievable and the wasabi sauce was flavorful but in no way overwhelmingly hot. It’s definitely a five-star plate-lunch in my book and something I will go back to Lahaina for in the near future. In fact, I’m thinking that Kahuna Kabobs is my new favorite Westside establishment. Even if they don’t serve gyros. MTW
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Reader Feedback
I just ate here!
May 31, 2008 | 02:32 AM
What a find! My friend and I loved Kahuna Kabobs, too: www.travelingmamas.com
MountainMama
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