Kauai is gorgeous, but when it comes to restaurants, this little island isn’t regarded as a foodie haven. Really. I shit you not.
However, as an eternal optimist, I’m convinced that every culinary wasteland has a hidden gem somewhere. After lots of research and word of mouth recommendations from friends, I came across Bar Acuda in Hanalei.
Bar Acuda is a tapas restaurant owned by Jim Moffat, a former San Francisco chef who helmed the kitchens at 42 Degrees and The Slow Club. I was a big fan of 42 Degrees way back in the mid-90’s when Fitbomb and I ate out all the time. Man, it’s been a long time since we were young and childless with disposable income…
For dinner tonight, our party of seven split a bunch of small plates that included:
Medjool dates with celery salad, shaved parmesan, and aged balsamic vinegar…
…roasted beet salad with arugula, gorgonzola, candied walnuts, and citrus vinaigrette…
…Banderillas: grilled flank steak skewers with honey and chipotle chili oil…
…spicy squid with roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic olive oil, and lemon zest…
…house made chorizo with grilled apple…
…seared Ono with white beans, carrots, and olives…
…slow braised pork shoulder with polenta fries and gremolata…
…and grilled rib eye with potato gratin and truffle herb butter.
Yes, I tasted everything except for the obvious Paleo no-no’s (e.g. polenta fries, white beans, etc.) and I thoroughly enjoyed my dinner.
In my opinion, the only miss was the seared Ono. The fish was a tad overcooked – and it came with white beans. My faves were the rib eye steak and pork shoulder. What can I say? This girl loves her meat and Bar Acuda delivered!
All in all, Bar Acuda was a winner. It serves up delicious, locally-sourced, meticulously-prepared chow on the North Shore. We’ll definitely be back!
