Artizen debuts menu at HiSAM First Friday event

Solo jazz guitarist Shoji Ledward has proved a draw at the Hawai‘i State Art Museum’s First Friday events, but there’s a new angle for patrons this time around, too: Artizen by MW, the restaurant within the museum, will be open for the first time on a First Friday, serving food for the event.

“We’re going to do specials that we know people will like,” said sous-chef Samantha Cervonayco.

The main idea is to have food that is easy to eat on the go.

She plans a kalua pork and grilled cheese sandwich on house-made whole-wheat cacao bread, a poke bowl and other choices for each major food preference.

“If you’re vegetarian, we’ve got you. If you only eat fish, we’ve got you,” she said. Same goes for chicken.

Customers love the furikake fries at lunch, “so we’re going to spice it up with aioli,” Cervonayco said. Cookies and pastries will start at about $2, while the fries will be $5 and the entrees go up to $10.

Outside food vendors have previously offered dining options, but this is the first time Artizen will open beyond its normal hours for the regularly scheduled event. “This is a new thing, so they’re kind of testing it out to see how well it works,” said Mamiko Carroll, HiSAM public information officer.

The Friends of the Hawaii State Art Museum organization generally offers a bar during special events, “so there will be a bar,” Carroll said. Artizen also will offer local soft drinks for sale.

Ledward’s jazz guitar selections include songs from great composers including George Gershwin and Cole Porter, and Brazilian legend Antonio Carlos Jobim. Ledward will perform on the second floor.

Artizen is also open at the museum from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, serving breakfast and lunch to the downtown crowd. The restaurant’s website offers online ordering during its regular hours of operation.