BLT Market brings a taste of Puerto Rico to its menu

BLT Market is a stylish, out-of-the-way restaurant, placed on the lobby floor of the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach on the town side of Waikiki. During happy hour, it’s a sweet spot for rising above the fray of the streets below and enjoying a “living is easy” vibe.

The experience

I revel in the restaurant’s design, one of the attractions that has brought me back to BLT Market for several visits. It has a light, contemporary feel and is open to ocean and sunset views all along its outer wall, with windows overlooking Fort DeRussy. The bar/lounge area is particularly comfortable, with three sets of facing couches and a long, mirrored bar that reflects the sky on sunny Waikiki afternoons.

The furniture and setting reflect the beachy location, with sand-colored couches, blonde wood and creamy leather bar seating, and a floor tiled seafoam-green.

Service in the bar area is expert and friendly.

The food

Chef de cuisine Johnattan Hernandez took over the kitchen in September, and the chef, born in Puerto Rico, has added a Latin/Caribbean perspective to the menu. That’s reflected in the small plates offered, such as a colorful Ora King Salmon Poke ($16) flavored with pineapple, cherry tomatoes, cilantro and toasted sesame and topped with a small dollop of shoyu foam.

Hernandez’s empanadas ($14), stuffed with Molokai beef, are irresistible — crunchy, savory and satisfying, and another major reason I find myself drawn to return to this spot.

Include the tasty, filling and vibrant Roasted Carrot Hummus ($12), and you’ll feel you’re walking a healthy path.

Prices aren’t rock-bottom here, as you might imagine, and food is not discounted during happy hour, but these three dishes adequately made up a small meal for two.

The drink

BLT Market’s pau hana drink menu offers a variety of tastes with sophisticated recipes. You’ll want to savor a happy hour cocktail here, discounted to $9 from a regular price of $16 or more.

I’ve tried the selections on different occasions, and the menu changes up from time to time, but the cocktails are uniformly vibrant, made with luxe ingredients. On my most recent visit, last week, I loved the Mango Margarita, made with Herradura Silver Tequila, bar-pureed mango and a touch of coriander. The frozen, candied lime used as garnish was a delightful, surprising added touch.

On future visits, I’ll hope to try the Watermelon Gimlet, made with Hendrick’s Gin, watermelon, cucumber and lime, or Pretty in Pink, featuring Stolichnaya vodka infused with galangal (a citrusy cousin to ginger), coconut and raspberries.

There’s a nice selection of wines, too, discounted to $9 from $13 and up. I saw an Italian prosecco, rose and a sauvignon blanc blend from Southern France, California pinot noir and Argentinean Cabernet sauvignon on the menu.

Beer is $6, discounted from a regular $7 to $9.

The verdict

Go for the relaxed, open-air setting and the fine cocktails, and chances are you’ll want to return again and again.