Hoku’s unveils new menu by Eric Oto to go with new look

Hoku’s at the Kahala Hotel & Resort unveiled a new look and a new menu last week, showcasing the creations of Eric Oto, the restaurant’s chef de cuisine.

The seven-week, multimillion-dollar renovation of the dining room and kitchen brings in a look heavy on bronze, granite and dark wood, with twinkling globe-shaped chandeliers that reflect the name “Hoku,” or star.

Oto’s menu includes charred octopus ($19), Sichaun-style oxtail ragu with tagliatelle ($34) and a tea-smoked veal chop ($68).

Seafood items include dishes that connect Oto to his up­bringing. He grew up in Waipahu, but fished all over the island, he said, from shore and by boat.

“I remember as a little kid I always wanted to catch a moi,” Oto said. “At 8, I was at Bellows with my auntie when I caught my first one. I was the proudest kid ever.”

His menu includes a moi dish — fillets served crispy with a lemon grass-soy vinaigrette ($38). The sauce is a family recipe, learned from Oto’s father, who picked up the idea at a Thai restaurant.

“Since I can remember, that was my favorite sauce to make with fish,” he said.

Hoku’s is open 5:30 to 10 p.m. nightly and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays for brunch. Call 739-8760.

— Betty Shimabukuro, Star-Advertiser

SPECIAL WINES BENEFIT GIRLS ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Starting Friday, wine lovers can support female athletes with the purchase of a glass or a bottle of Mana Wine.

The 2017 Mana na Wahine Sauvig­non Blanc and the 2016 Mana na Wahine Cabernet Sauvignon will be sold by the glass at select restaurants owned by Roy Yamaguchi, and by the bottle at Tamura’s Fine Wine & Liquors.

Proceeds will fund athletic endeavors of girls ages 12 to 18 via scholarships through the nonprofit Na Wahine O Kalani.

The wines are $13 by the glass at Eating House 1849 locations at the International Market­place, in Kapolei and on Kauai, plus Roy’s Ka‘anapali on Maui. Bottles are $19.99 at Tamura’s locations statewide.

For information on the scholarships visit nawahineokalani.org.

— Joleen Oshiro, Star-Advertiser