Chef Mavro, a restaurant that garners accolades far and wide, has another to add to its list: It is the sole Hawaii pick for the 2016 list of top 40 U.S. restaurants assembled by Gayot, an international restaurant, hotel and travel guide.
Its menu, crafted by owner-chef George Mavrothalassitis and chef de cuisine Jonathan Mizukami, “features the finest ingredients Hawaii has to offer, but also supplements them with luxurious imported items like caviar and fresh truffles from France,” Gayot stated in its review. It also noted the restaurant’s seasonal menus and wine pairings.
Want to experience this firsthand? Through Aug. 7 the restaurant is presenting a four-course “Summer in Provence” menu:
>> Supions Persillade: baby squid sauteed with parsley, shallots and garlic; sauce of salted cod brandade; paired with Pascal Jolivet, 2014 Sancerre
>> Bouillabaisse: onaga in fisherman’s bouillabaisse Marseilles style, with rouille and croutons; paired with Clos Sainte Magdeleine, 2013 Cote de Provence, Cassis
>> Carre d’agneau Provencale: herb-crusted Niman rack of lamb; tomato, zucchini, eggplant and bell pepper a la Monegasque; thyme lamb jus; paired with Domaine Les Pallieres, 2013 Gigondas
>> Peche flambee: peach, lemon chiboust brulee; creme fraiche with Pernod accent; fennel pollen; paired with Chateau Gravas, 2011 Sauternes
The menu runs $105, with an additional $67 for wine pairings. Substitutions from the regular menu can be accommodated. For reservations, call 944-4714 or visit chefmavro.com. Chef Mavro is at 1969 S. King St.
For the complete list of Gayot restaurant picks, visit bit.ly/2a7ElCM.
Shrimp chips with more than crunch
As if shrimp chips aren’t already addictive, Dragon Shrimp Chips take the ono factor to another level. With a dozen flavors from furikake and mochi crunch, to Sriracha and coconut haupia, there’s appeal across the flavor spectrum.
The Puna company, run by Ivan Hegent, does more than just fry up chips. Inspired by Hegent, who is legally blind, the company provides job training for others who are blind. It also runs a fundraising program, with bags larger than the generous 4-ounce packages sold at retail. For details, call Hegent at 339-2350.
Find the chips for about $6 at Don Quijote, Marukai, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet and Windward Mall farmers markets (Wednesdays and Sundays). They’re coming to Wholesale Unlimited as well. Visit dragonshrimpchips.com.
