International Market Place Restaurant Week 2019

The International Market Place Restaurant Week 2019 kicks off today! All restaurants at the central Waikiki shopping center are participating with deals and even a few special menus.

Now in its third year, the International Market Place Restaurant Week, better known as the Grand Lanai Restaurant Week, begins today! Not to be confused with Hawaii Restaurant Week, which is larger and happens in November; the Grand Lanai Restaurant Week’s purpose is to showcase the restaurants of the International Market Place. And it’s a great opportunity to give these restaurants a try, especially the pricier ones, thanks to the special menus they offer.

What to Expect This Year

A lot has changed in the past year. We lost two restaurants, Yauatcha and Baku, but gained new ones too. So this year, look forward to the following participants:

• Eating House 1849
  • Three-course menu for $55
    • First: Ora King Salmon Tataki with Pipikaula Poke
    • Main: Braised Lamb Shank, Spice-Rubbed Duroc Pork Chop, or “Dynamite” Kona Kampachi
    • Dessert: Apple Banana Tartlet
• Flour & Barley
  • $40 three-course menu
    • First: Arugula & Kale Salad or Meatballs
    • Main: Genovese Pizza, Shrimp & Penne Alla Vodka, God Father Pizza, or Mushroom Pizza
    • Dessert: Semifreddo Seasonal or Cannolis
• Goma Tei
  • $12 Truffle Gyoza
• Herringbone
  • Four-ish courses for $55
    • Amuse Bouche: Oysters Rockefeller
      • First: Buffalo Octopus, Avocado Toast, or Tuna Taco
      • Main: Pulehu Steak, Local Daily Catch, or Kauai Shrimp & Grits
      • Dessert: Lilikoi/Banana Cream Pie
• Mi Almita (The Street HNL)
  • $25 per person
    • Steak Fajitas
    • Papas Bava
• Mitsuwa Marketplace
  • To be determined
• Shorefyre Fresh Grill & Bar
  • $16 Corned Beef 50/50 Burger
• Stripsteak
  • Three Courses for $75
    • First: Waipouli Greens Salad or Porcini Mushroom Risotto
    • Main: Ora King Salmon, USDA Prime New York Strip Steak, or 35-Day Dry Aged USDA Prime Kansas City Strip Steak ($30 supplement)
    • Dessert: Li Hing Pineapple Sorbet
• The Street HNL
  • $10 off Seven-Choice Party Pass

Events

Beyond the restaurant specials, the Grand Lanai always includes a poke bowl battle too. And this year is no different with the Poke Bowl III taking place tonight from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at the Queen’s Court. Participants this year include Flour & Barley and Shorfyre. Both need to create a traditional and a specialty poke bowl, which guests and judges will sample and judge. Admission to this event is free, though samples and gifts are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Of course, the International Market Place is also holding an Instagram contest during the Grand Lanai Restaurant Week. To enter, simply post a photo of a Grand Lanai Restaurant Week Dish between April 8 and 14, 2019. Photo must include #MarketPlaceStories in its caption and your profile must be public. To get an extra entry, tag the restaurant in your caption too. Four winners will win a $100 gift card to the Grand Lanai restaurant of their choice.

International Market Place Restaurant Week 2019, Final Thoughts

If I recall correctly, I’ve only done the Grand Lanai restaurant week once. That time, I believe I went to Kona Grill (not my choice), and I wasn’t a fan. But, hey, at least I got to try them for less than I otherwise would have spent. They, ironically, aren’t participating this year, though.

Not sure I’ll make it this year, as I’m flying out on Saturday. But, if I do, the two restaurants I’m considering are Eating House and Stripsteak. Both of their menus pique my interest. And while a little pricy, their menus, I believe, represent a good value. As long as their portions aren’t incredibly tiny like Nobu Honolulu’s, that is. I’d never return there again based on the value and experience we had there at Hawaii Restaurant Week two years ago.