It’s that time of the year again. Time to dine out in support of the Culinary Institute of the Pacific during Restaurant Week Hawaii 2019.
Mission
Now in its 12th year, Restaurant Week Hawaii continues in its mission to build and help sustain the Culinary Institute of the Pacific. When complete, the Institute, which is administered by the University of Hawaii’s Kapiolani Community College, will offer Hawaii’s first and only four-year culinary arts curriculums. Those curriculums include:
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Culinary Arts with a Concentration in Culinary Management
- Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition with a Culinology Track
Plus, the Culinary Institute of the Pacific continues to offer traditional associates degrees and certifications in culinary arts and hospitality.
Restaurant Week Hawaii 2019
This year Restaurant Week runs from Friday, November 15, to Sunday, November 24. And, while I’m sure I say this every year, this year has the most participants I’ve ever seen. In fact, for 2019, there are 75 participating restaurants! And, among those 75 restaurants is a mix ranging from fast food establishments to Hawaii’s best fine dining restaurants. So, there really is something for everyone.
With so many restaurants to choose from, picking where to go can be quite the challenge. But, on my shortlist this year in alpha order are:
- 53 by the Sea
- BASALT
- Fete
- PAI Honolulu
- Senia
- Taormina
- Restaurant XO
From the above list, I likely end up going to only one or two restaurants. Prices this year seem to be higher than years prior, and I’m running lean on my budget. Oh, and it’s worth noting that some restaurants are putting restrictions on their Restaurant Week menus too. Merriman’s, for example, doesn’t allow Restaurant Week orders on Fridays or Saturdays.
Also, there are a few restaurants I’d avoid on the list too. Nobu Honolulu was deeply disappointing when I went two years ago. The meal was incredibly tiny and not worth the money whatsoever. I’d hesitate to go to GOEN too, given the questionable value dining there on a normal day.
Restaurant Week Hawaii 2019, Final Thoughts
I like to use Restaurant Week to try something new. Especially since, usually, you can find discounted menus at participating restaurants. So, if I only go to one restaurant, it’ll be something I haven’t already tried. But, if I do go to two, one restaurant will be a repeat. But, whether you try something new or not, it’s a great time to dine out because its for a good cause. And, don’t forget to put your dining spend on your Amex Gold or Sapphire Reserve!