Christine Hitt
Hawaii saw many restaurant closures during the height of the pandemic. Some of them were beloved local eateries and longtime staples, such as Like Like Drive Inn and Town on Oahu, Holuakoa Gardens & Cafe on Hawaii Island and Art Cafe Hemingway on Kauai. And it's still hard to believe that two of Hawaii Regional Cuisine's founding chefs, Alan Wong of Alan Wong's Honolulu and George Mavrothalassitis of Chef Mavro, closed their restaurants, too.
However, as some doors have closed, others are opening and bringing good news to Hawaii's dining scene. This year also saw a record number (13) of Hawaii chefs and restaurants recognized as James Beard Award semifinalists.
The Hawaii semifinalists include The Pig and the Lady for outstanding restaurateur, Bar Leather Apron for outstanding bar program, Sooper Secret Izakaya for best new restaurant and Sushi Izakaya Gaku for outstanding restaurant. And how James Beard has missed recognizing some of these in the past, such as Nisshodo Candy Store and Ethel's Grill, which got nods for outstanding baker and best chef, respectively, is surprising.
A dish at Fete. Photo Credit: Sean Marrs/Fete
Of all of the semifinalists, two made it to the finals: chef Robynne Maii of the New American restaurant Fete in Honolulu and chef Sheldon Simeon of the casual lunch spot Tin Roof in Kahului, Maui. The winners will be announced on Monday, June 13.
Whether or not one of these Hawaiian restaurants wins a James Beard Award, these eateries and chefs have already proven themselves worthy to receive awards -- and many do. Honolulu Magazine just released its reader-voted Hale Aina Award winners for 2022.
On top was "Island French" restaurant Nature Waikiki, which won gold for best new restaurant in Hawaii, followed by Bar Maze, Queensbreak at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Huihui at Kaanapali Beach Hotel. Merriman's in Honolulu and Waimea, Lahaina Grill on Maui and The Beach House on Kauai also won gold for best restaurants.