Oahu - Hawaii with Kids - page 102

Note: Keep in mind that Restaurant Row (Ala Moana Blvd., between Punch-
bowl and South sts.), which features several hot new establishments, offers free
validated parking in the evening.
Indigo Eurasian Cuisine EURASIAN Hardwood floors, red brick,
wicker, high ceilings, and an overall feeling of Indochine luxury give Indigo a
stylish edge. You can dine indoors or in a garden setting on menu offerings such
as pot stickers, Buddhist bao buns, savory brochettes, tandoori chicken breast,
vegetable tarts, Asian-style noodles and dumplings, lilikoi-glazed baby back ribs,
and cleverly named offerings from East and West. No kids' menu, but they don't
seem to mind since there are so many things to choose from (dim sum, noodles,
and chicken dishes).
1121 Nuuanu Ave. & 808/521-2900. Highchairs, boosters. Reservations recommended. Lunch $6-$16; din-
ner main dishes $16-$26. DC, DISC, MC, V. Tues-Fri 11:30am-2pm; Tues-Sat 6-9:30pm; martini time in the
Green Room Tues-Fri 5-6:30pm.
Legend Seafood Restaurant DIM SUM/SEAFOOD It's like dining in
Hong Kong here, with a Chinese-speaking clientele poring over Chinese news-
papers and the clatter of chopsticks punctuating conversations. Excellent dim
sum comes in bamboo steamers that beckon seductively from carts. Although
dining here is a form of assertiveness training (you must wave madly to catch the
server's eye and then point to what you want), the system doesn't deter fans from
returning. Among our favorites: deep-fried taro puffs and prawn dumplings,
shrimp dim sum, vegetable dumplings, and the open-faced seafood with shi-
itake, scallops, and a tofu product called aburage. Dim sum is served only at
lunch, but dinnertime seafood dishes comfort sufficiently. Not a very elegant
restaurant, but the food is serious and great.
In the Chinese Cultural Plaza, 100 N. Beretania St. & 808/532-1868. Highchairs. Reservations recom-
mended. Most items under $15. AE, DC, MC, V. Mon-Fri 10:30am-2pm and 5:30-10pm; Sat-Sun 8am-2pm
and 5:30-10pm.
Little Village Noodle House CHINESE Ignore the decor, which reminds
me of the back porch of a small French bistro with overhanging roof in
Provence. The food here is “simple and healthy” (their motto), and authentic
Chinese (Northern, Canton, and Hong Kong style). My picks are the Shanghai
noodles with stir-fried veggies, the walnut shrimp, and the butterfish in black
bean sauce. The menu is eclectic and offers some interesting selections you don't
often see; kids share dishes with the rest of the family. The service is not only
friendly (a rarity in Chinatown), but the waitstaff are quite knowledgeable about
the dishes. Yes, there is takeout, but even more unique (for Chinatown): They
have parking in the back!
1113 Smith St. & 808/545-3008. Highchairs. Most items under $10. AE, DISC, MC, V. Sun-Thurs
10:30am-10:30pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight.
Palomino AMERICAN REGIONAL Palomino offers splendid harbor
views, interesting architecture, conscientious service, and excellent food. It is
more Chicago than Hawaii but serves up dishes that will likely bring you back
(especially since it is within walking distance of Hawaii Theatre). Pizzas of all
types reign supreme on the kids' menu. The main menu features exotic pizzas,
like one with caramelized onion and spinach; don't miss the wild mushroom
salad and cedar-plank roasted salmon, roasted garlic, shrimp in grape leaves, and
kiawe-grilled fish. Leave room for the devastating dessert called Caffè Affogato
(white-chocolate ice cream, espresso, and whipped cream).