The Big Island of Hawaii - Hawaii with Kids - page 183

Teshima's JAPANESE/AMERICAN This is the Japanese restaurant where
local families go. Shizuko Teshima has a strong following among those who have
made her miso soup and sukiyaki an integral part of their lives. The early-morn-
ing crowd starts gathering while it's still dark for omelets or Japanese breakfasts
(soup, rice, and fish). As the day progresses, the orders pour in for shrimp tem-
pura and sukiyaki. By dinner, Number 3 teishoku trays—miso soup, sashimi,
sukiyaki, shrimp, pickles, and other delights—are streaming out of the kitchen.
Other combinations include steak and shrimp tempura; beef teriyaki and
shrimp tempura; and the deep-sea trio of shrimp tempura, fried fish, and
sashimi. Kids can order from the American side of the menu (grilled cheese
sandwiches) if Japanese fare is not their favorite.
Hwy. 11, Honalo. & 808/322-9140. Highchairs, boosters. Reservations recommended for large parties. Com-
plete dinners $16 and under. No credit cards. Daily 6:30am-1:45pm and 5-9pm.
THE KOHALA COAST
You'll find the following restaurants on the “North Kohala & Waimea” map on
p. 201.
VERY EXPENSIVE
Batik EURO-ASIAN This is a room of hushed tones and great restraint,
with high, dark-wood ceilings, sedate (and loyal) guests, and sensitive lighting—
a shrine to fine dining. Leave the kids with a sitter and come for a romantic din-
ner. Although they do have a kids' menu (pizza is the most popular item), this
is definitely a grown-ups' restaurant. Items like the artichoke salad—its leaves
spread out flamboyantly, like flower petals—is one of several standouts on the
appetizer menu. Fresh snapper in various exotic preparations (with Kona mush-
rooms and lobster), grilled fresh fish with seaweed-herb sauces, and Keahole lob-
ster Provençale are among the elegant entrees blending local ingredients and
Asian preparations with Continental techniques. The drawback is that the
restaurant is only open seasonally. (It's generally closed in Sept; open 3-4 nights
a week Oct-Christmas and usually 5 nights a week Christmas-Apr and during
the summer months.)
In the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, 62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr. & 808/882-7222. www.maunakeabeach
hotel.com. Kids' menu, highchairs, boosters, crayons. Reservations recommended. Collared, button-down
shirts and dress slacks requested for men. Main courses $32-$45; prix fixe from $65; kids' menu $7.50-$10.
AE, DC, MC, V. Seasonally 6:30-9pm.
Brown's Beach House HAWAIIAN REGIONAL The nearby lagoon
takes on the pink-orange glow of sunset, while torches flicker among the
coconut trees. With white tablecloths, candles, and seating near the lagoon, this
is a spectacular setting, complemented by a menu that keeps getting better by
the year. The kitchen is now an open exhibition kitchen with many menu
changes from chef de cuisine Etsuji Umezu. He combines his native Japanese
fare with Pacific Rim fare to create new and unusual dishes like sizzling ahi tataki
with local exotic mushrooms, or twice-cooked ama ebi and scallop tempura. If
the kids don't find any comfort food on the kids' menu (PB&J to cheeseburger
and waffle fries), they can order off the main menu for half-price.
Another option for families is Brown's Deli, where there's an assortment of
items for breakfast (freshly made breads, pastries, and espresso), lunch, and dinner
(pizza, salad, paninis, and sandwiches). There are even grill tables along the ocean-
front where you can grill your own uncooked items and have a sunset picnic.