Kauai - Hawaii with Kids - page 363

strong Mediterranean and cross-cultural influences. You'll find organic greens
from Kilauea, several risotto choices, black tiger prawns with ravioli of lobster
thermidor, chicken angelica, and surprises such as Thai lobster bisque and duck
kalua carbonara. No kids' menu, but if your bambinos are not happy with the
selections, the kitchen will make buttered pasta or pasta topped with a red sauce.
2301 Nalo Rd., Poipu. & 808/742-1555. Highchairs. Reservations recommended. Main courses $19-$25.
AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 6pm-closing.
Dondero's ITALIAN If you are looking for a romantic dinner either
under the stars overlooking the ocean or tucked away at an intimate table sur-
rounded by inlaid marble floors, ornate imported floor tiles, and Franciscan
murals, this is the place for you. You get all this atmosphere at Dondero's, plus
the best Italian cuisine on the island, served with efficiency. It's hard to have a
bad experience here. This is a grown-ups' night-out type of place, so to really
enjoy the experience, get the kids a sitter. Our recommendations for a meal to
remember: Start with either the fresh mozzarella cheese with tomatoes and
roasted peppers, or the warm goat cheese, roasted eggplant, cannellini beans,
and fried basil leaves. Then move on to the black ink linguine with scallops,
shrimp, mussels, salmon, clams, and lobster; the risotto with porcini mush-
rooms and taleggio cheese; or the grilled snapper with roasted vegetables and
balsamic glaze. Save room for dessert, especially the chocolate crème brûlée with
fresh berries. Dinners are pricey, but worth every penny.
Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort and Spa, 1571 Poipu Rd., Poipu. & 808/742-1234. Some half-portions for kids
available, highchairs, boosters. Reservations required. Main courses $18-$36. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily
6-10pm.
Plantation Gardens Restaurant HAWAIIAN REGIONAL Bring the
kids and eat here. That's as plain as we can make it. A mix of irresistible garden
ambience and a well-executed menu (plus a kids' menu), fashioned around fresh
local ingredients and a respect for island traditions, make this place a winner.
The fish and shellfish are from local waters, and many of the fruits, herbs, and
vegetables are grown on the restaurant premises. Other greats include the shrimp
and wasabi ravioli, made with fresh local shrimp, ricotta cheese, goat cheese, kaf-
fir lime, and lemon grass. The historic architecture includes a generous veranda
and gracious details of a 1930s estate that belonged to the manager of Hawaii's
first sugar plantation. If the kids get restless, send them outside to the koi ponds,
under coconut and hou trees, with orchids, bromeliads, and a cactus/succulent
garden on the lush grounds.
In Kiahuna Plantation Resort, 2253 Poipu Rd. & 808/742-2216. Kids' menu, highchairs, boosters, crayons.
Reservations recommended. Main courses $14-$29; kids' menu $5.95-$6.95. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily
5:30-10pm dinner; from 4pm for pupu, pizza, and cocktails.
Roy's Poipu Bar & Grill EURO-ASIAN This is a loud, lively room with
ceiling fans, marble tables, works by local artists, and a menu tailor-made for
foodies (plus one for the children). The signature touches of Roy Yamaguchi (of
Roy's restaurants in Oahu, Big Island, Maui, Tokyo, New York, San Francisco,
and Guam) are abundantly present: an excellent, progressive, and affordable wine
selection; fresh local ingredients prepared with a nod to Europe, Asia, and the
Pacific; and service so efficient it can be overbearing. Because appetizers (such as
nori-seared ahi with black-bean sauce, spinach-shiitake ravioli, and crisp shrimp
cakes with butter sauce) are a major part of the menu, you can sample Roy's leg-
endary fare without breaking the bank. The 3 dozen nightly specials invariably
include eight fresh-fish dishes a night, prepared at least five or six different ways.