

Oceanarium Restaurant reels in quite a catch for salmon lovers, so take the bait because you’re in for a sea full of flavors.Ī family favorite since I was born, Hee Hing Restaurant boasts a spectacular assortment of Chinese fare, as generations of diners appreciate the comfortable atmosphere and friendly service from a staff who treats you like family. Smoked salmon is amazing on its own, but when combined with the sweet-and-sour essence of the blood orange balsamic glaze, it’s like no salmon you’ve tasted. “We roast the salmon on a plank of cedar wood, which gives the salmon a smoky aroma and taste,” says Somlak. This time around, Valentine Cedar Planked Northwest Pacific Salmon captures the spotlight, as it’s delicately coated with a blood orange balsamic glaze robust with flavor and paired with braised Lei Farm vegetables. Surely, you’ll be back for seconds.ĭinnertime calls for a trip to Oceanarium’s coveted dinner buffet. The thin-sliced salmon just melts in your mouth, and the flavor of the garnish blends so well together with the naan bread. “We cure the raw salmon, slice it by hand and garnish it with cream cheese, capers and red onions.” “We utilize farm-raised salmon rather than the seasonal wild salmon because we can rely on its availability,” says sous chef Sam Somlak.

I have a thing for lox and bagels, and this superb salmon gravlax creation is a close match up. Oceanarium’s Valentine Cedar Planked Northwest Pacific Salmon Oceanarium’s House Cured Northwest Pacific Salmon Gravlax served with grilled naan flatbread According to restaurant manager Kelvin Nakahata, brunch buffet highlights include snow crab legs, mussels on-the-half-shell, cocktail shrimp, fresh sashimi and House Cured Northwest Pacific Salmon Gravlax served with grilled naan flatbread. Oceanarium helps guests fuel up for the day with a daily breakfast buffet ($24.95 adults, $19.95 children ages 5-11 and $14.50 seniors age 65 and over), and many anticipate Saturday and Sunday Brunch ($33.95 adults, $13.50 children and $22.95 seniors). This award-winning establishment in the heart of Waikiki is packed with kamaaina and visitors alike who appreciate the beauty of the exotic marine life while also filling up on the elaborate buffet selections for breakfast, brunch and dinner. Nearly 400 fish call this 280,000-gallon tank home - that’s more than 70 species of Indo-Pacific marine life. Yet, what’s even more jaw dropping is Oceanarium’s main attraction: A three-story, “larger-than-life” aquarium. Patrons bask in the glory of the restaurant’s buffet and entree selections. Oceanarium Restaurant makes a splash with its under-the-sea dining adventure, that has lured in diners - hook, line and sinker - since its inception in 1979. A side of garlic wasabi mashed potatoes and a medley of Asian stir-fried vegetables round out the dish. Traces of yuzu will hit your palate as it laces the fish Still hungry? Stop by Pagoda for dinner and let your taste buds experience Roasted Salmon ($17) with toasted sesame and kabayaki butter. Lastly, ‘Nalo greens and your choice of white or brown rice makes this dish so melt-in-your-mouth ono to the max! “Salmon belly is really fatty, so it has a lot more flavor than other parts of the fish,” explains Takemura.Ī blend of mochiko flour, shoyu, sugar and eggs coats the salmon belly, which soon becomes a deep-fried delicacy drizzled with a savory kabayaki sauce and garlic miso aioli, along with furikake seasoning. Priced at $13, all salmon enthusiasts will agree that this is the real deal! Takemura says the fish is top-quality, sashimi grade, and it’s the main component of the popular lunchtime favorite Mochiko Salmon Belly. The editor adores Pagoda’s tranquil setting and Mochiko Salmon Belly.įarm-raised Scottish salmon from the waters off Iceland is delivered twice a week to Pagoda.

Do you know what I’m stoked about the most? Well, it’s the fact that it’s OK to give in a little and splurge on the preparation and flavors that accompany this heart-healthy fish, as these factors are priority for food-minded individuals. This week, salmon is the foundation for an array of all-star dishes at the following Ono, You Know hot spots. Salmon is the name of the game! Say hello to this fatty fish brimming with omega-3 fats, which have been shown to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, Alzheimer’s and rheumatoid arthritis. However, the words “fatty” and “savory” don’t always have to be attributed to fast-food and beef. I love to cater my diet to nutritious options, and I’m all for salads, green juices, fruits, veggies and all-natural homemade smoothies, but sometimes this girl craves some fatty, savory goodness that will leave me satiated. It’s just rare to stumble upon a healthy meal that is ever so indulgent.

Something fishy is going on, but don’t fret, Ono readers, there’s no need to proceed with caution.
