Chicken pot pie is one of my favorite comfort foods, but it’s rare to find this dish around Honolulu; I’ve only come across a few — notably at HI Pie Bakery + Café in Haleʻiwa, and at Merriman’s Honolulu.
Now, there’s another option available — this time, at downtown Honolulu-based Podmore.
Known for its upscale interior and handcrafted libations, Podmore added several new dishes to its dinner menu about a month ago. The eatery changes up its menu frequently and is constantly running specials.
New cocktails ($18 each) are also available; the selection includes El Burro Azul, or a mezcal mule; Life’s a Peach, which is like a peach cosmopolitan; and Monkey See, Monkey Drink. The latter features a banana-infused and browned butter-washed Monkey Shoulder scotch.
We tried Life’s a Peach, which was a nice balance of refreshing and sweet.
The roasted pork buns aren’t new, but I highly recommend them as an appetizer. An order ($16) comes with two pieces of these soft buns, which come stuffed with crispy pork belly, apple sauce and pickled red onions. You’re sure to savor every bite, as the pork buns are savory with a slightly sweet aftertaste.
If you’re looking for something on the lighter side — but still flavorful — these scallops ($38) are ideal. Each order features five petite, succulent scallops, crispy kale, and a buttery mix of romaine, peas and truffle bechamel. The veggie-based side has a consistency that reminds me of risotto, and the indulgent truffle bechamel makes me forget that I’m eating mostly greens.
The chicken pot pie that’s currently on the menu is the newer rendition of the eatery’s former beef pot pie. Alas, I was so excited to try it that I forgot to take a photo once we broke into the crust. The golden-brown, perfectly crispy puff pastry encases a savory combo of leeks, mushrooms, peas and carrots. The chicken is tender, while the mushrooms boast the perfect chew.
The dish was just as delicious as I imagined it to be — so much so that I’m still thinking about it several days later.
The confit duck leg ($28) is a nice choice if you’re craving a heartier dish. It’s served with soft polenta, ratatouille and fresh herbs. The duck was flavorful without being overly gamey.
Another new dish is the lamb vindaloo curry ($27), served with mango chutney, steamed rice and housemade naan bread. This dish took the place of a tikka masala curry that used to be on the menu, but we’re told it definitely packs some heat.
During our visit, we also had the chance to try an off-menu dish that will soon be added to Podmore’s line-up. Once it’s on the menu, the roasted cauliflower ($14) — served with tikka masala spices and a yogurt sauce — is a must-have appetizer. The tender cauliflower was perfectly cooked and complemented by a creamy, addictive yogurt sauce and just the right amount of spice to give the dish a slight kick without being overly hot.
CONTACT
Podmore
202 Merchant St., Honolulu
808-521-7367
Barpodmore.com
Instagram: @barpodmore
Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays, closed Mondays
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
