This popular Sunday brunch buffet recently revamped its offerings.
Orchids at Halekūlani is known for its brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. It costs $125 per adult ($67 for children ages 5 to 10 years).
The buffet recently added an antipasto and artisan spread station to its line-up. This station includes a variety of spreads — including chicken liver pate, smoked salmon mousse, seasonal mushroom spread, baba ghanoush and more — along with bruschetta and freshly baked crostini.
“We have prosciutto sliced to order; we have hummus, baba ganoush, housemade pickles and pate,” says Halekūlani chef de cuisine Melissa Kaniki. “The pate is the most popular.
“That (the artisan spread station) used to be the ramen station, but we removed it,” she adds. “There aren’t very many places you can get housemade Italian pickles.”
The paella and Italian sausage are also new additions to the buffet, according to King.
“We took off the flank steak, but the paella is very popular,” she says. “It has seafood, chicken and some chorizo. Next to it, we also have coiled Italian sausage. It’s so good; it’s my favorite. It’s going to be on rotation.
“My uncle used to go to New York often and bring home Italian deli sausages and meats like bison,” she adds. “One of our purveyors, Pasquale Allegrini, said, ‘I have a new sausage’ and I was like, ‘We need to put it on (the buffet).’”
Orchids’ buffet offers a variety of seafood, ranging from shucked oysters and snow crab legs to a selection of Hawaiian poke, fresh sashimi and chef’s selection of nigiri and maki rolls.
The carving station features Waimanalo-raised suckling pig, herb-crusted prime rib, sage butter roasted turkey, honey bone-in ham with brussels sprouts and roasted brisket.
Finally, the dessert spread includes options like classic Halekūlani coconut cake, strawberry mousse tarts, key lime tarts, bread pudding, mango passion macarons and more. There’s also a gelato and sorbet section with assorted toppings, and artisanal breads and croissants from Halekūlani Bakery.
Orchids also started a new executive business lunch experience that’s available from Monday to Friday. This curated menu is designed for professionals seeking an elevated meal within a condensed timeframe.
The executive business lunch costs $52 per person. It features a two-course prix fixe menu with a choice of an appetizer and main entrée, or main entrée and dessert.
Appetizers include mozzarella di bufala campana (fresh tomatoes, basil, oregano and extra virgin olive oil); crab salad New York croissant (with crab meat, celery, shallot, chives, lettuce, mayonnaise and mixed greens); and vine-ripened Kamuela tomato soup (served with thyme crème fraiche, pesto and a crouton).
Choose from main entrees like gnocchi Portofino (housemade potato gnocchi with creamy, fresh tomato sauce and basil pesto); catch of the day with grilled asparagus and Kalamata olive sauce; and the Orchids burger. The latter features a prime beef burger with bacon, American cheese, sauteed shiitake mushrooms, romaine, guacamole, tomato and onions.
Desserts include Halekūlani’s signature coconut cake — chiffon cake with coconut-amaretto cream — or gelato, available in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, Kona coffee, hazelnut or pistachio.
Orchids’ executive business lunch menu will change monthly to feature new seasonal dishes and ingredients.
“Today’s professionals are looking for dining experiences that balance quality, efficiency and an exceptional setting,” states Alec van Meijeren, director of food and beverage. “Our new executive business lunch allows guests to enjoy the signature cuisine and gracious hospitality of Orchids while accommodating the pace of a busy workday.”
CONTACT
Orchids
Halekūlani
2199 Kālia Road, Honolulu
808-518-2019
halekulani.com
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Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
