HAWAIIAN RESTAURANT HULA’S ISLAND GRILL FROM THE CHARMINGLY cheesy tiki lounge decor to the boisterous atmosphere and super-friendly staff, the two coast-side Hulas locations at least have the nearby Pacific to echo the Polynesian theme. Hulas also has a particularly appealing menu featuring tons of classic Hawaiian cocktails, lots of pupus, people-pleasing recipes and moderate prices. Start with treats like seared ahi tuna wontons with wasabi-ginger cream or kalua pig sliders with pickled cabbage, followed by filling dinners such as a “luau pork plate” heaped with meat in soy glaze or grass-fed teriyaki ribeye or fish preparations that include Hawaiian favorites like ahi, ono and walu walu. 221 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz, 831/426-4852. 622 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, 831/204-9270; hulastiki.com 90 South Bay Accent CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: SHERMAN CHAN; SCOTT CAMPBELL; COURTESY OF NOELANI’S BAR AND GRILL; CLOCKWISE FROM TOP, OPPOSITE PAGE: COURTESY OF GO FISH POKE BAR; CHRIS SCHMAUCH (2) HAWAIIAN RESTAURANT ROY’S ONE OF THE most upscale Hawaiian dining spots outside the 50th state, Roy’s is a popular chain with ambitious culinary objectives catering to well-heeled diners. While theres a Roy’s in San Francisco, the scenery at the Pebble Beach restaurant is hard to beat—overlooking a prestigious golf course right on the ocean with million-dollar sunsets thrown in. In an incongruous twist, kilt-wearing bagpipers even march by occasionally to inadvertently serenade diners. Roy’s swanky decor matches the large, wellexecuted menu that highlights sushi, seafood and steaks while the chef ’s Hawaiian fusion orientation shines in dishes like crispy octopus with lilikoi vinaigrette, daikon sprouts and macadamia nuts or slow-roasted pork belly with coconut flakes, balsamic reduction and quail egg. The Inn at Spanish Bay, 2700 17 Mile Dr., Pebble Beach, 831/298-5907; pebblebeach.com/dining/roys-at-pebble-beach HAWAIIAN RESTAURANT NOELANI’S BAR AND GRILL A LIVELY, COMFORTABLE, proudly Hawaiian spot featuring music as well as island cocktails along with a menu infused with the tropical theme, Noelanis has touches like orchid drink garnishes and lots of friendly aloha spirit. Poke, plate lunches, plenty of pupus (appetizers) and island favorites like saimin bowls, loco moco and shoyu chicken are offered, but there’s definite creativity in the luau and fusion inspired fare such as kalua pig (slow-roasted pork) quesadillas and poke nachos. Spice lovers go crazy for the signature hurricane fries tossed with sriracha and wasabi and sprinkled with furikake, a fish-based Japanese seasoning thats ubiquitous in Hawaii. Homesick island natives and others looking for a fun time flock to Noelanis, particularly on live music nights. 1037 Laurel St., San Carlos, 650/394-8169; noelanis.com
South Bay Accent - Feb/Mar 2017
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