Visit Hilo: Bamboo Hale at Hawaii Community College

The first stop on our #HiloAdzventures getaway with my co-workers Melissa, Crystal, and Yumi, was to Bamboo Hale at Hawaii Community College, where second-year students in the Culinary Arts program showcase their knowledge and skills through a series of menus inspired by cuisines around the world.

On the day we visited, an Americas-Inspired Menu was being served, along with a Mexico Special.

Pork Chalupa Salad (Americas-Inspired Menu)

Hearts of Palm Salad (Americas-Inspired Menu)

"Tarta de Queso" (Mexico Special)

Seafood "Causa" (Americas-Inspired Menu)

The Tarta de Queso appetizer was absolutely delish. I love cheesecakes, and this was my first time trying a savory cheesecake.  It was served with a salsa fresca that I thought was a bit underseasoned, but the cheesecake itself was really good.

Two of my co-workers loved the Seafood "Causa." Yumi commented how she enjoyed the different components, and especially liked the shrimp.

Sopa de Lima (Mexico Special)

New England-Style Seafood Chowder (Americas-Inspired Menu)

Black Bean Soup (Americas-Inspired Menu)

My co-workers thought the soups were delightful, and Crystal really liked the Black Bean Soup.

Tamales Two Ways (Mexico Special)

Cumin and Lime Pork Loin (Americas-Inspired Menu)

Maple Glazed Wild Salmon (Americas-Inspired Menu)

Of the entrees, the Maple Glazed Wild Salmon was a fave amongst my co-workers.  Yumi loved the crispy salmon skin that accompanied the dish.

We were absolutely stuffed by the time we finished our entrees, but we couldn't leave without dessert!

Peanut Butter Mousse Cake (Americas-Inspired Menu)

Chocolate Chipotle Caramel Cake (Mexico Special Menu)

Banana Coconut Flan with Polvorones Cookies (Americas-Inspired Menu)

I love all things pb + chocolate, so this was my favorite dessert by far (it was Melissa's and Crystal's fave too). 

Overall, we were very impressed with the food, as well as the service (one person mentioned how the service was so much better than a culinary students-run restaurant in Waikiki that recently closed).  The students were very friendly and knowledgeable whenever we had questions about the menu (and we had quite a bit!).

You get a lot of food for under $20 (three courses; dessert is extra), so be prepared to come with an appetite so you can savor every bite.

It was a great dining experience!  If you want a gourmet meal without the gourmet prices, be sure to check out Bamboo Hale!

Stay tuned for Melissa's post on Frolic Hawaii for more details on the Culinary Arts program at Hawaii Community College.

Bamboo Hale is open Tuesday-Friday 11am-1pm.  Reservations requested at (808) 934-2591.  Check out the rest of the semester's schedule below!

Americas Standard Menu

        2/7 – 2/10  Americas & US New Orleans Special

Asian Standard Menu

        2/14 – 2/17  Asian & India Special

        2/22 – 2/24  Asian & Thailand Special

        2/28 – 3/2  Asian & Philippines Special

        3/7 – 3/10  Asian & Chinese Special

European Standard Menu

        3/14 – 3/17 European & Spain Special

        3/21 – 3/24  European & France Special

        3/27 – 3/31  SPRING BREAK CLOSED THIS WEEK

        4/4 – 4/7  European & Italian Special

        4/9 – 4/13  HILO CLASSIC FOOD SHOW CLOSED THIS WEEK

        4/17 – 4/19  European & German Special

        4/25 – 4/28   European & Hawaii Special

       

Bamboo Hale
Hawaii Community College
1175 Manono Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720