New Chef-in-Residence, New Menu at tbd... Hawaii - a Hidden Treasure in Waikiki

Maine Crab Cakes (Citrus Aioli, Togarashi)

tbd... Hawaii is shaking things up in Waikiki!  Located on the second floor of the Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head, is the new tbd... -a bar + lounge pop-up concept featuring a new menu by chef-in-residence Bryan Byard, desserts from pastry chef Michelle Baldomero, and gorgeous cocktails created by mixologist Brian Loesche.

Hawaii Mom Blog was invited to a media dinner to experience the open-air lounge with views of Diamond Head and taste the new food and cocktail menu. It was a challenge to choose a cocktail from the extensive menu, but as a fan of rum I went with the restaurant's signature Old Man's Mai Tai. I also really enjoyed a sip of the Side Street Florist. 

All night we were treated to dishes of delicious modern American cuisine with Asian and French influences. The entire menu is stellar, but my very favorites were the Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts, Maine Crab Cakes, Australian Wagyu 'French Onion' Sliders with gruyere and Maui onion, and the Prime Skirt Steak 'Pupu Style' with Maitake Mushrooms.

Beet Box (Edinburgh Gin, Beet, Lemon, Ginger, Rhubarb Bitters, Dill), Barking up the Right Tree (Hornitos, Coconut Oil Washed Mezcal, Lime, Cinnamon Bark, Velvet Falernum, Orgeat, Egg Whites, Nutmeg), and Old Man's Mai Tai (Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry Rum, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao, Velvet Falernum, Absinthe, Orgeat, Lime, Dark Rum, Pineapple + Banana Foam).

The Butterfly Effect (Peppercorn Infused Roku Gin, Yuzu, Jasmine, Butterfly Pea Tea, Cucumber Bitters) and Side Street Florist (Tito’s Vodka, Génépi, Domaine de Canton, Lemon, Rosemary, Lavender, Club Soda). 

Ahi Tostadas (Wonton, Avocado Puree, Wasabi Aioli, Ponzu, Chili Oil, Local Radish).  

Ahi made even better with the crunch of the wonton.

Arugula Salad (Grana Padano, Aged Balsamic, Olive Oil, Local Tomato, Fried Shallot). 

I really liked the fried shallots in this salad.

Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts (Pickled Fresno Chilis, Peanut, Cilantro). 

I have never had tastier brussels!

New Zealand Mussels (White Wine Fume, Leeks, Heirloom Tomato, Baguette). 

Seafood lovers will enjoy this colorful dish. 

Garlic Baguette (Local Lehua Spiced Honey). 

This one's a sleeper hit! Love that the honey has a kick to it!  

Australian Wagyu 'French Onion' Sliders (Brioche, Gruyere, Maui Onion, Garlic Aioli, Veal Jus, Pickles). Super yummy! Don't miss out on these.

Garlic + Furikake Fries. Perfect to pair with your sliders!

Prime Skirt Steak 'Pupu Style (Maitake Mushrooms, Yuzu Ponzu). Tender and tasty and really nice with the hearty mushrooms.

Strawberries and Cream (Vanilla Bavoirs, Strawberry, Ginger Curd). 

Get a little of everything for a perfect bite.

Chocolate + Hazelnut Panna Cotta (Carmelized White Chocolate Croquant). 

Firm texture and not overly sweet makes for a great combination.

tbd... Hawaii gives off great vibes! 

Love the spaced out tables with the open floor to ceiling windows. 

I really believe you are going to love the new tbd...pop-up and recommend checking it out sooner than later as it won't be around forever. Perfect for any occasion, tbd...is open Wednesday through Sunday with a daily Happy Hour from 5-6 pm with $2 off all shared food plates and $3 off beer, wines by the glass, and the signature Mai Tai cocktail. Complimentary self-parking is available at the hotel.

tbd...Hawaii 
2885 Kalakaua Ave
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 791-5164