Pineapple Room by Alan Wong

[KaimukiMan]

A friend was visiting from the mainland and today was his birthday, so I took him and another friend to the Pineapple Room for Lunch. We had a 1pm reservation, got there a few minutes early and were seated a few minutes after 1. The service was very good, in spite of the fact that we were next to a party of 14 that got there at the same time we did.

The birthday boy had the "Old Fashion" burger, which he enjoyed very much. The burger was nice, thick, and juicy although cooked all the way through. The other friend had the Kalua Pig "BLT". He was unusually quiet while eating, a sure sign he was enjoying his meal.

I ordered the Sweet Chili-Glazed Monchong (Bigscale or Sickle Pomfret, <http://www.hawaii-seafood.org/species...), Monchong is one of those fish that really should not be overcooked. It gets very mealy and unpleasant. Mine was cooked to perfection. Firm and moist, delicate fresh flavor, could not have asked for a better piece of fish. The sauce was heaven on a plate, sweet and slightly tangy, the chili flavor very understated, the sauce truly enhanced rather than overwhelmed the fish.

For dessert we split an order of the bread pudding which was very good. A bit denser than most bread puddings, but still tender, with a very nice bananas foster sauce and a scoop of some exceptional vanilla ice cream on top.

All this plus 3 glasses of wine, and a couple of iced teas for a little over $32 per person. A pretty great deal for some first class food.

[haolebaby]

I've been thinking about going here.. now I'm plotting for this weekend! :P

[KaimukiMan]

haole... wacha readin all the old postings for?

[haolebaby]

I was contemplating a visit to Pineapple. I lost my dinner partner to an extended overseas stay.. I don't feel so bad about PR solo..

[ML8000]

Frankly the Pineapple Room seemed run down when it opened. It is after inside a department store. It feels like mannequins should be sitting next to you. Any way, the Kalua Pig BLT is pretty awesome. Worth a take out for sure.

[manomin]

I disagree. Being at the opening I enjoyed see the transformation from the former and beloved of many dining room. The lava rock wall was a great focal point to the open kitchen, the pendant lamps were different and the bright open feeling in the room was also a nice change. I have always enjoyed the menu from long standing favorites to new items. Along the way the chefs
have changed but the food remains quite good in my opinion.

[ML8000]

It could be I was there at night the first couple of time. It seemed dim. Any way, the food is good, Just a semi-odd space.

[manomin]

I walked by there yesterday and it smelled as good as ever during lunchtime. It was crowded and the new furnishings and remodel of the room helps greatly, it is
not as dreary.

[countrybumpkin]

Went sometime last year. It seemed due for a remake. Disappointed in our first visit there. May be willing to give it another try.

[KaimukiMan]

The place is noisy, and a bit "run down", they must have replaced the menu covers, or I was too busy watching the food go by to notice. As for expectations, i did not expect it to be as good as the fine dining restaurant... this is a restaurant in a department store, it is casual and people eating there are generally in a hurry. Not going to be sitting for 30 minutes sipping wine and nibbling on pupus till the entree is ready (although you certainly could). Still i think it compares very favorably to mariposa, which i enjoy but feel is somewhat overrated - perhaps expectations again. Can't argue that mariposa has great service, and the view is fantastic. Still if I had been served that piece of fish at any restaurant in town I would have been a happy camper.

As I mentioned, the price was about $32 each for us, including light drinking and a shared dessert. I thought the prices were reasonable, and certainly a good value for the quality of food. And yes, the foccacia and chili aioli was very tasty.

[manomin]

Good report! I have always enjoyed lunch there and the service has always been great. The one thing I find depressing is the worn dated decor, the rug is atrocious and the menu covers tattered and ragged quite surprising actually. The staff make up for it though and the food always
rocks! You had some of my favorites! I always like the bread with the chili aioli as well! Lately
I've been making their edamamae recipe using fresh local soybeans, absolutely ono!

[kc72]

What are the prices like at the Pineapple Room?

[Bill Hunt]

Thanks for the review. Our visits to AW's PR have been good, but not quite as nice as yours. Still, I love to hear good reports on any AW property, as I am a fan - plain and simple. That said, some have complained about the service, which I did not. The service was the best part of our visit. Everything else was good, but not quite up to our expectations. Maybe these were just too high? Glad you mentioned that aspect, as it can make such a difference.

Again, mahalo,

Hunt