Kapiʻolani and Leeward Community Colleges’ fine-dining restaurants were recognized by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s dining and food writers with a special ʻIlima Award, the Rising Stars Perpetual Award, for consecutive years of outstanding student-run restaurants.
Kapiʻolani’s Ka ʻIkena Lauaʻe and Leeward’s The Pearl restaurants were praised by the food writers for a superb dining experience with highly sophisticated menus and low prices.
“We’re delighted to be able to share the efforts of our culinary students with the public through our restaurant and thrilled to be recognized with an ʻIlima Award,” said Frank Haas, dean of hospitality, business and legal education at Kapiʻolani CC. “The multiple awards for the community college system bodes well for the future of culinary arts in the state.”
According to Leeward Chancellor Manny Cabral, The Pearl was the first UH campus restaurant to receive an ʻIlima Award in 2011–2012 and continues to receive accolades now for its sophisticated and quality luncheon menu offerings.
“I am so incredibly proud of the students, faculty and staff of our Culinary Arts Program,” said Chancellor Manny Cabral. “It’s wonderful to have their efforts in striving for culinary excellence acknowledged in this significant way.“
The Pearl
The Pearl restaurant at Leeward Community College is one of the few options in fine dining available on the west side of Oʻahu.
The restaurant is open for lunch Wednesdays through Fridays and the menu changes every two weeks. The Pearl is offering a special Thanksgiving Buffet on November 20, 21, 22 and a special events dinner (five-course dinner with wine pairings) on November 15.
Ka ʻIkena Lauaʻe ʻIlima
Located on the east side of Oʻahu at Kapiʻolani Community College, the Ka ʻIkena Lauaʻe ʻIlima/a> restaurant offers a continental menu for lunch that changes weekly, and an Asian influenced dinner.
The dinner is a four-course prix-fixe at $28 to $32, starting November 6, 2013.
