TBD...Wins Publisher's Choice 'Ilima Award

HONOLULU START ADVERTISER

Each year, Honolulu Star Advertiser presents its annual ‘Ilima Awards to highlight the state’s premier restaurants and chefs, while giving readers and inside look on everything the outstanding eateries have to offer.

This year, TBD…was recognized with the Publisher’s Choice Award. Dennis Francis, Honolulu Star Advertiser’s President and Publisher writes:

When TBD…by Vikram Garg opened inside the Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head a few years ago, I heard it was only a temporary venue for for Chef Garg to showcase his culinary expertise. I tried it then and was impressed with the delicious tomahawk steak expertly prepared (and presented), and finished dinner more than satisfied. I thought was a shame it was for TBD…to be a mere pop up. However, it appears as though the restaurant garnered its fair share of patrons and today has evolved into your elevated neighborhood restaurant in a location that is equally welcoming to Waikiki visitors. Welcome to the new and more permanent TBD…by Vikram Garg.

The menu is as bold as the chef who helms it. Garg is a perfectionist, and nothing leaves his kitchen without his green light. From something as simple as French fries - though here, Osetra caviar is served with the sublime starter instead of ketchup - to the more complex pork chop with butternut squash and poached pear, each appetizer, side dish and main course gets its due attention. The menu is seasonal but there always seems to be something on it that’s up my alley.

Even if a course-by-course dinner is not on my agenda, I’m happy to head to the restaurant from my office for a bite. The lounge menu is also extensive and goes beyond the typical towers of seafood. “The Burger” is a combo of prime beef and pork so it’s as juicy as it is flavorful. The restaurant’s steak frites are made from aged prime rib-eye, so I strongly suggest you enjoy it medium-rare at most to fully experience it’s robust flavor.

I’m a wine guy myself, and the list at TBD…does not disappoint. But, if you’re more of a cocktail person, famed mixologist Francesco Lafranconi has concocted a couple of drinks for the restaurant that are definitely worth sipping.

And if you want the ultimate TBD…by Vikram Garg experience, book a Table V dinner. the private dining room experience is 100% customized by you and the chef himself. Just one Table V can be accommodated each evening, so it really is quite a treat.

Read the issue here.