Red Salt Kauai Review

Red Salt is located within the Koa Kea Hotel & Resort. Acclaimed Executive Chef and Kauai native Noelani Planas uses super fresh locally-sourced Hawaiian seafood and produce. Below is my Red Salt Kauai Review. But first a little bit more about the restaurant which is known for its Red Salt Burger. However, the tropical inspired breakfast also sets Red Salt apart from most other restaurants. Chef Planas puts a new spin on traditional breakfast dishes, such as Lobster Benedict as well as Lemon-Pineapple Soufflé Pancakes, featured on the Food Network.

*Red Salt, located in Ko’a Kea Hotel and Resort; photo by Richard Bilow*

Red Salt Kauai Review

I made special arrangements to dine here…the food was simply outstanding. It is located just off the beach, with a view of the beautifully landscaped pool lined with palm trees in front of the ocean. We sat at a window seat and watched the waves roll in. Starting off with a shaken martini at our table, we enjoyed a tropical cocktail called the Wipe Out and a delicious glass of 2015 Ken Wright Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.

*The Wipe Out Cocktail, Red Salt; photo by Kathy Leonardo*

The Wipe Out was fruity yet balanced and included Ciroc Mango Vodka, Kettel Citroen, passion fruit, mango and pineapple. Although my husband Richard ordered it, I must confess, I enjoyed most of it. After all, he had to drive…so I was doing him a favor.

The Dinner

Our meal began with an appetizer of Seared Hokkaido Scallops (Sweet Roasted Corn, Portuguese Sausage, Charred Cherry Tomatoes, Champagne Beurre Blanc). The perfectly cooked scallops were swimming in a shallow pool of delicious sauce with roasted corn, and also Champagne Beurre Blanc. The charred tomatoes brought a sweetness that complimented this savory yet subtle dish. We both loved it.

*Seared Hokkaido Scallops, Red Salt; photo by Richard Bilow*

For my entrée, I chose the Furikake & Wasabi-Crusted Seared Ahi (Creamy Mushroom Risotto, Asparagus), while my husband went right for the meat. His 16 oz. Prime Ribeye Steak with Roasted Brussels Sprouts (Applewood Smoked Bacon, Peppercorn Brandy Demi Glaze) was perfectly cooked to order (medium rare) and had layers of flavor. The glaze complimented the tender meat, and also the bacon brought it to a whole other level. Thank goodness it was such a large portion, or he may not have shared it with me.

*16 oz. Prime Ribeye Steak with Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Red Salt; photo by Richard Bilow*

Artistic Cuisine

My dish was beautifully plated, like a tribute to a sculpture or monument. The asparagus was the foundation, with a heaping mound of creamy mushroom risotto on top. The main attraction was a rare (as ordered) sublime piece of tuna, encrusted with furikake and wasabi, with sesame seeds, and also topped with a green and red edible garnish of what appeared to be some type of sprouts. It reminded me of a feathery hat to top off one’s best Sunday dress. The combination of the creamy mushroom risotto grounded the light exquisite smooth flavor of the tuna…it was pure heaven. The crunch of asparagus rounded out the dish. Needless to say, we enjoyed the meal. The affable waitress persuaded us to have dessert, and I’m glad she did. It was terrific.

*Furikake & Wasabi-Crusted Seared Ahi, Red Salt; photo by Richard Bilow*

The Red Salt Cake (Chocolate Sponge, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Mousse, Haupia Custard, Caramel Glaze, Toasted Coconut Flakes), and the Chocolate Crème Brûlèe (Traditional Crème Brûlèe Infused with Valrhona Chocolate) were both fantastic and a superb ending for our taste buds to revel in. Red Salt, Koa Kea Hotel & Resort. 2251 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756; https://meritagecollection.com/koa-kea/dining/red-salt