Forked up

KOKO MOKO
KOKO HEAD CAFÉ
1145C 12th Ave.
Phone number (808) 732-8920
website kokoheadcafe.com

During her time competing in the first season of Bravo’s Top Chef, everything Leanne Wong made was pure eye candy. So it should come as no surprise that, in real life, everything tastes as good as it looks. Take, for instance, Wong’s spin on a local classic: Koko Moco. Made with Maui-grown beef, it is served atop garlic rice in a hot skillet — stir your rice immediately or let it sit for a bit, depending on how crispy you want it. All of this is topped with a rich, creamy mushroom gravy and sunny side-up egg. The real winner in this dish, though? Tempura kimchi. Crispy kimchi made even crunchier deep-fried with tempura is just so delish.

BEET SALAD
THE MODERN HONOLULU
1775 Ala Moana Blvd.
Phone number (808) 943-5800
website themodernhonolulu.com

If you’re looking for something to munch on while lounging at The Modern Honolulu’s pool, but don’t want to feel bloated in your bikini, Beet Salad is a light and refreshing option. Little spheres of baby gold and red beets are roasted and serve as the highlight of this dish, which also comes with arugula and orange slices — and is topped with just the right amount of champagne vinaigrette dressing. Our favorite part? That lovely nugget of Surfing Dairy goat cheese. (Grilled fish, chicken breast, prawns or rib eye can be added at an additional cost.)