Gastronome
AULANI, A DISNEY RESORT & SPA
92-1185 Aliinui Drive
Phone number (808) 674-6200
Website resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort
By now I’m sure you’ve read all about my weekend at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa — at least you better have. If you missed that, find it on page 4.
It doesn’t take a lot to keep me happy while on a vacation or staycation. It helps, of course, when good food is involved, which I found was in full supply at Aulani. I had the pleasure of sampling quite a bit of food during the few days I was there, so here’s just some of what I’d return for.
Cereal-crusted French Toast
Find it at: ‘AMA‘AMA
You know how, despite its sweet and addictive flavor, eating a bowl of Cap’n Crunch Crunch Berries always leaves the roof of your mouth feeling raw? Well, the colorful Cereal-crusted French Toast at ‘AMA‘AMA manages to capture those memorable flavors, minus the awful after effects of Crunch Berries. It’s served with fresh berries, syrup and a raspberry coulis, the latter of which was my favorite pairing.
Coconut-breaded Shrimp
Coconut-breaded Shrimp
Find it at: Off the Hook
This poolside bar features a menu that feels just right for midday snacking in between dives into the pool. On it are items like hot dogs and regular or veggie burgers.
My favorite was the Coconut-breaded Shrimp, which was crispy and salty, but still light. Served with French fries — you can also choose Maui chips, fresh fruit or a salad — it paired nicely with a sweet chili sauce.
Also consider the Fish Tacos, which were made with the day’s sustainable catch and served in flour tortillas with an island slaw and salsa that had bits of pineapple in it.
Mickey-shaped cookies
Assorted Disney-themed Items
Find it at: Ulu Cafe and Kalepa’s Store
Ulu Cafe is the place to stop at if your priority is fitting in as many activities as you can. It’s a grab-and-go concept with a hot foods bar, and some prepackaged meals and snacks.
Darth Vader cupcakes
But really, what you should be looking for are Disney-themed items. I saw Darth Vader cupcakes with little signs advertising the upcoming Rogue One film, and Mickey-shaped cookies and brownies.
Chocolate-dipped Mickey ice cream bars and sandwiches also can be found in Kalepa’s Store.
Cioppino
Cioppino
Find it at: ‘AMA‘AMA
Local cuisine is highlighted at ‘AMA‘AMA, especially with a seafood dish like its Cioppino. The tomato-based stew had generous servings of clams, mussels, island fish and half a lobster, all of which were tender with every bite.
It was a flavorful dish served hot that still felt right for a balmy evening. Honestly, I’ve been craving it since I tried it.
The Olelo Room
Check out this beautiful lounge, where Hawaiian language is the focal point. Woodcarvings of things including numbers and animals are featured prominently on the wall with their corresponding Hawaiian label. The tables, chairs and windows, too, indicate the Hawaiian word.
Along with cocktails and appetizers, you’ll find bartenders who are fluent in Hawaiian — a requirement for anyone who works in The Olelo Room.
This barely scratches the surface of what’s available at Aulani. Of course, all of that food just means more of an excuse to stay longer … or return for more.
