A Hawaiian Luau at Johnny Kahuku's Hawaiian Shrimphouse

Leave your suntan lotion, but bring your appetite. It's time for a Hawaiian-style Luau at Johnny Kahuku's Hawaiian Shrimphouse...

Johnny Kahuku's Hawaiian Shrimphouse brings the rich and unique tropical island flavors of Hawaii to the metro, now making waves at Newport Mall at Resorts World Manila.

Part of the Red Crab Group of Restaurants led by Raymund Magdaluyo and Executive Chef Peter Ayson, Johnny Kahuku's Hawaiian Shrimphouse is their latest concept which include Clawdaddy's, Red Crab Alimango House, Blackbeard Seafood Island, and Murray's New Orleans Bourbon Street Steaks and Oysters.  

"What's great about Johnny Kahuku's is that we were able to come up with a menu offering interesting new food choices, while still anchoring on something familiar," says Executive Chef Peter Ayson (R).  "We've got all your favorites--shrimps, crabs, lobsters, meats, and more--but we've put a global twist to it."

The warm family-friendly interiors are homey and comforting, and a refreshing beverage kicks off your own luau. Start your dining experience with Johnny Kahuku's Hawaiian Shrimphouse's  soothing Watermelon Shake (P 125, L), or go for the Pina Colada (R) and get into the tropical vibe in no time. Next, a taste of the islands... 

...with the Special Seafood Poke (P 295, L), a mix of seared blackened tuna, salmon sashimi, seaweed and roasted pineapple in ginger shoyu dressing; and local flavors with the Island Kilawin (P 299, R), with cured tanigue, ahi tuna, roasted corn, peppers, cucumber, jicama, and cilantro in a creamy and tart coconut lime dressing. 

No traditional luau starts without the Hawaiian Poke, a raw seafood salad, and Johnny Kahuku's Hawaiian Shrimphouse offers a wide variety of fresh and tasty appetizers. The fresh and clean flavors of both the seafood, vegetables, and herbs combine with the flavorful coconut lime dressing of the Island Kilawin and the ginger shoyu dressing of the Hawaiian Special Seafood Poke, opening up your palate and appetite for even more flavorful dishes from Executive Chef Peter Ayson.

The festive flavors of Johnny Kahuku's Hawaiian Shrimphouse continue with the sweet and spicy Asian Crispy Squid, with fried baby squid in a sweet and tart caramel tamarind glaze, mixed with crispy dilis and peanut adobo for added crunch. The combination of squid and dilis combine for rich layers of flavor and texture, pumped up by the caramel tamarind glaze. Fresh, sweet, with just a whisper of heat, your luau goes into high gear with a few more bites...

The blend of fresh greens and seafood are highlighted in Executive Chef Peter Ayson's Tropical Tuna Salad (P 395), a hearty mix of micro greens, watermelon, edamame, and fruits in season draped in sesame miso dressing topped with seared ahi tuna. The mild briny sweetness of the ahi tuna pair well with the fresh mesclun of greens and fruits for bright and festive flavors.

Then, the next dish was served, adding a "shrimpalicious" vibe to the feast, with the Classic Kahuku Shrimp Truck (P 535-6pcs shrimps/P 599-9 pcs shrimps), a real luau on a platter with garlic butter shrimps, Hawaiian rice, grilled corn-on-the-cob, macaroni salad, and tuna ahi poke inspired by the shrimp truck culture in the Hawaiian town of Kahuku in Oahu. Great for sharing with its generous portions, the Classic Kahuku Shrimp Truck has everything you need for a proper luau, all laid on a hefty platter.

The delicate flavors of the fresh shrimps are kicked-up a notch with the richness of garlic and butter, and the crisp outer layer adds a delectable crunch with every bite. Pair it with the equally flavorful Hawaiian rice or the sweet and buttered grilled corn-on-the-cob with bonito flakes, just perfect. A comforting bowl of creamy macaroni salad and fresh ahi tuna poke complete the festive flavors.

Executive Chef Peter Ayson then served his innovative crab dish creation, the Crab Palabok, with fried crab draped in a richly flavored shrimp palabok sauce with garlic and soft rice noodles topped with boiled eggs, chicharon, and smoked fish. The fusion of local flavors combine for a fresh and new flavor experience. 

Craving for beef? No worries. Johnny Kahuku's Hawaiian Shrimphouse offers a variety meat dishes like the tender L.A. Kalbi Beef Ribs (P 495), grilled cross-cut US Angus beef short ribs with grilled onions, sesame seeds, and sweet and spicy kalbi sauce. The rich beefy notes of the dish are perfectly tempered by the mildly sweet sharpness of the crisp onions for balanced flavors.

Our feast at Johnny Kahuku's Hawaiian Shrimphouse is now formally a proper luau as the impressive Cuchinillo (advance notice for orders required) is served, a four week old suckling pig basted with coconut, served with the chef's special pineapple-liver sauce and two-week aged sili-tuba blend. Garnished with lemongrass, chili and edible flowers, this is real pork love for a real luau vibe.

The tender and juicy pork delivers delicately sweet notes, with a perfectly crisp and thin layer of crackling. Dip it in Executive Chef Peter Ayson's rich pineapple-liver sauce, or the spicy sili-tuba sauce, to bring out even more flavors. From starters to mains, Johnny Kahuku's Hawaiian Shrimphouse has everything you need for your own luau.

Cap your Hawaiian Luau with Johnny Kahuku's Tropical Chill, chilled and hand-selected pineapple, assorted fruits and assorted salts. Fresh and flavorful island flavors with a cool and festive vibe, only at Johnny Kahuku's Hawaiian Shrimphouse. And here's even better news. You can enjoy your own luau experience soon at Eastwood City with the opening of Johnny Kahuku Hawaiian Shrimphouse's second branch before the year ends...

Johnny Kahuku's Hawaiian Shrimphouse is located at the Second Floor of the Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, Newport Boulevard, Newport City.

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