My poor husband fell ill during our stay in Lanai, nothing worse to be on vacation and not feeling well. I knew for sure though that he had to make sure he ate, his fever and bronchitis begged for it to fight off all that ailed him. With as much energy as he could muster, we took the hotel shuttle from the Lodge at Koele down to Lanai City for dinner at the Lanai City Grille.
Designed by culinary genius Bev Gannon, the menu is a tantalizing collection of vibrant flavors and colors inspired by the surrounding organic island milieu. Anticipate generously portioned entrees ranging from locally caught fresh seafood, prime meats and our signature rotisserie chicken.
Set below the Cook pines and inside the Hotel Lanai, this friendly restaurant greeted us with the same candor and family feel that you get all over the island. The atmosphere was casual, we dined among familiar faces including the couple we went horseback riding with, I almost felt as this was Cheers, everyone knew our name, and “Norm” would be walking up the bar at any moment.
The chef’s cookbooks decorated the shelves along the perimeter of the restaurant, and the manager Michelle greeted us as special guests. 
Due to the medication my husband was taking, we skipped wine for the night but did indulge in some appetizers, pulled Kalua pork won tons. Kalua pork is something I’ve had in our travels to Hawaii, and it’s incredibly tasty, melts in your mouth, sweet and tangy goodness that I just can’t pass up. The outer won ton was crispy while the warm tender meat inside was a comfort food I can get used to.
Two won tons a piece was enough to tempt our stomachs but not fill us for the meal we had coming. I spied something on the menu that called out to me. Chorizo mashed potatoes was something I’d never had eaten before, but chorizo is a Mexican sausage I’ve grown up on. The pairing enticed me so much that I substituted it for the potato cake my filet normally comes with, I couldn’t wait! 
My husband longed for comfort food to help his healing process and ordered the signature 1/2 rotisserie chicken and truffled macaroni and cheese.
I was so impressed by the creamy potatoes with the hint of spice from the chorizo. I normally eat the sausage with eggs, but I have to say it’s taken to the next level with the mash, wow so good! My filet was well done and they mentioned they’d butterfly it for even cooking and it was perfection, still tender and juicy and full of flavor, my meal was a HUGE hit. My husband spoke of his meal, “this was the meat-iest chicken I’ve ever tasted!” Opting for the 1/2 rather than whole he was amazed how much meat he continued to take it, “it’s replenishing itself, I swear!” The outer skin was crispy, the meat perfectly cooked with the sweet glaze beneath. His first time the mac and cheese cooked with truffle oil, it was an earthy flavor that he didn’t dislike but wasn’t used to. A few bites was enough though he did devour both mine and his own vegetables. To this day he’ll speak of our meal and that chicken he ate that must have been the chubbiest alive for being so good!
Our service was excellent, had it not been our last night on the island we would definitely gone back for lunch or another dinner, especially to enjoy those mashed potatoes again!
Our dinner was hosted by the Lanai Visitors Bureau, though an additional gratuity was our, opinions all our own.
