Local Flavors... featuring

I am very fortunate that one of the best restaurants in the islands is right next door to my office.  Hungry patrons, locals and visitors alike, start lining up each afternoon to be the first in line as the restaurant opens. 

Known for his innovative sushi and new-wave Asian inspired dishes, Chef D.K. Kodama opened his first Sansei restaurant in March, 1996 right here at the Kapalua Resort.  Additional restaurants are now open in Kihei, Honolulu, and on the Big Island.  Regardless of where your travels in Hawaii take you, Sansei is a must.

Wine Spectator called Sansei “Endless innovation with a strong Japanese accent.” Bon Appetit named the restaurant one of their “Favorite Asian Restaurants” and one of “America’s Best Sushi Bars.” Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar is open for dinner nightly. 

It's hard for me to give you a list of personal favorites, as I have far too many:  The Panko Crusted Ahi Roll, Rock-Shrimp Dynamite, the Mango Crab Salad Handroll, and their take on the all-American apple pie....I could to on and on.  Dining at Sansei, there are a variety of choices for every palate, including a wonderful selection of salads, dinners, tempura, and the more traditional rolls.  Those with an adventurous spirit shouldn't miss the chefs' nightly specials, like the Cajun-seared Ahi with Jalapeno Peppers or the Sansei Chopped Salad. General Manager, Aaron Trujillo is sharing their famous Granny Smith Apple Tart recipe with us:

Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar
Granny Smith Apple Tart  
Serves 1.  Or more, if you are willing to share!

TART

4	sheets puff pastry, cut into 5” circles
1	egg, Beaten
1	large Granny Smith Apple, cored and sliced thin
1 tbs	sugar
1 tbs	ground cinnamon
	Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

METHOD

*	Preheat oven to 375º
*	Transfer cut puff pastry to a greased baking sheet, brush with whipped egg and shingle apples on pastry.
*	Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle liberally on each tart.
*	Bake for 10 minutes, until pastry rises and turns golden brown.

CARAMEL SAUCE 

2 cups	sugar
2 cups	heavy cream
1 cup	unsalted butter

METHOD  

*	Combine sugar and 1 cup of water in a deep sauce pan over medium-high heat.  When adding cream to the hot sugar, splashing will occur.  Be sure to use caution and a deep sauce pan. As sugar/water darkens watch it closely, as it goes from the desired amber color to burnt very quickly.
*	When a rich amber color is achieved, mix in heavy cream. Whisk until cream and sugar congeal.
*	Remove from heat and whisk butter in until smooth. Keep warm until ready to use.

PLATING

Place baked tart on a generous pool of caramel sauce, and top with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.

 

Granny Smith Apple Tart is courtesy of Sansei Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Bar

600 Office Road, Lahaina, HI 96761 * www.sanseihawaii.com * 808-669-6286