– story and photos  by Miki Bartolome

Bev Gannon’s Premiere Dining Outlet

Bev Gannon's Latest Book

Nestled in the middle of a pineapple field in Hali’imaile, a former plantation camp, you will find Hali’imaile General Store. A former plantation camp?  A General Store?  You might expect it to be a vintage repository of a variety of merchandise needed for life in a small town. From the outside, with its inviting covered porch and cheery painted signboard, you could be easily misled. But step inside and you’ll find Hali`imaile General Store serves gourmet, family-style meals that attract repeat diners from the world over.

Sit at the bar a spell with a tropical elixir, you’ll be instantly relaxed as the setting sun gleams across the hardwood floors. Widely recognized as one of the best restaurants on the island for its inviting decor and friendly staff, it’s primarily Bev Gannon’s delicious food is that keeps me coming back for more.

Rack of Lamb

Along with their signature items — Bev’s “famous” Crab Pizza, Sashimi Napoleon, and Rack of Lamb Hunan Style –the Sashimi Pizza is among my favorites as well. Picture Edamame hummus spread on a thin flour crust topped with sashimi Ahi, sprouts, and an aioli sauce. If that sounds a bit healthy, it is, but more importantly, it’s delicious!

Hali`imaile Sashimi Pizza

Chef Gannon was one of the original chefs involved in the movement to utilize locally sourced food in Hawaii, resulting in the creation of a whole new style of cooking, Pacific Rim Cuisine. Witness the Rack of Lamb, which is always mouth watering; its rich black bean Hunan sauce mixed with a sharp wasabi flavor in the mashed potatoes makes it unique to the islands.  If you’re in the mood for lighter fare that would leave you with room for dessert, the Lobster and Edamame Salad boasts chunks of Maine lobster with every bite. It is surprising pairing of ingredients that marks Chef Gannon’s dishes with consistent excellence.

Luscious Mac Nut Chocolate Pie

Calling the last course of the meal “dessert” would be an understatement. Brought back by popular demand, the Chocolate Macadamia Nut Pie is every chocolate lover’s dream.  A gooey mix of chocolate and caramel, and every bite exploding with macadamia nuts, which to me is pure bliss!

There is good reason Hali`imaile is on every food-loving visitor’s to-do list and a favorite of residents as well. With its gracious, hospitable staff, delicious food, and amiable country setting, you can be assured the time required to get there will be well worth the drive.

Hali`imaile Lobster Edamame Salad