KAPOLEI, Hawaii — Known for its brunch favorites served all day long, Scratch Kitchen and Meatery is set to celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, May 2 at Ka Makana Ali‘i.
This newest location for the restaurant will officially open its doors at 1 p.m. Patrons age 18 and older that dine between 1-4:30 p.m. will receive a complementary $25 gift card (patrons must be in line by 4 p.m. to qualify, and proof of age may be required). From 5 to 8 p.m., enjoy live entertainment by Typical Hawaiians and the restaurant’s smoked prime rib dinner will be on special for $19.95 (no reservations, available on a first-come, first-served basis).
Scratch Kitchen has garnered a loyal following at its Ward Village location in Kakaako. Owner Gary Chen said that he always wanted to open a location on the West side. He originally looked at Ko Olina, but was happy when he found Ka Makana Ali‘i location.
The Kapolei outpost offers some exclusive menu items, including Gumbo "Pot Pie," a serving of Scratch's gumbo rich and savory full of vegetables, chicken and sausage; the aforementioned smoked prime rib dinner and Southern fried chicken plate (two pieces of chicken, served with rice or cornbread, BBQ beans, corn salad and southern cole slaw).
Fan favorites like the deep fried deviled eggs, Creole shrimp and sausage grits and the Milk n’ Cereal Pancakes are available alongside some new dishes like the Abacargot, which is Pacific abalone served up escargot-style with cajun garlic butter and toasted bread. Some dishes are Kapolei versions of existing menu items, such as the Scratch Kapolei Benedict that's offered with a choice of pork belly, applewood smoked ham or smoked salmon (for an additional charge); or the Kapolei Loco Moco that's made with a choice of pork adobo or a beef patty served atop garlic rice, two island eggs, pickled onions and cherry tomatoes.
The Kapolei restaurant’s smoked prime rib, which is offered every Thursday, is a 14- to 16-ounce hand-cut smoked prime rib. It’s accompanied by sauteed broccoli and the choice of smashed potatoes or garlic rice. The location, which is equipped with a smoker (and more to come), plans to expand upon its smoked meat offerings.
Chen said that he always wanted to complete the entire concept of his restaurant's name. Because there's "meatery" in the name, he wanted to ensure that they could offer meats for sale. The restaurateur said he loves smoked meat, and he feels that smoked meats resonates with Hawaii residents.
In addition to smoked meat menu items, the Kapolei location also features fresh-squeezed Lemon Supply lemonades in original, yuzu, basil, li hing and raspberry flavors. There’s also a takeout window for those who don’t have time to sit and linger in the bustling restaurant.
Scratch Kitchen and Meatery at Ka Makana Ali‘i (808-900-3463) will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
Lianne Bidal Thompson is the digital producer for Spectrum News Hawaii. She writes about community and general news.