With a sunset view overlooking Port Allen Harbor, Port Allen Sunset Grill and Bar has what you need to satisfy your taste buds, serving Pacific Rim Cuisine that is tasty and won’t place a burden on your wallet.
Since opening shop five years ago, Peng Tay, owner Port Allen Sunset Grill and Bar, has made many friends. Before the interview, he greeted all his regulars with handshakes and stories.
“I opened up five years ago because there weren’t that many places on the Westside for people to go and relax,” Tay said. “Here at my place, people come, relax, sing karaoke and have a good time.”
Tay was born in Malaysia. He has lived on Kauai for more than 30 years, attended Kaua’i Community College and was a former cook at the Sheraton and Grand Hyatt. He brings to the table a unique blend of local favorites and Pacific Rim cuisine.
“All these recipes are ours,” Tay said. “We use a lot of sweet chili in our food and we always have fresh fish.”
Port Allen Sunset Grill and Bar also works with local farmers and fishermen.
“We use lettuce, tomato and cucumbers from Kauai Fresh Farm,” Tay said. “We are right by the harbor, so we have local fishermen always bringing us fresh fish.”
The seafood they served on my visit was unbelievable as Tay prepared plate after plate of pupus.
“Everyone really likes the pupus,” Tay said. “It’s nice to come during happy hour, have one or two drinks and have something light to eat.”
Tay served five seafood dishes that were outstanding: The Blackened Shrimp, Macadamia Nut Crusted Calamari Steak, Ahi Sashimi, Kim Chee style Ahi Poke and the Sunset Seafood Salad
The Blackened Shrimp, $6.50, is five pieces of fried 16-20 shrimp sautéed using Port Allen Sunset Grill and Bar’s own set of spicy ingredients, then placed on a bed of sweet chili sauce.
In the Macadamia Nut Crusted Calamari Steak, $6.50, you get fried calamari coated in Panko and crushed mac nuts. It is served on a bed of sweet chili sauce and it also comes with a slice of lemon and garnished with lettuce and carrot shavings.
The Sashimi that day was fresh off the boat.
“I just sliced this up for you,” Tay said. Depending on market value, the Sashimi ranges from $14.95 to $16.95. The Sashimi consists of 13 pieces of fresh ahi on a bed of lettuce and served with hot mustard sauce and a side of ginger.
If you’re looking for poke with a Korean twist, you’ll find it here. The Korean-style Poke, $7.95 to $8.95, consists of green and common onions, sesame seed oil, sesame seeds and fresh local ahi marinated in a kimchi base.
Served with two pieces of garlic bread, the Sunset Seafood Salad, $12.95, is a great summer dish. It comes with shrimp, scallops, grilled fish and organic mixed greens.
After you’ve had your fill of onolicious dishes, you can sing your heart out on the karaoke machine. Karaoke nights are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8:30 p.m. to closing.
“Everyone loves to come and sing,” Tay said. “Every time we have karaoke, it’s always good fun.”
Port Allen Sunset Grill and Bar also has live music every Wednesday and Friday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
“We have DocRoc on Wednesday and Natural Harmony on Friday,” Tay said.
Where: Port Allen Sunset Grill and Bar, 4353 Waialo Road in Eleele
Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Reservations: Call 335-3188 or visit portallensunsetgrillandbar.com
