Administrative Professionals Day Lunch
Il Lupino Chef Nic Sayada. Jo McGarry photo
Hot on the heels of Easter brunch and just in front of Mother’s Day, there’s a growing celebration that comes as a small blessing to restaurants. Administrative Professionals Day used to require not much more than a thank-you card and a lei. Today it’s an all-out, high-performance, forget-it-at-your-own-risk affair.
For restaurants, the day is a bright spot in an economic climate that continues to be challenging. But for bosses, planning the perfect lunch can be tricky, especially without the help of the person who usually does such things for you.
If you’ve left it to the last minute, we thought it would be helpful to list some restaurants that are pulling out all the stops. It’s interesting to note that Wolfgang’s Steak House in Waikiki is so popular, its lunch runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 23 to 27. One of the busiest restaurants in the city is also consistently one of the best. You’ll find an exceptional level of both service and quality food on the lunchtime menu at Wolfgang’s Steak House, including “Taste of New York,” a 12-ounce bone-in New York steak served with Wolfgang’s Salad, creamed spinach and mashed potatoes on the side. A slice of Junior’s World Famous New York Cheesecake (flown in from NYC) for dessert might make it hard to go back to work; $34.95 (does not include tax or gratuity).
Reservations: 922-3600; Wolfgangssteakhouse.net …
And good news for all downtown business folks: Even if you don’t have an assistant, Ruth’s Chris Steak House at Restaurant Row opens for lunch April 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. With some of the easiest parking in town, Ruth’s Chris Steak House is a nobrainer for those who work downtown. Remember when the steakhouse used to open for lunch? You can take your team for a taste of famous RC steaks, salads and specials created for this one-day-only lunch.
Reservations: desertislandrestaurants.com …
At Il Lupino Trattoria and Wine Bar on the ground floor of Royal Hawaiian Center, you’ll find validated parking and a menu that features the special talents of Chef Nic Sayada. Signature dishes include pasta, risotto, salads and steaks. Special menu for April 25 starts at $10, with fashion shows in the restaurant at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Lunch menu runs until 5 p.m.
Reservations: 922-3400; Illupino.com …
One of the easiest places to immediately switch from workday stress to vacation time is at Shore Bird Restaurant and Beach Bar. With its beachfront location, casual ambience and huge salad bar, it’s been a favorite of locals for years. This Wednesday, lunch specials run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with fashion shows at 11 and 2. Specials for lunch include a Greek Chicken Flatbread Sandwich ($13.95), and an all-you-can-eat salad bar costs just $14.95. Valet parking and an unbeatable view make Shore Bird an easy, affordable escape.
Reservations: 922-2887; Shorebirdwaikiki.com …
Think lunch buffet, live music and a city oasis, and you’re likely to come up with The Willows, a haven for buffet lovers for decades. This year the lunch buffet runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and at $23.95 it remains one of the best deals around. There’s valet parking, and fashion shows running at 11:30 and 12:30 make booking your office lunch here an easy option.
Reservations: 952-9200; Willowshawaii.com …
