Lilikoi Creme Brulee with Almond Brittle Cup
Hali’imaile General Store
Regular vanilla-bean creme brulee is so passe — not enough flavors going off to be exciting. Ah, but Chef Bev Gannon’s stunning lilikoi creme brulee is another story entirely.
Beyond our shores, lilikoi is better known as “passion fruit.” There are reasons (most of which we dare not elaborate here), but suffice it to say that its tart flavor and distinctive scent evoke passion, and are one reason this particular creme brulee ranks on Diva’s dessert list.
Chef also serves the delectable custard with another of my favorite treats — almond brittle. The burnt sugar flavor mixed with a nutty scent on the nose and crunch between the teeth provides the perfect counterbalance to the creamy, silky custard.
This isn’t the only dessert Chef Gannon excels at, but I’m guessing it’s the one that netted the restaurant the ‘Aipono Award for Best Dessert a few years back. (Nothing like variety, I always say; Haliimaile has won so many Gold and Silver ‘Aiponos for Best Hawaii Regional Cuisine, it was getting downright predictable.)
» 900 Haliimaile Rd., Haliimaile • 808.572.2666 • Lunch Monday-Friday, 11 am-2:30 pm; dinner nightly, 5:30-9 pm
Diva wishes you holidays filled with sweetness! Mele Kalikimaka and Olioli! (Merry Christmas! Eat, drink and be merry!)
