Honolulu Magazine rated Ha‘ena’s Mediterranean Gourmet the “Best New Restaurant on Kaua‘i” in its 2007 Hale ‘Aina Awards.

The Mediterranean Gourmet, which opened in June at the Hanalei Colony resort, features traditional Mediterranean dishes and island cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. The restaurant is situated in the oceanfront facility originally known as Charo’s Restaurant.

Mediterranean Gourmet is operated by husband-and-wife team Imad and Yarrow Beydoun.

Imad is of Lebanese ancestry and was born and raised in Beirut. Last year, Imad and Yarrow — who has family on Kaua‘i — moved to the North Shore, and Imad quickly gained a following for his homemade hummus, sold at local farmers markets.

Imad’s packaged products, including hummus, babaganush, falafels and tabouleh, are still available on Kaua‘i under the Mediterranean Gourmet label at the Papaya’s health food stores in Kapa‘a and Hanalei, Kilauea General Store and the Saturday and Tuesday Hanalei farmer’s markets.

Having recently received its liquor license, the restaurant now offers a full bar and wine list.

read more …

(Source: Kauai Garden Island News)