Cinco de Mayo at Miguelz

For Cinco de Mayo, Umami and Elle decided to try, Miguelz, the new tapas place at Koko Marina Shopping Center.  It's in the spot most recently occupied by Just Tacos, before that, Therapy, and, way back when, an excellent Thai restaurant called Bua Khao.

Umami and Elle had walked by previously and thought the menu intriguing, so it seemed an opportune time.  And, speaking of opportune timing, turns out Miguelz was running a drink special, four tickets, redeemable for beer and/or shots, for $10.  So, some pints of Dos Equis Amber and some Cuervo shots for $10?  Not a bad start.

Tortilla Espanola

Because the menu seemed a little ambitious, Umami and Elle decided to go slow, ordering a couple of dishes just to see.  First up, Tortilla Espanola ($10), five pieces of a rather thick potato, egg, onion, classic, with a roasted red pepper coulis and aioli.  Here, the red pepper is a winner . . . Umami dredged pretty much everything through it.

Crispy Brussel Sprouts

Including the Crispy Brussel Sprouts ($12).  Flash fried to a crunch, with salt and trimmed with apples. The menu says they're tossed in homemade pineapple vinegar and with a pineapple "cream fresh," but Umami didn't register that.  It was better with the red pepper coulis anyway.

Braized Lamb

Emboldened by the first two dishes (and the Dos Equis), they moved on to the Braised Lamb ($17 (yikes!)).  The menu description sounded fascinating:  "Lamb cooked in sous vide, lamb ravioli, Swish [sic] chard, root beer foam, and red pepper coulis."  Despite the presence of the red pepper coulis (yes!), Umami thought the reach exceeded the grasp, as the dish fell just a bit short.  The lamb and ravioli were okay, but not outstanding.  Umami did think the root beer was a fun touch, but the foam wrecked the presentation.  Far better to incorporate it into the dish, maybe in the braising liquid?  At $17, Umami and Elle have tried it . . .  you don't need to.

Crema Frita

The Crema Frita ($10), however, is definitely worth a try.  Like eating a deep fried custard filled doughnut, minus the doughnut, Umami and, especially, Elle, thought it was worth the wait.  And, for some reason, it took forever for this to come out of the kitchen.  Their waitress said the kitchen was backed up, which is a little concerning since the place was pretty empty at the time.  Maybe the one big table was a problem, but still . . . 

All in all, the food is pretty good, but doesn't quite live up to the ambitions, though it may yet do so.  Couple that with price points that are on the high side, and Umami thinks they're going to have a rough time of it.

Still, Umami and Elle had a good time, their server was excellent, and there was enough there to warrant a return visit to try some other items.  And Elle will be sure to have the Crema Frita again!

Miguelz

Koko Marina Shopping Center D-105
7194 Kalanianaole Hwy
Honolulu, HI 96825
(808) 396-6100