GREAT EATS HAWAII: CARTE BLANCHE

Sunday, March 9, 2025

CARTE BLANCHE

1133 11TH AVE

HONOLULU, HI

808-425-5726

https://www.xorghawaii.com/cb-restaurant/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/carte-blanche-honolulu

https://www.instagram.com/carteblanchehi/

What started as a disaster going to dinner turned into one of the best dinners of the year. The disaster was finding the entrance to Carte Blanche. We started by parking in front of the restaurant on 11th Avenue. The doors were closed and locked so we drove around to the back where we found the same whited out windows and locked doors. I called the restaurant and Chef Anthony answered. I asked him where they were located and he said on 11th Avenue. He asked if I were in the front or back entrance. I said the back entrance. He said go to the dark door and he will let us in. We went to the gated door on the right and no-one appeared. I called again and he said that we needed to go to the front entrance on 11th Avenue. We went around again to the front and then saw the brown door. Opened it and entered into another world of white, gold and a design that, well is rarely seen in Hawaii. There were only two tables of guests plus us so the place seemed large and empty. Anthony who answered the phone turns out is the Chef and he and one assistant do it all. Host, Bartend, Cook, run food, clean tables and do dishes. At this point we did not know what to expect. We took a look at the menu and saw that it was a Prix Fixe for $77. I thought that was a great price for an entire dinner with dessert. What the heck I thought, throw in the Foie Gras, Caviar and Wine Tasting I told Chef Anthony. The first course came to the table with Chef Anthony and he told us to pour the Tomato Water into the ball and try to eat it in one bite. The ball was big and I couldn't get it all down one bite. It took two. Holy shit I thought and looked at my Wife who had not yet taken her bite. "What" she said. This is freaking delicious I responded. She ate hers and lit up with a smile. "Wow", that is amazing. The Tomato Water is delicious and full of flavor. We had an ounce or so of the Tomato Water left in the glass so I took a nice drink and was amazed by the deep flavor. My Wife took another drink and we both started to think about how they make this stuff. I asked Chef Anthony when he returned with the next course and he took the time to explain the process which begins with an entire case of tomatoes and then several days of freezing, straining and attention to details. At this point the two other tables of diners left and we were the only two people in the restaurant with Chef Anthony and his assistant. This is when it got fun. We started talking about Trading Cards, Stocks, Recipes and Anthony's upbringing in Hawaii. As each dish arrived we were given a detailed description of what was on the plate. The Foie Gras with Foie Gravy was the bomb! The Gravy like the Tomato Water blew my mind. Rich and delicious with deep flavor. This dinner was getting good with our first two dishes a 10 out of 10. The French Onion Soup presentation was beautiful and the soup was good. Just wish it had more of that deep flavor like the Foie Gravy. Next up were perfectly prepared Scallops with a nice heap of Caviar. I was in heaven with this dish. At this point I was full and the main entree had not yet arrived. Wow....what a deal for $77. This place should be packed. The Smoked Pork Belly was served and I had a few bites. Perfectly cooked and delicious. Just couldn't finish it all so we took it home. The Fried Ube Potato Pie is something I would have never ordered but after one bite I couldn't stop eating it even though I was full. Chef Anthony cooked, brought over the food and engaged in great conversation for the entire evening making this a very memorable and enjoyable experience. Cannot wait for the next menu so we can come back. Also want to visit again to try the Fried Chicken and Caviar which the Chef raved about. Love Chef Anthony and his passion for cooking. He shared a variety of cooking techniques and methods that truly showed the quality of the food here.