Behind the Scenes: The Scratch Kitchen at Tiki’s Grill & Bar
At Tiki’s Grill & Bar, we take pride in crafting every dish from scratch, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the hands of a dedicated kitchen team. One example of our commitment to handmade excellence is our Ginger Chicken Aioli, a flavorful sauce that’s just one of the elements in our special Makana Pupu dish—the gift from our Chef to each table at dinner.
Every morning, our prep crew—the unsung heroes of the kitchen—begin their day by chopping, slicing, and mixing ingredients to create the building blocks of our menu. Scarlett, one of our incredible prep team members, recently prepped a fresh batch of Ginger Chicken Aioli, carefully layering cilantro, ginger, green onions, garlic, and basil before finishing it with a pour of hot oil to unlock its full depth of flavor.
When I asked Scarlett if this was a difficult sauce to make, she smiled and said, "No, but you do have to follow the recipe to ensure that you get everything correct. It does take time to chop the herbs and garlic to the right size." That’s the secret—attention to detail and respect for the process. She was a little shy about being in the photo.
This isn’t just any sauce—it’s a labor of love. Our prep team produces 500 to 800 portions daily, ensuring that every dish served at Tiki’s carries the same level of care and quality. The Makana Pupu dish, offered as a gesture of hospitality, is a small but powerful representation of our commitment to the Aloha spirit—delivering fresh, handcrafted flavors to every guest who dines with us.
Mahalo to our incredible prep crew—you may not always be in the spotlight, but your dedication makes every meal at Tiki’s a true Ohana Experience.
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