Molokai Venison Shepherd's Pie Recipe Chef Ronnie Cooking with Grace Lee on Hawaii News Now

Molokai Venison Shepherd's Pie Recipe

 St. Patrick's Day is coming up and if you're looking for a unique twist on traditional Irish fare, look no further than Molokai Venison Shepherd's Pie. This dish, created by Ronnie Nasuti of Tiki's Grill &  Bar, is a savory blend of fresh ingredients and game meat, making it the perfect main course for any St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb of molokai venison
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, etc.)
  • 2 cups of kale or collard greens
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and boiled
  • 2 tablespoons of green onions, sliced
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of chicken or beef stock
  • 1/2 cup of frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup of carrots, diced
  • 1/2 cup of fire-roasted corn

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, and fresh herbs to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add the chopped molokai venison to the skillet and cook until browned.
  4. In a separate bowl, mash the boiled potatoes and add salt, pepper, and green onions.
  5. Add the peas, carrots, and fire-roasted corn to the venison mixture in the skillet and stir to combine.
  6. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir until combined.
  7. Pour in the chicken or beef stock and continue to stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  8. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  9. Transfer the venison mixture to an oven-safe dish and spread the mashed potatoes over the top, covering the mixture completely.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the mashed potatoes are lightly browned.
  11. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Molokai Venison Shepherd's Pie.

This Molokai Venison Shepherd's Pie is a great alternative to traditional lamb-based shepherd's pie, and the use of venison adds a unique flavor that is sure to impress. The venison used in this recipe is from Molokai, where hunting is allowed due to the large population of deer on the island. The venison has a mild flavor, but if you prefer a stronger game taste, simply add more herbs or seasonings to the dish.

The creamy, gravy-like sauce is made from the combination of flour and chicken or beef stock, and the fresh herbs, garlic, and kale add a touch of green to the dish, making it the perfect meal to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Serve with a cold beer or a glass of red wine and enjoy a delicious and unique twist on traditional Irish fare.

Grace Lee is an anchor on Hawaii News Now Sunrise. Catch her on KGMB, KHNL and KFVE every morning from 4:30 a.m. to 9 a.m..

KHON2 Tiki’s: Serving up good food and fun for 20 years Bill Talks about Tiki's Grill & Bar added a pop-up Christmas bar

Business Matters: The Story of Tiki's Grill and Bar

Tiki's Grill & Bar has been a staple in the Honolulu restaurant scene for the past 20 years, offering a unique combination of good food, live music, and breathtaking views. Bill Tobin, one of the three co-founders of Tiki's, recently sat down with KHON2's Howard Dashefsky to share the story behind the restaurant's success.

Tiki's was founded by three friends who attended the University of Hawaii together. They wanted to create a place where they could enjoy good food, drinks, and company. Little did they know that they would eventually turn their dream into a successful business that has been serving the local community for two decades.

Like most restaurants, Tiki's has faced its fair share of challenges. However, the owners were quick to learn from their mistakes and make changes that helped the business thrive. From the get-go, Tiki's was busy, and it continued to grow as the years went by. The restaurant has survived changes in tourism, the COVID-19 pandemic, and fluctuations in the labor market.

What sets Tiki's apart is its focus on providing a fun and relaxed atmosphere for its customers. The restaurant offers a front-row seat to a nearly perfect view of the sunset, providing a unique dining experience. Live music adds to the ambiance, making Tiki's the perfect spot to enjoy a night out with friends or a romantic dinner with a loved one.

In conclusion, Tiki's Grill and Bar is a prime example of a business that has stood the test of time, overcoming challenges and adapting to change. Its longevity is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its owners, as well as its commitment to providing its customers with a memorable experience. If you're looking for a great meal, beautiful views, and a fun atmosphere, Tiki's is the place to be.


In 2021, Tiki's Grill and Bar added a pop-up Christmas bar in the lava tube, offering a unique and festive experience for customers during the holiday season. The pop-up bar was a hit and added an extra layer of fun and excitement to the already popular restaurant.

Visitors to the Christmas bar were able to enjoy holiday-themed drinks, live music, and a festive atmosphere, all while surrounded by the beautiful natural surroundings of the lava tube. The pop-up bar was a perfect addition to Tiki's already impressive offerings and showed the restaurant's commitment to providing new and exciting experiences for its customers.

For more information on Tiki's Grill and Bar, including their pop-up Christmas bar, you can visit their website at Tikisgrill.com. To learn more about the Christmas bar, visit ChristmasBarHawaii.com. Whether you're a local or a tourist, Tiki's Grill and Bar is the perfect place to enjoy good food, drinks, and festive fun, all with a stunning view of the sunset.