Tango will have guests’ taste buds dancing

By Simplicio Paragas
sparagas@honolulu.gannett.com

Contemporary cafe now open in Hokua

Apparently it takes two to Tango. And in the case of this new contemporary cafe that opened in the swanky multi-million dollar Hokua condominium, the partners are two restaurant industry veterans.

Opened a little more than two weeks ago, Tango is the brainchild of Tami Orozco — the “Tan” in the restaurant’s name — and Goran Streng, whose first two initials complete Tango.

Both formerly of the Hawaii Prince Hotel, Streng and Orozco have worked under the local culinary radar the past several years only to surface occasionally to help out at fund-raisers.

The two had talked for years about opening a place together, but it was just that — talk.

Streng, though, had been actively searching for a standalone restaurant, but it wasn’t until he walked into the vacant space next to P.F. Chang’s ... and Eureka! Or should I say Tango.

A minimalist approach is taken when it comes to the decor. Large Marimekko Unikko panels — which are classic Finnish floral fabrics, a tribute to Streng’s heritage — line one side of the wall; whimsical globular pendant lights draw attention to the vertical height of the room; and faux birch trees and reeds divide the dining area down the middle. Stained picnic tables and upholstered benches can be found on one side and a long banquette with two-top tables on the other. The space and decor work harmoniously.

Streng takes the same less-is- better approach with the menu. He keeps it simple. Nothing complicated. Nothing intimidating. And all of it understandable.

As a member of the elite Hawaiian Island Chefs, Streng understands the importance of using fresh local ingredients and having the flavors stand for themselves.

Lunch prices range from $5.50 to $13.50, the right price point for those looking for a quick gourmet meal, much like those found at the now sadly defunct OnJin’s Cafe.

A healthy selection of greens is headlined by hearts of Romaine Caesar salad ($10.50), which is dressed with a choice of blackened fresh Island fish, grilled shrimp or herbed chicken, and garlic croutons for added crunch.

The grilled portobello mushroom burger ($6.50) fits snugly on the whole wheat brown rice bun and is topped with lettuce, tomato and onions. Pay an extra 50 cents and throw on slices of avocado, grilled onions, or Swiss or cheddar cheese.

An original sandwich is the ham, salami and brie, all tucked in naan bread ($8).

For heartier appetites, entree selections include herb-crusted chicken breast over fettuccine ($10), creamy Hamakua mushroom risotto with asparagus ($10.50), herb butter grilled sirloin steak ($13.50) and breaded pork cutlet with mushroom ragout ($11.50).

Dinner prices start at $5.50 for the French onion soup and plateau at $23 for the saffron- infused bouillabaisse teeming with bits of fresh Island fish, prawns and mussels.

Highly-recommended is the risotto ($17.50), which is blended with garlic shrimp and asparagus.

“Plank” steak ($21.50) is an accurate description, given that the eight-ounce sirloin cut is actually presented on a smoky cedar piece of wood.

Presently, Tango is only open for breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays, but look for this to change to everyday morning service.

A standard order of eggs with breakfast meat and daily potato or rice runs $7.50, with additional side orders of bacon and sausage available for another $3.50.

And if you want a cup of java, the coffee here is brewed one cup at a time with freshly grounded whole beans.

This will get you going and maybe even dancing when leaving Tango.

Where: 1288 Ala Moana Blvd.

Call: 593-7288

Hours: Daily non-stop service from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Parking: Validated